Look Ahead- 2025 Offseason

[Bengalbug]

There is still a small hope to this season. That said, there is going to be a lot of change in the offseason. One move I feel the bengals have to make is bringing in a veteran leader, or two, on the defense. While LB is not our biggest need, I believe getting the right guy can change a defense quick.

My target FA is Bobby Wagner. Yea, he is 34. Yes, he isn’t a long term solution, but he is still playing at a high level.

Pff grade 83.3 - 7/171
Snaps 800 - 11/171
Tackles 74 - 15/171

Washington 2023 defense. 518 points against, last (30.5ppg). 2nd worst was 455. Yards given up, 6,612, last (388 YPg). 2nd worst was the bengals at 6,368.

Washington 2024 defense 296 points against , 17th in nfl (22.7 ppg). 4,260 yards against, 12th in nfl (327 YPg).

There will be no quick fix, but his salary will be around what Pratt makes (this year was $5m for Wagner). Getting a hall of fame player, still playing at an elite level, who would be the obvious leader of the defense would be a good start. A guy the young guys could look to. Someone like this has way more impact than the standalone improvement at a position.

A singular move like this would drastically shorten the turnaround time.