NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2024 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, which means free agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2024 NFL draft begins April 25 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2024 NFL free agent signing by the Cincinnati Bengals and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Sheldon Rankins, DT
Rankins agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth $26 million.
What it means: The Bengals get a key player at a position of need. Rankins immediately gives Cincinnati a pass-rushing presence in the middle of the defensive line. Last season, he was seventh in pass rush win rate as a defensive tackle. The Bengals already have one of the league's best edge rushers in Trey Hendrickson. Rankins should pair well with the current grouping and improve a pass rush that was 18th in total sacks last season.
What's the risk: Rankins turns 30 this year, so there will naturally be questions about how well he can sustain his performance level. But with a two-year deal, Cincinnati mitigated the risk if that happens. It's a good deal for both sides .
Mike Gesicki, TE
Gesicki agreed to a one-year deal worth $3.25 million.
What it means: Gesicki gives the Bengals a pass-catching option at tight end in a move that could be a big win-win for both sides. In 2023, Cincinnati signed Irv Smith Jr. on a one-year deal in hopes that he could replace Hayden Hurst. That never panned out and Cincinnati had to adjust accordingly. During Gesicki's five-year run with the Dolphins, he had 50 or more catches in three seasons. Gesicki and Drew Sample should solidify the top of the Bengals' depth chart at tight end.
What's the risk: The Bengals know what it looks like when things don't pan out with a cost-friendly tight end. Gesicki will be the third straight tight end to sign with the Bengals on a one-year deal. Cincinnati can't afford to invest a lot of cap room into that position. The team hopes that he'll be a viable aerial threat for QB Joe Burrow, something that was lacking last season.
Zack Moss, RB
The Bengals and the former Colts running back agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal.
What it means: The Bengals are making a big change at running back. Moss will replace Joe Mixon, a seven-year starter who will be released, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Mixon had been productive for Cincinnati and had a solid 2023 season. However, Cincinnati needs its running game to be more explosive in order to make it easier to hit big plays in the passing game. When Moss filled in for Jonathan Taylor at the beginning of last season, he was one of the top rushers in the league. Cincinnati will be hoping he can find that form in 2024.
What's the risk: While Mixon was good at getting the available yards, Cincinnati needs a running back who can create big plays and force defenses to commit more players to the line of scrimmage. Moss is on a very team-friendly contract, so the financial risk is limited. However, if Moss can't create those explosive plays and back-ups Chase Brown and Trayveon Williams are unable to as well, Cincinnati will run into the same problems it had in 2023.
Geno Stone, S
Stone agreed to a two-year, $15 million deal.
What it means: The Bengals address a position of need with a familiar AFC North foe. Stone, who played the last three seasons with the Ravens, was second in the NFL in interceptions with seven, and one of those was a critical pick in a Week 2 win over the Bengals. Cincinnati needed a veteran safety with the position limbo for rookie Dax Hill. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo could move Hill to a cornerback spot to take advantage of the 2022 first-round pick's range. This move will have a major impact on how the Bengals line up next season.
What's the risk: The Bengals have to get the secondary situation sorted out immediately. If Stone doesn't fix the Bengals' woes, they could be positioned to struggle at the back of the defense for the second straight year. It's the type of weakness that could prevent Cincinnati from becoming an AFC contender in 2024.
Vonn Bell, S
Bell agreed to terms on a one-year deal with Cincinnati.
What it means: After just one year in Carolina, Bell is back in Cincinnati. He spent three seasons with the Bengals before signing a three-year deal with the Panthers that included $13 million in guaranteed money. He brings a veteran presence that should help the development of young defensive backs Dax Hill and Jordan Battle.
What's the risk: Since Carolina is still on the hook for the guaranteed money, there couldn't be less risk for the Bengals. One could say Cincinnati's side of the risk was taken last year, when the safety play dropped off after Bell and Jessie Bates III left in free agency.
Tanner Hudson, TE
Hudson will sign a one-year deal with the Bengals.
What it means: Hudson is rewarded for a breakout 2023 season. Hudson flashed in training camp, eventually earned more reps during the season and was signed to the active roster. After having 15 catches in his first four seasons in the NFL, he finished 2023 with 39 catches for 352 yards and a touchdown. At the end of the year, QB Joe Burrow said he was looking forward to getting an offseason to work with Hudson, so that could be something to monitor during spring workouts.
What's the risk: No risk here. Hudson is someone who developed on Cincinnati's practice squad last year and will be slotted as a reserve tight end behind new signee Mike Gesicki and veteran Drew Sample.
Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB
The Bengals agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with Davis-Gaither.
What it means: While Davis-Gaither's defensive snap count dropped last season, this deal signals that he added value as a core special teams option. Last season, he was on the field for a career-high 80% of the team's special teams snaps. The fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft also is the third linebacker in more traditional 4-3 packages.
What's the risk: Based on the terms of the deal, there is little risk involved in this one. Cincinnati spent the first day of free agency re-signing players on expiring deals, except ex-Ravens safety Geno Stone, who agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth $15 million. Davis-Gaither fits that profile and also becomes the fourth player in the 2020 Bengals draft class to earn a second contract with the club.
Drew Sample, TE
The Bengals brought back Sample on a three-year, $10.5 million deal.
What it means: The Bengals addressed one of their biggest position needs with one of the most trusted players on the roster. They re-signed Sample, a 2019 second-round pick, to a three-year contract extension. Sample emerged as the team's most used tight end last season, earning reps on 47% of the team's offensive snaps, per NFL Next Gen Stats. While he has improved as a reliable pass-catching option, Sample's usefulness in the run game cannot be understated. In 2023, Sample was even used as a primary pass blocker on third downs.
What's the risk: While the numbers of Sample's deal were not immediately available, there is risk if the Bengals do not supplement the Sample signing with at least another top option, whether it be in free agency or the draft. Cincinnati's tight ends didn't yield the same production as in previous seasons. While he had more plays in the passing game in 2023, Sample hasn't been the top TE passing target in his time with the Bengals. And in an offense that likes to let it fly, that attribute is very important for a player at that position.
Trayveon Williams, RB
He signed a one-year deal.
What it means: Williams comes back for his sixth season since the Bengals drafted him in 2019. He has developed into a solid depth option for Cincinnati and gives the group some continuity, which could be useful if the team opts to move on from starter Joe Mixon this offseason. Last season, Williams appeared in all 17 games and had his highest snap counts on offense and special teams.
What's the risk: While the terms of the deal have not yet been reported, there is unlikely to be any major risk. Last season, Williams registered a mere $1.1 million salary cap hit.
Cody Ford, G
The Bengals brought back Ford on a one-year deal.
What it means: The Bengals started free agency with a deal for someone who quietly had a very strong 2023. Ford emerged as the team's No. 6 offensive line option for the Bengals. He played in all 17 games last season and made one start. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Ford had 77 blocking snaps. Eighteen of them came at left tackle, while another 20 where at right guard. Often, he was the extra blocker on heavy packages. But it gives the Bengals trusted depth along the offensive line.
What's the risk: With it being a one-year deal, there is minimal risk for the Bengals. Cincinnati has someone it trusts on the offensive line for what should be an inexpensive rate. Ford made just over $1 million on his 1-year deal with Cincinnati last season.
Trenton Irwin, WR
Irwin agreed to terms on a 1-year deal worth up to $2 million.
What it means: This could become a pretty significant addition. Irwin had his best performance in a win over Arizona last season, when he caught eight passes for 60 yards in a win. He has developed a strong rapport with quarterback Joe Burrow. Of all the players currently on the roster to be a potential third wide receiver, Irwin has shown the ability to play in the slot and has the most catches of any player.
What's the risk: The Bengals will need Irwin -- or whoever does win the battle to replace the outgoing Tyler Boyd -- to win their matchups on the inside and be a vertical threat as a slot receiver. The Bengals are looking for a more explosive passing attack in '24 and having a quality third receiver is a big part of that.