Cincinnati Bengals Strategy and Personnel 2009-02-13

With an estimated $28 million in cap space, coach Marvin Lewis has said the Bengals will be proactive in free agency. Their biggest decision is whether or not they will tag WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who figures to be one of the top free agents on the market. But with a franchise tag of close to $10 million, the team has not indicated which direction they will go.

Other players who the Bengals are looking to either franchise tag or re-sign are kicker Shayne Graham, offensive tackle Stacy Andrews and running back Cedric Benson.

1. Offensive line: After giving up 51 sacks last season, the Bengals are lacking depth with linemen and don't have a lot of experience. With the sixth pick in the draft, they could be looking at left tackle.

2. Running back: Cedric Benson came on during the last three games of the season, but he was the only back to do anything. Even if they re-sign Benson, they need a consistent second back.

3. Pass rush: Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer likes aggressive, blitzing units, but the Bengals' leading sackers had only four. Look for Zimmer to make upgrades with pass rushers on the line and at linebacker.

MEDICAL WATCH: OT Stacy Andrews had surgery on his right knee on Jan. 7. The team originally had a timetable of eight months, but he is hopeful of being on the field by the start of training camp.

--QB Carson Palmer did not need surgery on his right elbow and continues to work out in California.

--LB Keith Rivers had knee surgery the week after the season ended to clean up an injury from college. He will be ready by the start of voluntary workouts next month.

--OT Stacy Andrews was given the franchise tag by the Bengals last year and showed improvement before a knee injury in Week 16. The team is negotiating to re-sign him.

--RB Cedric Benson had three 100-yard games in the four Bengals' wins after being signed in early October. Has expressed an interest in returning.

--LB/DE Darryl Blackstock started four games last season but is thought to be an average tackler. The one advantage that he does have is his versatility.

--S Chris Crocker took over as a starter in Week 11 and is extremely physical, especially on the short routes. He definitely fits into Mike Zimmer's future plans.

--QB Ryan Fitzpatrick became the starter after Carson Palmer injured his elbow. The offense struggled as he threw eight touchdowns against nine interceptions. He still would provide a nice insurance policy as a backup.

--CB Jamar Fletcher signed with the Bengals after Week 3 and made two starts. He is best suited as a nickel corner.

--C Eric Ghiaciuc started all 16 games for the first time in his career. He is a good pass blocker but has been overmatched against nose tackles in the AFC North.

--K Shayne Graham is the most accurate kicker in franchise history (87.5 percent) and second in scoring. The team would like to re-sign him and still might use the franchise tag on him.

--WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh is the top free agent at his position. He has three straight seasons of at least 90 catches and is a very good short- to medium-route receiver. If the Bengals don't use the franchise tag on him, he's gone.

--DT John Thornton has been one of the emotional leaders of the defense during his six-year stay with the club. With the Bengals wanting to get more aggressive pass rushers on the line, it is doubtful he will return.

--S John Busing saw most of his action on special teams and limited action in the secondary.

--RB DeDe Dorsey missed most of the season after suffering a hamstring injury. He's a good outside runner who provides a nice change of pace and also excels on special teams. Not an every down back but a good option as a backup.

--WR Glenn Holt was the Bengals' top kick returner for most of the season and was the fourth receiver on multiple sets.

--LB Rashad Jeanty made 15 starts and was fourth on the team in tackles and second on special teams. He is a disruptive pass rusher and good tackler, which would make him a priority to re-sign.

--LB Brandon Johnson started the last nine games after rookie Keith Rivers was injured and was second on the team in tackles. He is very quick and an effective pass rusher. He would also be a good option to re-sign.

--LB Corey Mays played primarily on special teams but made an impact on defense in the Week 15 game against Washington with a forced fumble and fumble recovery.