FanPost

Tate a Bengal?

Now that you've seen the headline and are scratching your heads I'll clarify: I'm not implying Brandon Tate's going to be gone next year but am proposing the Bengals go after a replacement for BJGE in free agency - Ben Tate.

I think that might be able to sign him for a reasonable price given his lackluster performance this year, which will likely create some doubts in the minds of teams with a need for a RB. Tate has performed admirably filling in for Arian Foster in years past but this year the combination of a nagging rib injury and poor line play has limited his effectiveness. Put him behind the newest iteration of the Bengals OL (2.0) with AC at LT, Whit at LG, (hopefully) a new C, Zeitler at RG and Big Andre at RT and I think he'd be a huge upgrade over BJGE. BenJarvus hasn't been dreadful but Tate would provide more explosion and two backs who'd be a threat to either run or catch out of the backfield.

Yes, the team could always draft a RB but with the more pressing needs at CB, C and possibly S it's doubtful they would use a high-round pick so no guarantee the new back would be any better than what the team currently has. With around $22M available under the cap ($33M if they can't reach an agreement with MJ93) I think it would be worth up to $5-6 M a year to sign a younger, more explosive workhorse back to pair with Gio (assuming of course his ribs heal to the satisfaction of the Bengals' medical staff).

Let me know your thoughts!



This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Cincy Jungle's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan, which is as important as the views of Cincy Jungle's writers or editors.