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Cincinnati Bengals Jessie Bates and Sam Hubbard love the new additions to the defense
As the football world reeled while the Bengals shifted gears and committed about $120 million for five defensive starters in free agency, Bates and Hubbard had already huddled with coaches during their exit meetings following the season and left with the idea they were going to aggressively upgrade their side of the ball.
4 Wide Receivers that could be Steals for the Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are bound to draft Joe Burrow with the first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Burrow will have no shortage of receiving options, as the Bengals have A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd, John Ross, and Auden Tate as their corp. However, only Boyd and Tate are under contract past 2020.
Andy Dalton: Jacksonville Jaguars may pursue QB if Bengals release him
In an interview with Phil Smith and James Johnson on the "Bleav in the Jags" podcast, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport suggested that he doesn't see Cam Newton and Jameis Winston as Jacksonville quarterback candidates. But he expects the Jags to consider pursuing Dalton - if he's a free agent.
Bengals stuck last in new power rankings despite active free agency
In a little over two weeks, Cincinnati managed to retain A.J. Green and add the mentioned D.J. Reader and Trae Waynes. They also got a steal in corner Mackensie Alexander, upgraded at linebacker with Josh Bynes and upgraded at safety with Vonn Bell.
Bengals: A Bold FA Period May Signal an Aggressive Draft Approach
Under the new approach, most likely inspired by Zac Taylor, the front office has spent over $120 million in free agency so far, dishing out the most money in the history of the franchise’s existence. An entirely new secondary, one of the best defensive tackles in football, and help at some of their weakest positions were all acquired while racking up the historical bill.
AFC North NFL Free Agency grades: Where the Cincinnati Bengals rank
The initial wave of free agency is over. We are now in the third week of a lively free agency period that’s seen MVPs such as Tom Brady go to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Todd Gurley head south to the Atlanta Falcons.
Around the League
Upon reinstatement, Aldon Smith to sign with Cowboys
Smith last played for the Raiders in 2015 when he was issued an indefinite suspension for violation of the league's substance-abuse and personal-conduct policies. Smith was then released by the Raiders in 2018 after he was named as a suspect in a domestic violence incident.
Aldon Smith 'thankful' for opportunity with Cowboys
Then the off-field issues began to undercut the talent. A 2013 arrest for suspicion of DUI -- his second -- and possession of marijuana led to Smith checking into a rehab facility. In 2014, he was suspended for nine games for violating the NFL's substance abuse and personal conduct policies. In 2015, following yet another arrest and charges for DUI and vandalism, Smith was released by the 49ers in August.
Payton: Tom Brady makes NFC South 'a lot stronger'
"It was a great sign by Tampa, and this division has gotten a lot stronger," New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said, via the Times-Picayune.
Jets GM aims to support Darnold with OL, playmakers
"I promised I was going to do everything in my power to take care of Sam with protection and playmakers," Douglas said, via the Associated Press. "I think we still have a lot to do in both those regards moving forward. I think we've done our best to attack some of the issues we had in the past."