Cincinnati Bengals Linked to Teven Jenkins?!? Who Should They Target Next? | OTB 3.11.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. As of March 12, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals are entering the free agency period with a focus on bolstering their roster following a 2024 season that left them eager to improve both offensively and defensively. With the new NFL league year officially starting today at 4 p.m. ET, the Bengals have already made strategic moves in prior years and are poised to target key free agents to address lingering needs. The team currently has approximately $46 million in salary cap space, providing flexibility to pursue impactful additions while managing extensions for stars like Ja’Marr Chase and decisions regarding Tee Higgins, who has been franchise-tagged for the second consecutive year at $26.2 million. Looking back at last year’s free agency as a reference point, the Bengals added players like safety Geno Stone from Baltimore, running back Zack Moss from Indianapolis, tight end Mike Gesicki from New England, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins from Houston, and safety Vonn Bell from Carolina. They also retained key depth pieces such as tight end Drew Sample, offensive lineman Cody Ford, and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither. These moves showcased a balanced approach, enhancing the offense around Joe Burrow while reinforcing a defense under new coordinator Al Golden. For 2025, the Bengals appear to be continuing this strategy, with an emphasis on fortifying the defensive line and secondary, areas that struggled in 2024. Posts on X and web sources suggest the Bengals have interest in several free agents this offseason. On the offensive line, names like Will Hernandez, Pat Mekari, Teven Jenkins, and Mekhi Becton have surfaced as potential targets to protect Burrow and improve the run game. Defensively, edge rushers such as Azeez Ojulari, Dre’Mont Jones, and Levi Onwuzurike are on the radar to complement or replace Trey Hendrickson, who has requested a trade. Veteran Calais Campbell could provide leadership and depth. With 23 pending free agents, including stars like Higgins, B.J. Hill, and Mike Hilton, the Bengals must balance re-signings with external additions. Their draft position (17th overall) and six picks offer further flexibility, but free agency will be critical in setting the tone for 2025. Expect Cincinnati to target versatile, high-impact players to elevate their contention window.