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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 21: Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during the National Football League game between the Carolina Panthers and the Philadelphia Eagles on October 21, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. MLB Jordan Hicks (Philadelphia Eagles)

In 2017, only the Washington Redskins and Los Angeles Chargers allowed more rushing yards than the Cincinnati Bengals. This past season, the team improved to 29th in this department. And it is certainly not surprising that with club being that generous when it came to stopping opponents on the ground, Cincinnati defenders also allowed the most total yards and most passing yards in the league in 2018.

The Bengals surrendered 49 offensive touchdowns, 17 rushing, and permitted 137.8 yards per game rushing. Things got worse as the season wore on as this squad would give up the third-most points in the NFL. Cincinnati allowed fewer than 20 points in just three games, forced only 18 turnovers and came up with just 34 sacks. It’s worth noting that the team’s top two tacklers were safeties Jessie Bates (111) and Shawn Williams (108). Not a good sign for any defense.

Last offseason, the Bengals signed former Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Preston Brown. But he was limited to only seven games. Nine-year pro Vincent Rey played in all 16 contests and made two starts but the usually-productive performer was limited to just 14 tackles. Both Brown and Rey are potential unrestricted free agents.

It’s hard to imagine that the Philadelphia Eagles would allow talented linebacker Jordan Hicks to get away. But they may not get him re-signed before March 13. He could be a big-time addition for a team that needs a lot of help along the front seven. But it’s also a club still trying to figure out who will be its new defensive coordinator.

Next: No. 2

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