5 waiver wire options for the Bengals to target following final cuts

Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue (23) celebrates after scoring the first touchdown of the game, Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co

The Cincinnati Bengals cut their 53-man roster down Sunday evening. On Monday, we will find out if they made any waiver claims, along with finding out who could end up on the 16-player practice squad to start the season.

While I don't have many complaints about the initial 53, I do think a few outside players are worth putting in a waiver claim for, and another player is worth trying to sign who likely isn't subject to waivers.

Let's take a look at the players Cincinnati should consider adding this coming week.

Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue

The Cowboys waived their 2025 5th-round running back Jaydon Blue on Sunday. Blue is a dynamic speedster with really good receiving ability out of the backfield. This one came as a surprise to most people throughout the NFL. As just a second-year player, Blue was expected by many to be running back #2 or, at worst, running back #3 to begin the season for Dallas.

The Bengals kept Tahj Brooks on their initial 53-man roster as their third running back, but the expectation is for them to scour the waiver wire for a potential upgrade at the spot, or just to have a fourth running back. Blue is certainly one of the biggest names to keep an eye on for a waiver claim tomorrow.

That was a smooth hurdle by Jaydon Blue

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Eagles OT Cameron Williams

Williams was a player I previously mentioned as a potential waiver-claim candidate for the Bengals. The 2025 sixth-round draft selection is still just 22 years old. While he has played almost exclusively at right tackle, I do think the talent is there for a guy like Scott Peters to mold into a legitimate talent at the tackle position.

I thought Jalen Rivers and Javon Foster played well on Friday night. Enough so that both players made the initial 53-man roster. If the Bengals make a claim for Williams, it would almost assuredly mean the end for one of those guys. As of right now, I think they stick with what they have at the tackle position for this season.

If the Bengals claim a tackle off waivers this weekend, I am all in on Cameron Williams (#73). Just 22 years old and has played well during the preseason. They will get a first hand look at him on Friday night when the Bengals take on the Eagles. pic.twitter.com/QVaoB36jVS

- Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) August 27, 2026

Broncos LB Red Murdock

Murdock was Mr. Irrelevant during the 2026 NFL Draft this year. Many projections had him making the Broncos' 53-man roster to start the year. However, he was waived by them on Sunday night. I am not sure the Bengals would make a claim at the position, but they did keep just 4 linebackers on the initial roster. If they liked Murdock during the draft process, they could end up choosing to put in a claim for him to be the 5th linebacker on the roster.

Red Murdock (6'1 236) Buffalo

+ Tone-setter physicality
+ Highly productive with almost 300 tackles over the past two seasons
+ NCAA record 17 forced fumbles
+ Quick to diagnose and react
+ 91.3 run defense grade in 2025
+ Non-stop motor
+ Almost 2,200 career snaps played
+... pic.twitter.com/KhtghsmgOV

- Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 24, 2026

Dolphins LB Tyrel Dodson

Dodson was highly productive for the Miami Dolphins in 2025. After the additions of several rookie prospects, including Jacob Rodriguez, Dodson finds himself outside of the Miami roster this year. If the Bengals want an experienced veteran who would likely be an upgrade over Oren Burks, Dodson would be the way to go.

Tyrel Dodson as a Miami Dolphin:

24 games played
165 total tackles
7 QB hits
1 forced fumble
1 fumble recovery
7 passes defended
4 interceptions

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- FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) August 30, 2026

Broncos RB Jaleel McLaughlin

Another intriguing RB on waivers is former Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin, a 2023 undrafted free agent who played collegiately at Notre Dame College and Youngstown State, so the Bengals are likely familiar with him. In three seasons, McLaughlin has 1,093 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 226 carries (4.8 yards per carry) while catching 59 passes for 263 yards and four scores.

Jaleel McLaughlin catch and run for a Broncos TD!

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- NFL (@NFL) August 29, 2026