The Cincinnati Bengals may have lost in the first round of the playoffs for the fifth straight season, but they have a roster many thought was the best in football - if they had stayed healthy. Now, the Bengals may lose some of those key pieces in free agency - something they can't let happen. Here are three players Cincinnati must re-sign this offseason:
3) WR Marvin Jones
Jones had a big breakout season for the Bengals, emerging as a very capable and dependable No. 2 receiving option next to A.J. Green. Targeted over 100 times this year, Jones caught 65 passes for 816 yards and four touchdowns while making several highlight-reel plays. Look for Cincinnati to make him the priority over Mohamed Sanu.
2) CB George Iloka
Iloka's free agency becomes even more importand if the Bengals decided to move on from Adam Jones, which they're much more likely to do after his shenanigans against the Steelers. Jones has been Cincinnati's top corner for the last few years with Iloka starting opposite him, and the Bengals simply can't afford to lose both starting cornerbacks.
1) FS Reggie Nelson
Even though he's 32 years old, Nelson is still one of the best safeties in the league. He tied for the league-lead with eight interceptions, racked up an exceptional 77 tackles, and is one of the highest-rated safeties in the league by ProFootballFocus. A true leader of this defense, Cincinnati needs his stable production to sure up the back end of their defense.