Cincinnati Bengals Viewed as Top Landing Spot for Earl Thomas

The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t known for making bold moves when it comes to acquiring talent, but maybe they should start considering it.

This organization has operated with a simple and straightforward methodology in regards to the offseason. Be smart and frugal in free agency, even with their own players. Then be sure to get the best players possible in the draft. It’s been a solid strategy to this point. Since 2003 the team has made the playoffs seven times. That’s far more than some other teams could boast. The problem is it’s gotten them no closer to the Super Bowl.

Perhaps that’s a big reason why. Their unwillingness to be bold in their efforts to build a championship team has stuck them in the good-not-great categories. Since then they’ve been spinning their wheels, trying to climb the mountain but always left to watch teams like the Patriots, Steelers and even Broncos glide past them in the AFC year after year. Something has to change.

Bucky Brooks of NFL.com thinks there might be one move they can make that would change the formula in all the right ways.

Bengals could benefit in a big way from trade for Earl Thomas

Perhaps the biggest reason the team can’t get any further in the playoffs is that they don’t have players on the roster who know how to take that next step. It’s an entirely homegrown roster filled with young players who haven’t learned how to elevate their game when it matters. Brooks feels adding somebody who’s been to the mountaintop would be of enormous benefit. Somebody like All-Pro safety Earl Thomas.

"“The Bengals don’t have an obvious need at safety, but the team could use another veteran leader to help the defense play at a championship level. Thomas’ ball-hawking skills and toughness would add some sizzle to the defense, while his championship pedigree would come in handy in any playoff action. Given Marvin Lewis’ winless postseason record, the addition of a strong leader like Thomas could help him earn a “W” in January.”"

Thomas is one of the top safeties in the NFL. He has a strong knowledge of how to play in a 4-3 defense, the same the Bengals run. He tends to generate a lot of takeaways and is a smart, passionate leader. Nobody on the current Bengals roster can make those same claims. On top of that, he’s been to a Super Bowl twice and has a ring on his finger. If anybody can teach what it takes to elevate their play when it matters, it’s him.

What it comes down to is whether Cincinnati would be willing to pay the price. Even at his age of 29, Thomas won’t come cheap. He’s still a Pro Bowler who can have several good years in his future provided he stays healthy. It would likely cost a 2nd round pick at least and maybe more. Would the Bengals brass take that kind of risk? It’s hard to see it happening.