CINCINNATI BENGALS: He is back……
The Cincinnati Bengals, who missed the playoffs in 2023, are preparing for a huge comeback season in 2024. They are also excited about the additions they will make in the 20234 NFL Draft, which presents the AFC North division squad with a chance to strengthen the roster and solve a few of the team’s shortcomings.
The 2023 Chicago Bears secondary was a unit that saw the emergence of rookies and sophomores led by the incredible performance of fourth-year veteran cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Collectively, the Monsters of the Midway intercepted a staggering 22 passes last season, which was tied with the San Francisco 49ers for first in that category. As the weeks progressed and wins mounted late in the season, fans and pundits noticed how much better Chicago’s cornerbacks were at anticipating routes and cutting off passes from opposing quarterbacks.
In order to keep that success sustainable for 2024 and beyond, no task looms larger for general manager Ryan Poles than being able to extend Johnson. Both sides were unable to come to a deal during the season, meaning the pressure is on to get a deal done before other suitors have a chance to offer a massive deal for Johnson’s services.
If a deal with Johnson cannot be done, Poles will likely look to free agency to see if another veteran can assume the role of CB1 as younger players like Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith look to find their footing in the league as they enter their respective second and third years in the league.
