Bengals: 3 free agents that could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans
By Mark Sipos
1. Brandon Scherff, Offensive Guard
As we talked prior, upgrading the offensive line is something that 100% needs to be done. How about starting that process with a four time pro bowler? Signing Brandon Scherff as soon as free agency opens would be a massive get for the Bengals for a multitude of reasons.
Firstly, signing Scherff’s shows the obvious- protecting Joe Burrow is the top priority. Scherff, the former Washington Football Team guard, has been a pro bowler in four of his six seasons in the NFL. The 29 year old’s entering free agency for the first time in his career, and is looking to get paid. Being right in his prime, the Bengals should absolutely pounce on him, however they should approach the situation cautiously.
Scherff has had some injury issues. Despite playing in all 16 games in his two years in the league, he has only managed to appear in 46 games the last four seasons. Even with an ample amount of cap space, Scherff’s contract could be one of the bigger contracts this off-season. According to Spotrac, fair market value for Scherff this off-season is a five year contract worth an average of $12.7 million per year. Depending on where the cap is settled in at, the Scherff’s contract could take up a big chunk of it.
With the risks are laid out, the reward seems to heavily outweigh the risk. The Bengals could shift over Jonah Williams to right tackle, while also grabbing Oregon’s Penei Sewell as their future left tackle. These three, along with the hope of Trey Hopkins continual developing at center and the potential of Michael Jordan at left guard, would leave the Bengals out of the guard market in the draft. Even if Sewell is gone by the time the Bengals pick fifth, they will feel much better of their offensive line with Scherff on board, and will not have to reach for a lineman.