Bengals Free Agents 2023: Who could the Cincinnati Bengals lose in the NFL off-season?

The Cincinnati Bengals' full attention will be on this weekend's AFC Championship game versus the Kansas City Chiefs. While the team will be pleased with its improvements this season, it would appear that the best time to consider its future is now.

One of the biggest names expected to enter the free-agent market this coming summer is Jessie Bates. However, he is not the only name on the lengthy list.

Here is a list of all the players who will be unrestricted, restricted, and exclusive rights free agents in 2023 after the current season:

1. Jessie Bates, Safety

2. Vonn Bell, Safety

3. Eli Apple, Cornerback

4. Hayden Hurst, Tight End

5. Tre Flowers, Cornerback

6. Samaje Perine, Running Back

7. Brandon Allen, Quarterback

8. Drew Sample, Tight End

9. Clark Harris, Long Snapper

10. Max Scharping, Guard

11. Michael Thomas, Safety

12. Trent Taylor, Wide Receiver

13. Jalen Davis, Cornerback

14. Germaine Pratt, Linebacker

15. Joe Bachie, Linebacker

16. Trayveon Williams, Running Back

17. Cal Adomitis, Long Snapper

18. Clay Johnston, Linebacker

19. Mitchell Wilcox, Tight End

Which free agents should the Cincinnati Bengals sign or keep in the off-season?

The Cincinnati Bengals' offseason is yet to begin, but it's never too early to start thinking about potential acquisitions for the team. If the Cincinnati Bengals want to maintain their position as one of the league's top teams, they should consider signing or keeping these free agents.

#1 Hayden Hurst

Hayden Hurst of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after his team's 37-30 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers

With other concerns in the squad, the Bengals may lose several important players like linebacker Germaine Pratt and safeties Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates III. However, they should make it a priority to keep tight end Hayden Hurst.

In their passing attack, Hurst is precisely what the Bengals require. He certainly has room for improvement as a blocker, but he could be consistently counted on in the passing game.

#2 DJ Chark

DJ Chark Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears

Although the Bengals don't have a pressing need at wide receiver, depth is always welcome. Tee Higgins will likely desire a contract extension this offseason, which might prompt the Bengals to look for a different starter.

The Cincinnati Bengals should consider signing DJ Chark because he has the potential to start but also serve as a valuable depth player.

#3 James Bradberry

James Bradberry of the New York Giants smiles during warm-up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers

The need for a cornerback is pressing due to the injury to Chidobe Awuzie and Eli Apple becoming a free agent in 2023. James Bradberry is among the best available players this coming spring. After leaving the New York Giants last season, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he has been outstanding.

He could contribute right away to this developing Cincinnati Bengals defense. Bradberry will not come cheap, but if the Bengals want to maintain good protection in a league where passing is the norm, he would be worth the investment.