Giovani Bernard is the top free agent running back target for the Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals clawed their way through the 2021 season and swept the Kansas City Chiefs to win the AFC Championship. Cincy may have come utterly close to being crowned Super Bowl championships, but they still have room for improvement. They don’t need to improve because they were the second-best team in the league, but it’s because they don’t have one of the most well-balanced rosters in the league.
It’s widely enunciated that the Bengals offensive line needs to be improved, but there is one other position that could be boosted this offseason. The Bengals RB position could be upgraded, especially in the 2022 free agency period. The Bengals RB Samaje Perine isn’t a superb RB2 and complement to Joe Mixon. It would make sense if the team with the fourth-most cap space in the league added more juice at the RB position. The Bengals were also 23rd in rushing yards a season ago, so it would be ideal for the Bengals to bring in more power at the half-back spot. Here are a few running backs that the Bengals could look at in free agency.
Giovani Bernard
It would be poetic for the former Bengals RB Giovani Bernard to reunite with his beloved team. He of course played with the Bengals from 2013 to 2020. Bernard was catching passes from Tom Brady in 2021, but he can go to the dark side and fit in well as an all-purpose RB in Cincy.
He wasn’t a slouch with the Bengals prior to his exit. He recorded six total touchdowns in 2020 and 771 total yards last season. He would be a sure-fire upgrade over Perine and he might even take less money to chase a Super Bowl with his ex-team. Let’s be honest – Who Dey nation wants Bernard back in the Jungle.
James White
The Bengals could look to take some of James White’s Super Bowl dust and insert him into their robust offensive lineup. White is a nice, versatile RB that can help wear down defenses and make catches from great matchups out of the backfield. He is a more impressive pure runner than Perine and essentially a better all-purpose back than Mixon’s backup. He can be the RB they’ve been missing without Giovani Bernard.
White only played in three games in 2021 due to a hip injury that occurred in their third game against the New Orleans Saints. White wasn’t outstanding in 2020 with the Cam Newton-led offense, but he did have 908 total yards and six touchdowns in 2019. He could be in awe of the fit and contract in Cincy.
Ty Montgomery
The former Packers and Saints all-purpose RB Ty Montgomery would be a fine addition to Zac Taylor’s collection. Montgomery will likely not be brought back by the Saints cap-strapped team that already has Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram, and the potential breakout RB Tony Jones.
Montgomery wouldn’t be a big-name signing, but he could be a good value pickup. He has six rushing touchdowns in the past two seasons for the Saints, but he hasn’t ousted a 400+ total yard season since 2018. Montgomery brings special team value, as well.
Cordarrelle Patterson
The former All-Pro kick returner would be an exciting addition to the Bengals offense. The Bengals have the money and jewelry to impress Patterson. The former Vikings first-round pick unveiled a career season in 2021, as he recorded 1,166 total yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Atlanta Falcons could rebuild and I don’t expect him to return to his prior scheme. Patterson would be the ultimate x-factor as the RB2, slot WR, and special teamer in the pivotal playoffs next season. We saw the Bengals get creative by having Mixon throw a touchdown to Tee Higgins. Zac Taylor and Patterson are truly destined to be together.
Adrian Peterson
The future Hall of Fame RB might appear as washed up at age 36, but I believe AD can be potent with limited snaps in the right scheme. Peterson could quietly be a fine RB2 for the Bengals squad. Peterson is also chasing his first Lombardi trophy and he can potentially fulfill his wishes with Cincy and Joe Cool.
The former Vikings All-Pro RB notched 604 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns in 2020. He wasn’t in elite shape last season, as he picked up 106 total yards and two total touchdowns. Peterson really wanted a ring with the Saints, but his personality conflicted with Payton. I expect the hungry AD to play one more season and the mutual interest could arise between the Bengals and Peterson in the near future or in pre-season.
