What went right, what went wrong? Bengals free agency deep dive

The first wave of free agency is in the books, and the Cincinnati Bengals have completed the initial phase of the NFL offseason. After a disappointing season in which the Bengals finished 6-11 and missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season, expectations are high in Cincinnati internally and externally. Franchise quarterback Joe Burrow said free agency would be “paramount” for the franchise to nail in hopes of improving the roster.

Free agency isn’t over by any means as the Bengals are likely to continue to add players, but the first wave is over. And it’s the one that matters most. The Enquirer spoke to several sources around the NFL over the last week about the Bengals.

Here’s what we learned about the current state of the Bengals' roster. Bengals have expressed desire to give DJ Turner and Dax Hill new deals The Bengals haven’t started negotiations with cornerbacks DJ Turner and Dax Hill yet, but the franchise has made it clear that both players are in their plans for the future. It’s not uncommon that negotiations haven’t started as they typically heat up closer to the start of training camp.

However, it’s noteworthy that the Bengals have already done their due diligence in making sure Hill and Turner know the franchise is planning to give them new deals. Hill and Turner are coming off career-defining years, and the Bengals view them as high priority players they want to keep around. Cincinnati’s defense is still undergoing a makeover.