The Cincinnati Bengals have been hard at work rebuilding their roster with free agents that fit the AFC North and head coach Zac Taylor’s vision for the future. Leadership and consistency are the two words that would best describe the crop of players that the orange and black have brought in to get back to the top of the division. Cincinnati’s front office often uses free agency to fill holes in the roster from departed players and loves those in that second tier before they turn their attention to the draft. This year was no exception, so let’s hand out grades for the six Bengals newcomers in 2024.
Cincinnati Bengals Free Agency Grades
Vonn Bell – S / Grade: B+
The Bengals welcome back an old friend in Vonn Bell who spent last season with the Carolina Panthers. Bell was brought here to provide leadership in the locker room and on the field as they look to find a new home for third-year player Dax Hill. This move was heavily influenced by Lou Anarumo’s desire to have better communication in the backend of the Bengals’ defense.
Geno Stone – S / Grade: A
The former Baltimore Raven will presumably be Bell’s running mate at safety, is a very instinctual player, and someone the Bengals have had their eyes on for quite some time.
Ravens S Geno Stone with a game-changing interception on Joe Burrow, who himself described it as "really good disguise"
🔸What was Joe Burrow expecting from the Ravens defense
🔸Why the play design actually worked! (kinda)
🔸How Geno Stone just made a great football playWATCH: pic.twitter.com/GdjmYFPeWk
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) September 18, 2023
Geno Stone was signed for two years at $14 million and is a reliable player who isn’t afraid to hit. His familiarity with the division is another feather in his cap that likely helped bring him to Cincinnati.
Zack Moss – RB / Grade: B
The departure of Joe Mixon ushered in the Zack Moss era in what was also noted as a two-year deal. Moss is a different runner than Mixon and has better speed and elusiveness. His calling card though is his pass-blocking ability. This trait is crucial in the Joe Burrow offense that is heavily predicated on working out of shotgun.
Mike Gesicki – TE / Grade: B
Tight-end free agents have thrived on one-year deals since Burrow arrived in 2020. Enter, Mike Gesicki who looks to cash in on catching passes from number 9 and further building his resume. Gesicki is a big-bodied target and talented pass-catcher with great hands who often wins on contested throws. The ability of Gesicki to line up in the slot should provide more opportunities for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to win their routes.
Sheldon Rankins – DT / Grade: B+
DJ Reader signing with the Detroit Lions was a big loss but the Bengals did the next best thing locking up Sheldon Rankins from the Houston Texans. Rankins can be an effective run stuffer and get to the quarterback as was evident in last year’s matchup with Cincinnati where he wreaked havoc with three sacks on Burrow. The duo of B.J. Hill and Rankins should be formidable and a move the Bengals had to make.
Trent Brown – OT / Grade: A
Trent Brown gets an A solely on his potential as a pass protector at right tackle if he’s healthy. While, this is a big if, the Bengals had to swing big here with Jonah Williams signing with the Arizona Cardinals. Brown only committed to a one-year deal for $2 million guaranteed with a cap hit of $4.4 million. This doesn’t preclude Cincinnati from drafting an OT at pick 18 as Brown is likely a bridge player to ease a rookie into protecting Burrow.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
