Cincinnati Bengals free agency 2020: Top 5 targets

The Bengals need to shore up their offensive line, regardless of who is playing quarterback for the team next year. The last thing the Bengals will want to do is break their new toy before he hits his second contract. That’s why targeting a proven veteran at left tackle in Anthony Castonzo of the Indianapolis Colts is a smart idea.

Sure, there may be pockets of Who Dey Nation who would welcome a return from Andrew Whitworth, who has spent the last few seasons with the Los Angeles Rams since leaving Cincinnati. However, that’s not a long-term solution to a major problem for Cincinnati. Whitworth is in his very late 30s, while Castonzo is firmly in his early 30s.

After being a first-round pick by the Colts in 2011 out of Boston College, Castonzo has been a solid starter for Indianapolis. Though never a Pro Bowler, he has been the most consistent offensive lineman for the Colts the past decade. It wasn’t until guard Quenton Nelson arrived in Indianapolis that there was a better first-round talent starring on the Colts offensive line than Castonzo.

The one caveat here? Castonzo hasn’t ruled out retirement. Assuming he keeps playing, he should be in the prime of his career.