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Peko departure signals shift in defense; Bengals eye vets and rookies
The Bengals’ faith in their drafts claimed another franchise icon this weekend when nose tackle Domata Peko took a two-year deal to shore up new head coach Vance Joseph’s defensive line in Denver. Peko is the first visible casualty of a defense trying to get younger, faster, and saltier. The Bengals have left no doubt they’re looking to freshen up the defensive legs with the last draft and the next one, where some of their 11 picks are targeted for the defensive line.
Connor Barwin to visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday
Former Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans defensive end Connor Barwin is expected to visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, a source told ESPN's Adam Caplan. Barwin, who played at the University of Cincinnati, was released by the Eagles last week in a cap-saving move.
Steve Smith Sr. says Bengals would sign ‘the fool’ who jumped White House fence
Steve Smith Sr. may be freshly retired from the NFL, but he has not retired from delivering steaming hot takes. On Sunday, Smith ripped the Cincinnati Bengals for inviting Joe Mixon to town to assess his talents. Mixon is the former Oklahoma running back who was not invited to the scouting combine because, while he is a prodigious talent, he also was captured on video punching a coed.
AFC North Bytes
Ozzie Newsome: Ravens 'not done' in free agency
The Baltimore Ravens aggressively padded their roster during the first wave of free agency, but longtime general manager Ozzie Newsome made it clear the work is far from finished. "We're not done," Newsome said, per the team's official website. "I will say that."
Terrelle Pryor Reportedly Wanted to Return to Browns After Redskins' Offer
Terrelle Pryor reportedly did not leave the Cleveland Browns hanging high and dry after all. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported Sunday that Pryor gave Cleveland one last opportunity to sign him before agreeing to a one-year, $8 million contract with Washington. It had previously been reported that Pryor left without giving the Browns a matching opportunity, which in turn drew some ire from the Cleveland area.
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell agrees to attend prom after losing Twitter bet
Le'Veon Bell is seven years removed from his time as a high school senior in Ohio, but the Pittsburgh Steelers' star running back may soon be attending prom all over again. On Saturday, a young Steelers fan named Ava Tarantino sent a message to Bell on Twitter suggesting that he come to her dance if the social media request garnered 500 retweets.
Random Bytes
NFL free agency notes on Patriots, Browns, 49ers, more
After four frenzied days of signings, trades and rumors, here’s a look at the most impactful moves, including the Patriots’ deals, the innovative Houston-Cleveland swap, the five-million-dollar fullback and much more
Jordan Cameron: A lot of us in the NFL don’t love football
Former Browns and Dolphins tight end Jordan Cameron retired from the NFL at age 28 last week after suffering the fourth concussion of his career last season. He doesn’t sound like he’ll miss it. Cameron said that contrary to what some fans might think, he and his fellow NFL players didn’t necessarily love the game.
2017 NFL Free Agency: Burning Questions Heading into Week 2
We're now three full days into NFL free agency, and what a roller coaster of a ride it has been. From trades to big-money signings and never-ending speculation, there are still plenty of questions in the back of every football fan's mind as we approach the second week of this frenzy.
Dontari Poe visiting Jaguars, who stay busy
Dontari Poe is apparently intent on taking the tour, and maximizing his value. So he’s making a stop where free agents go to get paid. Via Tiffany Blackmon of the NFL Network, the Chiefs defensive tackle is visiting the Jaguars today, as is running back Latavius Murray.