Could the Cincinnati Bengals add a six-time Pro Bowler to their roster this offseason?
CBS Sports thinks it could at least be a possibility.
The national sports media outlet recently named the best landing spots for Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who will likely be traded this offseason.
They named the Bengals as one of three potential landing spots for Ramsey (along with the Detroit Lions and the Las Vegas Raiders).
From CBS Sports:
THE BENGALS HAVE CHANGED THE TRAJECTION OF THEIR FREE AGENT SPENDING OVER THE PAST YEAR, ACTUALLY USING THEIR CAP SPACE ON FREE AGENTS IN BUILDING THEIR ROSTER WHILE JOE BURROW IS ON HIS ROOKIE DEAL.
CINCINNATI’S FRANCHISE OPERATES DIFFERENTLY SINCE BURROW ARRIVED, AND THE BENGALS HAVE A SIGNIFICANT NEED AT CORNERBACK. RAMSEY MAY BE THE PLAYER WHO CAN GIVE THE BENGALS THE EDGE OVER THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS IN THE AFC. IT DOESN’T HURT THAT JA’MARR CHASE HAS A TON OF RESPECT FOR RAMSEY, EITHER.
It feels like Ramsey, who won a Super Bowl in 2021/22 with the Rams, has been in the league forever, but somehow he’s still only 28 years old.
The Tennessee native could certainly be a huge help to the Bengals’ defense, but I’m not sure how realistic this move would be for Cincinnati.
Ramsey has three years left on his contract. And the assumption is that Ramsey wants a new deal. He’s scheduled to make $17 million in 2023, $18.5 million in 2024, and $19.5 million in 2025.
I can’t see the Bengals dealing draft picks for Ramsey and then giving him a new deal that pays him more than the $18.3 million AAV that he’s currently earning.
Maybe Ramsey would sacrifice a new contract for the chance to play with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase and compete for another championship.
But even then, that $18.3 million AAV could be tough for the Bengals to take on — especially since the franchise is expected to give Burrow a lucrative extension this offseason.
And then Chase should receive an extension after the 2023 season. They can’t afford to add a massive salary like Ramsey’s to the books and still take care of other needs.
The idea of Ramsey in Cincy is fun, but it’s a long shot at best.
