Not all that long ago, the Cincinnati Bengals attacked the offensive line in front of Joe Burrow in free agency with multiple big upgrades.
One of those, guard Alex Cappa, has just been cut after a few seasons -- potentially signaling the Bengals will go right back to free agency for help.
While the offensive line market doesn't look to be all that hot this year, The Athletic's Mike Jones has tabbed former fifth-overall pick Brandon Scherff as the guy who should be Cincinnati's top target on the open market:
"Working out long-term extensions for Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are among the Bengals’ top offseason priorities. But Cincinnati also must further fortify its offensive line, especially following the cost-cutting release of guard Alex Cappa. A potential target: Scherff, the five-time Pro Bowl selection and fifth pick of the 2015 draft. After leaving Washington, Scherff battled injuries with Jacksonville. But when healthy, he’s a force in the trenches and would make life easier for Joe Burrow."
Considering Scherff is 33 years old, he'd be a very uncharacteristic signing for the Bengals. But then again, the team has a new offensive line coach taking over and a big need to win now. The team also needs stability at right guard as Amarius Mims learns the ropes at right tackle.
Scherff ranked 53rd out of 135 guards last year at PFF, while Cappa ranked 110th. If the price is affordable, a plug-and-play veteran next to Mims could leave the team open to attack left guard in the early rounds of the draft, if necessary.
