Teven Jenkins was never a 'realistic option' for Bengals, per report

The Cincinnati Bengals still have a glaring need at right guard headed into Wave 2 of free agency. A big-name free agent some were hoping for never seemed to be in the cards, according to The Athletic's Paul Dehner:

"Teven Jenkins is a name out there in recent days but was never a realistic option for the Bengals,” said Dehner. “There’s a reason the former Bears guard wasn’t scooped up early in free agency and reportedly is taking a visit to Seattle on Monday in a league where players rarely take visits anymore.

“New Bears coach Ben Johnson seemed to speak loudly with the investment and resources given to immediately replace Jenkins (and other interior linemen) in Chicago and the rest of the league seemed to agree. The Bengals are among them. They aren’t pursuing him."

It is always worth noting when a team goes out of its way to find a replacement for a player headed for the open market. The Bears have a new head coach so that could explain moving on, but Jenkins wasn't expected to still be available.

That means attention has likely shifted to Brandon Scherff, who has spent the past three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The 33-year-old is far from a long-term solution at the position, but the team needs someone who can come in and start right away.

That means they could also take a flyer on another journeyman offensive lineman later in free agency as well as draft a replacement down the line.

It would be ideal to also add a player capable of starting over Cody Ford and Cordell Volson at left guard, but if the team operates as usual that will likely be the two names competing for the starting spot at left guard.

Jenkins would have been nice on paper, but it looks like it is time for Cincinnati fans to move on.