You can usually tell when the Cincinnati Bengals are done making splashes in free agency. Roster count, salary cap space, and needs checked off are all major tells.
Signing Trent Brown to play right tackle on a one-year deal feels like the final pin to drop for veteran acquisitions that will impact how the initial Week 1 roster will look like. There may be a few more veteran minimum additions, but as we saw with Tarell Basham, Sidney Jones, and Irv Smith Jr. last year, the chances of those signings mattering are slim to none.
Cincinnati's notable free agency moves have all been made. Now's the time to assess the ramifications.
Winners
DC Lou Anarumo: After losing both Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell in free agency last year, the Bengals ensured Anarumo won't have any weaknesses at safety again. Geno Stone is set to fill the free safety spot in ways the Bengals couldn't after Bates left, and Bell is back with the presumed opportunity to retake his spot at strong safety. Both players are known for their communication and instincts, two traits the Bengals severely lacked at the position last year.
Having two safeties Anarumo trusts will give him more confidence to call coverages akin to the 2021-22 seasons, when the Bengals were adept at disguising looks and confusing elite quarterbacks. The rest of the defense should see trickle down improvements as a result.
DT B.J. Hill: The best season of Hill's career came in 2021 when he had a capable running mate at 3-technique in Larry Ogunjobi. The duo helped spark a Bengals pass rush good enough to win the AFC North. What would happen if Hill was paired with an even better 3-tech? That's what the Bengals intend to find out with the signing of Sheldon Rankins.
Though he's not a one-for-one replacement for DJ Reader, Rankins will undoubtedly boost the Bengals' pass rush. His presence will keep Hill fresh throughout the season, which will have a positive impact on the soon-to-be 29-year old entering a contract year.
QB Joe Burrow: Let's run down the list here. A running back who's proficient in pass protection and forcing missed tackles as a receiver? Check. A tight end who plays like a big slot receiver and has a habit of making contested catches down the field? Check. A mammoth of a right tackle who can pass protect on an island better than most? Check.
The additions of Zack Moss, Mike Gesicki, and Trent Brown, respectively, are ideal fits in the Bengals' offense. Each one will make Burrow's life easier slinging the pigskin around.
CB DJ Turner II: Before the frenzy of free agency officially began, the Bengals were reportedly checking in on cornerback Kendall Fuller. Nothing came out of the report as Fuller went on to sign with the Miami Dolphins, but it was interesting to hear the Bengals were keeping tabs on a starting cornerback.
Turner comes out of the first week of free agency unopposed as the starter opposite of Cam Taylor-Britt. Chidobe Awuzie is off to be a leader for the Tennessee Titans, and even if a low-level veteran is added, Turner would remain the favorite to start.
Losers
CB Dax Hill: Notice the position in front of Hill's name? It's no longer safety, that's for sure. Stone and Bell coming in to play leaves Hill without any chance at playing the position he's been trained at for the past two years. His playing time will diminish, and his future now hangs in the balance. It's not all doom and gloom, though. He was a first-round pick for how well he played as a slot defender, and that appears to be where he fits in the Bengals' defense going forward. He's also their best option to go one-on-one against tight ends, which will keep him on the field for important downs.
In a year's time, Hill could be set up for long-term success with this change. How we got here has undeniably been unfortunate for his development and future earnings.
S Jordan Battle: Bell coming back has clouded the futures of both Hill and Battle. A third-round pick from last year's draft, Battle played like Cincinnati's best rookie once he started seeing the field in the back half of 2023. If Bell's return takes him off the field, that's not ideal for his development.
Battle was an asset for more than a liability even without Bell's leadership and experience to help guide him last year. They need to make sure he gets playing time so a good draft pick doesn't go to waste.
WR Tee Higgins: The situation hasn't changed for Higgins. His representation's attempt to force a trade right as free agency began didn't deter the Bengals one bit as they operated as if it never happened. He watched as the likes of Michael Pittman, Calvin Ridley, and Jerry Jeudy all sign for guaranteed amounts that surely have him feeling down in the dumps.
Unless the Bengals get a trade offer they cannot refuse towards or during the draft, they will hold onto Higgins' rights, and wait for him to inevitably show up for his first game check in September. The script has already been written.
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