The Cincinnati Bengals are still alive in the NFL postseason and their focus is going to be on defeating the Buffalo Bills. However, it is never too early to take a peek ahead to the offseason and start game planning on what needs to be done.
Once again, the offensive line looks like it will need to be bolstered. The Bengals made multiple additions, signing Alex Cappa and La’El Collins in free agency, but injuries have derailed them. Both could be out for the Divisional Round matchup against the Bills along with tackle Jonah Williams, who suffered a knee injury against the Baltimore Ravens during Super Wild Card Weekend.
A lot of focus and resources will undoubtedly go toward shoring things up in front of Joe Burrow. Alas, that is far from the only area that needs an infusion of talent. Defensively, the secondary should be a place the Bengals look to make improvements.
Cincinnati struggled to slow opponents down through the air in 2022, ranking 23rd in yardage allowed and was below average in forcing turnovers as well. Without a dominant pass rush, there is even more pressure on the secondary to perform and the Bengals could use an upgrade.
The production has been middling from the cornerbacks as the team could certainly improve upon the duo of Eli Apple and Cam Taylor-Britt. One free agent that could pique their interest is Marcus Peters.
Adding Peters to their secondary would provide multiple benefits to the Bengals. Not only would his playmaking ability add some juice to the mix, but they would weaken one of their biggest rivals in the process.
Signing Peters away from the Ravens would weaken their secondary while the Bengals strengthen theirs. That would be as much motivation as any to pursue him in free agency as the Baltimore defense has always given Cincinnati fits and Peters is a big reason why.
With Apple, Tre Flowers and Jalen Davis set to hit free agency, the cornerback depth chart could look a lot different once the 2023 season gets underway. Peters would be a great upgrade, showing up arguably the biggest weakness on the roster.
