After their Super Bowl LVI appearance, the Cincinnati Bengals have three critical needs to address in free agency:

1. Offensive Line

• Priority: Protect QB Joe Burrow, who was sacked 19 times in playoffs
• Potential targets: Terron Armstead and Connor Williams
• Bengals rank second-last in block win rate under Zac Taylor
• Should pursue both free agency and draft options for O-line

2. Cornerback

• Top free agent targets: Carlton Davis and J.C. Jackson
• Need to upgrade from Eli Apple's inconsistent performance
• Position requires attention despite team's playoff success
• Opportunity to strengthen while Burrow is on rookie contract

3. Re-sign Safety Jesse Bates III

• 25-year-old leader in secondary
• 2018 second-round pick from Wake Forest
• Franchise tag candidate
• Bengals have ~$50 million in cap space
• Better scheme fit than alternative Marcus Williams

Key Dates:

• Scouting combine: Next week
• Franchise/transition tag deadline: March 8
• Legal tampering period: March 14-16
• Free agency begins: March 16, 4:00 p.m. ET

The Bengals should capitalize on their Super Bowl momentum and available cap space to address these needs while maintaining their core of homegrown talent.

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