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Bengals Bites (3/17) - Getting Graded

Sites will now begin throwing out their grades for free agency. The Ravens look thin at wide receiver. The Steelers want to lock up the corner position.

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Grading the Cincinnati Bengals' Free Agency Moves so Far | Bleacher Report
The 2015 NFL free agency period is only a week old, though an awful lot has changed around the league landscape in that time. An early flurry of signings and trades turned heads and dominated headlines as one big-name player after another found himself on a new roster. Not every team, however, opted for flash and shock value when the free-agent market opened at 4 p.m ET on March 10.

Who Will Back Up Dalton in 2015? - Cincinnati - Scout
Could Jason Campbell be on his way back to the Bengals' roster, ala Clint Boling, Rey Maualuga, Mike Nugent, and now Michael Johnson, a year removed? The Bengals like continuity, and Campbell is one of the best QBs still available.

Walkthrough 3.16: Gauging AFC North free agency
With the signing of Michael Johnson -- and consequently the ability for everyone associated with the Bengals to finally sleep easy -- the rush of free agency essentially comes to a close. In Cincinnati, they did a nice job of filling their primary needs. They kept the offensive line in tact. They added depth to the linebackers. They found a starter to help the rotation at defensive end.

Peko's band back together
Domata Peko is now The Maestro of the Bengals defense when it comes to years of service. Domata Peko, the Bengals’ relentlessly jolly pied piper, rolls his fingers on the wood in front of him like the musician he is when his Bengals-best streak of 83 straight games is mentioned. Peko was raised in the church playing  a variety of instruments in a praise band and when he and his wife Anna feed Cincinnati’s homeless while venturing into the tent cities or underneath the bridges, they’ll sing worship songs. But football in the offseason has its own special tune.

Torrey Smith says Ravens will be just fine at wide receiver - Baltimore Sun
Who are the Ravens going to get to replace Torrey Smith? For what it’s worth, Smith doesn’t necessarily think they need anybody. “Their receivers are fine,” Smith said in a phone interview with The Baltimore Sun late last week. “They are perfectly fine. You can never stop adding to your arsenal, but they are very talented guys. I’m glad they are going to get their shot.”

Cornerbacks next on tap for Steelers after Roethlisberger, Williams deals | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
As the smoke cleared on the signings of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and running back DeAngelo Williams, the Steelers have $6.24 million in salary cap room as they look at veteran cornerbacks to possibly sign.

Marcus Mariota: Going first overall not a big deal to me | ProFootballTalk
Quarterback Marcus Mariota paid a visit to the Buccaneers on Monday to meet with General Manager Jason Licht and watch film with the team's coaches ahead of a workout scheduled with the team for next month.

Cleveland Browns go shopping for insurance with low-profile additions: Tom Reed analysis | cleveland.com
As the second week of free agency commenced, Browns general manager Ray Farmer went to market seeking insurance. At first blush, he didn't consult Flo's Progressive Direct board to comparison shop in awarding a 32-year-old cornerback a three-year, $21 million deal.

Promising NFL Rookie Retires Because Of Concerns Over Head Trauma
Despite being a rookie drafted in the third round, linebacker Chris Borland was an important part of the 49ers defense last season, even starting eight games. With Patrick Willis retiring and Justin Smith reportedly considering the same, the 49ers will rely on Borland even more heavily this season. Or, were going to. Outside the Lines is reporting that Borland, 24, has told the 49ers that he is retiring "because of concerns about the long-term effects of repetitive head trauma." Via OTL: