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Andre offers giant flexibility as Bengals go on guard
The Bengals went back to the future Tuesday to solve the departure of right guard Kevin Zeitler to Cleveland when old friend Andre Smith agreed to a Paul Brown Stadium reunion. According to an ESPN report Smith is headed back to the place where it all began in the 2009 draft. It looks like it will be a familiar face in a new place. Indications are the Bengals are going to play Smith at right guard next to new starting right tackle Jake Fisher. Smith, 30, who started 73 games at right tackle for the Bengals over seven seasons before taking a one-year deal in Minnesota last year, doesn’t have an NFL start at guard. But he’s practiced there for the Bengals and it has long been thought that his powerful frame, sheer strength, and athletic feet would make him an elite guard.
Tired of scavenging the internet for 2017 Mock Drafts? No worries, Bengals.com did the legwork for you. See who media outlets are predicting the Bengals to select at number nine in their most recent mock drafts.
Cincinnati Bengals lose Rex Burkhead to Pats, could eye RBs in draft
Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rex Burkhead has signed with the New England Patriots, the Pats announced Tuesday. Burkhead was a core special-teams player in Cincinnati but was ultimately buried on the depth chart behind Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill. He did not start his first game until his fourth and final season in Cincinnati.
Bengals’ Carlos Dunlap: “I don’t see the plan”
The Bengals have lost some of their top players in free agency, and at least one of the top players who remains isn’t sure what’s going on. Pro Bowl defensive end Carlos Dunlap took to Twitter and said he doesn’t understand what the Bengals’ plan is in free agency, adding that the players don’t get a say in the matter.
Bengals' Moves Resemble A Team In Reboot Mode
As the Bengals’ 2017 offseason plods along, the urgency of a winning season is becoming fuzzy. What was supposed to be a season of change is starting to look more like an excuse for a reboot. After a disappointing 6-9-1 campaign, the Bengals should be trying to demonstrate their desire to win. Instead, talented players are allowed to walk away and fans are left to wonder what’s really going on. If the Bengals are in rebuild mode, it would make sense to let that be known.
AFC North Bytes
Browns not expected to make a run at Kirk Cousins, but 3 other teams have and were shot down
The Browns aren't expected to make a run at Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, but three other teams have over the past 10 days or so and were immediately turned down, a league source told cleveland.com.
Eric Weddle's next recruiting target for Ravens: Chargers fans
Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome bestowed a big compliment to safety Eric Weddle during the introductory news conference for running back Danny Woodhead and safety Tony Jefferson.
Fed-up Steelers give Dont'a Hightower an ultimatum
The Steelers have been welcoming free agents to the South Side for the past couple of days, and it seems at least a couple haven’t been impressed by the hospitality. Linebacker Jay Elliott was the guest Monday, and he re-upped with Green Bay by the end of the night. Davon House pulled the same move Tuesday, inking a deal with the Packers before he even left Pittsburgh. So by the time it was linebacker Dont'a Hightower’s turn to negotiate, the Steelers were not in the mood for shenanigans.
Random Bytes
Mock draft 5.0: Jets trade up to take QB
In Senior Analyst Steve Palazzolo's latest 2017 mock draft, the New York Jets trade up to the No. 2 spot to nab their quarterback of the future.
Seahawks reach agreement with RB Eddie Lacy on 1-year deal
The Seattle Seahawks are hoping Eddie Lacy can be motivated by a one-year contract to rediscover the form that made him the 2013 Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Seahawks and Lacy agreed to terms on a one-year deal Tuesday, providing Seattle a big body for a run game that was once the best in football but lagged last season following the retirement of Marshawn Lynch.
Jarvis Jones signs with Arizona Cardinals
The former first-round pick visited the Cardinals on Monday and is signed with them on Tuesday, the team announced. Jones, 27, took the field in 14 games last year, logging a sack and an interception.
Malcolm Butler to visit New Orleans Saints on Thursday
Brett Martel of The Associated Press reports that the New England Patriots corner will visit the Saints on Thursday, according to coach Sean Payton. The Pats placed a first-round tender on Butler, which would pay $3.91 million in 2017. New England can match any offer sheet given to Butler.
How NFL draft bust Aaron Curry found a second career in coaching
After growing up poor, all Aaron Curry wanted was to sign an NFL contract to ensure that his family would always have enough to eat. The linebacker did just that, but wasn't fully prepared for what came after. But now, he's using what he learned in the NFL as a coach at UNC Charlotte.