DC Lou Anarumo notes it’s “huge” that the team acquired seasoned winners

The Cincinnati Bengals have had an electric offseason that will be topped off by the addition of superstar quarterback Joe Burrow. With the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Burrow is the assumed pick.

However, it’s more than just Burrow that will change this roster from one that won just two games to a potential playoff contender. DJ Reader, Trae Waynes, Vonn Bell and Mackensie Alexander will all be just as impactful on the opposite side of the ball.

What do each of those four players have in common? They’re winners. Just look at a season ago, each of the four, no matter how far they went, made it to the playoffs.

Waynes and Alexander’s Vikings knocked out the three-seeded Saints, Vonn Bell’s team. DJ Reader’s Texans were downed by the Chiefs. Only Bell, who has helped the Saints win three-straight NFC South titles, didn’t advance past the first round.

The success of the group at the sport’s highest level is a “huge” reason why defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo wanted to bring them in and pay them like the stars they are.

“Huge. One of the ways you change your culture to winning is to add guys that have demonstrated winning in this league. And we got younger at each position with guys that played in playoff games,” Arnarumo told Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson.

The Bengals, who made Reader the highest paid nose tackle in the NFL, needed the help to limited yards after contact, Arnarumo also noted. That said, the Bengals have finally looked to open the checkbook to produce a winning product.

With Burrow leading the way, this city and team should have a rejuvenated feel entering the new season.