3 free agents Bengals must target after 2024 NFL Draft

It still isn’t known why exactly Renfrow was relegated to the doghouse the last two years. After totaling 103 receptions, 1,038 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2021, he posted 61 receptions, 585 yards, and two touchdowns in the next two seasons combined. That’s despite his efficiency being roughly the same on a per-catch and target basis.

The situation in Las Vegas wasn’t exactly favorable to him either, but it could be in Cincinnati. He’d make for a great insurance policy in case the young receivers the Bengals are betting on don’t pan out.

Xavien Howard, Cornerback

The Bengals currently have roughly $23.5 million in cap space to work with. Spending some of that on former Miami Dolphin cornerback Xavien Howard wouldn’t be a bad idea. Howard struggled in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s zone-heavy scheme but he was still one of the best corners in the league the year prior.

Howard shines best as a press corner in man coverage, which is something the Bengals do a fair bit of. He’d be an instant upgrade for a Bengals’ secondary that was not great a year ago. They finished 24th in the NFL in EPA allowed per dropback last season. To make matters worse, Chidobe Awuzie, their best corner the last couple of years, also left in free agency for the Titans.

To the Bengals’ credit, they have invested quite a bit in the cornerback position. They used a second-round pick on DJ Turner and Cam Taylor-Britt in each of the prior two drafts. Both have had moments and those are who Cincinnati is rolling with. Maybe they both step up, but Howard would step right into their number one corner slot if he were to sign there.

Emmanuel Ogbah, Edge Rusher

The Bengals have one of the best pass rushers in the NFL in Trey Hendrickson. He had 17.5 sacks last season, which was tied for the second-most in the NFL with Jacksonville’s Josh Allen. However, it wouldn’t hurt them to get him some help. The rest of Cincinnati’s roster combined to post just 23.5 sacks. The Bengals also finished 23rd in pass rush win rate in 2023 according to ESPN.com. It’s an area they could stand to improve.

Perhaps Emmanuel Ogbah could be someone who helps in that department. Ogbah had a solid year with the Miami Dolphins in 2023, where he posted five sacks and a forced fumble in 15 games. But he also had two consecutive nine-sack seasons in 2020 and 2021.

Ogbah is a proven commodity with legit pedigree. The Bengals have not done anything yet to add to their pass rush this offseason either. Both sides would benefit from a partnership during the offseason.