Joe Mixon made sure the Bengals knew about the release of DT Gerald McCoy

Joe Mixon wasn’t letting another big-name free agent slip under the Bengals radar. He tweeted out to the team following the release of former Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.

The defensive line isn’t a huge cause for concern in Cincinnati, but it’s certainly a position that could be improved on. Their two current defensive tackles are Geno Atkins and Andrew Billings.

McCoy, if possible, would be a nice addition alongside Atkins, a two-time All-Pro member and a seven-time Pro Bowlers. Last season, McCoy totaled 17 solo tackles and six sacks in 17 games.

If he were added, McCoy would replace Billings. Last season, in Billings 16 games, he secured 22 solo tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Although McCoy clearly showed better numbers in 2018, it’s key to note that Billings is seven years younger and was drafted with the Bengals fourth-round pick in 2016.

At the same time, the second thing to note is that McCoy’s current (now former) salary was $13 million. Mike Brown, not known as a big spender, likely wouldn't give McCoy what the market might offer. Billings makes under $750,000.

Andrew Brown, Ryan Glasgow, Josh Tupou and Renell Wren are all also listed as defensive tackles, so the Bengals certainly aren’t short of bodies on the line. Five of the six have played in the league less than five seasons.

Adding an experienced player like McCoy, if he could keep up with the younger, more energetic players, wouldn’t be a bad idea.

In SB Nation’s 2018 defensive line rankings, the Bengals were put in the “Need to pour resources into fixing this thing” section. Let’s just say: they haven’t fixed it yet. McCoy may not be the fix, but it might be a start.