The Cincinnati Bengals have massive expectations going into the 2023 season. The Bengals have been to the AFC Championship two years in a row. With Joe Burrow leading the team, that feels expected now in Cincinnati.
The Bengals certainly have one of the better rosters in the NFL. However, that hasn’t stopped them from being linked to one pro bowl defender who could make a difference.
Cincinnati Bengals Linked To Free Agent Defensive Tackle Akiem Hicks
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report highlighted why this move would be good for the Bengals:
The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the most complete rosters in the league. Good drafting and development paired with some prudent free-agent signings have them in a position to compete for the Lombardi Trophy this season.
Their depth along the defensive line might be a concern, though. The Bengals rely on B.J. Hill and DJ Reader to do a lot on the interior, and they’re hoping that a few young players will be able to take important snaps.
They could get more insurance on the interior of the defensive line by signing Akiem Hicks. The 33-year-old can no longer be an every-down defender, but he filled in nicely as a rotational player last season with a 61.9 PFF grade, a sack and four quarterback hits for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
At the very least, Hicks would bring some veteran leadership to a unit that’s going to count on contributions from second-year player Zach Carter and third-year player Jay Tufele.
Following a lengthy stint with the Bears, Hicks signed a one-year contract with the Buccaneers last offseason. Unfortunately, Hicks’ time in Chicago was severely affected by injuries. He was sidelined for 11 games in 2019 due to an elbow injury, and for eight contests in 2021 due to another injury. In his first season in Tampa, the health woes continued, as a torn plantar fascia forced Hicks to miss six games.
Hicks, at times, has still shown he can play at a high level. If the veteran DT wants to give it one more season, a backup role in Cincinnati could be exactly what he needs. It also helps that the Bengals are presumed to be a contender this year.
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