The Bengals came out of the gate hot, winning four of their first five in 2018. Then Andy Dalton, A.J. Green, and a slew of other key players got hurt and things fell apart. It didn't help that the decision was made to bring Hue Jackson into the mix. He's gone now. Marvin Lewis is too. The regime of mediocrity has been expelled and now we look toward a bright and promising future led by Zac Taylor.
For now, let's dig into these free agents and discuss where we think they might end up in 2019.
Defense
- Darqueze Dennard (CB) - Dennard was the Bengals' first round selection in 2014 and struggled to see the field his first few seasons due to lack of talent and lack of health. His presence on the field increased over the last few seasons, but Dennard has rarely been a bright spot, although he hasn't been a liability in the secondary either. It may be time to move on from the one-hopeful defensive back.
- Tony McRae (CB) - Primarily a special teamer who got light fill-in duty for the Bengals, McRae was an undrafted free agent in 2017 who'll now be an exclusive rights free agent this spring. He filled in anonymously as injuries struck and didn't make a case for his dismissal, so he could be back in 2019 on another one-year deal.
- Brandon Wilson (S) - Much like McRae, Brandon Wilson has found a home on special teams for Cincinnati. He has value there and performs reliably, making six special teams tackles this season. We think it is highly likely he returns.
- Preston Brown (LB) - Preston Brown was brought in after four terrific seasons with Buffalo in which he logged at least 109 total tackles each year. Unfortunately, Cincinnati has been cursed to ruin all linebackers who dare reside there. After staying healthy in Buffalo, playing in 128 games (all of them), he immediately struggled with injuries before finally succumbing to a knee injury and finishing the season on IR. We'd like to see Preston return for another season and see if he can't rekindle the magic he cast over his first four campaigns, and think he could be had at a reasonable price due to the down season.
- Vincent Rey (LB) - The veteran lifetime Bengal is sun-setting, moving nearly exclusively to special teams this season. Nick Vigil looks promising, or at least he did early in the season before the knee injury. It's time for a changing of the guard at linebacker for Cincinnati and Preston Brown should lead the charge, mixing in with Vigil and a new youth movement.
- Michael Johnson (DE) - Johnson has long been the third wheel, mostly unrecognized outside of initiated Bengal faithful in favor of Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap. A steady and consistent piece of the pass rush for years, Johnson finally faded hard in 2018. Only logging a half-sack, he began bleeding snaps to up-and-comer Sam Hubbard. Johnson may stick around as a deep depth piece, but he could generate interest from other teams. We think it's time the Bengals let him walk.
- Kasim Edebali (DE) - Kasim played two defensive snaps and 9 special teams snaps for the Bengals in 2018. When he first broke into the league as an undrafted free agent out of Boston College in 2014, the Saints used him in their rotation to marginal success. He has eight career sacks, but has been ineffective over the last few season. He is inconsequential.
- Josh Tupou (DT) - The second-year defender has shuttled on and off of Cincinnati's practice squad, and made his way into a handful plus one of games this season. He closed out 2018 being involved on 9 tackles. Look for him next year if you must.
Offense
- Tyler Eifert (TE) - Eifert is a monster, there is no denying it. Once upon a time the Man with the Mullet logged a 615-yard, 13-touchdown season. But four of the last five seasons have involved Eifert battling a multitude of injuries, most notably a back issue and the recent ankle break, have limited him to only 28 of a possible 80 contests. As you can see below, basically all of Cincy's tight ends are free agents, but Eifert could return and is a quality player. Any team looking to find the next Eric Ebron will be looking Eifert's way this spring.
- Tyler Kroft (TE) - Tyler might be every bit as talented as Eifert is, but with the added benefit of a less-checkered injury history. Hauling in 7 touchdowns for the Bengals in 2017, Kroft suffered a foot injury this season and landed on the IR. We think Kroft is more likely to return than Eifert, but Kroft could see more interest from other teams in free agency making it tough for Cincinnati to re-sign him.
- C.J. Uzomah (TE) - Next man up! The Auburn product has shown well in his time, filling in for the Tylers. He's not quite as dynamic and the red zone threat has never been as high, but his 66% catch rate is solid for a third tight end. The Bengals have an interesting dilemma here in choosing which offensive tight ends they want to fight for this year.
- Matt Lengel (TE) - Lengel came to the Bengals via the Houston Texans' practice squad after the Tylers injured themselves. He stayed on to help on two-tight-end sets and special teams duty, but is probably just a fringe guy to help fill in when injuries strike. He could land anywhere next season.
- Bobby Hart (RT) - And so it begins. We debated whether we should even devote key-presses to this group. The Bengals have a lot of work ahead of them as far as the offensive line is concerned. Hart was picked up after the Giants waived him. He started all 16 for Cincinnati and was not a complete dumpster fire. The Bengals should not look at bringing him back in 2019.
- Jake Fisher (RT) - Fisher is a restricted free agent, which means the Bengals have the option to match any offer that comes his way. Once a second-round pick, he was famously awarded the prestige of getting work at all five offensive line positions by OL Coach Paul Alexander. This is not a sign that things are going well. The Bengals should not look at bringing him back in 2019.
- Andre Smith (RT) - The longtime Bengal began 2018 with Arizona and started 8 games before being waived after Week 12. Injuries to Cordy Glenn and Jake Fisher meant Cincinnati had a reason to bring the familiar face back. He helped out most in the final game of the season, logging 23 of his 26 snaps with Cincy in 2018. Andre will be 32 in a week and was waived by the worst offensive line (Arizona). The Bengals should not look at bringing him back in 2019.
- Alex Redmond (RG) - Redmond came into Cincinnati's possession post-2017 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent. He left UCLA being receiving academic ineligibility even though most scouting outlets had him pegged as one who was not ready for the NFL. Alex started 15 games for the Bengals this season and performed at the same level as any of his teammates (not well). The Bengals should not look at bringing him back in 2019.
- Trey Hopkins (RG) - What can be said about Trey Hopkins that hasn't already been said about the other members of Cincinnati's Free Agent Offensive Linemen? I'll tell you what: Hopkins logged the best game by a Bengals center (according to ProFootballFocus) in THREE. YEARS. during their 37-34 win over Tampa Bay. Joe Mixon had his best game of the season, finishing with 123 yards and 2 touchdowns on 21 carries for 5.86 Y/C. All due to Hopkins' outstanding run blocking. Nevertheless, the Bengals should not look at bringing him back in 2019.
- Cedric Ogbuehi (LT) - If you were to look up "disappointment" in the dictionary, well, you know the rest. Cincinnati's first round selection in 2015, Ogbuehi's fifth-year option was declined by the Bengals and he's been a dead man walking ever since. Cordy Glenn was acquired during the 2018 draft as the Bengals preferred to move down than ever watch Ogbuehi play meaningful snaps again. He'll get a chance at a fresh start somewhere else (Arizona?).
- Tom Savage (QB) - THE BENGALS SHOULD NOT LOOK AT BRINGING HIM BACK IN 2019
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