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AFC North Free Agency Primer: What Ravens fans need to know

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 23: Center Ryan Jensen #66 of the Baltimore Ravens pushes defensive tackle Grover Stewart #90 of the Indianapolis Colts after a play in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 23: Center Ryan Jensen #66 of the Baltimore Ravens pushes defensive tackle Grover Stewart #90 of the Indianapolis Colts after a play in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 01: A Cincinnati Bengals helmet sits on the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Aller /Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 01: A Cincinnati Bengals helmet sits on the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Aller /Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Bengals primer:

The Baltimore Ravens lost their season finale to the Cincinnati Bengals and it still stings the Charm City. Despite their triumphant finale, the Bengals had a really disappointing 2017 season. Marvin Lewis and the Bengals will try to get back to the playoffs in 2018. What will help them get there?

We asked our friends at Stripe Hype to give us some players to look out for when it comes to the Bengals and free agency.  The following analaysis comes from Stripe Hype’s Travis Steffen: 

Zach Fulton (G)

If there is any position the Bengals need to find some immediate impact it is on the offensive line. With a combined total of 80 sacks allowed the last two seasons, quarterback Andy Dalton needs some relief to get this team back to the playoffs. Guard Zach Fulton fits the bill for a lower price than some of the top names in free agency. Spending his career as a backup for the Kansas City Chiefs, he has taken over due to injuries at guard and center without any sign of dropoff. Fulton is a brute strength type of lineman that would make an immediate impact for this offensive line that could use a full makeover.

Jimmy Graham

The Bengals are losing tight end Tyler Eifert but can still bring him back for the right price. His 49% play rate since being drafted is very concerning, however. Eifert’s lack of ability to stay on the field has left the team with a big hole to fill and tight end Jimmy Graham could be that guy. After arguably being underutilized in Seattle, Graham would be the perfect match for the black and orange. You could even save $4 million by cutting wide receiver Brandon LaFell to help with that contract in 2018.

Trey Burton (TE)

Since the Bengals are normally cheap in their free agent signings I thought I would add a smaller name for the tight end spot. Tight end Trey Burton has spent his career backing up Philadelphia tight end Zach Ertz and now looks to find a team of his own. He will still command a price around $6 million considering half the teams in the NFL have already looked into his availability. He can also throw a touchdown pass in a pinch if you need him to as seen in the Super Bowl win this last season.

Justin Pugh (G) 

Another versatile lineman that the Bengals should look at is Justin Pugh from the New York Giants. While the 27-year-old linemen missed half of the season with a back injury, and back injuries are very worrisome especially for linemen, Pugh can play guard and even tackle in a pinch. His back issues could make him a cheaper signing and if the Bengals medical staff thinks that he will be good to go in 2018, why not try and upgrade either position. It all starts up front and the Bengals need plenty of help to do anything on offense.

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