There are only so many ways an NFL roster can increase in his this time of year. The bulk of free agency is well in the past, and the NFL Draft and college free agency have pushed roster sizes to near capacity for the offseason.
Right after the draft has become a time when notable veteran free agents find new teams. Seizing opportunities that remain open after the clarity of the draft is revealed.
As it stands at the beginning of May, the Cincinnati Bengals unofficially roster 88 players, including 10 official draft picks and 14 unofficial CFA signings following the draft. At least two roster spots remain open before the 90-man limit is reached.
Here are a few remaining veterans that could fill those spots.
Adoree’ Jackson, cornerback
The Bengals are moving former first-round pick Dax Hill to cornerback, but there’s a better option to give DJ Turner II competition for his starting gig. Jackson was also a first-round pick back in 2017 by the Tennessee Titans and spent the last three seasons with the New York Giants. He’s played well over 5,000 career snaps and is still 28 years old.
Even if Jackson doesn’t beat out Turner in training camp, a veteran with plenty of experience and speed to back him up for the season is exactly what the cornerback room needs.
Cam Akers, running back
It wouldn’t take much for the Bengals to improve the depth at running back. Zack Moss and Chase Brown are settled as the 1-2 punch, and Trayveon Williams remains the best option as RB3. Akers can literally give him a run for his money for the backup role, which is all Akers should be gunning for after a disappointing 2023 season in which he was traded from the Los Angeles Rams.
Akers landed with the Minnesota Vikings early in the season. He didn’t show much when his involvement increased, but he did play under new Bengals pass game coordinator Justin Rascati.
Calaias Campbell, defensive tackle
Finding a new home after the draft is standard practice for someone in Campbell’s massive shoes. The 37-year old vet will be looking for the best chance of playing time on a contending team, that is, if he does want to continue playing.
The additions of Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson give the Bengals needed depth along the interior, but the room could use one more contributor to truly solidify things. Jackson is currently the best option to start at nose tackle. Campbell would provide more certainty there.
