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The Bengals followed up last season’s wild free agency period with some big-time moves this season and, more specifically, within the last few hours.
After 11 seasons, the team parted ways with 8-time Pro Bowler Geno Atkins, ending the Atkins-Dunlap era for good. The Bengals also released Ryan Finley and Bobby Hart while capping it all off with the signing of Riley Reiff, a veteran tackle.
That said, let’s dive into how Bengals Twitter reacted to the news.
Also, be sure to send us your favorites tweets in the comments section!
So long old friend
No one will have anything bad to say about Geno Atkins, a player that gave everything he had to the Queen City. The move makes sense after the signing of Saints defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
Probably the next Hall of Fame player for the Bengals. Amazing career. An absolute pleasure to watch Geno Atkins. https://t.co/OmOau0Boy8
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) March 19, 2021
Those Marshal Yanda-Geno Atkins battles were some of the best in the AFC North over the past decade https://t.co/ssXJsXHzqT
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) March 19, 2021
Thank you for everything, Geno Atkins.
— Nati Sports (@Nati_Sports) March 19, 2021
There really is no more truer professional. Right up there with A.J. Green.
Nothing but love, 97. pic.twitter.com/LHIDxXDMKK
Larry Ogunjobi has trained with Geno Atkins, and he just looked at the camera with a message for him.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) March 19, 2021
"Thank you, for real. I appreciate you."
Based off of pure talent. It goes Anthony Munoz then Geno Atkins as the best Bengals ever
— Bengals Study Room (@report_bengals) March 19, 2021
Zac confirms that Geno Atkins will be released.
— Bengals UK (@WhoDey_UK) March 19, 2021
Another one that hurts.
Losing Geno Atkins and AJ Green in the last few days is tough. Both were great players but they were even better off the field. Both were franchise changing players for us, wish them nothing but the best #WhoDey https://t.co/AX1wHg1Nx2
— Logan Fulmer (@Fvlmer) March 19, 2021
But, what about Ryan Finley and Bobby Hart? They were also cut and do not worry — Bengals Twitter also blew up about that news.
Saying goodbye to Ryan Finley and Bobby Hart
THE BENGALS RELEASED BOBBY HART!!! pic.twitter.com/wjTDWwjnXj
— Cincinnati (@CincyProblems) March 19, 2021
Bobby Hart Bengals Highlight Reel pic.twitter.com/q7muebjTgX
— Elite Andy Dalton (@EvilAndyDalton) March 19, 2021
To be clear: Bobby Hart was not a “cap casualty”. He was a casualty.
— Not Zac Taylor (@NotZacTaylor) March 19, 2021
Bengals fans on hearing Bobby Hart got released... pic.twitter.com/uPu9IE7tjq
— Bengals UK (@WhoDey_UK) March 19, 2021
“Bobby Hart has been released” pic.twitter.com/hVJmhdgxwy
— Bengals Football (@CincinnatiBZN) March 19, 2021
We’ll always love you, Ryan Finley!! pic.twitter.com/InG2VUUVPp
— Bengals Brawl ™️ (@BengalsBrawl) March 19, 2021
Thank you to Ryan Finley for the win over Pittsburgh! You will be remembered. #WhoDey #Bengals. Wishing him the best
— Ava (@AvaCincy) March 19, 2021
Thank you Ryan Finley! #WhoDey
— Sean Ryan (@ACraftyLook) March 19, 2021
pic.twitter.com/pyKSPqGMIn
Bittersweet to be honest, because Hart would be a good backup option but not for that price.
— Tellmeallyourthoughtsonsports (@gameonjmoney) March 19, 2021
Ryan Finley really willed the team to that win vs the Steelers last year. The dude proved me wrong. He had guts. I’ll never forget that game for many reasons.
Ryan Finley: gave us joy when the season was bleak last year. Forever a @Bengals legend for the Monday night win against the @Steelers
— Nate Meyer (@natemey) March 19, 2021
Bobby Hart: please never come back https://t.co/93TofkTIq1
Now, forward we go.
On to the future with Riley Reiff
One of the most important moves in free agency for Cincy: Improve the protection for QB Joe Burrow. A veteran starting LT does that. The #Vikings loved Riley Reiff, on the field and in the locker room. Now, he lands with the #Bengals. https://t.co/SoSBjW6twF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2021
Is Riley Reiff better than Bobby Hart? Absolutely.
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) March 19, 2021
Should signing Reiff, 32, deter the Bengals from drafting Penei Sewell? Absolutely not.
WhoDey Nation mission 1 accomplished securing Riley Reiff mission 2 GollaDey
— Jahan (@JahanMirziaie) March 19, 2021
Riley Reiff the biggest Dad on the team yall #GreatBarrierReiff
— Coby Castor (@CastorCoby) March 19, 2021
Live look in on Riley Reiff talking to Bobby Hart today pic.twitter.com/zVLqKWsOcd
— Going 4 Two (@Going42Podcast) March 19, 2021
#Bengals sign Riley Reiff, and cut Bobby Hart. What a day to be alive in Cincinnati!
— Arabic Tacos (@ArabicTacos) March 19, 2021
Jeff Ruby told Riley Reiff he’d give him a box of his own personal cigars if he signed the whole city came out to recruit
— Clay Winstead (@ClayWinstead) March 19, 2021
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