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Cincinnati Bengals offseason review, draft preview
The Cincinnati Bengals weren't the busiest team during the NFL's annual free-agent free-for-all, but they were among the top five. They took steps toward addressing the loss of key wide receivers Marvin Jones and Mohammed Sanu by retaining Brandon Tate and landing former Patriot Brandon LaFell, who became the 10th player to join or stay with the team.
How do Bengals compare to Patriots? Quite well, says Brandon LaFell
One team has made it to the postseason each of the past seven seasons. The other has been there each of the past five. One team's head coach is the NFL's most tenured. The other's is the league's second-most tenured. That isn't where the similarities end between the New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals, according to the Bengals' newest receiver, former Patriots wideout Brandon LaFell. Part of LaFell's decision to sign with Cincinnati last month after being cut by New England was based on the run of success the Bengals have had of late.
Bengals' Mock Draft 3.0: Let there be trades
Leading up to April 28 and the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft in Chicago, this is the third of four mock drafts projecting the Bengals' selections. This version includes trades for the first time and changes to both selections predicted from the last run. The final mock draft will come just before draft day with ideal selections from all seven Cincinnati picks.
Bengals waste no time on option route to Eifert
The Bengals momentarily leaped into 2017 on Wednesday when they wasted no time exercising the one-year option on Pro Bowl tight end Tyler Eifert even though they had three more weeks to do it. The option came with Eifert’s selection as the 21st pick in the first round of the 2013 draft. After missing all but nine snaps in 2014 with elbow and shoulder injuries, Eifert dominated last year when he led all NFL tight ends and set the Bengals tight ends record with 13 touchdowns in 13 games.
Why safety Karl Joseph could be a Bengals first-round pick
Given the high-profile free-agent departures of Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu, the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to address their receiver depth in this month's draft. But do they have to address it in the first round?
What kind of player are the Raiders getting in Reggie Nelson?
Veteran free safety Reggie Nelson signing with the Oakland Raiders last week continued the team's strong free-agency run, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Raiders had already inked outside linebacker Bruce Irvin and cornerback Sean Smith while re-signing outside linebacker Aldon Smith.
Teams should be truly extending 2013 first-round picks
The announcement regarding the exercise of the fifth-year option on tight end Tyler Eifert’s contract is characterized in a way that sounds like a reward: "Bengals extend contract of tight end Tyler Eifert." Technically, that’s what they’ve done. But the more appropriate approach would be to give him a true extension.
Random Bytes
Drew Rosenhaus to Johnny Manziel: Go to treatment or find a new agent
Former Browns quarterback has not fared well since the Browns released him last month. His agent Drew Rosenhaus will fire him in 5 days if he doesn't get treatment for his problems.
Arrest Warrant Issued For LA Rams RB Tre Mason
TMZ is reporting that a Broward County court in Florida has issued an arrest warrant for Los Angeles Rams running back Tre Mason for failing to appear in court following his arrest in early March.
Report: Browns would consider trading out of second spot
One of the seemingly accepted truths of the 2016 NFL Draft is that with the second pick, the Browns are going to take a quarterback. But there’s a chance they might not take anyone.
Texans scout texting Dak Prescott gets a female Saints fan instead
The Texans have been dialing the wrong number looking for quarterbacks as long as they’ve been in business, so this probably shouldn’t come as a surprise. According to Greg Rajan of the Houston Chronicle, a Texans scout texted a wrong number while looking for information on Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott.
Mike Remmers: I’ll be kicking myself over Super Bowl for rest of my life
Panthers right tackle Mike Remmers signed his restricted free agent tender on Tuesday, setting himself up to make $2.553 million while trying to help the Panthers replicate their success from last season. One place where he and the team would surely like to see things play out differently would be in their final game of the season. The Panthers lost Super Bowl 50 24-10 to the Broncos with Remmers having a rough day trying to block Broncos linebacker and eventual Super Bowl MVP Von Miller.
NFL schedule to be released Thursday night
The NFL will officially unveil its full 2016 regular-season schedule Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. The planned announcement of the NFL schedule, which has become treated almost like a national holiday, was confirmed by the league in a news release Wednesday.
NFL players react to Kobe Bryant's farewell game
While Los Angeles says welcome back to the Rams, the city is saying goodbye to Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant. For 20 seasons Bryant has donned the purple and gold, and on Wednesday night he takes the court for the final time in what has been a stellar career. Bryant's career accolades have sparked debates all over the country about where he ranks amongst other NBA greats. Regardless of how he stacks up against the rest, you have to respect his competitiveness and the way he approached winning. The NFL community took to social media to pay their respects to a future basketball hall of famer.