What positions would you sacrifice for better OL?

[*ochocincos*]

(02-14-2022, 06:00 PM)pally Wrote: imagine not being able to get the opposing offense off the field because the Bengals spent all the money on offense.  5 out of 8 CBs are free agents and 2 out of 5 safeties.  1 starter and 2 key backups on the DL as well.  It has to be a balance.  We need the OL not to be awful.  An elite one is likely out of the reach financially

And that's the problem with the cap.
Look at all the roster spots you're having to re-sign/replace:
Reiff
Spain
XSF
Fred Johnson (RFA)
Uzomah
Tate
Thomas
Taylor
Brandon Allen
Ricardo Allen
Bates
Apple
Phillips
Flowers
Hargreaves
Jordan Evans
Hill
Ogunjobi
Tupou
Wilcox
Huber
Harris

22 players just right there. Then you can add cut candidates like Waynes, Hopkins, Boyd, Perine, Wilson, etc.
The above veterans ended up costing only $36.3 mill in 2021, but the Bengals had huge discounts on Bates, Hill, Spain, and Apple (all $1.25 mill or less). Ogunjobi was also somewhat of a discount at $6.2 mill.
I expect every single one of those players to command $4+ mill after their 2021 performances.

Bengals aren't going to be able to just re-sign all of their big guys plus still get 2-3 outside starter upgrades in FA.
Some of the needs may have to come in the draft or go with some cheaper FAs that people may not be as excited about.