At this latter point in the offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals roster for the upcoming 2024 NFL season is largely set. But, there’s still time for the team to add a free agent, or two, before training camp officially gets underway later this month. There are still some good players available on the market and the Bengals have a couple of positions that would probably benefit from some added depth. With that said, here’s a look at three sleeper free agents that Cincinnati
Hunter Renfrow, Wide receiver
Adding wide receiver Hunter Renfrow at a reasonable rate would make some sense for the Bengals. He has experience in the slot, and that’s likely where he would play following the departure of Tyler Boyd in free agency, and playing alongside the likes of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins would help to open things up for him in the middle of the field.
Renfrow has only eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in a season once in his career, but the Bengals wouldn’t necessarily need him to put up big numbers. They would just need him to be an effective option. He has more experience than most of the other receivers on Cincinnati’s roster, plus he’s still just 28 years old, so he should still have some productive football ahead of him.
Kareem Hunt, Running back
The Bengals are still in the market for another running back, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, specifically a third-down back like Samaje Perine, who they had in 2022. Prine signed with the Denver Broncos last offseason, and the Bengals have yet to identify an adaquete replacement.
Kareem Hunt could fill that role perfectly. Rush operated as a third-down back over the years with the Cleveland Browns, and he’s still just 28 years old. Assuming he could be signed for a reasonable rate, Hunt could be a nice complement to Zack Moss and Chase Brown.
Julio Jones, Wide receiver
Julio Jones is obviously past his prime as a player, but he served as a third receiver alongside A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in Philadelphia last season and showed that he could still be effective, especially in the red zone as he had three touchdown catches in 11 games with the Eagles. In Cincinnati, he could potentially serve as a third receiver alongside Chase and Higgins. Plus, as an experienced veteran, Jones could be a nice addition for the locker room.