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!