ESPN NFL expert Jeremy Fowler and uSTADIUM co-founder Nick Spano have identified Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle B.J. Hill as a “potential cap casualty” or “cut candidate.”
The cause? Over the Cap estimates that the Bengals can save $7.5 million by waiving the $30 million veteran contract. In addition, an improved player might become available in NFL free agency.
For instance, on February 20, ESPN staff writer Matt Bowen identified Cincinnati as the “best team fit” for defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, a breakout player for the Baltimore Ravens.
“Anticipate a robust effort from the Ravens to hold onto Madubuike, who recorded a career-high 13 sacks in 2023,” Bowen said. “However, I also think he would be a good fit in Cincinnati for a defence that needs to bolster its front seven’s speed and playmaking ability.”
The ESPN expert continued, “The Bengals allowed a league-worst 6.0 yards per play last season.” “Madubuike can take advantage of blockers and have an impact on the pocket with his quick feet and explosive first step.”
Christian Wilkins of the Miami Dolphins, Leonard Williams of the Seattle Seahawks, and even Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs are all considered potential Hill replacements should they become available.
Bengals’ B.J. Hill Might Have Limited Ceiling Compared to Free Agent Alternatives
Since joining the Bengals via trade from the New York Giants, Hill has been dependable. Throughout his three seasons in Cincinnati, the interior defensive lineman has participated in at least 16 games. His annual sack total has varied from 3.0 to 5.5. That being said, there may be a ceiling on the former third-round selection.
In a single season, Hill’s career highs of 5.5 sacks and 45 quarterback pressures were never exceeded by him as a pass rusher. He recorded 42 pressures and 4.5 sacks in 2023.
Not horrible, but not as good as Jones, Wilkins, or Madubuike.
In comparison to other defensive tackles around the league, Hill’s run defence performance was likewise mediocre. According to Pro Football Focus, his average depth of tackle on rush attempts (2.3 yards allowed per tackle) tied for 36th place in the NFL (minimum 50% of plays played). Hill’s 6.8% stop percentage, on the other hand, tied for 42nd place.
Upgrading a guy like Hill could make sense as the Bengals look to win a Super Bowl again in 2024, since they will finally have some extra cash to work with. Of course, Cincinnati may decide to retain Hill and team him up with a new partner in crime up the gut, especially since D.J. Reader and Josh Tupou are expected to become free agents at the position.
Bengals Reporter Urges Team to ‘Make a Splash’ for Chiefs Free Agent Chris Jones
Even though the aforementioned Jones might not be available for trade, Chris Roling of USA Today Bengals Wire encouraged Cincinnati to pursue the game-changing player if he is.
Jones might be the best choice, according to Roling, “if the Bengals want to make a splash outside of retaining their own like Tee Higgins and Jonah Williams.”
The author reasoned that “the non-Trey Hendrickson parts of the defensive line struggled as the season went on and exposed a rebuilt, young secondary.” “To make matters worse, not only is superstar interior defender DJ Reader a free agent, but he also suffered his second career torn quad injury and has no idea when he will fully recover.”
After considering all of this, Roling came to the conclusion that Jones “should rank near the top of their outside free agents list because the Bengals know better than most what a game-altering player Jones can be, regardless of the steep price and fact he’s going on 30 years old.”
Reiterating: “A team looking to keep the contention window as wide as possible before Joe Burrow’s extension cap hit escalates in 2025 would be smart to line him up at multiple spots on the same front as Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, first-round pick Myles Murphy, and possibly others.”
