Updating Bengals Free Agency

by Josh Kirkendall on Mar 4, 2007 12:54 PM EST in Contracts

There's a possibility that the Bengals could lose both their tight ends by next week. Reggie Kelly has already visited the Atlanta Falcons. He visited the Cardinals Saturday and plans to visit Oakland Sunday. Cincinnati?

"I like being a Bengal," Kelly said. "I'm not sure I'm going to sign right back. This is an important decision for me and my family."

Mark Curnutte said it perfectly:

Kelly was one of the most under-rated and underappreciated players - at least by many in the media and most fans - on the Bengals' high-scoring offense. His selflessness allowed many of his stat-driven teammates to pad their numbers.

If Kelly leaves, Curnutte says that the Bengals would likely use a second-day pick for a tight end. "Cincinnati coaches interviewed several tight ends at the NFL scouting combine last week, including Clark Harris of Rutgers."

Likely you'll see an increase of Kelly's demands with recent signings. Kyle Brady signed a two-year, $5.3 million deal with the Patriots that includes a $2 million signing bonus. Good scratch. Scouts.com lists the best available tight ends:

Daniel Graham
Eric Johnson
Michael Gaines
Jerramy Stevens
Reggie Kelly
Jermaine Wiggins
Mike Seidman
Tony Stewart
Justin Snow
Erron Kinney

Ludwig says of Graham:

New England tight end Daniel Graham was on the Bengals' wish list, but the door got slammed in their face.

Graham's agent confirmed the Bengals' call. Visits are being lined up. "But not in your direction," agent Jack Mills said from Boulder, Colo. "I'm not saying we won't talk to (the Bengals), but it's unlikely. He's looking more to the western part of the U.S. because he's from here (Denver)."

Kevin Kaesviharn will also be in Arizona this week.

Updated list of teams interested in Joey Porter.

Cincinnati Bengals
Miami Dolphins
Cleveland Browns
New York Giants
Dallas Cowboys
Baltimore Ravens

But it was the Browns and Bengals that had immediate interest.

Len Pasquarelli says defensive tackle Ian Scott could land in Cincinnati.

The Bills are looking to trade Takeo Spikes rather than just releasing him. Their mistake though was letting out that Spikes might be released. Which means most teams will just wait rather than giving up a draft pick and picking up Spikes' salary.

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Porter

NFL Network reported that Joey Porter will be visiting the Bengals on Wednesday.

I still don't see us getting him (I wouldn't be heartbroken if we didn't) especially since it looks like the Dolphins are trying to clear up some cap space to sign him.

Visit The Olde 320 Pub!

by SpaethC on Mar 6, 2007 12:07 AM EST reply actions