The Cincinnati Bengals made a wise selection earlier in the offseason when they selected Georgia University offensive tackle Amarius Mims. Mims was a huge asset to the Bulldogs last season and played a key role in leading his squad to the National Championship. Coaches have already expressed their admiration for Mims during his brief time in Cincinnati, and he is expected to start at right tackle in order to shield standout quarterback Joe Burrow’s weak side. How the squad arranges the remaining players to best utilize their potential is the actual question.
In an effort to safeguard its franchise quarterback, this squad has spent the last several years searching for the top five offensive lineman. When Orlando Brown, a well-known offensive lineman, was touted as a blockbuster acquisition by the front staff this offseason, people celebrated. Sadly, he did not provide the soundproofing that his supporters had anticipated, and he has been taunted by superior opponents. To settle for a guy who struggles with consistency in a division that boasts outstanding pass rushers like Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt is just too expensive.
Additionally, this team double dipped at tackle this offseason by signing offensive lineman Trent Brown to a one-year, low-risk contract. Even though Brown played for one of the league’s most dysfunctional teams last season, he still managed to rank among the NFL’s greatest offensive tackles at the ripe age of 31. That implies that, despite his enormous deal for an average of $16 million per season, the younger Brown may wind up as the team’s third-best offensive lineman this coming season.
After OTAs, the squad had a chance to witness firsthand what Mims is capable of, so it’s not out of the question that Mims and T. Brown start as the team’s offensive tackles this season. In such scenario, this team might trade for O. Brown and probably acquire at least a first-round choice in exchange for the gifted tackle. The main problem would be that the team would have to pay a dead cap penalty of around $16 million, but it would be ideal for a team with lots of budget room for the current season but significant needs down the road.
Although O. Brown hasn’t proven he can live up to his expensive deal, Cincinnati would be making a significant commitment in both a rookie and an older veteran. After the upcoming season, Cincinnati can make $16 million a season and create the space necessary for Mims to develop into a top-tier player. They ought to accept it.
