Bengals Notes: Michael Johnson, Anthony Collins, Other Free Agents

Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer offers a look at all 14 of the Bengals impending free agents and their chances of being back in Cincinnati next season.

Michael Johnson

Johnson is the most notable of the Bengals free agents, however, Dehner Jr puts his chances of being back with the Bengals at just 20 percent.

Dehner Jr points to the fact that the team has already paid DE Carlos Dunlap and DT Geno Atkins, so allocating another market value salary to the defensive line would be extremely difficult. Dehner Jr doesn’t rule out the possibility of the Bengals using the franchise, but it doesn’t seem like this is going to be something they’ll consider.

We have Johnson listed as the No. 9 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.

Anthony Collins

Dehner Jr expects the Bengals to allow OT Anthony Collins to test the free agent market before deciding whether or not to look for a replacement elsewhere.

Andre Smith looked poised to cash in a few years ago, but he found very little interest which allowed the Bengals to bring him back at a more reasonable salary.

Dehner Jr believes this is probably what would have to happen with Collins in order for him to return for another season. He has Collins odds of being back in Cincinnati at 45 percent.

We have Collins  listed as the No. 38 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.Collins

Other Free Agent Notes:

• Dehner Jr doesn’t see LB Michael Boley returning and instead expects the Bengals to get younger at the position.
• It sounds like retirement could be an option for S Chris Crocker.
• The Bengals reportedly “love” what WR Andrew Hawkins brings to the table, so he’s likely to return under a restricted tender.
• Dehner Jr writes that S Taylor Mays versatility and asking price should be enough for him to be back next season.