Bengals Bytes (6/4): Looking at returners

Bengals could have dynamic tight end duo in 2018
With tight end Tyler Eifert coming back on a one-year incentive deal, the Cincinnati Bengals have the opportunity to have one of the highest scoring tight end groups in the NFL. Eifert has only played in ten games the past two seasons and yet to complete a full season healthy in his five years with the franchise. During his time not on the field, backup tight end Tyler Kroft has developed into a promising red-zone threat in his absence.

Carlos Dunlap talks about contract situation with Bengals
The only Cincinnati Bengals player sitting out of OTA workouts the last two weeks has been defensive end, Carlos Dunlap. A veteran of Dunlap’s caliber missing voluntary workouts is nothing to stress over as it happens all around the league. Probably the only reason it’s even making the headlines is considering Dunlap is in the final year of his respected contract and is missing out on workout bonuses.

Are the Bengals too loyal for hot seats?
The Cincinnati Bengals organization seems to be unaware of when to place a coach or player on the hot seat. Considering the team has stuck with head coach Marvin Lewis since 2003 while not receiving a single postseason win is beyond unsettling. The most interesting thing when it comes to Lewis is that fans are more than willing to shed him because of losing but when it comes to players like quarterback Andy Dalton, the excuse of “not his fault” comes up almost every time.

Bengals looking at John Ross, wealth of others on punt returns
The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t kidding about finding a quality presence on punt returns in 2018. Adam Jones is gone, leaving a void in the return game the Bengals would love to fill with an elite presence — perhaps even if that means throwing John Ross back there.

AFC North Bytes

Eisenberg: Eric DeCosta’s Crazy Dream Scenario May Actually Come True
I vividly remember what Ravens Assistant GM Eric DeCosta said as the organization prepared for the unique experience of taking five players in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. “We’ve got to hit all five,” DeCosta said. I also vividly remember my reaction to his comment: C’mon man.

Mychal Kendricks Denies Multiple Reports of Contract Agreement with Browns
Veteran linebacker Mychal Kendricks reportedly agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com confirmed Rapoport's report, but Kendricks denied he had signed with the Browns.

Random Bytes

Terrell Owens Pitches 49ers Return, NFL Comeback to GM John Lynch on Twitter
Terrell Owens hasn't played in an NFL game since 2010, but he is still looking to return to the field in 2018. After San Francisco 49ers manager John Lynch praised the Hall of Fame receiver for his work in raising Alzheimer's awareness, Owens responded looking for a job

Every NFL Team's To-Do List for Rest of Offseason
The excitement of early NFL free agency has passed, and the drama of draft weekend is long over. We're also six weeks from the start of training camps. Yet this doesn't mean there aren't reasons to continue paying attention to the offseason. Front offices are working diligently to evaluate rosters, assess needs and formulate game plans for camps and the preseason. There are questions that need to be answered before teams can undergo preparations for the season.

The Biggest Risk Every NFL Team Is Taking in 2018
There are only so many quality football players to go around. The difference between a starting-caliber player and a backup in the NFL is considerable, which is why some veterans are paid 15 times more than others. Even after free agency and the draft, some teams have holes in their starting lineups. We'll look at one risk each team is taking that opponents may exploit in 2018.