Cap Analyst Shares Contract Projection for Potential Bengals O-Line Target

The Bengals are expected to target a potential starting right tackle in free agency with Jonah Williams likely signing elsewhere. 

Michael Onwenu is considered the best option on the market. He has experience at both guard and offensive tackle. What would a three or four-year contract look like for the 26-year-old?

Salary cap expert Andre Perrotta put together a contract projection that the Bengals could propose to Onwenu. 

Perrotta believes Cincinnati could offer him a 3-year, $42 million contract that includes a $15 million signing bonus, $20 million fully guaranteed at signing and $32 million in total guarantees. 

He also notes that a four-year deal would likely mean a slight bump to $15-$16 million per year annually. A three-year deal is something the Bengals have given to plenty of free agents in the past, including cornerback Trae Waynes (2020 offseason). 

Adding Onwenu, who projects to be a starting right tackle or guard would be big for a Bengals' offense that is hoping to take steps forward this offseason. His versatility would also allow them to take an offensive tackle early in the 2024 NFL Draft if one of their targets is available.