At this point in the offseason, there is tons of speculation about where players might end up next season but The Cincinnati Bengals have a problem as some of their best players are projected to land with division rivals. In a division where three of the four teams managed to make the playoffs last season, the last thing you want to do is provide any of the opposition any help and that might affect the way this team makes decision heading into a significant offseason.
Bengals Offensive Tackle Projected to Land with Steelers in the Offseason
It has recently come to light that right tackle Jonah Williams would be an excellent fit with the Pittsburgh Steelers as he closes out his rookie contract in Cincinnati. While Pittsburgh has put some effort into the NFL Draft to bring out offensive tackle Broderick Jones last season out of the University of Georgia at the right tackle position, the whole of the Pittsburgh offensive line is still far below average.
By far the biggest strength held by Williams is his versatility as the 6’5″ 312 pound Alabama product has the ability to slot in at either tackle or guard position on the offensive line. Williams was a solid prospect for Cincinnati until the 2022 and 2023 seasons where he suffered a major regression in form. In 2022, Williams was amongst the worst pass blockers in the NFL and gave up remarkable sack numbers for a highly respected offensive tackle.
The point of no return for Williams was when the team brought in Orlando Brown Jr. last offseason on a big time contract to take over the left tackle position. After the acquisition, Williams was outraged and demanded a trade if he wasn’t going to be able to play the left tackle position in Cincinnati. He was finally negotiated into playing out the remainder of his contract at right tackle after he realized that his trade value was essentially non-existent in 2023.
After a less-than-stellar showing at the left tackle position by incumbent Dan Moore Jr., the window is open for Williams to reclaim the left tackle position on a division rival. Even after failing to impress in Cincinnati over the past two seasons, Williams has enough potential to easily earn the starting job at left tackle and then attempt to rebuild his ruined reputation.
Williams is anticipated to ask for slightly north of $12 million per season but will likely find few teams willing to give him what he is asking for after the past two seasons in Cincinnati. Pittsburgh would be the perfect team for him to settle for $6 million for one year so that he can slot in at left tackle and try to put in a respectable season. A solid season in 2024 would allow Williams to test free agency again in 2025 on much better footing than he has this season.
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