The Cincinnati Bengals have filled most of their key gaps through free agency. They acquired a tight end, a defensive tackle, and a right tackle, but they still have more work to do. The team needs to bolster depth across various positions, with a particular focus on securing a nose tackle and enhancing depth at cornerback.

 

Xavien

Xavien

 

 

Regarding cornerback depth, the Bengals currently have Cam Taylor-Britt, DJ Turner, and Mike Hilton, forming a solid core group. However, the team lacks a standout candidate for the fourth cornerback position. Jalen Davis has been reliable as a backup in the slot, Allan George serves as a corner on the practice squad, and DJ Ivey has displayed promise in training camp but has yet to prove himself ready to step up into a starting role in case of an injury.

While Dax Hill is a potential option, it remains uncertain how Lou Anarumo will deploy their 2022 first-round selection.

Historically, the Bengals have shown a preference for selecting cornerbacks in the first round. However, an alternative approach could involve exploring the free agent market and potentially persuading Xavien Howard, who was recently released, to join Cincinnati (unless Mike Hilton has already achieved this.

 

 

Howard is seeking a Super Bowl victory, and the Bengals are among the select few teams considered genuine contenders. In such a scenario, the Bengals would likely place Howard as the starting cornerback opposite CTB, while slotting Hilton in the nickelback position. Turner would assume the role of a formidable CB4 and a rotational corner to maintain the team’s defensive depth and keep players fresh throughout the season. Additionally, Paul Dehner Jr. notes that Anarumo and Howard share a pre-existing relationship from their time together when Anarumo was the Dolphins’ defensive backs coach early in Howard’s career.

Before the 2022 season, Howard inked a lucrative five-year, $90millioncontractwith$36.3 million fully guaranteed. He earned All-Pro honors in 2018 (second team) and 2020 (first team) and has been selected to the Pro Bowl on four occasions. As a two-time NFL interceptions leader, the 30-year-old cornerback is aiming to secure a Super Bowl ring to bolster his potential Hall of Fame-worthy career. The Bengals stand out as a prominent team capable of fulfilling Howard’s aspirations.