Bengals Bytes (3/10): Giant splash

Analysis: Why Bengals, Marvin Jones parted ways
Marvin Jones ranked as the Bengals' top free-agent priority. They wanted to bring him back and made every effort to make it happen on Wednesday before the new league year opened. Jones will suit up for the Detroit Lions next year on a contract garnering him $40 million over five seasons - with half of it guaranteed.

Adam Jones: 'I've got some unfinished business; we've got some unfinished business'
With the Wild Card heartache still palpable on all levels of Paul Brown Stadium, the Bengals doubled down on the first day of free agency and rolled out about 10 percent of their 2016 salary cap number (figure around $14 million) to retain Pro Bowl cornerback Adam Jones and starting safety George Iloka.

Bengals FA frenzy: Two key defensive starters to re-sign; M. Jones among those gone
The Bengals on Wednesday continued a recent successful trend in free agency in targeting their own key players they need to re-sign and letting players walk when they price themselves too high.

The numbers behind George Iloka's new deal with the Bengals
After they came up short in the Marvin Jones sweepstakes, the Cincinnati Bengals turned their attention Wednesday to re-signing free-agent safety George Iloka. As the new league year began at 4 p.m. ET, they got Iloka under contract, signing him to a five-year, $30 million deal.

Marvin Jones to sign with Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions made their first big move in free agency, and it involved a potential replacement for Calvin Johnson. The Lions are going to sign Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones, sources told ESPN's Dianna Russini.

Vikings To Sign Emmanuel Lamur
Lamur’s deal will be worth $6MM over two years, with $2.5MM guaranteed, according to Jim Osczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The Bengals were not interested in retaining Lamur, per Osczarski; they did not make an offer.

Random Bytes

Veteran defensive tackle Haloti Ngata agrees to two-year deal with Lions | SI.com
Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has agreed to a two-year contract to remain with the Lions. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports the deal is worth $12 million, and will pay him $6.25 million in the first year.

NFL to host first leadership symposium for women during owners meetings
In the past, the NFL has held a forum for minority candidates in coaching and jobs on the pathway to GM. This year's event is intended to provide a framework in those areas for women.

What in the World Are the Cleveland Browns Doing in Free Agency?
Sometimes it feels as though the Cleveland Browns operate as a franchise that is simply happy to be part of the NFL. They don't need fancy things like high-quality players or a functional front office or wireless internet, because unless the league adopts a relegation system, they're entrenched as members of the club.

The winners and losers of free agency Day 1
Opening day of the NFL's free-agent market is drawing to a close. While we have a moment, let's consider some winners and losers.

Kansas City Chiefs docked two draft picks, fined for tampering in pursuit of Jeremy Maclin in 2015
The Kansas City Chiefs were fined and stripped of two draft picks by the NFL for a violation of the league's anti-tampering policy for having improper contact with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin before the start of last year's free-agent signing period.

Olivier Vernon Is Prized Gem Giants Needed for Totally Revamped Defensive Line
It’s a great time to be a 25-year-old pass-rusher whose services are available to the highest bidder. Which means it’s a great day to be Olivier Vernon.

Money wasn't only reason Brock Osweiler dissed John Elway and Broncos
The money mattered. The opportunity mattered. The commitment mattered. But the Denver Broncos shouldn't be masking reality. Two other things mattered to now-departed quarterback Brock Osweiler as well: a late-season benching and the team putting an offer on hold while it waited for Peyton Manning to make a decision about his future.

Four teams reportedly in bidding war for C.J. Anderson
After watching Brock Osweiler, Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan leave for greener pastures, the Super Bowl champions are in danger of losing their starting running back. Multiple teams are in a bidding war for restricted free agent C.J. Anderson, Mike Klis of KUSA in Denver reported Wednesday. Anderson also decided to weigh in on the report.