Bengals linked to veteran defender who could calm defensive concerns

   

Bengals linked to veteran defender who could calm defensive concerns

Trey Hendrickson stuff aside, it looks like this season's going to be rough on the Bengals' defense. Last year wasn't one to remember on that side of the ball, and even with the addition of first round pick Shemar Stewart, the group faces an uphill climb.

And what makes the problem worse is that, right now, there aren't a lot of good options out there to help. The best option, frankly, might already be on their team – they just may need to pay him a lot more money first. But if Hendrickson really is serious about sitting out games – or the entire season – in pursuit of a new contract, the Bengals will have to turn around and figure out how to add some players to the defense before Week 1 rolls around.

Sports Illustrated was up to the task of figuring out who, exactly, that could be in their latest round of pairing best available free agents with the most needy teams. Though they didn't find a Hendrickson replacement, their suggestion certainly wouldn't hurt.

Sports Illustrated thinks Julian Blackmon would be a good fit in Cincinnati

"The Bengals need all the help they can get after their defense endured a dreadful 2024 season. Blackmon can improve the Bengals’ secondary after establishing himself as a quality playmaker in five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Blackmon is coming off a down season and probably didn’t fit the scheme of new Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the former Bengals’ defensive play-caller. Perhaps new Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden sees Blackmon as a team fit."

You know things are bad when the argument boils down to, basically, 'they just need literally any good players they can get.' And while it feels awfully speculatory – 'maybe Golden sees Blackmon as a team fit' isn't the most convincing argument I've ever read – it definitely would improve their defense in some way, shape, or form. Blackmon doesn't have crazy stats, but he's been consistently available and his PFF grades show a guy who's average-to-above-average in coverage. For the Bengals, that might just have to be good enough.

Tranh Chiêu -
The Latest

49ers First-Round Pick Labeled Obvious 'Rookie to Watch'

Uncategory -7 giờ

The San Francisco 49ers take a lot of pride in their defense, and the team added some exciting young pieces to the unit in the 2025 NFL Draft. The most intriguing of which is former Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams. In a ...

Chicago Fire's Jocelyn Hudon Knows Exactly How Novak Can Cross Over To Chicago P.D. Next Season

Uncategory -7 giờ

Chicago Fire’s Jocelyn Hudon, who plays paramedic Lizzie Novak, was bumped up to a series regular in season 13, and she knows exactly how Novak can keep her role expanding with a Chicago P.D.  crossover. While Chicago Fire season 14 is expected to ...

Secrets Explode in Port Charles: $10M Missing, Michael’s Revenge & Gio Confronts Sonny!

Entertainment -7 giờ

On General Hospital today! If Port Charles isn’t the place to be right now, then I don’t know where else it is. If you missed General Hospital today Monday, June 2, 2025, you’re in luck, because here is a recap below. Michael Corinthos (Rory ...

ITV Britain's Got Talent humiliation as finale bags lowest EVER ratings since show began amid Harry Moulding 'fix' row

Uncategory -7 giờ

London, June 3, 2025 — The 18th season finale of ITV's "Britain's Got Talent" (BGT) has become the most-watched yet most controversial episode in the show's history. Magician Harry Moulding's victory has sparked a wave of criticism from viewers, leading ...

RHONY’s Ubah Hassan is Engaged to Boyfriend Oliver Dachsel, See Pics From the Emotional Proposal and Her Ring as Andy Cohen & Co-Stars React

Entertainment -7 giờ

Ubah Hassan is engaged to boyfriend Oliver Dachsel. Credit: RCF / MEGA With a post shared on Saturday, the 41-year-old Real Housewives of New York City star included a series of photos of Oliver’s outdoor proposal as she showed off the emotional moment between herself and the ...