NFL insider calls for Joe Burrow's Bengals to poach $33,000,000 Jets star
There was a lot of optimism surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals, given the state of their offense and the marginal moves they made in the offseason. The Bengals have not exactly tightened their purse strings when it comes to spending on defense. Per Over The Cap's numbers, Cincinnati spent the fourth-highest amount on defense, totaling $112,828,951.
However, that number has not helped the Bengals as they head into Week 16 with a 6-8 record. As things stand, they are on the outside looking in when it comes to the AFC Playoff Picture. However, NFL insider Albert Breer has one way to ensure the Bengals don't have to be in the same situation next year. In his weekly mailbag, Breer gave the Bengals some advice on how to turn things around:
"First, make Trey Hendrickson happy. Then, sign New York Jets free-agent CB D.J. Reed. Reed’s been an underrated piece and played on big stages. They’ve had a rough time in the draft at the position (Dax Hill, DJ Turner II, and Cam Taylor-Britt haven’t, collectively, lived up to expectations). Reed would stabilize that spot."
Reed signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Jets but will be a free agent in 2025.
Breer also suggested the franchise move quickly for Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland, who projects to be a free agent in 2025. He also urged the Bengals to trade up for Georgia edge rusher Mykel William in April's NFL Draft. The Bengals are expected to have the 13th overall pick, per Tankathon.
Where Joe Burrow's Bengals stand in the AFC Playoff Picture
The Denver Broncos' Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers has breathed a little life into the Bengals' playoff chances, which currently stand at 8%.
The Bengals go up against Denver in Week 17 and a win will work wonders for their playoff hopes. Denver will also go up against the Kansas City Chiefs to close the season, so there is a very real possibility that they will go winless over their next two games. Cincinnati will have to win their final three games of the season, starting at home against Cleveland on Sunday and hope the Dolphins and Colts lose at least one more game.
The Miami Dolphins face the San Francisco 49ers at home on Sunday, followed by road games against Cleveland and the New York Jets. The Colts face the Titans at home, followed by a road game against the Giants and a home game against the Jaguars.