Free Agency in the NFL officially got under way on Thursday as the Bengals made so decisions that were questionable. Here is their report card.
WHO IS LEAVING?
Andrew Whitworth Left Tackle (Signed 3 year deal, 36 million with LA)
This was crushing news for the Bengals offensive line. I fully expected the crafty veteran to be wearing Orange and black next year. Whitworth was one of the few O-Line man who played decent for the Bengals this year. I thought Whitworth wanted to go to a winning team so going to the Rams seems as a surprise, but I am still stunned that Cincinnati let him get away... GRADE: D-
Kevin Zeitler Right Guard (Signed 5 year deal, 60 Million With Cleveland)
Coming into the day I thought Zeitler would not be a Bengal too much longer, but after not re-signing Whitworth I though we made a run at him. WRONG. Zeitler missed just 8 games in 5 seasons with Bengals and ProFootballFocus.com ranks him as the 7th best guard in the NFL. The O-Line was bad, but now it just got worse. Although, he is going to be the highest paid guard in NFL history, so in the end I do not think he was worth this much money. GRADE: C
Karlos Dansby (Cardinals)
This will be his 14th season in the league and his third time he has gone back to play for the Cardinals. He is old and he wasn't that good last year. He has had a good career, but let's get some younger guys in there. GRADE: B+
WHO IS COMING BACK?
Brandon LaFell Wide Receiver (10 Million)
This move was also a little surprising. LaFell had said he wanted to go somewhere he would be the #1 receiver, but that won't happen here with A.J. Green. LaFell had a great 2016 and reached all of his incentives to get more money. LaFell stepped up big time when Eifer and Green were hurt, but he will be 31 years old this year. He is currently ranked as the 41st best receiver according to Pro Football Focus. He has another year like last year, it's a great move. GRADE: B
Dre Kirkpatrick Cornerback (5 year deal)
Some people did not like this move for the Bengals, but I absolutely loved it. Kirkpatrick is coming into his own as a player and it is paying off for him. Kirkpatrick played like a top corner in the NFL this season. This was big because hopefully the Bengals cut Pacman...but if this deal wasn't made then you are going into the season with your best defensive back being Darquez Dennard who has rarely seen any action and William Jackson III who has not played a snap
Randy Bullock Kicker (2 year deal, $1,565,000)
After cutting Mike Nugent, Bullock came in and kicked the final 3 weeks of the year. Bullock went 5/6 on Field goals and 6/6 on extra points. Unfortunately the only pressure kick he attempted he missed against Houston on Christmas Eve night on national television. This deal was made weeks ago, but have yet to really have an opinion on this. We still don't know if Bullock can fix the kicking problem they had. Plus, if you have a great kicker it helps a lot. Justin Tucker was the reason the Ravens beat Cincinnati this year. GRADE: C
Free Agents Who Still Haven't Signed:
DT Domata Peko
RT Eric Winston
RB Cedric Peerman
DE Margus Hunt
DE Wallace Gilberry
CB Chykie Brown
RB Rex Burkhead
Right now, it looks bad. The O-Line gave up 41 sacks last year and lost their two best linemen. I liked the Lafell and move, but receivers don't matter if you can't block and that's how Dallas was so good this year. The run game was average at best last year so I expect that too take another step back. Best move as of right now is the Kirkpatrick. The Bengals must keep RB Rex Burkhead and everyone is screaming it, but if history tells us anything, that won't happen.
Final Grade: D
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