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Bengals eye backers, announce Andre deal
The Bengals are now in the segment of NFL free agency they want to make sure they don’t lose the compensation picks they’ll get in the 2018 draft for losing right guard Kevin Zeitler (a projected third-rounder) and left tackle Andrew Whitworth, a fifth-rounder.
After talent losses, re-signing Dre Kirkpatrick was a must for Bengals
Dre Kirkpatrick. The Bengals have signed one outside free agent (Andre Smith) so far, so their most significant signing comes from in-house. Kirkpatrick has developed into a solid starter for Cincinnati, and with Adam Jones potentially facing punishment by the NFL for his January arrest, it gives the Bengals some stability at cornerback. Kirkpatrick and 2016 first-round cornerback William Jackson III will be the future at that position for Cincinnati.
One Theory About Mike Brown's 'Plan' For The Bengals
If you’re a member of Who Dey Nation, the last week has not been kind to you. The Cincinnati Bengals stood idly by as most of their free agents found new homes. Eleven-year veterans Andrew Whitworth and Domata Peko were part of this lengthy list of departures. Whitworth, 35, signed a three-year deal to join the Rams in sunny southern California. Peko, a vocal leader for the last decade, joined a Broncos’ defense that has been a top-five unit for three consecutive seasons.
AFC North Bytes
Ravens sign veteran cornerback Brandon Carr, not Morris Claiborne
Brandon Carr’s defining characteristic in his NFL career has been his durability. The veteran cornerback has never missed a game in nine seasons, making 144 consecutive starts during that span. For a Ravens team that has had a hard time finding starting-caliber cover guys — and keeping the cornerbacks that they do have healthy — Carr represents a much needed addition.
Report: Browns to hold visit, workout with Deshaun Watson
But the Browns braintrust will get its look at the former Clemson star in due time. The Browns intend to conduct a private workout with Watson, and intend to host him for one of their 30 formal prospect visits as well, according to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.
School: Le’Veon Bell May Not Attend Prom With Steelers Fan
A Wisconsin school is dashing a girl’s dream of being taken to the prom by Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the Waukesha School District is pumping the brakes on the date, which was agreed to over Twitter, due to the fact that Bell is older than 19 and because he was once arrested for possession of marijuana and driving under the influence.
Random Bytes
How NFL Players Lost Their Leverage
The best free agents are making more money than ever, but the high-earnings headlines mask an ugly fact: The gap between the league’s haves and have-nots is widening dangerously — and there might not be a solution in sight
Richard Sherman Trade Rumors: Seahawks Reportedly Open to Dealing Star CB
Richard Sherman has thrived as a centerpiece of the Seattle Seahawks' secondary for the past six seasons, but the franchise could reportedly part ways with the three-time All-Pro if the right offer comes along. On the most recent episode of The Ringer's NFL Show, Michael Lombardi disclosed the Seahawks could entertain the idea of moving Sherman.
Dontari Poe, Falcons Agree on Contract After 5 Seasons with Chiefs
After five years with the Kansas City Chiefs, Dontari Poe is moving on. The veteran defensive tackle agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, the team announced. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk first reported the signing. Terms of the deal have yet to be announced.
Raiders QB Derek Carr commits another act of kindness for a stranger
Derek Carr is quickly becoming one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but he continues to prove he’s even better off the field. The Oakland Raiders quarterback committed another act of kindness Thursday, this time helping a stranger who ran out of gas. Musician Ron Reeser thanked Carr on Twitter after getting a lift from the Pro Bowl QB when his car stopped working.