Bengals News (3/25): Interior excitement

D.J. Reader and Larry Ogunjobi are excited to team up on the interior of the Bengals defensive line
Not long after that, Ogunjobi agreed on a one-year deal for $6 million that gives them exactly what each of them needs. It allows Ogunjobi to play his natural position at the three technique defensive tackle position and it gives Reader that dog to play next to him. A scrappy, relentless rescue dog who re-made his life when he re-made his body. An athletic tag team complementing Reader as he continues to do the grimy work of the nose man, a group of which he is considered an elite member.

Running back Samaje Perine signed a two-year contract with the Bengals
Perine, a fifth-year player out of the University of Oklahoma, originally was a fourth-round draft pick of Washington in 2017. He spent his first two seasons (2017-18) with Washington, before joining the Bengals on waivers prior to the 2019 season-opener. He also had a brief stint in Miami late in 2019, but was re-acquired on waivers by Cincinnati last April. Last season for the Bengals, he played in all 16 games (one start) and rushed 63 times for 301 yards (4.8) and three TDs. For his career, he has played in 44 games (nine starts) and rushed 251 times for 952 yards (3.8) and four TDs, while also catching 36 passes for 253 yards and a receiving TD.

Chicago Bears QB Andy Dalton’s stats over the years
The Chicago Bears added veteran Andy Dalton in free agency as a means to address the quarterback position this offseason. Dalton, who signed a one-year deal worth $10 million, was actually more of a back-up plan given Chicago’s aggressive pursuit of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who the team noted isn’t being traded at this time.

NFL free agency: Should the Bengals gamble on signing Aldon Smith?
It’s no secret the Cincinnati Bengals want to keep adding to the pass-rush this offseason even after signing Trey Hendrickson. That would explain the free-agent visit with Ryan Kerrigan.

Bengals had heavy presence at Florida State, Alabama pro days
There, big names like defensive tackle Marvin Wilson and defensive back Asante Samuel Jr. ran through the paces of measurements and drilling. Names like Janarius Robinson and Joshua Kaindoh could be edge-rushing targets the Bengals like in later rounds.

Could Cincinnati Bengals Make a Run at Free Agent Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins?
Unfortunately for them, there aren't many veterans left. Most of the starting-level receivers on the free agent market have already signed elsewhere. Sammy Watkins is the best wide-out remaining, but Cincinnati hasn't shown much interest in the former fourth overall pick. He visited Baltimore and Indianapolis this week.

Around the league

Patriots OT Trent Brown: Relationship with Raiders 'wasn’t a good fit'
"No hard feelings to them or anything, but I guess you could just say it wasn't a good fit," Brown said of his time with the Raiders. "And I felt like I wanted to be back somewhere where I've worn a lot of jerseys in my life, but I've never been more proud than when I put on the Patriots jersey."

2021 NFL trade grades: Who's winning/losing on the deal-making front?
The free agency frenzy has certainly shaken up rosters across the NFL, but that's not the only avenue for offseason change. The new league year has also provided a number of trades, big and small. Here's my report card on the most notable deals thus far:

Falcons TE Lee Smith doesn't view Atlanta as 'no-hope rebuild'
"I don't look at it as a no-hope rebuild," tight end Lee Smith said, via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "That's just not the way I look at it. Not with the talent on this roster and the success that they've had with so many of the same guys that are still on this roster."

2021 NFL free agency: Wednesday roundup of latest news, buzz
After averaging 10.6 sacks per season over his first eight years, Kerrigan has seen his playing time dip. He was a rotational player in 2020, starting just one of 16 games played. Despite playing just 476 snaps (down from 859 in 2018), the veteran was still productive, earning 5.5 sacks.