It’s no secret the Cincinnati Bengals boast some major names heading to free agency soon.
But where do they rank?
That’s something Jared Dubin at CBS Sports just attempted to figure out while tackling the top 25 defensive players in free agency outright.
Cincinnati’s big three land in the following spots:
- 25. Germaine Pratt, LB
- 20. Vonn Bell, S
- 7. Jessie Bates, S
Bates is the most interesting name. He’s been ranked as high as fourth out of all free agents at other outlets and also 10th. While the Bengals would love to have him back, his price tag is probably way too high — and he’s been seen hanging out with Atlanta Falcons players recently.
Pratt and Bell are two guys the team might be able to get back. Bell feels like a necessity as a locker room guy and mentor to first-round product Dax Hill, who could start in Bates’ spot. Pratt’s market is a little harder to get a read on, but he’s another glue guy they could keep or otherwise ask names like Akeem Davis-Gaither to step into bigger roles.
Given the rankings, it’s yet another example of just how important this trip to free agency is for a team that wants to keep the championship window open.
