Broken Negotiation: The Bengals target Malcolm Roach, who signed with a rival team.
The Cincinnati Bengals are aware that their depth at defensive tackle is lacking, but they still find the idea of having DJ Reader return intriguing. They plan to pursue it in the draft and in free agency.
They attempted to recruit Malcolm Roach, a rising star defensive tackle from the New Orleans Saints, but he signed with the Denver Broncos on Tuesday.
According to Denver Gazette reporter Chris Tomasson, the 25-year-old had numerous suitors.
The Rams, Cardinals, Bills, and Bengals were all very interested in Malcolm Roach, but the Broncos prevailed in their negotiations to sign him to a two-year, $8 million contract. Roach is regarded as an ascending talent and an athletic nose tackle.
Cincinnati missed out on a standout defender.
With players like Nick Chubb and Derrick Henry in the division, the Bengals will need a number of tough guys in the trenches on the defensive side of the ball. Roach, at 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, has the size and strength to anchor the middle.
Given that Roach is reportedly going to Denver, Reader has not yet decided on his future organization, so expect the Bengals to potentially pursue him even more.
The Bengals are in need of a defensive tackle, so stay tuned for updates from the team soon.
