Bengals Contributors Named Cut Candidates Ahead of Training Camp

Bengals Contributors Named Cut Candidates Ahead of Training Camp originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

About a month away from training camp, the Cincinnati Bengals will soon be tasked with beginning the process of narrowing down their roster from 90 to 53 ahead of a pivotal regular season.

The Bengals organization is not satisfied with their 9-8 season from last year. While the team returns many of the top contributors - especially on offense - there remains some questions about who of those could get cut to make room for promising rookies or to free up cap space.

Stone Shields of ChatSports outlined five Bengals players most at risk of being cut at some point this summer.

RB Zack Moss

Moss was a starter in the backfield at times last season, but his contract getting restructured this offseason may not guarantee him a spot on the roster. He may also bring some worry after a serious neck injury suffered last year.

Chase Brown has emerged as the RB1 of the future and the team pursued veteran Samaje Perine in free agency. There are a lot of people in the building who like rookie running back Tahj Brooks as well, leading to a crowded room where Moss could be ushered out to benefit the team's cap space.

Cincinnati saved $1.7 million in Moss' restructured contract but could save an additional $3 million if he is released. That figure could help in any efforts the Bengals have in putting together a more satisfactory offer for their disgruntled star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to end his dramatic holdout.

OG Cordell Volson

Similar to Moss, Volson's contract was restructured to free up cap room. He also will be fighting for a spot in an offensive line unit where there are multiple bodies vying for one guard spot.

Volson has some quality experience with the club, but Cincinnati will likely survey how he competes with rookie third-round pick Dylan Fairchild out of Georgia. Volson underperformed at the end of last season, which bodes well for the prospect of a rookie potentially subbing in for something new. The right guard spot is shaping out to be more of a competition between Lucas Patrick and Cody Ford, which would leave Volson on the outside looking in.

Cutting Volson would also generate over $2 million more cap space this offseason.

WR Isaiah Williams

Williams just finished with two receptions on the year, but he saw regular appearances as a fill-in on special teams.

This decision will come down to how many receivers the Bengals choose to keep on the roster. Last year's most prolific passing attack was spearheaded by Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas.

Jermaine Burton and Charlie Jones are likely to receive a better shot at proving themselves in the receiving corps over Williams. For the sixth receiver spot, Williams will have his work cut out for him with a handful of practice players trying to make the team.

TE Tanner Hudson

Hudson has played well in his two seasons with the Bengals, securing 58 catches for over 500 yards and two scores.

This spot also relies on head coach Zac Taylor's preference of having four of five tight ends on the roster. Drew Sample and Mike Gesicki are locks, but Tanner McLauchlan is likely to earn another chance after the team had a lot of belief in his 2024 rookie season that only saw two games of action.

Hudson would be in competition with another second-year player in Cam Grandy, who was a starter six times last year. Cincinnati could benefit from saving the entirety of Hudson's contract should he get cut.

LB Joe Giles-Harris

The Bengals heavily targeted the linebacker room this offseason both in the NFL Draft and free agency.

They bring in two rookie 'backers in second-rounder Demetrius Knight Jr. and fourth-rounder Barrett Carter, who both profile as potential impact role players. In free agency, Oren Burks was signed after starting in the Super Bowl in February for the eventual champion Philadelphia Eagles.

The release of Germaine Pratt helps Giles-Harris' cause here as an extra opening, but the veteran doesn't have much on his resume. He is on his fourth different team in five years and has just three starts in his career.