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NFL Free Agency 2019: 3 targets for each team

By William Schneiderhan

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Le'Veon Bell (26) looks on during the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 10, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Le'Veon Bell (26) looks on during the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 10, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 16: Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) reacts with teammate Cody Core (16) after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Oakland Raiders and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 16th 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 16: Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) reacts with teammate Cody Core (16) after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Oakland Raiders and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 16th 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Bengals

Following another mediocre season under Marvin Lewis, the Cincinnati Bengals fired him. A branch of the Sean McVay tree has fallen to them, as Zac Taylor is the team’s new head coach. Their cap situation is favorable, as they have over $51 million.

Jordan Hicks, DT

The Bengals defense was one of the worst in the NFL last season. The team struggled to defend both the run and the pass.

A large part of the team’s inability to stop the run was because of the substandard linebacker play. The team’s need for linebacker help is evident, and Hicks is one of the top-tier linebackers on the market.

Hicks was one pace to have a career-year in 2018, but he was limited to just 12 games. The former-Super Bowl champion had 91 combined tackles and three sacks last season, which landed him a 80.7 rating by Pro Football Focus.

Jesse James, TE

It feels as though James will be one of the most heavily pursued tight ends on the market this offseason after Jared Cook. The Bengals should be one of the most aggressive teams in his pursuit.

Tyler Eifert had a good run in Cincinnati, but he has been too injured as of late. He, Tyler Kroft and C.J. Uzomah will be free agents. Uzomah led Bengals tight ends last season with 43 catches, 439 yards and three scores.

James is familiar with the division and he has gotten better each season during his four-year career.

Trent Brown, OT

The right side of the team’s offensive line needs work. Yes, Brown played left tackle for the Patriots last season, but he has played right tackle in the past with the 49ers.

It may take a bidding war to sign Brown, but the Bengals have the means to heavily pursue him if that’s the case. It is easier said than done in regard to moving him back to right tackle after having a great season at left, but that’s something the team can worry about after they sign him.

Brown doesn’t have a lot of miles on his legs yet at age 25 and he’d be a long-term solution.

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