Bengals youngster designated ‘breakout candidate’ for 2024
Jordan Battle, a safety and 2023 third-round pick of the Bengals, has been dubbed a “early breakout candidate” by PFF for the next season.
“Battle was one of the highest-graded college safeties heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, and while he didn’t get a starting job until Week 11 of his rookie season, all of those strong metrics remained,” said PFF’s Jonathon Macri. “He should be locked in as a full-time starter to kick off 2024 and continue his impressive play for the Bengals.”
Battle started the season late, but even so, he was going to have an outstanding rookie year, recording 71 tackles, two sacks, one interception, and five passes defensed. The squad may gain long-term advantages from Battle’s emergence in addition to immediate ones.
Cincinnati’s salary cap space is expected to reach $59.43 million in 2024, according to PFF. However, the team has a number of significant upcoming free agents to consider, including wide receivers Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, defensive tackle D.J. Reader, and wide receiver Chidobe Awuzie. It will need to make additional cap space available if it wants to keep them all.
The previous offseason, the Bengals signed veteran safety Nick Scott to a three-year contract. However, since Battle and safety Dax Hill appear to be entrenched in the starting lineup, they might bench the soon-to-be 29-year-old. According to Spotrac, the team would save $2.3 million in 2024 and $4.3 million in 2025 if Scott were to leave.
Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell, two seasoned safety, were Cincinnati’s starting lineup just a year ago. Battle’s bright future has also allowed the Bengals to rapidly rebound at the position, even though they have had success with their new clubs.