SF 49ers free agency: 5 potential landing spots for Trent Williams
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Cincinnati Bengals
Like the Chargers, the Cincinnati Bengals are in another position where they’d be looking for some massive offensive line upgrades this offseason to protect a young quarterback, Joe Burrow, who had an extremely high sack percentage of 7.3 before suffering his season-ending injury after 10 games, which also saw him take 32 sacks and 42 quarterback hits during that span.
Former Alabama tackle Jonah Williams was solid enough last year, but even the Bengals could stand for a more proven veteran than him.
Again, that’s where Trent Williams comes into play.
Head coach Zac Taylor could easily be on the hot seat next season, and Cincy would be an attractive job. Especially with one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league. While Cincy is looking at the likelihood of drafting Oregon tackle Penei Sewell at No. 3 overall, going after Williams would be a surefire means to protect Burrow without question marks surrounding a rookie.
Taylor understands this, and he certainly understands the need for some additional protection, which would also help his offense thrive in what’s becoming, perhaps, the toughest division in football, the AFC North.
The Bengals also have the edge over the SF 49ers in the financial department, boasting over $42 million in cap space and having a quarterback wrapping up his first season on a rookie contract.
Simply put, Cincinnati can afford to overpay a player like Williams with ease.