Bengals Bytes (3/31): Cincinnati’s biggest free agency move

NFL power rankings: Bengals among league’s worst after free agency
Though they have had a strong offseason by their own standards and expectations set by fans, the Cincinnati Bengals won’t find much love in the NFL power rankings realm. While the Bengals have made some notable roster improvements by spending more than usual, the power rankings judge the team as a whole — and although the front office values continuity, those in charge of power rankings do not.

Carlos Dunlap posts Flashback Friday poking fun at A.J. Green
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap is one of the team’s better social media presences — something he flaunted Friday while looping in star wideout A.J. Green. Way back in the day, Dunlap ran into Green on the high-school field to…interesting results. He made sure the world knew it, too:

Bengals players possibly to be replaced by rookies in 2018
Defensive end Michael Johnson will likely be the first casualty. Johnson has been rumored highly to be on the cut list heading into the 2018 season. Sports Illustrated, Albert Breer, feels the Cincinnati Bengals will take DE/OLB Harold Landry out of Boston College. Landry has received some rave reviews for his abilities to play not only EDGE but as also an inside linebacker. NFL.com compares him to a raw Vic Beasley. If the Cincinnati Bengals choose to select Landry with the 21st pick, or even a later round pick, he could easily take over for Michael Johnson.

Andy Dalton isn’t worried about a lack of a contract extension
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton understands his contract is on the backburner right now. We touched on a revelation from the front office during the NFL meetings in Orlando in which those in charge said they wouldn’t consider an extension for Dalton right now.

Bengals' biggest free-agency move was deal with Tyler Eifert
The Bengals got one important thing done by trading for a left tackle before free agency, and re-signing Tyler Eifert was a top priority. But it still feels as if they have holes on the offensive line that might not necessarily be fixed by the draft. The Bengals temporarily fixed their hole at middle linebacker by signing Preston Brown to a one-year deal , but with Vontaze Burfict suspended again, they don't have a solid backup plan to fill his spot.

TDBH: Blockbuster: Bengals swing deal for pass rush ace Bacon
The Bengals can’t make it official for two more days, but Bengals Chieftain Paul Brown confirms for The Cincinnati Enquirer today that the club has traded for one of the NFL’s top pass rushers when they acquire Chargers’ controversial defensive end Coy Bacon in exchange for wide receiver Charlie Joiner. “Right on,” Bacon hollers when The Enquirer’s Dick Forbes tells him the trade is confirmed. “The Bengals have a good quarterback and all the qualifications to go all the way. I’m really happy.” Bacon, a nine-year vet, says he’s “glad to get out of San Diego. I was never happy with the Chargers from the day I came (in a 1973 trade from the Rams).” It’s the second straight day Brown supplies a stunner in what is shaping up to be an intriguing offseason that is his first after stepping down as head coach.

Old school tackle
The Bengals’ Marvin Lewis has become one of those old school prophets in the hall of NFL head coaches. Take the new tackling rule that was clandestinely pushed this week by the NFL competition committee and passed unanimously by the owners even though no one knows how it is going to be called or what the penalties are going to be.

Bengals aren't seeking contract extension for Andy Dalton this year
The Bengals won't be focusing on an extension for quarterback Andy Dalton anytime soon, and with three years left on his current deal, that shouldn't be a surprise. Bengals vice president Troy Blackburn told reporters at the owners meetings this week that they don't feel it's the right time for an extension. Considering the huge deals handed out this spring, the Bengals got a steal with Dalton's contract.

AFC North Bytes

Report: Ravens work out Michael Floyd
Floyd spent last season with the Vikings, playing in 11 games and catching 10 passes for 78 yards and no touchdowns. A first-round pick of the Cardinals in 2012, Floyd has played 89 games with 256 receptions for 3,859 yards and 24 touchdowns.

How signing Drew Stanton impacts the Browns’ QB situation
The Cleveland Browns recently signed former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton, inking him to a two-year, $6.5 million contract – a great bargain for a quality player. Stanton is coming off a year where he started four games, posting a 3-1 record including two victories to end the season. Although Carson Palmer was the primary starter, after he went down with an injury, Stanton played the role solidly for the remainder of the season.

Random Bytes

Odell Beckham Trade Rumors: 49ers Have 'Real Interest' in Moving for Giants WR
The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly on the list of teams eyeing wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. as a potential trade target. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the 49ers are in a "proactive mode" and are "monitoring this thing closely" with "real interest."

Malcolm Butler on Being Benched in Super Bowl Loss: 'This How We Gonna End This'
Malcolm Butler is speaking out about being benched by New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles last month. In an appearance on Sports Illustrated TV, Butler admitted he wanted to ask Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia during the Super Bowl if "this how we gonna end this?"

Raiders News: Punter Marquette King, TE Clive Walford Cut
The Oakland Raiders waived punter Marquette King and tight end Clive Walford, the team announced on Friday. King, who joined the Raiders in 2012 as an undrafted free agent, spent the first six seasons of his career in the Bay Area. He averaged 46.8 yards per punt over the past five seasons and was rewarded for his rise with a five-year, $16.5 million extension in February 2016.