The Cincinnati Bengals have never been ones to pursue big-named free agents. If that were to change this offseason, there will be one player who'd fit perfectly with what Cincinnati needs.
The defensive line was mostly nonexistent in 2014, and they must add another lineman either in free agency or the draft. One of the top defensive tackles set to hit free agency is Ndamukong Suh, and he would instantly make the Bengals defense one with top-five potential.
Could Cincinnati actually pursue the Detroit Lions All-Pro? ESPN Insider Field Yates tabbed the Bengals as one of the best fits for Suh if he does end up leaving the Lions in free agency.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
This may come as a surprise after the team signed defensive tackle Geno Atkins to a mega-deal at the start of the 2013 season and then last offseason extended veteran Domata Peko through 2016, but I think it's fair to say the perception of the Bengals' defensive line has changed since that time. The run defense was nonexistent for stretches, and Atkins wasn't quite the pocket-disrupting force we saw before his 2013 ACL injury.
The Bengals relied heavily on both players from a snap-count standpoint, but adding an impact player like Suh to a team that needs to get back to business defending the run (which dropped from fifth to 20th in the NFL from 2013 to 2014) makes some sense. For a defense that runs through its line, Suh would make the Bengals, who have over $30 million in cap space, scary. Cincinnati doesn't normally spend big on outside free agents, so this would buck a trend.
However, unless the Bengals are drastically changing their philosophy, don't expect them to go after Suh. However, another AFC North team from Ohio could go after Suh, as cleveland was mentioned as one of the other five potential landing spots.
Much like Oakland, the Browns have an estimated $50 million-plus in cap space for next season. They also had poor defensive line play in 2014, some of which was due to injuries to key cogs (nose tackle Phil Taylor played in just five games). Suh is best cast as a 4-3 defensive tackle, but that isn't to say he couldn't play in a 3-4 defense, which Cleveland runs.
Also, in a pass-friendly league, many teams spend significant snaps in sub-defense (five defensive backs or more), where Suh would be able to rush from his 3-technique alignment (outside eye of the guard). The Browns had the NFL's worst run defense in 2014 and managed just 27 sacks. The front seven needs to improve next season.
The Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders are also mentioned as potential fits.