Who should Bengals be targeting as NFL free agency opens? скачать в хорошем качестве

Who should Bengals be targeting as NFL free agency opens?

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - The 2026 NFL league year and free agency signing period begins Wednesday, though teams were allowed to begin negotiating with agents at noon Monday during the league’s legal tampering window. Local 12 digital sports columnist and editor Richard Skinner joined Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media to discuss what the Cincinnati Bengals should prioritize. They reviewed how the legal tampering period works, noting that while contracts cannot be signed until 4 p.m. Wednesday, most agreements reached beforehand are finalized once the new league year opens. They also discussed the importance of teams being salary cap compliant before free agency begins, often leading to trades, restructures and releases. Regarding the Bengals, Skinner and Petraglia noted the team has approximately $47 million in cap space after declining to franchise-tag Trey Hendrickson. They identified defensive tackle, edge rusher, safety and linebacker as major needs. Skinner suggested interior pass rush — potentially targeting a player such as John Franklin-Myers — should be a priority, along with signing a veteran safety and possibly drafting one early. At quarterback, they discussed reports that Joe Flacco would prefer a starting opportunity but could return as Joe Burrow’s backup if necessary. Jake Browning was not tendered and is expected to become an unrestricted free agent, though a return remains possible. On offense, they emphasized the need for depth at swing tackle and wide receiver. While the starting offensive line stayed healthy last season, they cautioned against relying on similar durability again. Both agreed the Bengals must balance free agency spending carefully while using the draft to address remaining needs. _______________ Stay up to date with our social media: WKRC on Facebook:   / wkrctv   WKRC on Twitter:   / local12   WKRC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/local12wkrc... WKRC on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@local12wkrc?l... Subscribe to WKRC on YouTube:    / @local12wkrc   For more information, visit https://www.local12.com/ Download the WKRC News app: https://local12.com/station/news-app Download the WKRC Weather app: https://local12.com/weather/weather-app Have a news tip? Send it directly to us: Email us: local12@local12.com Call the Newsroom: 513.421.6872 WKRC is an OH based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. #WKRC #LOCAL12 #cincinnati #news #cincinnatinews This video and all Sinclair Broadcast Group content archives of local news and sports coverage are available for your use. For more information contact us at contentsales@sbgtv.com