Wasting cap space on certain veterans

[*ochocincos*]

A big problem the Bengals have right now is they are not getting production from many of their higher-paid vets.

The following big-money guys are out due to injury:
- Trae Waynes ($10 mill)
- DJ Reader ($10 mill)
- CJ Uzomah ($5.9 mill)

On top of that, the following high-paid players are receiving less and less of the team's offensive/defensive snaps:
- Geno Atkins ($14.2 mill) - 29% of snaps vs Colts, Xavier Williams started over him. 30% of snaps against Ravens.
- Carlos Dunlap ($11 mill) - 44% of snaps vs Colts, Amani Bledsoe started over him. 46% of snaps against Ravens, Lawson started over him.
- Shawn Williams ($4.9 mill) - < 10% of snaps on season
- Giovani Bernard ($4.75 mill) - 32% of snaps on season, 48% vs Colts due to Mixon injury

I realize that injuries happen, but the Bengals have $35 mill of cap going towards guys who are not being used nearly as much as they should be. These guys are being paid a premium to be essentially high-priced depth.

Williams is set to hit FA after this year, but the other 3 are not. However, they would free up quite a bit of cap if off the books for next year (Bernard $4 mill, Dunlap $11.25 mill, Atkins $9.6 mill in 2021 and $13.45 mill in 2022). $25 mill in 2021 and $13.45 mill in 2022, which could go a long way to get a long-term starter at a position of need (primarily OL).

The Bengals have to seriously consider getting these guys off the books next year or actually use them.