Bengals News (5/20): Moves left to make

A majority of Bengals players expected at next week's start of organized team activities
Jessie Bates III, just off a sudden promotion as the Bengals representative to the NFL Players Association, continues to see it all in his brief but busy career. After living through one virtual offseason in 2020, he heads into his fourth year on a defense with six new Opening Day starters.

Bengals gamble on a Joe Burrow protection plan in 2021
In 2020, fears regarding Cincinnati’s ability to protect quarterback Joe Burrow were justified when the top overall draft pick suffered a knee injury that prematurely ended his rookie season. The Bengals are banking on their moves to improve the offensive line will be enough to keep Burrow upright and successful in 2021.

Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow Worked Out With Ja'Marr Chase and C.J. Uzomah
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw to rookie receiver Ja'Marr Chase for the first time on Wednesday at Paul Brown Stadium, multiple league sources tell AllBengals.

Bengals loved what they saw from rookies in the trenches at minicamp
Let Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer tell it, Bengals coaches were thrilled with the results they saw on the field at minicamp:

Cincinnati Bengals: 5 free agents who would instantly improve the roster
The Cincinnati Bengals did a nice job of addressing depth in the 2021 NFL Draft but there are still positions needing some fine-tuning. With several talented free agents still waiting to find homes for the 2021 season, the Bengals have a chance to upgrade their roster this late into the offseason.

Around the league

Peyton Manning hopes Aaron Rodgers stays in Green Bay
Each situation is different. In some cases, like Manning's, the team chose to move on. Others, like Brady, decided to test out new waters. By all accounts, the Packers want Rodgers to return in 2021. However, the drafting of Jordan Love last year signaled they were preparing to end the relationship at some point.

Projecting the NFL's top 10 offenses in 2021: Buccaneers or Chiefs at No. 1?
Another important preamble note: These are average results. Some offenses have great upside, but their projections are extremely volatile, leaving them just outside of the list below, in the 11-15 range. (SEE: The Panthers and Dolphins, both of whom have the potential to land in the top 10 IF their quarterback play is up to snuff. Or the Bengals, whose suspect offensive line will be the deciding factor.)

Biggest remaining offseason priority for each NFC team: Can Seahawks keep Russell Wilson happy?
Much offseason maneuvering is behind us, with the top NFL free agents off the market and the NFL draft in the rearview mirror. However, there are still pressing matters for each team to address before the 2021 NFL season kicks off on Sept. 9.