Cincinnati Bengals Salary Cap: $37,898,157
Free Agents: 15
The Bengals were a dominant force for most of the season however they could not put it all together in the postseason. The Bengals are set to lose several key pieces of their defenses in free agency as well as a couple of offensive depth players. Here are the most important players the Bengals will have available.
Leon Hall (CB/Age: 31): Hall is still a solid NFL cornerback even at his advanced age. He played in 14 of the Bengals 16 games and started in 4 of them. Hall had 55 combined tackles. 9 pass defenses, 2 interceptions, and a defensive touchdown in 2015. If Hall is willing to come back for a reduced price he could be back in a Bengals uniform.
Reggie Nelson (FS/Age: 32): Nelson had an all-pro season for the Cincinnati Bengals. He recorded 8 interceptions, 14 pass defenses, and played in all 16 games in 2015. That is one of the more productive 32 year old safeties in the NFL and in that system he is seriously excelling. The Bengals should bring him back for a reduced price however a team in desperate need of safety help could look to poach the veteran from the Bengals.
Adam Jones (CB/Age: 32): After Jones's mini meltdown during the playoffs it has become clear to everyone that the Bengals need a new cornerback. Jones did have 3 interceptions, 12 pass defenses, a sack, and a forced fumble this season so his age may not have been as big of a factor as anticipated however he lacks the maturity on the field of a 32 year old. Jones should be brought in by a cornerback needy team who would like to pay a veterans price.
Mohammad Sanu (WR/Age: 26): Sanu had no receiving touchdowns this season compared to his career high 5 in 2014. This is likely because of the added involvement of Marvin Jones, Tyler Eifert, and AJ Green. All three were fairly healthy for most of the season and ate Sanu's targets like they were donuts. Sanu however did rush for 2 touchdowns so that is something. Teams will value his versatility but no one will need to break the bank to sign him.
George Iloka (SS/Age: 25): Iloka should be allowed to test free agency however he is still very young. The Bengals could look to develop the young safety if they can meet his price but his age will also attract teams looking to bolster their defensive backfield. With only 1 interception in 2015 Iloka will not command a ridiculous price but all solid safeties tend to get overpaid in free agency.
