Three Under-the-Radar Free Agents Bengals Could Target This Offseason

Cincinnati will focus on keeping their own, but adding these three players could make sense in free agency.

James Rapien | Feb 23, 2023

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Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI — The Bengals have plenty of decisions to make this offseason. From Joe Burrow's potential extension to Tee Higgins' future and plenty of free agents-to-be, Duke Tobin and the rest of the front office is going to be busy.

Cincinnati might not add high-end free agents like they've done in recent years, but that doesn't mean they'll punt on free agency. Here are three under-the-radar players they could target when the legal tampering period begins on March 13:

Jermaine Eluemunor, RT, Las Vegas Raiders

Eluemunor has experience at both offensive tackle and guard. He's coming off of a breakout season for the Raiders when he played a career-high 941 offensive snaps.

The former fifth-round pick is only 28-years-old and could be the perfect insurance at right tackle with veteran La'el Collins recovering from a torn ACL.

Eluemunor is projected to make $5.6 million per year according to Spotrac. His versatility, age and affordability should make him an attractive target in free agency.

Mecole Hardman, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Hardman is a speedster that didn't have the season some were expecting for the Chiefs following Tyreek Hill's departure.

He only appeared in eight games for Kansas City in 2022. It's bad timing for a deep threat that will turn 25-years-old on March 12.

He has 16 touchdowns in four seasons and would be an ideal fit in a Bengals' offense that needs to add more speed. The free agent wide receiver class isn't great, so Hardman may break the bank, but if he is stuck signing a short-term "prove-it" contract, then Cincinnati should absolutely target him in free agency.

Mike Hughes, CB, Detroit Lions

Hughes is a former first rounder that dealt with injuries early in his career. He appeared in 16 games for the Lions last season and showed the ability to play both the nickel and outside cornerback spots.

At 5-10, 186 pounds, Hughes doesn't have the size the Bengals generally look for at corner, but he's only 26-years-old and he's physical in the run game. He could join Chidobe Awuzie, Mike Hilton and Eli Apple as under-the-radar cornerback signings that pay off big time for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.

The Bengals have Cam Taylor-Britt and they could always draft another cornerback this offseason, but they've added the right guys in free agency and Hughes could be their next target, especially if they don't re-sign Apple.

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Published Feb 23, 2023

JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien is the publisher of Bengals On SI. He's also the host of the Locked on Bengals podcast and Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. The Cincinnati native also wrote a book about the history of the Cincinnati Bengals called Enter The Jungle. Prior to joining Bengals On SI, Rapien worked at 700 WLW and ESPN 1530 in Cincinnati