Donald Penn cut by Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Now that the Cincinnati Bengals have watched offensive lineman Anthony Collins sign a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the question is now do they go out and look for another tackle on the open market?

There are virtually no left tackles still on the market capable of starting, but someone could become available via a release from their team.

Donald Penn fits that bill after the Bucs just released him:

Bucs announced the release LT Donald Penn and his large cap number… as Carolina and Oakland loom with large holes at tackle.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2014

Bucs announce the release of LT Donald Penn, a move many expected given TB's pursuit of T Anthony Collins. I'd expect a quick trip to OAK

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 13, 2014

Penn, 31 in April, has two years remaining on his six-year, $41.7 million contract that included $18.8 million guaranteed. He would have counted $8.1 million against the Buccaneers’ 2014 salary cap, so signing Collins to replace him was a huge win for Tampa.

If the Bengals want to sign him to play left tackle next year, he graded out as the No. 27 (out of 56) offensive tackle on Pro Football Focus. Penn was actually a much better run-blocker, so he could be better suited for Hue Jackson's offense if he does indeed plan to run the ball more in 2014.