For the first time since 2010, we did not see head coach Marvin Lewis and the Cincinnati Bengals in the playoffs. The team finished 6-9-1 this past year after winning the AFC North with a 12-4 mark. But the franchise has no time to lick its wounds. And the Bengals had their share when it came to key injuries, losing perennial Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green for a big chunk of the season. On March 9 at 4 p.m. ET, each NFL team will have made their decisions on which potential Free Agents they want to re-sign. What will the Bengals do? And who will be allowed to test free agency?
Keep in mind that this one of the top teams in the NFL when it comes to acquiring talent in the draft.
Bring him back
The Cincinnati Bengals feature one of the more underappreciated offensive lines in the league. But that unit could be on the verge of some major changes if the front office can’t find a way to retain both left tackle Andrew Whitworth and right guard Kevin Zeitler. Both are quality performers and the latter may command huge money on the open market. It may also be the kind of contract the Bengals are hesitant to compete with. Meanwhile, Whitworth has gotten better as time as worn on. This past season, 2015 first-rounder Cedric Ogbuehi took over at right tackle in place of free-agent departee Andre Smith.
Whitworth has 11 seasons under his belt. But he’s one of the club’s veterans and an important part of the team in general.
Let him go
There’s another 11-year pro available for free agency that the Cincinnati Bengals may move on from. Defensive tackle Domata Peko can become an unrestricted free agent on March 9. The team was a real disappointment when it came to stopping the run in 2016 and changes up front are perhaps in order.
Star defensive tackle Geno Atkins isn’t going anywhere and the Bengals still have Pat Sims and two-year pro Marcus Hardison inside. It would be a pretty big surprise if Peko is re-signed before the market opens this week. At the very least, he’ll get a chance to see what he’s worth outside of the Queen City.
