Here are some notes from Geoff Hobson’s recent article published on Bengals.com
Hobson writes that Andre Smith will most likely wait until OT Jake Long signs with either the Rams or the Dolphins before figuring out where he’ll be playing next season.
Interestingly enough, offensive tackles Long, Smith and Sebastian Vollmer are all represented by the same agency, which means that the recent lack of interest in Smith and Vollmer could be part of their gameplan instead of a poor market.
Previous reports indicated that the Bengals would like to re-sign Smith, so things could pick up shortly after Long makes his decision.
We have Smith listed as the No. 4 best available player in our recently updated Top 50 Free Agents list.
According to Hobson, “indications are that [the Bengals] are closing in on” a deal with free agent CB Adam Jones.
Cincinnati has said that re-signing their free agents is their top priority this offseason and Jones has actually been a great addition for the Bengals. Pro Football Focus actually rated Jones as the No. 11 best corner in the league last season, but the amount of interest in him has been very limited up to this point.
We have Jones listed as the No. 19 best available player in our recently updated Top 50 Free Agents list.
Hobson also mentions that “indications are that [the Bengals] are closing in on” a deal with free agent LB Rey Maualuga as well.
Maualuga has at least found enough interest to visit with the Cardinals and Giants last week, but both teams wound up signing different linebackers.
Maualuga is coming off a tough season, which could actually be an understatement. Pro Football Focus rated him as the worst qualifying inside linebacker in the league last year. It’s doubtful that he’ll command much terms of salary, so a return to Cincinnati seems plausible at this point.
The Bengals recently lost backup QB Bruce Gradkowski to the Steelers, so it makes sense that they would be looking for a replacement.
Hobson notes that the Bengals have already met with Josh Johnson and are currently in the process of scouting quarterback prospect in this year’s draft class. Hobson adds that former Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick could be option for them.
“One guy you’ve got to believe they’re going to pursue at some point if he can’t find a starting job is former Bengal Ryan Fitzpatrick,” writes Hobson.
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