We’re continuing our march towards free agency in this latest entry of team-by-team previews, considering all pending free agents from around the league — from the perspective of the New Orleans Saints. The Saints will have their own list of roster needs and boxes to check, and each team offers their own unique solutions. However, few teams boast as many potential upgrades for the Saints as the Cincinnati Bengals.
- WR A.J. Green
- CB Darqueze Dennard
- TE Tyler Eifert
- DE Kerry Wynn
- G John Jerry
- ILB LaRoy Reynolds
- OLB Nick Vigil
- DT Andrew Billings
- S Clayton Fejedelem
- DT Niles Scott (ERFA)
- T Javarius Leamon (ERFA)
- S Brandon Wilson (RFA)
- DT Josh Tupou (RFA)
- CB Tony McRae (RFA)
- CB Torry McTyer (RFA)
- G Alex Redmond (RFA)
- CB Greg Mabin (RFA)
- ILB Hardy Nickerson Jr. (RFA)
- TE Cethan Carter (RFA)
There are multiple intriguing options on this list, but the biggest name is A.J. Green. The all-world wide receiver has missed time with injuries in recent years, but he’s still one of the best in the game if his body’s right. He’d be a tremendous upgrade for the Saints opposite Michael Thomas, and he probably won’t have comparable contract demands to other top-tier receivers on the market due to his age and injury history. But can the Bengals convince him to stay for the rebuild ahead?
Additionally, keep an eye on tight end Tyler Eifert. Eifert turned in the first 16-game performance of his career, finally avoiding serious injury while playing a bit part in the Bengals offense. However, his receiving yards per game (27.3) was the second-lowest of his career, while his yards per reception (10.1) was a career-worst. Eifert may not have the ability to stretch the field vertically or handle a high volume of touches, but he’d be quality depth behind Jared Cook (who will turn 33 during a contract year) and Josh Hill (a career blocking specialist).
Other players we’ll highlight include slot cornerback Darqueze Dennard, who could be a cheaper alternative to Patrick Robinson, and whose addition might allow C.J. Gardner-Johnson to focus on taking over for Vonn Bell full-time at strong safety. With just three corners under contract right now (Robinson, Marshon Lattimore, and Janoris Jenkins), the Saints must add some new faces. Outside linebacker Nick Vigil also has potential — the Saints linebacker corps has been hit hard, with two projected starters (Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso) and a rookie backup (Kaden Elliss) recovering from season-ending injuries. A.J. Klein could return if there aren’t many offers in free agency, but Vigil is someone to watch if Klein’s asking-price is too high.
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