Two current Cincinnati Bengals defenders were named potential cut candidates by NFL.com. Perhaps this could end up being of interest to the Indianapolis Colts and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Matt Okada recently put together a list of notable potential cut candidates across the NFL. For the Bengals, Okada mentioned defensive end Sam Hubbard or defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins as cut candidates for Cincinnati.
Hubbard was a third-round pick by the Bengals in 2018 and has been with Cincinnati since, which includes playing under Anarumo in six of his seven NFL seasons.
His most productive years came in 2021 and 2022, when Hubbard tallied 65 pressures and 62 pressures, respectively. However, each year since, his production has dipped pass rush-wise, with 40 pressures in 2023 and 18 this past year.
Hubbard has remained a fairly strong run defender during that span by PFF’s metrics.
With Dayo Odeyingbo hitting free agency and Samson Ebukam a potential cut candidate for the Colts, defensive end depth could be a sneaky need for Indianapolis.
With Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu already on the roster, Hubbard could slot into a rotational role with Tyquan Lewis, with Anarumo using him in specific situations.
The 2024 season was Rankins first with Cincinnati. He is a former first-round pick by New Orleans in 2016 and has also played with the New York Jets and Houston for one season.
Rankins appeared in just seven games with the Bengals totaling four pressures and one sack. He did not grade out well as a run defender either.
With Taven Bryan a free agent, Raekwon Davis another cut candidate, the Colts need to bolster their defensive tackle depth and they also need improved play from whoever is behind DeForest Buckner an Grover Stewart on the depth chart.
Neither of these potential signings would be massive high-impact additions most likely. However, Hubbard and Rankins play two positions where depth is possible need, I’m guessing neither will break the salary cap bank, and their familiarity with Anarumo’s scheme could be valuable as the Colts make this transition to a new system.