Cincinnati Bengals free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Tight end Jesse James #81 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 30: Defensive end Allen Bailey #97 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles running back Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)

4. DE Allen Bailey (Kansas City Chiefs)

The Cincinnati Bengals have certainly had their share of talent on the defensive line in recent years. Perennial Pro Bowler Geno Atkins is recognized as one of the top interior players at his position. The nine-year veteran led the team with 10 sacks and he combined with relentless end Carlos Dunlap (8) for more than half of the team’s 34 quarterback traps in 2018. And while he did leave the Queen City for a year (2014), defensive end Michael Johnson has been a part of this group for nine of his 10 NFL seasons.

But is the latter in the team’s future plans? The 6-foot-7, 280-pound performer played and started 15 games this past season and finished with only 18 tackles and a career-low 0.5 sack. Johnson can become an unrestricted free agent in March but might not necessarily command a big market. But it’s also safe to assume that new head coach Zac Taylor and his staff would like to get a lot more production from his spot and the defense in general.

Steady but certainly not spectacular, Allen Bailey could be a wise addition here and perhaps an economical addition to a franchise that would be prefer to restock through the draft than spend big money on free agents. The eight-year pro finished with six sacks this past season with the Chiefs and is also versatile enough to play both inside and outside.

Next: No. 3

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