The Cincinnati Bengals entered the offseason thinking the theme would be retaining their own players before things went off the rails.
Granted, going off the rails meant unexpectedly losing Vonn Bell and Samaje Perine in addition to Jessie Bates and Hayden Hurst. That, of course, all lead to the team being able to sign Orlando Brown Jr. for the offensive line.
Despite the surprises, the Bengals have re-signed some of their own, such as Germaine Pratt and a handful of others.
But it’s a little head-turning to see a few of the bigger names the team has yet to bring back because they feel like no-brainers as far as re-signings go.
CB Eli Apple
Personal feelings about Apple and some of his social media antics aside, he’s stepped up two years in a row now as a starting boundary cornerback in place of supposed No. 1s and played well. Last year, he allowed a completion percentage of less than 60 on a gaudy 79 targets. It’s hard to imagine another team is giving him a chance to start, so the Bengals would be foolish not to get him back.
TE Drew Sample
Sample wasn’t the most popular draft pick at the time of his second-round arrival and his quiet stats haven’t changed that. But he’s a superb blocker and good depth. The Bengals want to get more dynamic at the position and should, but bringing Sample back as the second or third guy and as a capable sub blocker makes sense.
LB Clay Johnston
Johnston had that stunning stop on Derrick Henry in the playoffs two postseasons ago and remains quality depth. Rather than trusting key depth and special teams to a rookie, Johnston is a name the team should want to bring back.
QB Brandon Allen
Continuity in a system is important, which is why Allen makes the cut here. He’s been in the Zac Taylor offense for a while now. The Bengals have been sniffing around other free agent quarterbacks, but getting him back even as a third option makes a lot of sense for the quarterback room.
