The Cincinnati Bengals bought low on free agent Trent Brown, and one recent article indicates the team could release him before he plays a snap with his new team. A seventh-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Florida product is a mixed bag in terms of on-field production. When he’s playing at the top of his game, he’s one of the best pass-blocking offensive linemen in the game. At 6′-8″ and 370 pounds, nobody can push him in bull rush situations and he’s quick enough on his feet to match speed rushers.
Unfortunately, he’s not the most consistent player. Effort and attitude issues followed Brown throughout his career, most recently leading to a late-season benching on the 2023 Patriots. A player like this might have a difficult time adjusting to life on the bench, which is why Bleacher Report‘s David Kenyon believes the Bengals could cut Trent Brown if he can’t win the starting right tackle job.
Cincinnati Bengals Could Cut Trent Brown
From a salary cap standpoint, deciding to cut Trent Brown wouldn’t be the end of the world. The one-time Super Bowl champion signed a one-year, $4.75 million contract with just $2 million guaranteed. This means the team can save just under $2.4 million if they part ways with the veteran. With Orlando Brown locked in on the left side and first-round pick Amarius Mims fighting for snaps, Brown could be the odd man out.
Even if the Bengals cut Trent Brown, he should find another team for 2024. While he carries some baggage, there aren’t enough good offensive tackles to go around. Someone will take a risk on the veteran, and these five teams are the most likely destinations.
Possible Landing Spots
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Kingsley Suamataia in the second round to be their left tackle of the future. Perhaps the rookie is ready to handle Week 1 starting duties, but adjusting to life in the NFL is no easy feat. The BYU product might need time to adjust, and Trent Brown is the perfect short-term starter if cut by the Bengals. Brown is at his best when he’s playing for a new contract, so signing a one-year deal with the Super Bowl favorites could lead to a bigger payday in 2025.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have a glaring need at the tackle position. Taliese Fuaga is a talented rookie who should start from Day 1, but Ryan Ramczyk might not be the same following his season-ending injury. If the right tackle can’t suit up, the Bengals could save the Saints if they cut Trent Brown. Derek Carr is one of the worst quarterbacks in the league when pressured, and Brown could help keep the former Raider upright.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens lost three starters on the offensive line, including right tackle Morgan Moses. While second-round pick Roger Rosengarten could be the future of the position, a win-now team like Baltimore needs to find a right tackle of the present. Trent Brown could be the best fit for the job, and the Ravens should welcome the opportunity to sign him if cut. Finding starting-caliber players is always a good thing, but it’s extra special when you can take them from a division rival.
Green Bay Packers
If the Bengals cut Trent Brown and he can’t get a starting job, he might have to settle for backup work with the Green Bay Packers. David Bakhtiari missed all but one game last year, and Rasheed Walker did a remarkable job in his absence. While he played at a league-average level, Green Bay should have a backup plan in case the seventh-round pick starts playing up to his draft capital. Jordan Love’s breakout set the Packers ahead of schedule in their rebuild, so they need a veteran who can help this team win games now if Walker isn’t up to the task.
Carolina Panthers
Former first-round pick Ikem Ekwonu enters the third year of his career as something of an unknown commodity. The North Carolina State product had a promising rookie season but underwhelmed in 2023. Carolina invested heavily in the interior offensive line and should consider signing Trent Brown if cut. In a perfect world, he won’t be anything more than a valuable backup at both tackle positions. However, if Ekwonu continues to regress, then he can step in and keep Bryce Young upright.
Main Photo: Eric Canha – USA Today Sports
