National Football League

Cincinnati Bengals free agency preview: What will it take to get a playoff win?

Published Feb. 26, 2015 11:55 a.m. ET

Ross Jones

Generating a pass rush has been a staple of Cincinnati's defense until last season.

Marvin Lewis' defense finished with a league-low in sacks (20) in 2014 -- a season after Michael Johnson's departure.

It's a wonder how the team continues to struggle in postseason despite consistently fielding one of the most talented rosters in the conference. Injuries and inconsistent quarterback play seem to always find a way to plague this team.

How they finished?

2014: 10-5-1 â Loss in wild card against Indianapolis

2013: 11-5 â Loss in Wild Card against San Diego

Projected salary cap space as of Feb. 1 (per Spotrac.com): 6th most with $41.3M

Potential free agency targets: With plenty of cap space, expect the Bengals to try to lure one of the premier pass-rushing threats to town this offseason. Jason Pierre-Paul (Giants), Greg Hardy (Carolina) and Derrick Morgan (Tennessee) could be in play. But keep an eye on Johnson's situation in Tampa Bay. If the Bucs choose to part ways with Johnson one-year into his deal, a reunion could be in store.

Potential cap casualties: It's no secret that Cincinnati has been making its secondary one of the top priorities over the last few seasons. With two first-round picks invested at the cornerback position, it might be time to find out what they have in Dre Kirkpatrick and Darqueze Dennard. Leon Hall, 30, has a cap number of $9.6 million next season, but was productive in 15 games last season.

Extensions? There are not many players who can consistently change a game like wide receiver A.J. Green. Despite having the fifth-year option placed on him a season ago, the Bengals may want to lock up their deep threat long-term. Green, who has strung together four 1,000-yard seasons, certainly can command an annual salary above $10 million dollars and maybe even more if he ever hits the free market.

Offseason needs: DE, ILB and OL

Notable free agents:

OG Clint Boling

LB Rey Maualuga

DB Terence Newman

S Taylor Mays

OT Marshall Newhouse

WR Dane Sanzenbacher

WR Brandon Tate

TE Jermaine Gresham

QB Jason Campbell

DT Devon Still (restricted)