Bengals Bytes (3/9): Close to home

Kevin Zeitler and Tony Jefferson among free agents Browns have expressed interest in

Bengals guard Zeitler and Cardinals safety Jefferson are among the free agents the Browns have expressed interest in heading into Thursday's official opening of free agency.

LaFell la first as Bengals agree to 2-year deal

With the free agency signing period set to begin Thursday at 4 p.m., the Bengals got one in Wednesday when wide receiver Brandon LaFell agreed to a two-year deal believed to max out at $10 million. LaFell is on a list of their own free agents they have targeted, headed by Pro Bowl left tackle Andrew Whitworth, starting cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, and starting right guard Kevin Zeitler, as well as running back Rex Burkhead.

Cincinnati Bengals stop free-agent exodus at WR, keep Brandon LaFell

When you consider how many players the Bengals lost in free agency last season, they get top marks for retaining one of their own. LaFell is a solid veteran contributor, which the Cincinnati Bengals need. He's not A.J. Green, but he nicely filled a need in 2016.

Cincinnati Bengals Post Combine 7 Round Mock Draft

Here’s a look at the latest Bengals mock draft. This seven round wish list contains some heavy hitters that could make an impact in stripes.

First Round Draft Strategy: Are the Bengals Still Targeting Reuben Foster?

Dane Brugler and Rob Rang discuss whether the Bengals will still focus in on Reuben Foster, who was kicked out of the Combine.

AFC North Bytes

How the Pittsburgh Steelers' free agency can be affected by their comp pick

The mathematical surprise that gave Pittsburgh Steelers general manger Kevin Colbert an extra third-round Draft pick won't just affect the team at the end of April. It can change the Steelers' approach to free agency, which officially opens on Thursday at 4 p.m. The "legal tampering" period began Tuesday at noon.

Ravens poised to complete free agent deal with RB Danny Woodhead

The Ravens will lose a pass-catching threat out of the backfield when fullback Kyle Juszczyk signs with the San Francisco 49ers. Could veteran running back Danny Woodhead help replace some of Juszczyk's production?

Browns buzz: Myles Garrett at No. 1 and Jimmy Garoppolo with No. 12 would be their dream scenario

Garrett's stunning workout at the NFL Combine and interview with the Browns have pretty much clinched their decision: they'll take him at No. 1 unless something unforeseen happens between now and the draft, league sources tell cleveland.com.

Random Bytes

Malcolm Smith to sign with 49ers, adding veteran leadership

It’s been over three years since Malcolm Smith won Super Bowl MVP in the Seattle Seahawks’ 43-8 decimation of the Denver Broncos. Since then, the linebacker has made a name for himself as a member of the Oakland Raiders, cashing in on his success on the biggest platform in all of football.

A Redskins-Scot McCloughan separation seems to be a question of when, not if

Since staying home from the NFL Scouting Combine, McCloughan has remained sidelined from important roster-building decisions with which he would normally be involved.

2017 NFL Free Agency: Top defensive ends for Miami Dolphins to consider

The Miami Dolphins need defensive end depth. It doesn't matter if it comes in the draft or free agency, but they must come. Cameron Wake is 35 years old. Andre Branch is returning on a new contract. Terrence Fede is a former seventh-rounder and Julius Warmsley is a former undrafted free agent.

Alex Rodriguez joins Fox as MLB analyst; MLS coverage

Inside ESPN and Fox Sports' relationship for 2017 MLS TV coverage, plus insight on Alex Rodriguez new role as a full-time MLB analyst for Fox.