Bengals Bytes (3/11): What to expect in free agency

Bengals reportedly only see themselves spending $15 million in free agency
The Cincinnati Bengals once again don’t figure to act as big spenders in free agency this year. Despite major needs along the offensive line and north of $30 million in free cap space, not to mention cash rolled over, the Bengals don’t sound like a team ready to spend on a high-quality starter.

William Jackson joins Joe Mixon in recruiting Richard Sherman to Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon now has a recruiting partner when it comes to luring Richard Sherman to town in free agency. Cornerback William Jackson III is the latest to fire off a recruiting pitch in Sherman’s direction

Cincinnati Bengals full 2018 NFL mock draft
2017 was a strange year for the Cincinnati Bengals. It felt like ages from the promising 2015 NFL season where everything seemed to click. The Bengals fell flat on their face right out of the gate, leading to offensive coordinator Ken Zampese’s canning in September. From there, the Bengals just kind of remained with one foot in the AFC playoff picture, but never really serious about making a postseason appearance.

Cincinnati Bengals NFL free agency outlook, predictions and cap space
Bengals Xtra is a weekly column from beat writers Jim Owczarski and Paul Dehner Jr. looking inside the operations of the Bengals on and off the field. Free agency officially kicks off this week with the league year flipping over at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Bengals fans looking for a huge spend on another team's player, need to keep in mind how the team views its cap space.

TDBH: NFL Lockout begins as Bengals’ re-boot shuts down
The Iron Curtain has fallen. More than two decades of labor peace is shattered today when the NFL Players Association hits the button after 11th-hour negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement fail and opts to apply for decertification. In the hour after the CBA expires at midnight, the NFL Network announces the league has locked out the players as the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987 careens into the courts. The clock also ticks for the Bengals and they're hoping it's not a time bomb. Is there any team impacted more than the Bengals, strapped by franchise quarterback Carson Palmer’s trade demand while new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden tries to implement his offense?

Random Bytes

Richard Sherman Agrees to 3-Year, $39 Million Contract with 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers and veteran cornerback Richard Sherman reached an agreement Saturday on a three-year contract. Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported the free-agent signing. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport added the deal is worth $39 million with a $5 million signing bonus.

NFL Combine Flops with the Most to Prove at Pro Days
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson once said, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." After last week's NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, which ended March 5, there are some young NFL hopefuls finding that out the hard way.

Danny Shelton Reportedly Traded to Patriots; Browns Get Conditional Draft Pick
The Cleveland Browns reportedly continued their flurry of roster moves Saturday by agreeing to trade defensive tackle Danny Shelton to the New England Patriots in exchange for a conditional draft pick. Field Yates and Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported the deal.