Top free agent tight ends and offensive linemen still available

The first waves of NFL free agency have started, but the Cincinnati Bengals already added three new faces during the legal tampering period.

Despite signing Trey Hendrickson, Chidobe Awuzie, and Mike Hilton, the Bengals still have holes they need to fill on offense. As of Wednesday, the Bengals have signed no free agent offensive linemen, despite that being the biggest area of need.

While many top players are off the board, there are still plenty of options for the Bengals on offense. The Bengals should still look for some tight ends and offensive linemen, particularly centers/guards so they don’t get forced to reach in the draft.

Some of the top tight ends out there include Gerald Everett, Jared Cook, New Orleans Trey Burton, Tyler Eifert, Kyle Rudolph, and Tyler Kroft. The Eagles also have Zach Ertz on the trading block.

Two of those names should sound familiar, as two were Bengals draft picks. Eifert was a first round pick for the Bengals, and Kroft was a reliable blocker.

Thanks to the New England Patriots, who snatched up Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, the top tight ends on the market are already taken. But the Bengals could still get some depth at tight end after losing Cethan Carter.

The Raiders and Chiefs dumped their offensive linemen, including Rodney Hudson, Gabe Jackson, Eric Fisher, and Mitchell Schwartz. Other names still out there include Kelechi Osemele, Russell Okung, and Riley Reiff. Again, the top names are off the board, as Joe Thuney and Corey Linsley took massive paydays. But it would be a mistake for the Bengals to go into 2021 without anyone of the available players.

There is still talent out there. Fan favorites like Thuney are now unavailable, but the players still there would give the Bengals a much needed upgrade.

The Bengals need to protect Joe Burrow, and they can’t wait until the draft to do it. Fortunately, they don’t have to.