Bengals Bytes (2/15): Which free agents could Cincinnati poach from the Eagles

5 facts to know about new Bengals OT Bobby Hart
The Cincinnati Bengals rolled the dice on offensive tackle Bobby Hart in free agency, the first of what could be a few moves to address their biggest weakness this offseason. But before looking ahead to what might come next, let’s look at Hart, an interesting prospect of a player who doesn’t lack confidence and hasn’t been without controversy after only three years in the league.

Cincinnati Bengals Playoff Team Free Agency Targets: Philadelphia Eagles
There were 12 teams that made the 2017 NFL Playoffs. The Cincinnati Bengals were not among them. However, they would certainly love to get back to the postseason sooner rather than later. Attacking 2018 NFL Free Agency will be key to doing that, which is why we’ve been looking at players from playoff teams who could fit well in a striped helmet.

Broncos reportedly interested in Bengals QB A.J. McCarron
The Bengals could be listing McCarron as an unrestricted free agent in March, and the Broncos have shown interest, according to Vic Lombardi, who was on PFT Live Wednesday morning. While McCarron hasn't had much playing time in the NFL, he did replace an injured Andy Dalton in December 2015 and forced an overtime between the Bengals and Broncos. The Bengals lost, but if the team had won, the Broncos wouldn't have claimed the No. 1 seed in the AFC and it could have cost Denver its eventual Super Bowl victory.

Bengals begin to address O-line with Hart signing
Former Giants starting right tackle Bobby Hart is looking to revive his career in a change of scenery that was consummated Wednesday with what is believed to be a one-year deal with the Bengals. The signing of Hart, which comes less than a week after his tumultuous exit from New York, indicates the Bengals’ off-season plan to attack the offensive tackle position with all avenues under new offensive line coach Frank Pollack. The first move to address arguably the biggest question mark on the club is the 6-5, 310-pound Hart, a 2015 seventh-round pick at age 20 that has 21 NFL starts before he turns 24 this preseason.

TDBH: Bengals, UC announce Nippert Stadium to host first two seasons
Seeking a home while their stadium on the Cincinnati riverfront is under construction, the American Football League expansion Bengals land at the University of Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium. During today’s joint announcement in the office of UC president Dr. Walter C. Langsam, the Bengals indicate they’ll use Nippert until the stadium is complete with a timeline set for the 1970 season as they opt for Nippert over baseball’s Crosley Field because there are more good seats for football spectators.

AFC North Bytes

Todd Haley brings a compatible offensive philosophy, but a completely new playbook to the Browns
New coordinator Todd Haley’s basic offensive philosophy is compatible with Hue Jackson’s – stretch the field vertically with the pass – and although the final product may blend a few of their differences, there’s no doubt the offense will be Haley’s. Returning players will need to learn a completely different language and terminology specific to Haley’s playbook. Jackson wanted to change the playbook so that returning players are invigorated by learning something new and don’t fall into the bad habits that developed during the 1-31 offense of the past two seasons. Haley said he’s not a “system guy” and there is no unique Haley offensive system.

Torrey Smith had interest in Ravens reunion last offseason, but timing was right to join Eagles
It made too much sense. The Ravens were looking to solidify their receiving corps and give quarterback Joe Flacco another target he could trust. Just released by the San Francisco 49ers, wide receiver Torrey Smith was looking for a place to resurrect his career after two disappointing seasons. He lived in Baltimore for part of the year and had many strong relationships from his four-year stint with the Ravens.

Random Bytes

Sebastian Janikowski Won't Return to Raiders After 18 Seasons, Hits Free Agency
Janikowski has spent his entire career with the Oakland Raiders to this point. The 39-year-old will become a free agent this offseason. Giorgio Tavecchio went 16-of-21 on field-goal attempts for the Raiders in 2017. During his time with the Raiders, Janikowski was one of the best kickers in the NFL. He trailed only Adam Vinatieri of the Indianapolis Colts and Phil Dawson of the Arizona Cardinals among active players in career points with 1,799.

Johnny Manziel to Join the Spring League Scouting Event Amid NFL Comeback
Johnny Manziel accepted an invitation to participate in the Spring League as he continues to pursue a professional football comeback. The Spring League, which held its inaugural season last year, is a three-week scouting event in Austin, Texas. It consists of four teams that play two games apiece and will be broadcast on Turner Sports' streaming service. Manziel will play on the South team.

The lesson all teams should learn from the Colts hiring of Frank Reich
While some of the euphoria emanating from Indiana may be a product of convincing fans that chicken salad has become the ultimate product of the events of the past 10 days, the hiring of Frank Reich following the jilting of the team by Josh McDaniels should be regarded as a lesson to every NFL team. And the lesson is clear: Don’t decide who you want to hire before interviewing candidates.