Bengals free agents: projection of the Big 5, who remains, and who leaves?

Cincinnati — With one of the most notable classes of free agents in recent memory, the Bengals head into the summer. Among them are three players who are making their first appearances on the free market and five players who have started each of the previous three seasons on title contenders.

The Bengals personnel staff still has 20 players to choose from in the upcoming months, so their work is far from done.

Here is a glimpse into each player’s past and my estimation of their likelihood of coming back. The Big 5, tight ends, depth pieces, and exclusive rights make up the four sections of the list.

Chidobe Awuzie, the Big 5 CB, age at camp start: 29 (5/24/95)

Stat: In his seven-year career, Awuzie has just twice had a passer rating against a total of better than 100. Both occurred during contract years (2020 and 2023) while coping with injuries.

Positional grade for PFF: 51 of 80

Pay for a career: $25.8 million

Notable quote: “I feel like myself, and my speeds are still very high.” Other folks only need to witness that. – Awuzie on his physical prowess towards the end of the season following ACL surgery

Analysis: Sometime in the upcoming year, Awuzie will debut. He knows the Bengals are unlikely to select him over Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner, so it’s probably not in Cincinnati. With his level of play predicted after recovering from an ACL injury for the entire season and his second-half surge, he might end up being a steal for a team paying $10 million annually.