Bengals' Free Agency Moves Backed by Barnwell's Data

0:00On March 26, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell just wrapped up a big study on free agent signings over the past 10 years, from 2013 to 2022. He graded the top 50 deals each year on a scale from 0 to 6, where 0 means a total bust and 6 is all pro level. Most landed at a 2, basically solid disappointment, but anything from 3 upcounted as a win. Safety and defensive tackle topped the list for highest success rates and averages. Edge rushes ranked 4th and average and 6th in success rate, making those 3 spots the smartest bets on the open market. The Bengals hit all 3 positions hard, this free agency period. They brought in safety, Brian Cook on a big deal. Edge rusher boy mafe to replace Tray Hendrickson and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen for the interior line. This feels like a smart pivot after past misses. Geno Stone flopped at safety after they signed him in 2024, and Sheldon Rankins got the rail by illness before they cut him last off season.

1:00Hendrickson though, was a rare 6th grade smash hit. Barnwell's data backs reinvesting here, even with the risks. The Bengals looked positioned to beat the odds and build a stronger defense moving forward.