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Cincinnati Bengals inbox: Addressing D coordinator, Vontaze Burfict, free agency, NFL Draft
I’ll tackle multiple topics, starting with clarification on my take about Vontaze Burfict, necessary perspective on the defensive coordinator search, the cloud of free agency and roster churning.
Five 2019 offseason moves each AFC team should make
Pick up William Jackson's fifth-year option. Jackson wasn't quite the revelation he was during the 2017 campaign, but he's comfortably Cincinnati's best cornerback and likely to be extended next offseason.
Bengals defenders don’t sound too worried about extended DC search
From the outside, the fact the Cincinnati Bengals are taking a long time to nail down a defensive coordinator seems like a bad development.
Joe Mixon isn’t thrilled with his Pro Football Focus grade
Both can be right, of course. Mixon was a stud talent last year who excelled behind a struggling offensive line and continued to do so even after stars around him went down with injuries.
NFL Trade Machine: Matthew Stafford to the Cincinnati Bengals
What better way to get it started than with a quarterback and not the one everybody expected too. Matthew Stafford is in somewhat of a weird bubble at the moment with the Detroit Lions. He’s unquestionably the most productive passer they’ve ever had and still capable of being really good under center. However, it became clear last season that he doesn’t seem to mesh quite well in the system new head coach Matt Patricia wants.
Random News
Realistic Landing Spots for Le'Veon Bell in 2019 NFL Free Agency
Just weeks after celebrating his 27th birthday, superstar Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell will celebrate becoming an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his NFL career.
1 Mistake Each NFL Team Must Avoid Making in the 2019 NFL Draft
In 2014, the Rams used the 13th overall pick on Aaron Donald, who would go on to become a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Nine picks later, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam didn't listen to advisers and forced the front office to select a spectacular flameout in quarterback Johnny Manziel.
Nike Reveals Colin Kaepernick 'Icon Jersey' Days After NFL Settlement Is Reached
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick may remain without an NFL job, but Nike unveiled a new "Icon" jersey in his honor Wednesday.
NFL Starters Who Could Have Their Jobs Stolen by Free-Agent Signings
It takes one notable free-agent signing to signal a predictive shift at a position. Every year, NFL teams ink players to lucrative deals with the hopes of bolstering weak areas on their rosters—sometimes at the expense of the incumbent starters.
NFL Rumors: Raiders Close to Deal to Stay in Oakland for 2019 Season
According to Phil Matier of SFGate.com, a source said the deal, which is expected to be announced this week or early next week, is for one year with an option for 2020. The option is insurance for the Raiders in case their Las Vegas stadium is not completed in time for the 2020 season.