Trent Brown, the offensive tackle, was a crucial free agency acquisition for the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason. His contract details reveal that his signing stands out as a significant steal in the free agency market. According to OverTheCap.com, Brown’s one-year contract carries a 2 million in guaranteed money and could potentially earn Brown $2.4 million if he remains healthy and plays in all 17 regular season games.
Trent Brown is an upgrade to the offensive line for the Cincinnati Bengals
The signing of Trent Brown effectively served as a substitution for former Cincinnati Bengals tackle Jonah Williams. Williams, a former first-round selection by the Bengals, fell short of meeting expectations. Hoping to play left tackle and seeking a higher salary than the Bengals were willing to offer, Williams ultimately joined the Arizona Cardinals on a two-year, $30 million deal. According to Pro Football Focus, Williams recorded a grade of 58.5 in 2024, allowing eight sacks over the season.
Had Trent Brown been part of the Bengals in 2023, his Pro Football Focus grade would have surpassed all others. Despite playing only 11 games, Brown earned a season-end grade of 80.2, whereas no other Cincinnati offensive lineman scored higher than 68.
Williams, whom Brown is likely to replace unless a day-one starter is acquired in the 2024 NFL Draft, is widely attributed with the season-ending injury to star quarterback Joe Burrow. Williams failed to effectively block Baltimore Ravens edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, whose hit caused Burrow’s wrist injury.
This is the play the #Bengals believe Joe Burrow suffered his season-ending injury.pic.twitter.com/hYVAi32QoK https://t.co/s4T8dZn4f5
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 17, 2023
Despite the affordable cost of acquiring Trent Brown, the Cincinnati Bengals still have a substantial amount of money available to utilize in free agency
After securing Trent Brown at a bargain price, the Cincinnati Bengals still have over $20 million remaining for free agency expenditures. While the Bengals have been successful in their free-agency pursuits thus far, there are areas that still require reinforcement.
With the departure of cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, the Bengals face the need to bolster their cornerback position with an experienced and reliable player before the 2024 season commences. Even if Awuzie had stayed, the Bengals struggled significantly with their pass defense ranking 28th in the league, making a cornerback addition imperative.
Although the signings of Geno Stone from the Ravens and Vonn Bell from the Panthers will enhance the safety position, the Bengals could further solidify their defense with a seasoned cornerback like Tre’Davious White or Xavien Howard, potentially elevating their chances for a deep playoff run.
Another pressing requirement for the Bengals is at the interior of the defensive line, following the exit of standout defensive tackle D.J. Reader. Reader’s departure has left a significant void in the roster, necessitating a formidable presence in the run-stopping department.
While the acquisition of Sheldon Rankins adds depth to the defensive line, his style of play differs slightly from that of Reader. Rankins showcases prowess in pressuring the quarterback but may not possess the same strength and capability to confront double teams effectively in the run game as Reader did.
In a feature by Fox 19 in Cincinnati, Rankins shared his motivations for joining the Bengals.
“Most people assumed I wouldn’t leave Houston,” Rankin said. “Everybody assumed I would be back there, and you know for whatever reasons, it didn’t work out. So once I started looking elsewhere and having those conversations, nothing made more sense than here [Cincinnati], whether it’s money, whether it’s fit, whether it’s everything culminating into placing myself in a good situation, on a good football team with the right people leading it. It all made sense.”
Another area of concern that remains contingent on future developments is the wide receiver position. Standout wide receiver Tee Higgins has expressed interest in a trade, while Tyler Boyd is exploring opportunities in free agency. Although Higgins is under the franchise tag and could potentially stay with Cincinnati for the 2024 season, the need to address the third wide receiver position remains crucial.
In the event that Higgins opts for a departure, a strategic move in free agency paired with a promising draft selection could help fortify the Bengals’ wide receiver corps. Despite notable veterans like Odell Beckham Jr. and Hunter Renfrow available, the Bengals have demonstrated their confidence in budding talents such as Andrei Iosivas and Charlie Jones.
The utilization of their remaining cap space remains unclear, but the cost-effective acquisition of Brown opens up a multitude of possibilities for the Bengals to consider.
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