Here are the three running free agents that the Cincinnati Bengals could target in the market next month. With the Bengals expected to move on from Joe Mixon, some serious candidates could fit to pair with quarterback Joe Burrow. Mixon tied the franchise record in 2023 by leading the Bengals offense in seven consecutive seasons in rushing. He claims to refute the rumor and says that it’s false.
Anything could happen and the Bengals could move on from him. Mixon would still be an intriguing candidate for many teams looking to fill their RB needs. His carries would be reduced either way with the emergence of Chase Brown. The Bengals face some decisions of who they could target to pair with Brown this offseason.
Cincinnati was already expecting to face tough decisions heading into this year’s free-agent market. The Bengals have some decisions to make as they head into a pivotal 2024 season, including DJ Reader and Tee Higgins. This could be the reason why they may let Mixon go because of salary cap space. Luckily for the Bengals, there are some intriguing candidates on the market for them to decide who fits on the offense.
The Bengals weren’t willing to give away their two cornerstone players to free agency. They’ve made them the priority and are cutting Mixon loose to test the market. However, it’s still a high possibility that Mixon stays with the Bengals. Mixon is getting a laugh from the rumors, but it’s still an interesting thing to consider as it all unfolds.
Joe Mixon Bluntly Responds to Speculation That Bengals Will Cut Him https://t.co/ZQJRiwOJyl
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 16, 2024
Three Running Back Free Agents That Cincinnati Bengals Could Target
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Edwards-Helaire has some familiarity playing with Burrow at LSU, so this combo could make sense for the Bengals offense. It seems like his time is up in Kansas City after the emergence of Isiah Pacheco and Jerrick McKinnon. The running back room seems to be packed up with the Chiefs so a new start may be needed. Edwards-Helaire is still a young reliable back at the age of 25, having 441 career carries.
He hasn’t played enough yet in the league to see his full potential on a team. He could build his resume by signing on a one-year deal with the Bengals and then hit the market to sign a long-term contract. Edwards-Helaire stuck around in Kansas City racking up just 5.8 touches per game. So a new start could do him justice to get him more playing time to see his full potential.
Don’t expect Edwards-Helaire to do anything for a while if he does remain with the Chiefs. However, under the success of Pacheco and McKinnon, he would be under a shadow.
Antonio Gibson
Gibson has averaged 4.1 yards per carry since the Washington Commanders got him in the 2020 NFL Draft. His attempts may have fallen up, but they could pick up if he joins the Bengals. Gibson is the type of back to be consistent in the passing game, so he could be reliable on screenplays. This could fit with Burrow’s offense which needs another bolstering weapon that can speed all the way.
However, he may likely stay with the Commanders to continue pairing with Brian Robinson. The new Kliff Kingsbury offense in Washington could intrigue him to come back on a cheap one-year deal. They may have to pay Robinson soon in the future depending on both of their anticipated performances this upcoming season.
Rico Dowdle
Dowdle is more of a likely candidate to land with the Bengals if they’re targeting a back to add depth. The lack of wear and tear could make his price tag low so the Bengals could bring him on a cheap two-year deal. Dowdle hasn’t had many touches with the Dallas Cowboys, but he could still have potential. However, he still picked up 361 yards for two touchdowns in his contract year which sets things nicely for him for anyone who needs a back to add depth.
