Cincinnati — The Bengals’ search for an offensive tackle continues. According to Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, former first-round pick Mekhi Becton is coming in for a visit.
Becton is just 24 years old. He was selected 11th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Frank Pollack, the Bengals’ offensive line coach, was with the Jets when the team drafted Becton. He had his best season under Pollack, appearing in 13 games and earning a 74.4 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus.
Jonah Williams is departing the Cincinnati Bengals after acquiring free agent Orlando Brown Jr. as their starting left tackle last offseason.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Williams is signing a two-year, $30 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. The arrangement includes a $19 million guarantee.
The Bengals made an unexpected move by signing Brown to a four-year, $64 million contract in March 2023. He was coming off a stellar two-year tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs and had made four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.
Brown began his career at right tackle for the Baltimore Ravens before moving to the left side of the offensive line with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Williams, the No. 11 overall choice in the 2019 NFL draft, obviously had no idea what was coming. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the 25-year-old has requested a trade.
Williams’ desire to play left tackle was a wise business decision. Four of the five highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL play on the left side.
The Bengals declined Williams’ request, and he eventually gave up his wish to be traded.
Williams was Cincinnati’s starting left tackle for the first four seasons of his career. Between the regular season and playoffs, the Alabama alum made 47 career starts at the position.
One reason the Bengals may have pursued Brown is that Williams was coming off a subpar season in 2022. He yielded an NFL-high 13 sacks and six quarterback hits in 16 regular-season starts.
Another factor in Cincinnati’s decision could be Williams’ contract situation. The 2023 season is the final year of his rookie contract, which paid him $12.6 million.
