“Kick the Tires” on Proven Performers

[Fan_in_Kettering]

I’m done with “reclamation projects,” “potential stars,” and “can’t miss” players.

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Whatever the Cincinnati Bengals do via free agency, trades, and the draft, the Front Office needs to look at players with proven ability. This means “kicking the tires” on established performers like Micah Parsons, Myles Garrett, Amari Cooper, Budda Baker, Zack Martin and Mekhi Becton.* In the draft the Front Office needs to consider players from winning programs like Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas, and the top teams in the SEC.

The Bengals have only three great performers who are definitely returning for 2025: Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Chase Brown. Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson may end up elsewhere. Burrow, Chase, and Brown will need to be surrounded by quality starters or the Bengals risk missing the playoffs for a third consecutive year.

*I am NOT suggesting looking at these players specifically, just players of this caliber.