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Quick Hits: Zac Taylor says Joe Burrow is on pace for the start of the 2021 season
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor hasn't seen any video of Joe Burrow running or throwing, but he says the franchise quarterback is on pace during his rehab for a reconstructed knee. In a virtual call with the Cincinnati press Wednesday, Taylor said Burrow is "on pace to do all the things we're hoping he would do. He's doing really well."
Zac Taylor updates his thoughts on Bengals free agents, Jonah Williams
Following Duke Tobin’s meeting with the media ahead of free agency opening, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor did the same Wednesday.
NFL draft: Bengals sent coaches to pro days for Rashawn Slater, others
Those Bengals have been busy over the last week or so, making a point to send offensive line coaches to Rashawn Slater’s pro day, according to Jim Nagy of the Senior Bowl. According to Eric Edholm of Yahoo Sports, the Bengals also had a line coach at Quinn Meinerz’s pro day.
2021 NFL Mock Draft: 49ers trade up to take Justin Fields, Bengals get Joe Burrow a familiar weapon
There's still a lot of time left between now and the 2021 NFL Draft, and we're yet to even get into free agency. There's no telling how different the NFL landscape will look between now and that first night of the draft, but even if we've only seen minimal changes over the last couple of weeks, Fornelli Mock 2.0 looks a bit different than the first version.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins Attacking Offseason Workouts
The Bengals organization is preparing for free agency, which starts on March 17, but the current players on the roster are working to improve this offseason. That includes wide receiver Tee Higgins, who had a stellar rookie campaign. He tied a Bengals rookie record with 67 receptions, finishing with 908 yards and six touchdowns.
Cincinnati Bengals Interested in Reunion With former New York Giants guard Kevin Zeitler
The Bengals know they need to improve in the trenches this offseason. It sounds like they could turn to a familiar face in their quest to stabilize the offensive line. Cincinnati is interested in reuniting with right guard Kevin Zeitler according to NFL insider Chad Forbes.
NFL free agency: Giants cut Kevin Zeitler, Bengals reunion possible
Now Zeitler hits an open market with plenty of quality offensive linemen and only so many teams that can actually spend big money. The Bengals happen to be one of those teams and it’s clear the biggest priority this offseason is fixing the offensive line in front of Joe Burrow, who continues to rehab his way back from a season-ending injury.
Around the league
2021 NFL free agency: Key roster needs for every AFC team
De facto general manager Duke Tobin insisted the Bengals will be active in free agency. They'll need to be if they're serious about contending while their quarterback is on his rookie deal. Joe Burrow shined in Year 1 in spite of his offensive line, only to suffer a season-ending knee injury amid a collapsing pocket in Week 11. Upgrading his protection should be Cincinnati's top priority. The next biggest needs are on defense. Carlos Dunlap was traded last October, Carl Lawson wasn't tagged and Geno Atkins is a prime cut candidate, so the defensive line is due for a makeover. The Bengals also have multiple spots to fill at cornerback.
NFL announces 36 compensatory picks in 2021 NFL Draft for 17 teams
The list includes the standard 32 compensatory picks, plus four additional selections granted to teams at the end of the third round for minority hires of head coaches and GMs as part of the NFL's new rule to promote diversity hirings. The 36 comp picks were spread over 17 teams.
2021 NFL free agency: Pending free agents, notable departures for all 32 teams
Below is a team-by-team breakdown of notable player departures during the 2021 NFL free agency period. This tracker will be updated as roster moves play out across the NFL. Jump to your favorite team by clicking on one of the eight divisions below.
Five things I want to happen in this NFL offseason: Russell Wilson to Chicago! Patriots draft stunner!
Verbally slamming Trubisky has lost any sense of adventure. I don't trust Ryan Pace to navigate the team forward, but the embattled general manager would cover a thousand sins by pulling off a trade for Wilson. It would cost a bundle, but so what? Wilson would alter the Bears on an almost spiritual level.