Cincinnati Bengals: 5 offseason needs

3 of 5

Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (27) against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Secondary

A lot of the Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason needs depend on re-signing key free agents. The secondary is no different. Though the Bengals secondary is solid, it revolves around star cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick. Losing the upcoming free agent isn’t an option. Keeping him is a must if the Bengals want to contend in 2017.

Even if they keep him, Cincinnati could stand to upgrade their secondary. Adam Jones is already 33 years old and he’s in trouble again. He can’t be relied on for too much longer, so the Bengals should prepare for his decline by bringing in someone like Captain Munnerlyn. Their secondary is a tad bit young, so they could use a leader like him.

Expect them to target someone in the draft if they don’t address this need in free agency. They’re set at safety, with both of their talented young safeties (Shawn Williams and George Iloka) signed long-term. However, they could easily add some depth because depth never hurts.

Of course, the Bengals corner need could be solved internally. Darqueze Dennard has been a huge disappointment. William Jackson, who missed all last season, could solve it as well. But the Bengals are reaching the point where they can’t assume young players will step up.

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