Bengals recruiting Pro Bowl offensive lineman?

Aaron Donald and Von Miller exposed just how badly the Cincinnati Bengals need help for their offensive line. They seem to be well aware of it too.

Michael Ginnitti, a co-founder of the popular sports contract site Spotrac, appeared this week on ESPN 97.5 in Houston and spoke on the moves the Texans could make this offseason. One of the moves that Ginnitti noted as looking “inevitable” was a trade of offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil.

The report sparked rumors, and Tunsil himself even seemed to respond to them on Twitter.

Is there more?

— Laremy Tunsil (@KingTunsil78) February 21, 2022

Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton also got in on the action by tweeting at Tunsil in an apparent effort to recruit him.

My dawg 👀 we need to talk! https://t.co/KSO2sWOAlY

— Mike Hilton (@MikeHilton_28) February 21, 2022

Cincinnati star Joe Burrow was the most sacked quarterback in football this past season, going down 51 times. The team’s failure to protect him also arguably cost them the Super Bowl this year, as the Los Angeles Rams sacked Burrow seven times in a three-point win.

Tunsil, a two-time Pro Bowler, is regarded as one of the best left tackles in the game today and would be tasked with protecting Burrow’s blind side if the Bengals can acquire him. Tunsil is owed $36.3 million over the next two years, though there is a potential out in 2023 with $8.3 million in dead cap.

The former first-round pick Tunsil has been the butt of some jokes during his time in Houston. But he could have the last laugh if he gets sent to the reigning AFC champions and is able to block for one of the most exciting young offenses in the NFL.

Photo: Jan 2, 2022; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor paces the sideline in the first quarter during a Week 17 NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports