With the 2025 NFL Draft less than a month away, most free agents have settled with new teams, though a few remain unsigned. One such player is offensive guard Brandon Scherff, who last played for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite his past Pro Bowl recognition, interest in him has been limited in recent weeks. However, an NFL analyst suggests that the Cincinnati Bengals might soon show interest.
Anthony Consenza of SB Nation believes Scherff could make an immediate impact in Cincinnati, suggesting the Bengals could slot him in at guard while still bolstering their offensive line through the draft.
Although signing Scherff wouldn’t require a massive financial commitment, adding a player like him could signal an “all-in move” for a team. The interior offensive line has been a persistent issue, and Scherff would provide much-needed stability, even if only for a single season.
His leadership qualities and experience mentoring younger players could also make him an attractive option for Cincinnati, especially as they strive to return to championship contention. These attributes align with the values Zac Taylor has prioritized since taking over as the Bengals’ head coach.
The offensive line remains a concern for Cincinnati, despite significant investments in recent years.
The Bengals have already committed massive contracts to receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, while edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is due for a raise. As a result, they likely won’t have the flexibility to make a major splash in free agency for the offensive line, forcing them to rely on the draft or bargain signings—where Brandon Scherff could come into play.
A first-round pick in the 2015 draft, Scherff spent seven seasons with Washington, earning five Pro Bowl selections before signing a lucrative deal with Jacksonville in 2022. Durability was a concern when he joined the Jaguars, as he hadn’t played a full season since 2016. However, he defied expectations by not missing a single game in his three-year stint.
Now 33, Scherff remains a solid player, but his production didn’t justify his high salary, leading Jacksonville to let him walk in free agency. Since then, he has yet to be linked to any team.
The Jaguars made the right call when they let Brandon Scherff walk
There’s no denying Scherff’s impact on and off the field for the Jacksonville Jaguars, having served as a team captain in 2022 and 2023. He remained a reliable pass protector, allowing no sacks and just 17 total pressures.
However, Jacksonville wasn’t paying him just to be solid. They made him one of the league’s highest-paid guards in 2022 but didn’t get the expected return on investment. Shortly after moving on from Scherff, the Jags signed Patrick Mekari to a three-year, $37.5 million deal.
While Mekari doesn’t have Scherff’s accolades, he’s younger and offers more long-term upside. If Jacksonville truly wanted to keep Scherff, they likely could have, but at 33, he’s closer to the end of his career than the beginning.
That reality is why Scherff remains a free agent. Still, for a team like the Cincinnati Bengals, he might be just enough to provide stability to their offensive line.
Be the first to comment