Offseason not complete for Bengals?

Since the start of the new league year, the Bengals have quietly filled most of the voids on the team and upped their talent level significantly through the signing of James Harrison and in April's draft. The team was also able to bring back its key veterans, Andre Smith, Michael Johnson, Adam Jones, and Wallace Gilberry. The team still has one major hole in its defense, however. The strong safety spot has been manned by Chris Crocker since he signed with the team midway through the season in 2008. He has collected 6 picks in his subsequent starting years following that time, but at 33 years old, Crocker may need to move on from the Bengals.

The Bengals will probably look to re-sign 2012 "WILL" linebacker Thomas Howard, who is coming off of a full season injury suffered last season, if the price is right. He will compete for the starting spot again, and if he impresses enough, the Bengals could move Vontaze Burfict to his natural spot in the middle and go with a linebacking corps of James Harrison, Burfict, and Howard. I see the Bengals bringing in one other outside free agent before training camp at the safety position. Shawn Williams, Taylor Mays, and George Iloka could each start next to Reggie Nelson, but these young players may need more time to adjust to Mike Zimmer's system. Williams and Iloka are the most likely to earn the job, which could make for an intriguing camp battle. Williams is an ideal run supporter and was the leader of Georgia's defense over the past few seasons. Iloka is 6'4, 225 pounds, and can cover well for his size. If the Bengals decide to go the veteran route, here are 3 safeties I could see as a fit for a year.

• Kerry Rhodes-Probably the most likely veteran to get the call on a 1 year deal. Rhodes has already taken a free agent visit to Cincinnati, and is coming off a solid year with the Cardinals in which he intercepted four passes and had 64 tackles. Rhodes helped anchor Rex Ryan's great defenses in 2009 and 2010 in New York, and has 23 career interceptions in nine seasons. Chances he signs: 35%
• Chris Crocker-This would be an ideal situation for Crocker, but maybe not for the Bengals. Crocker came in as an emergency fill-in player last year during the regular season. He played well with 3 interceptions, and the Bengals really missed him in their playoff loss to the Texans. He fits Zimmer's 4-3 defense extremely well, but at 33, can he survive the wear and tear of another full season? I could see the Bengals giving Crocker employment if the young safeties don't shape up late in training camp, but he won't have a chance to sign here if all goes according to plan. Chances he signs: 25%
• Quintin Mikell-Mikell is the best of the free agent safeties left in the pool, and is one of the best free agents still available in the NFL. Ed Reed, Dashon Goldson, and Bernard Pollard are the only safeties on the market this year better than Mikell. He is more of an in-the-box safety, which fits the Bengals' style for the strong safety spot. Mikell is coming off of a 101 tackle season, and he also forced 4 fumbles. Mikell has experience playing in big games with the Eagles. He started 14 games in 2004 when the Eagles made the Super Bowl. He would be the most costly option out of this group, but would probably give the most return on the investment. Chances he signs: 10%