Category: Latest News

Here’s where A.J. Green’s franchise tag money would land among recipients

Here’s where A.J. Green would land on the franchise tag.

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A.J. Green has been an incredibly perplexing part of the Cincinnati Bengals offseason so far.

Plenty of evidence points to the Bengals using the franchise tag on A.J. Green. Adding to this, a different report suggested the CBA negotiations stalled contract talks with Green and his reps.

The latter seems to make it even more obvious the team will slap a tag on Green — and it sure doesn’t hurt that potential No. 1 pick Joe Burrow has made it clear he wants to play with the star wideout.

All that out of the way, now is probably a nice time to dive into exactly what the tag would look like. Here’s where it stands against other likely franchise tag candidates:

It isn’t too shocking to see the exorbitant average prices of star wideouts push Green’s number that high — but it is interesting in context against other positions.

Rest assured the Bengals don’t have any problem paying that number — the team is in no way hurting for space, a notion soon to be strengthened by departures like Andy Dalton and Cordy Glenn.

That Green would prefer a long-term deal is the only hiccup, but one both parties can work on into the summer.

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Is Dre Kirkpatrick on hot seat with Bengals as cut candidate?

The Bengals might be planning a big change with Dre Kirkpatrick.

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Could Dre Kirkpatrick be on the hot seat this offseason with the Cincinnati Bengals?

Kirkpatrick, oft-targeted by opposing quarterbacks and Bengals fans alike, carries a hefty cap number into next season. The Zac Taylor-led coaching staff wiggling out of that number and making additions to cornerback through other means has been a consistent hypothetical from the fanbase (and before Taylor’s arrival, really).

During a comprehensive look at combine takeaways, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic might’ve provided the first serious fuel for the proverbial fire:

“We’ve likely seen the end of Darqueze Dennard’s time in Cincinnati with both sides focused in other directions. The Bengals would like to use the money saved on letting go of Dre Kirkpatrick to help fund a younger, high-quality replacement.”

If Taylor’s staff has seen enough from Kirkpatrick, who posted a 61.7 grade at Pro Football Focus last year and let up three touchdowns on 30 targets, cutting him would certainly make some sense.

Kirkpatrick is the team’s third-highest cap charge in 2020 at about $11 million and cutting him would save around $8 million against the cap.

But there’s a catch — that would leave the Bengals without a starting boundary player while already losing Darqueze Dennard to the market. The coaching staff presumably likes Darius Phillips, but it would necessitate a starter-quality add in free agency.

Both cutting Kirkpatrick and being more active than usual in free agency is probably “believe it when seeing it” material for Bengals faithful. But with Taylor’s staff sitting on a full year of experience and film and not currently scrambling to merely assemble a staff, big changes could be coming.

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NFL Network expects a big role for Bengals in free agency

New rumblings suggest an active role in free agency for the Bengals.

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It’s time for another dose of “the Cincinnati Bengals could be more active in free agency than normal this offseason.”

Multiple quotes from director of player personnel Duke Tobin hinted at a more active role than usual.

Adding to this is a note by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Tuesday: “I would expect them to be heavily involved in the upper and middle class of free agents.”

This stems from Rapoport’s time at the combine and otherwise. He notes the Bengals probably won’t go after the very top names but a big role seems likely.

Granted, this is more a retread of what we’ve known for more than a week now, especially with Bengals coaches knowing they’re so far ahead of the free-agent process this year.

The Bengals have a variety of needs to fill and should have plenty of cap space to do so, especially if they offload big cap hits like Andy Dalton and Cordy Glenn.

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Titans players offer prayers, support for Nashville tornado victims

Titans players have offered their prayers and support to the victims of the Nashville tornadoes.

After the Nashville area was devastated by tornadoes early Tuesday morning, the Tennessee Titans and their players offered prayers and support for those affected.

The storm has left unimaginable destruction, and according to the Tennesseean, which cited a number from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, the death toll has reached 21.

The home of the Titans, Nissan Stadium, is being considered as an option to help in the disaster relief efforts, according to beat writer Paul Kuharsky.

For a list of ways you can help the people of Nashville, check out this article from the Tennessean that has all the important information.

Titans players offer prayers, support

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Nashville.

ESPN taps Bryan Bulaga as ‘perfect match’ for Bengals in free agency

Bryan Bulaga is a match for the Bengals?

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The Cincinnati Bengals might be more aggressive than usual in free agency this year simply because Zac Taylor’s staff is so far ahead in the process.

While offensive line doesn’t figure to be the first order of business there, it could indeed be a priority with names like Bryan Bulaga floating on the market.

Over at ESPN, Ben Linsey suggested Bulaga as the “perfect match” for the Bengals:

“A season ago, the Bengals extended Bobby Hart to man the right tackle position for 2019. One 57.7 overall grade later — a result not uncommon, given his career results — and it should be clear that he is not the solution. Jonah Williams is expected to step in as the team’s starting left tackle after his medical redshirt, but that still leaves a need at right tackle with Joe Burrow ready to begin his career in Cincinnati, barring anything unforeseen. Bulaga is coming off six straight seasons with the Packers with pass-blocking grades of 70.0 or higher, and he would bring a much-needed reliable veteran presence to the offensive line.”

Bulaga hasn’t had any talks with the Packers since the end of the season, so the soon-to-be-31-year-old tackle could indeed slip to market.

And Bulaga would indeed be an upgrade on the right side of the line. Like the odd three-year deal for linebacker Preston Brown –terminated midseason — the Bengals could then end up cutting Hart. Even so, Bengals coaches don’t often make it sound like Hart is a sour point.

Bulaga isn’t the top option on the market if Jack Conklin makes it there. But he’s one of a few upgrade options if the Bengals want to spend.

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Report: Titans’ Nissan Stadium being considered for tornado relief efforts

The home of the Titans is being considered for disaster relief efforts.

After at least two tornadoes hit Nashville early Tuesday morning, Nissan Stadium, the home of the Tennessee Titans, is being considered as an option to help in relief efforts.

According to Titans beat writer Paul Kuharsky, the power at Nissan Stadium is back on and a check on its employees has returned positive results.

Unfortunately, the storm has taken the lives of 19 people, according to the Tennessean, which cited a number given by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.

This is absolutely devastating news and our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Nashville who have been affected by the storm.

One photo that is being passed around as a sign of hope after the disaster is of the iconic “I believe in Nashville” mural, which is still standing despite the devastation around it.

For a list of ways you can help those affected by the storm, check out this article from Nashville Scene.

Report: Tom Brady might look to reunite with Antonio Brown

If Tom Brady signs with the Titans, he might be looking to bring Antonio Brown with him.

If Tom Brady does decide to leave the New England Patriots this offseason, he might be looking to take Antonio Brown with him wherever he goes.

According to a report from Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Brady has kept in contact with Brown and may look to reunite with him down the road.

Ready for a wild audible? Two people close to Antonio Brown — yes, that Antonio Brown — told us Brady keeps in consistent contact with Brown and has told Brown he wants to play with him wherever Brady goes next.

According to one of Brown’s attorneys, Brady has told Brown to keep mentally and physically strong so the two can reunite on the field at Brady’s next stop. Anything concerning Brown should be taken with not a grain but a bucket of salt at this point, but it does seem as if Brady and Brown formed at least some level of connection in their incredibly brief time together in New England.

As if this offseason didn’t have the potential to get crazy enough thanks to the possibility that Brady signs with the Tennessee Titans, bringing in Brown alongside Brady would take things to another level.

While it’s certainly realistic to think that the Titans could be Brady’s next destination, it’s highly doubtful that Tennessee would be willing to bring in Brown and all of his baggage as well.

While Brown is no doubt talented, he simply isn’t worth the negative attention and everything else that comes along with him after he’s gotten himself into trouble in more ways than one can count.

Adding to that, the Titans already have a solid group of receivers for Brady to work with, which only makes Brown even more unnecessary.

Would a refusal to sign Brown be a deal-breaker for Brady joining the Titans? Who knows, but I’d like to believe Brady is smarter than that.

Titans select Andrew Thomas in Todd McShay’s latest mock draft

Will the Titans take an offensive lineman in the first round?

One of the Tennessee Titans’ needs to address this offseason is adding some help along the offensive line.

Tennessee’s starting right tackle, Jack Conklin, is set to hit the open market and command a huge payday that might be too rich for the Titans’ blood, leading to him playing elsewhere in 2020.

And, while the Titans do have Dennis Kelly as a backup plan in the event that happens, at the very least the team should be looking to add some depth upfront. After all, Kelly can’t be the solid insurance policy he has been the past few years if he’s starting.

In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Todd McShay has the Titans taking Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas with the No. 29 overall pick.

The Titans’ offensive line allowed 56 sacks (third most in the NFL) in 2019, and now Jack Conklin is looking as if he won’t be back. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was a revelation for the Titans last season, but Tennessee can improve the protection around him. Sure, Tennessee has other issues to consider: Running back (Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins), linebacker (Murray), cornerback (Auburn’s Noah Igbinoghene) and tight end (Kmet) could all be positions to watch depending on what happens with this month’s free-agency period. But it also has no choice but to do something about the line. Thomas is a powerful tackle with natural ability, and if developed properly, he could go a long way toward cleaning up the team’s pass protection.

Unless the Titans don’t bring either Conklin or Kelly back, I don’t see them taking an offensive lineman this early. Tennessee would be better served addressing the need at EDGE or cornerback in this spot.

However, there’s a chance that general manager Jon Robinson sees an offensive lineman fall to him that he simply can’t pass up. Thomas would certainly qualify as one of those players.

Thomas is arguably a top-three tackle in this draft, so it would be surprising to see him fall this far with the demand for quality offensive linemen being what it is.

The Georgia product started at left tackle for three years with the Bulldogs, but could transition to the right side to start his career. Thomas would give the Titans versatility and a potential starter at some point down the road.

If the Titans were to go with an offensive lineman in the first round, it would have to be a home-run pick — and it’s safe to say Thomas would be that kind of pick if he were available at No. 29.

Bengals can use Ohio State link with Sam Hubbard in Joe Burrow pursuit

The Bengals have options when it comes to digging up info on Joe Burrow.

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The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t without options when it comes to researching potential No. 1 pick Joe Burrow.

Zac Taylor has his coaching connections with Burrow’s father. Typical coaching connections abound too. The team finally got to meet with him at the combine and will do so again before the draft.

One lesser-mentioned link? Don’t forget Ohio State.

Albert Breer of MMQB suggested this connection could be getting some use right about now:

One relationship the Bengals can pull on with Joe Burrow: Third-year defensive end Sam Hubbard was actually roommates with Burrow at Ohio State. My understanding is they’ve tapped into that resource, enabling the team to get a feel for where Burrow is on coming to Cincinnati. Additionally, I’ve heard that Burrow has actually asked other teams about their impressions of the Bengals, so he’s doing his homework too.

Given the heights of Burrow’s accomplishments at LSU, it’s almost easy to forget he spent some time at Ohio State.

The Sam Hubbard link isn’t hard to fathom. Hubbard was already hanging out with Burrow after the season. Hubbard himself said he’s “campaigning hard” for the Bengals to make Burrow the pick.

While Bengals brass probably don’t need to go into overdrive on Burrow research at this point, it sure doesn’t hurt to have this Ohio State link working behind the scenes too.

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Patriots and Bears are fun but don’t forget Colts in Andy Dalton trade ideas

Keep an eye on the Colts in the Andy Dalton sweepstakes.

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It’s fun to theorize about where Andy Dalton might end up now that he’s clearly on the way out the door with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Dalton going to the Chicago Bears makes plenty of sense — and the two sides reportedly talked about a deal during the NFL combine.

There is also the New England Patriots to consider given the trade history between the franchises — but only if the Patriots lose Tom Brady to free agency.

But what about the Indianapolis Colts?

In a report revealing Dalton’s agent is working with the Bengals on a trade, the Colts are another team mentioned as a possible landing spot.

And if we’re looking at it through a do-right-by-Dalton lens, the Colts are a pretty great situation.

In Indianapolis, Dalton would enjoy playing with one of the NFL’s best offensive lines while airing it out to T.Y. Hilton and Pro Bowler Jack Doyle.

That’s just the beginning of course. The Colts also happen to have a top-13 pick and about $86 million in cap space. If the front office there is sending off assets to get a win-now option like Dalton, it’s probably going to go all-in via every avenue in the pursuit of winning a title.

So yes, the Colts would be a good destination for Dalton and given the way that franchise hoards assets lately, the Bengals would get a nice return on shipping him away while also clearing the cap hit.

While the Bears seem perfect, just keep in mind the team the Bengals play in the fourth game of every preseason from right up the highway.

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