At this juncture in the offseason, there’s considerable speculation regarding players’ potential destinations for the upcoming season. However, the Cincinnati Bengals face a dilemma as some of their key players are predicted to join their division rivals. In a division where three out of four teams made the playoffs last season, aiding the competition is the last thing they want, potentially influencing their decisions in this crucial offseason.
Recent reports suggest that right tackle Jonah Williams could be a good fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers as he approaches the end of his rookie contract in Cincinnati. Despite the Steelers selecting offensive tackle Broderick Jones from the University of Georgia last season, their entire offensive line remains below par.
Williams’ primary asset is his versatility, standing at 6’5” and weighing 312 pounds, hailing from Alabama. He can effectively play at either tackle or guard position. While he was considered a promising prospect for Cincinnati, his performance dipped significantly in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In 2022, he ranked among the worst pass blockers in the NFL, conceding a notable number of sacks for a highly regarded offensive tackle.
The turning point for Williams occurred when Cincinnati signed Orlando Brown Jr. to a lucrative contract last offseason, displacing Williams from the left tackle position. Initially resistant, Williams eventually agreed to complete his contract at right tackle after realizing his trade value was minimal in 2023.
With Dan Moore Jr. failing to impress at left tackle for Pittsburgh, Williams now has an opportunity to reclaim the position at a rival team. Despite his underwhelming performances in Cincinnati, he possesses enough potential to secure the starting role at left tackle and work on rebuilding his reputation.
Williams is expected to demand a salary slightly above $12 million per season, but given his recent struggles, he may struggle to find suitors willing to meet his asking price. Pittsburgh could be an ideal landing spot for him, settling for a one-year deal worth $6 million, allowing him to play at left tackle and strive for a more respectable season. A successful 2024 campaign would position Williams better for free agency in 2025 compared to his current circumstances.
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