NFL Notes: Bengals, Bills, Broncos, Raiders & Rams

Bengals

Bengals impending free agent LT Andrew Whitworth said that he plans to be playing left tackle for a team next year.

“I know I want to be back,” Whitworth said, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. “I believe they want me back. I believe in both those things, that I want to be back and that they want me back. Hopefully we can find a way to make that work.”

“Whether it’s left tackle, whether it’s somewhere else, I just look forward to the opportunity.”

As for returning to the Bengals, Whitworth mentioned that he’s hoping to be back with the team next year.

“I know I want to be back,” Whitworth said. “I believe they want me back. I believe in both those things, that I want to be back and that they want me back. Hopefully we can find a way to make that work.”

Bills

• According to Albert Breer, the whispers about how sideways the Bills’ organization has been over the past two years have persisted.
• Breer says that this is why reports of HC Rex Ryan being on the hot seat have surfaced in recent weeks.
• However, Breer still believes Ryan has a “fair shot” of making this a tough decision for the Bills owners if they finish the year with wins over the Dolphins and Jets, which would tie the team’s best record of this millennium and show growth from last year.

Broncos

• Mike Klis reports that the Broncos consider Trevor Siemian to be a nice surprise, but there have been no declarations about him remaining the starter beyond this season.
• Klis says that Denver has also been pleased with rookie Paxton Lynch and he anticipates a battle between the two next year with Siemian opening in the lead.

Raiders

• Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie mentioned that he believes they’ll be able to keep all of their young talent in the coming years: “This roster is built to last. We’re going to be able to keep all these great players.” (Sirius XM NFL Radio)
• McKenzie said that they will hit the minimum spending threshold under CBA rules in terms of cap expenditures from 2013-16 with incentive bonuses included in player’s contracts. (Alex Marvez)

Rams

• Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com confirms that the Rams have Jon Gruden on their list of coaching candidates but sources have told him that the “smart money remains on Gruden sticking at ESPN.“