Cincinnati Bengals: 5 offseason needs

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 14, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) runs with the ball after making a catch during the first half of their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) runs with the ball after making a catch during the first half of their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Wide Receiver

The Cincinnati Bengals must upgrade their receiver group to contend in 2017. They didn’t properly replace Mohamed Sanu or Marvin Jones last offseason. Moreover, they might lose Brandon LaFell this offseason, as he’s a free agent.

Expect the Bengals to be aggressive in adding to their receiving core. A healthy Tyler Eifert is one of the best tight ends in the NFL, so this should help somewhat. However, they lack anyone dynamic other than A.J. Green. He’s an excellent receiver, but he can’t do it all on his own. Green needs some help.

The Bengals typically go to the draft for help, but this is a need they must address in the offseason. Alshon Jeffrey could make sense for them. Anquan Boldin is a solid option who could give the Bengals a much needed possession receiver to complement Green. DeSean Jackson is an excellent speed option who would work well with Green. A combination of the last two probably makes the most sense for the Bengals.

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Cincinnati can’t afford to wait. They have to be aggressive and attack the AFC North while the Ravens are still relatively weak and the Steelers aren’t at full strength. If they fill their offseason needs, the AFC North could belong to the Bengals again.