After two notable contract restructures to save cap space, the Cincinnati Bengals feel like a team headed for a free-agent signing, especially in the defensive secondary.
That’s especially the case with one of those contract pay cuts going to safety Geno Stone, who has been bluntly honest about the situation.
As a panel at NFL Network pointed out, one of the more interesting fits that might make sense for the Bengals this summer is Stephon Gilmore.
A former Defensive Player of the Year, the Bengals might shy away from Gilmore because he’s 35 years old. But as the analysts point out in the segment, he likes the man coverage coordinator Al Golden is sure to use and the team has plenty of young cornerbacks like Dax Hill and DJ Turner who could use such a mentor.
What’s interesting is whether the Bengals go with an Eli Apple-like signing at cornerback, or perhaps look to a more traditional safety like Justin Simmons, who has listed the Bengals as a team he’d like to join.
That, or the team does nothing at all in terms of signings, barring injuries during training camp, of course. Either way, it’s clear the Bengals have options when browsing the free-agent market right now.
J.K. Dobbins ➡️ Bears?
Stephon Gilmore ➡️ Bengals?
Justin Simmons ➡️ Eagles? @BaldyNFL and @jeffrichadiha share their favorite landing spots for the top remaining free agents. 👀 pic.twitter.com/1fn5HehxWq— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) May 6, 2025
