When one thinks of remaining needs for the Cincinnati Bengals, the offensive line takes center stage after a generally agreed-upon underwhelming showing there this offseason.
But need is a tricky word, as one could easily suggest the Bengals need pass-rushers to help the rebuilding defense, given the pesky holdouts of first-round pick Shemar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson.
That’s the route Josh Edwards of CBS Sports takes when outlining every biggest remaining need for all 32 teams:
“Cincinnati selected Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart with its first-round choice, which many presumed would check off a need for the organization. Stewart and veteran Trey Hendrickson have held out of all team activities to this point. Both joining the fold would alleviate concerns about the position.”
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Right now, the Bengals still fixing both issues seems likely. There’s a spat over contractual language with Stewart that should eventually end in a compromise. And there’s an impasse on length and/or guarantees in Hendrickson’s extension that, likewise, should see a compromise soon.
The sooner the better with training camp looming, of course. But Stewart and Hendrickson should eventually be in camp and on the field next season.
As for a spot like guard, the Bengals are leaving it to a journeyman like Lucas Patrick, a rookie like Dylan Fairchild and/or a pseudo backup like Cody Ford. Unlike already rostering Hendrickson and Stewart, there’s no viable alternative left on the open market or otherwise.
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