The Cincinnati Bengals got busy on the waiver wire this week, adding one player and attempting to add another while looking at both sides of the ball.
Now, the question is simple—why?
After sitting out of the trade deadline, why make moves at problems of need now, and with these players?
WR Isaiah Williams
The Bengals were awarded Williams off waivers from the Detroit Lions. He’s a 5’10” rookie with some interesting versatility to play in base offense and return kicks on special teams.
While some might point to the Jermaine Burton drama as a reason for this move, it likely pertains more to Charlie Jones. While one of the most dangerous returners in the league when healthy, Jones is once again on the shelf with an injury. A groin injury prevented him from practicing all week. They need guys to soak up reps in practice, if not get on the field during games.
DE Yannick Ngakoue
The Bengals were one of just two teams to put in a claim on Ngakoue, the veteran who was just waived by Baltimore. But New England had higher priority, so they didn’t get him.
This one will frustrate fans. Rather than find a deal they liked at the trade deadline, the Bengals waited and hoped to find help on the wire. They need rotational depth because for whatever reason, former first-rounder Myles Murphy isn’t playing all that much.
What’s it mean?
Expect the Bengals to use the wire again soon in the near future. If nothing else, the team can acknowledge the needs, just like the trade for a running back, even if it feels like a case of too little or too late.
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