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Cincinnati Bengals: 5 offseason needs

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) against the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bills won 16-12. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) against the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bills won 16-12. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Linebacker

The Cincinnati Bengals desperately need to invest some money into their linebacking core. Outside of Vontaze Burfict, their core contains a bunch of question marks. Karlos Dansby is aging (35 years old) and Rey Maualuga has proven to be very ineffective on the field. Nick Vigil probably steps into a starting role in the middle, but does Cincinnati have the time to let him develop into a starter?

Probably not. That’s why signing someone like Dont’a Hightower would be wise. Burfict and the Patriots linebacker would immediately form a strong trio for their 4-3 system. This allows Vigil to work himself into a starting role while getting mentored by Burfict and Hightower. Signing another depth linebacker ensures Vigil wouldn’t be forced into a starting role he isn’t quite ready for.

Also, the Cincinnati Bengals must decide their long-term plans with Burfict. This doesn’t directly affect this offseason, but it might cause them to make some other moves. Burfict has all the talent in the world, but he has a lot of issues. Not only that, they’re starting to hurt the team. The Bengals’ collapse falls on their leadership group. Burfict is undeniably a part of it. Might a change to this group be coming?

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