LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 15: Bobby Hart #68 of the Cincinnati Bengals in action in the first half during a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on August 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Who won’t be a part of the Cincinnati Bengals’ long term plans?
The Cincinnati Bengals are ushering in a new era of professional football. Andy Dalton is gone, and the future lies on the arm of Heisman Trophy-winner Joe Burrow. Selecting him with the first overall pick was the first step in their rebuild.
With the Bengals looking to return to prominence in the AFC North, there are going to be some decisions for the organization to make in terms of player personnel. With Burrow signed to a rookie contract, the team must build a contending team around him now, before he’s due for a hefty pay raise.
To continue the process, the Bengals will have to ship out some players that aren’t in their long term plans. Here are three players that make the most sense.
3
Bobby Hart
OT Cincinnati Bengals
New York Giants fans remember the name of Bobby Hart for all the wrong reasons. Prior to the start of the 2017 regular-season opener, Hart confidently dubbed himself as “the best right tackle in the NFL,” before he got utterly embarrassed by the Dallas Cowboys pass rush. The Giants released him following the season, and signed on with the Cincinnati Bengals a mere five days later.
His first season mirrored that of his stint in New York, where he struggled mightily against the opposing defensive line. Even so, the Bengals willingly gave him a three-year, $21 million contract in 2019! To the shock of nobody, Hart hasn’t lived up to the contract, as he garnered a 57.7 grade by Pro Football Focus, where he allowed six sacks last season and was penalized seven times.
We’d say Hart is an easy cut candidate come training camp, but the Bengals haven’t even attempted to bring in proper competition. Cincinnati would save over $5 million in cap space if they release him following the 2020 season. It’s an easy move for the Bengals, who can draft an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Hello, Penei Sewell?