2023 Free Agency thread

[AmishBengalFan]

Tampa has released LT Donovan Smith due to cap issues.

 

Linky: https://www.espn.ph/nfl/story/_/id/35805637/source-buccaneers-releasing-left-tackle-donovan-smith

[|High School Harry|]

14 hours ago, Montana Bengal said:

 

 

And an angel got her wings

[MichaelWeston]

Here is the updated list. I will try to keep on top of it through free agency

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mgtgMHolSqZPovZ_AumIbAN2B-8cfa4DSDCMiVmnoOg/edit?usp=sharing

[MichaelWeston]

Cethan Carter was released. 

[MichaelWeston]

My list on Offense

 

QB

-Josh Dobbs: I love his smarts, arm strength and legs. Perfect for a long term backup. 

RB

Nobody really stands out to me as an obvious upgrade to Mixon. Although, there are a lot of interesting guys though and I would like to upgrade from Mixon. I am not opposed to any strategy here. We probably are seeking 3 things 1-Pass Blocking, 2-Receiving, 3-Big plays. 

1-Devin Singletary: 38 catches, 819 rushing yards, 73.2 pass blocking grade (Not consistent over the years). 26 years old, just 203 pounds (would be smallest Bengals back), 21 carries over 10 yards

2-Jamaal Williams: 1006 yards and 17 tds, just 12 catches, 72.3 pass blocking grade(consistent over the years). 28 years old, 22 carries over 10 yards

3-David Montgomery: 34 catches, 801 yards rushing, 57.4 pass blocking grade (76.6 in 2021) , 17 carries over 10 yards

4-D'Ernest Johnson: Just 34 snaps in 2022, 6 special teams tackles, 82.1 pass blocking grade. 534 yards rushing in 2021, 5.3 avg and 3tds, 19catches-137 yards, 80.1 pass blocking grade), 16 carries over 10 yards

5-Justice Hill: Just 25, Dax Hills bro, 262 yards rushing this year, 12 catches, 24.7 avg KR, 6 tackles, personality fits well. 9 carries over 10 yards

6-James Robinson: Traded to Jets and fell down the depth chart. 425 yards on 3.9 avg, 11 catches, 81.5 pass blocking grade doesn't stand up first few years, Coming off a torn Achilles

------------------------------------------Others

7-Raheem Mostert: 891 yards rushing, 31 catches, 53.1pass blocking grade, 27 carries over 10yards, 31 years old

8-Jeff Wilson: 24 runs of 10+ on 92 carries, not a receiver

 

WR

I'd trade Boyd but I get not doing it. If you don't trade Boyd only Dulin on this list makes any sense. I think you can trade Boyd and replace his production with a draft pick and cheap veteran. 

1-Olimade Zaccheaus: 40 catches, 533 yards 3 tds. He's only 5-8 and 188 (4.54 40), YAC was 5.1, ADOT 11.8 2.4Drp%, 109.5% Rating when targeted. Just 42% in slot.

2-Richie James: James will be 28 this season, 5-9 185 (4.48 40). Very productive last year 57-569 and 4, 5% drop rate 122 rating when thrown to, 3.2 avg YAC, 7.0 average depth of target. 75% in the slot. 

3-Greg Dortch: He's restricted but undrafted. 52 catches-467 yards-2 scores, 70% in the slot. 5'7 and 173. YAC of 5.9 and ADOT 4.6, 107.1 rating when thrown to. Just 25. 

4-Jarvis Landry: Landry was actually coached by Taylor in Miami, He's 31 and 5'11 205. He had a drop percent of 0%, 2.5 YA, 9.6 ADOT. 63% in the slot. 25 catches, 272 yards 1td

5-Chris Moore: Former UC guy, 53% in slot, Great year on a bad Texans team 48-548-2. Only option that compares to Boyds size at 6'1 206. YAC 5.6, ADOT 9.6 but a 5.9%Drp rate and 81.3 Rating. 

6-Ashton Dulin: Ohio guy from a small school, Numbers are great for a part timer and special teamer. 15 catches, 207 yards, 1 td and 5 tackles, 6-1 215 4.43, 84.8 rating when targeted, Biggest ADOT at 13.3 and a 0 Drp%. The kind of player that would be a great addition a week into free agency even if we have our starters. 

 

TE

I have absolutely no doubt that Hurst and Wilcox are back. And no doubt they draft a guy. And little doubt they actual sign someone. But there are 2 interesting guys.

1-Josh Oliver: Is probably out in Baltimore after they loaded up on TEs in the draft. He played 561 snaps for them last year and blocked well with a 71.9 grade passing and 74 grade running. He only has 26 career catches but he can do a lot in that game. I want him no matter what and is my biggest bargain in this free agent group. I think getting him for a couple years is like a free draft pick.

2-Jordan Akins: He’s 31 but an option to start at the position if Hurst is gone. He caught 37 balls for 495 yards and 5 tds in just 3 starts. He played for Walters at UCF in 2017 so there is a connection there as well.

 

C-G

I want to grab depth at the interior line and someone who can challenge Volson at LG is a plus

1-Conner McGovern: Just 26, started 15 games for the Cowboys last year. 76.6 pass blocking score. 100 career snaps at C. Started as a Rookie at RG. 

2-Wes Schweitzer: 60 career starts including 6 last year, started at C this year, RG in 2021 and 2017 and LG in 2018-2020. Pass Blocking Number wasn’t great 42.9. 30

3-Matt Skura: 73 career starts including 8 last year at LG. Started at LG some in 2021, C 2018-2020 and RG in 2017. 68.1 Pass blocking grade last year. 30

4-Nick Gates: 28, Has starts at LG-C and RT, 29 total, 8 at LG and C in 2022. 69.3 Pass Blocking grade

5-Max Garcia: 59 career starts, 7 last year at LG and RG. 31 years old with poor grades last year. 

6-Dan Feeney: 64 career starts mostly at LG and C although last year he primarily played RG. 

 

Tackle

I'd love two Tackles. One to start at RT and one to backup both LT and RT in a pinch. 

1-Kelvin Beachum: Has been great recently. He is 34 and his recent salaries haven't been much so he should be cheap too. His pass blocking last year was 76.4 starting all 17 games for Arizona. Has started last 3 years at RT after starting 4 years at LT. 2019 he played LT for Pollick in New York. He is a guy I think could fit perfectly. 

2-Jermaine Eluemunor: He is only 28, started 17 games for the Raiders last year. This was his first real year starting. 76.1 pass blocking grade. Has snaps at RG and LT as well. 

Swing

1-Ty Nsekhe: Started 8 games for the Rams last year. Is 38 but might be the perfect cheap swing tackle looking to play for a contender. 80.7 Pass blocking grade last year playing 421 snaps at LT. 

2-Riley Reiff: Started 10 games for the Bears last year at RT with a 67 pass blocking grade. Obviously played for the Bengals the year before at RT. 

3-George Fant: Split time at RT and LT last year, 60 career starts. Played for Pollick in 2020. 

[claptonrocks]

4 hours ago, MichaelWeston said:

My list on Offense

 

QB

-Josh Dobbs: I love his smarts, arm strength and legs. Perfect for a long term backup. 

RB

Nobody really stands out to me as an obvious upgrade to Mixon. Although, there are a lot of interesting guys though and I would like to upgrade from Mixon. I am not opposed to any strategy here. We probably are seeking 3 things 1-Pass Blocking, 2-Receiving, 3-Big plays. 

1-Devin Singletary: 38 catches, 819 rushing yards, 73.2 pass blocking grade (Not consistent over the years). 26 years old, just 203 pounds (would be smallest Bengals back), 21 carries over 10 yards

2-Jamaal Williams: 1006 yards and 17 tds, just 12 catches, 72.3 pass blocking grade(consistent over the years). 28 years old, 22 carries over 10 yards

3-David Montgomery: 34 catches, 801 yards rushing, 57.4 pass blocking grade (76.6 in 2021) , 17 carries over 10 yards

4-D'Ernest Johnson: Just 34 snaps in 2022, 6 special teams tackles, 82.1 pass blocking grade. 534 yards rushing in 2021, 5.3 avg and 3tds, 19catches-137 yards, 80.1 pass blocking grade), 16 carries over 10 yards

5-Justice Hill: Just 25, Dax Hills bro, 262 yards rushing this year, 12 catches, 24.7 avg KR, 6 tackles, personality fits well. 9 carries over 10 yards

6-James Robinson: Traded to Jets and fell down the depth chart. 425 yards on 3.9 avg, 11 catches, 81.5 pass blocking grade doesn't stand up first few years, Coming off a torn Achilles

------------------------------------------Others

7-Raheem Mostert: 891 yards rushing, 31 catches, 53.1pass blocking grade, 27 carries over 10yards, 31 years old

8-Jeff Wilson: 24 runs of 10+ on 92 carries, not a receiver

 

WR

I'd trade Boyd but I get not doing it. If you don't trade Boyd only Dulin on this list makes any sense. I think you can trade Boyd and replace his production with a draft pick and cheap veteran. 

1-Olimade Zaccheaus: 40 catches, 533 yards 3 tds. He's only 5-8 and 188 (4.54 40), YAC was 5.1, ADOT 11.8 2.4Drp%, 109.5% Rating when targeted. Just 42% in slot.

2-Richie James: James will be 28 this season, 5-9 185 (4.48 40). Very productive last year 57-569 and 4, 5% drop rate 122 rating when thrown to, 3.2 avg YAC, 7.0 average depth of target. 75% in the slot. 

3-Greg Dortch: He's restricted but undrafted. 52 catches-467 yards-2 scores, 70% in the slot. 5'7 and 173. YAC of 5.9 and ADOT 4.6, 107.1 rating when thrown to. Just 25. 

4-Jarvis Landry: Landry was actually coached by Taylor in Miami, He's 31 and 5'11 205. He had a drop percent of 0%, 2.5 YA, 9.6 ADOT. 63% in the slot. 25 catches, 272 yards 1td

5-Chris Moore: Former UC guy, 53% in slot, Great year on a bad Texans team 48-548-2. Only option that compares to Boyds size at 6'1 206. YAC 5.6, ADOT 9.6 but a 5.9%Drp rate and 81.3 Rating. 

6-Ashton Dulin: Ohio guy from a small school, Numbers are great for a part timer and special teamer. 15 catches, 207 yards, 1 td and 5 tackles, 6-1 215 4.43, 84.8 rating when targeted, Biggest ADOT at 13.3 and a 0 Drp%. The kind of player that would be a great addition a week into free agency even if we have our starters. 

 

TE

I have absolutely no doubt that Hurst and Wilcox are back. And no doubt they draft a guy. And little doubt they actual sign someone. But there are 2 interesting guys.

1-Josh Oliver: Is probably out in Baltimore after they loaded up on TEs in the draft. He played 561 snaps for them last year and blocked well with a 71.9 grade passing and 74 grade running. He only has 26 career catches but he can do a lot in that game. I want him no matter what and is my biggest bargain in this free agent group. I think getting him for a couple years is like a free draft pick.

2-Jordan Akins: He’s 31 but an option to start at the position if Hurst is gone. He caught 37 balls for 495 yards and 5 tds in just 3 starts. He played for Walters at UCF in 2017 so there is a connection there as well.

 

C-G

I want to grab depth at the interior line and someone who can challenge Volson at LG is a plus

1-Conner McGovern: Just 26, started 15 games for the Cowboys last year. 76.6 pass blocking score. 100 career snaps at C. Started as a Rookie at RG. 

2-Wes Schweitzer: 60 career starts including 6 last year, started at C this year, RG in 2021 and 2017 and LG in 2018-2020. Pass Blocking Number wasn’t great 42.9. 30

3-Matt Skura: 73 career starts including 8 last year at LG. Started at LG some in 2021, C 2018-2020 and RG in 2017. 68.1 Pass blocking grade last year. 30

4-Nick Gates: 28, Has starts at LG-C and RT, 29 total, 8 at LG and C in 2022. 69.3 Pass Blocking grade

5-Max Garcia: 59 career starts, 7 last year at LG and RG. 31 years old with poor grades last year. 

6-Dan Feeney: 64 career starts mostly at LG and C although last year he primarily played RG. 

 

Tackle

I'd love two Tackles. One to start at RT and one to backup both LT and RT in a pinch. 

1-Kelvin Beachum: Has been great recently. He is 34 and his recent salaries haven't been much so he should be cheap too. His pass blocking last year was 76.4 starting all 17 games for Arizona. Has started last 3 years at RT after starting 4 years at LT. 2019 he played LT for Pollick in New York. He is a guy I think could fit perfectly. 

2-Jermaine Eluemunor: He is only 28, started 17 games for the Raiders last year. This was his first real year starting. 76.1 pass blocking grade. Has snaps at RG and LT as well. 

Swing

1-Ty Nsekhe: Started 8 games for the Rams last year. Is 38 but might be the perfect cheap swing tackle looking to play for a contender. 80.7 Pass blocking grade last year playing 421 snaps at LT. 

2-Riley Reiff: Started 10 games for the Bears last year at RT with a 67 pass blocking grade. Obviously played for the Bengals the year before at RT. 

3-George Fant: Split time at RT and LT last year, 60 career starts. Played for Pollick in 2020. 

Good stuff..

 Kevin Beachum.signing would be nice  upgrade.

Connor McGovern should be of interest.

Seems to be qualities there...

not sure about his liabilities though.

 

I would be think Chase Higgins and Boyd will ride together for another SB run..

Don't think JB would object..

 

 

 

 

 

[sparky151]

There will likely be cap cuts from other teams to deepen the free agency pool. I'm in a mock offseason at another site and was able to pick up vets like Graham Glasgow and Robert Tonyan and Tayshaun Gipson relatively cheaply.

 

[MichaelWeston]

1 hour ago, sparky151 said:

There will likely be cap cuts from other teams to deepen the free agency pool. I'm in a mock offseason at another site and was able to pick up vets like Graham Glasgow and Robert Tonyan and Tayshaun Gipson relatively cheaply.

 

Thats awesome. Plus cap cuts get us comp picks

[MichaelWeston]

Defense List

 

I know they will want some pass rush but am struggling to find perfect fits. It might just be whoever is most dynamic of who is left over after the first week.  I think there are probably 2 spots open. 5th DE and another 3T. No idea how it works out. 

Too much?

1. Matt Ioannidis: 29 years old off the Panthers, 69.1 pass rush grade, 1 sack, 8hits, 26 hurries. 1 year 9.5 million last year that we obviously wouldn't pay. 

2. Davis Onyemata: He's 31 with a 66.9 pass rush grade. Saints have no money to pay him. 5 sacks, 5 hits and 25 hurries. Coming off a 3 year 26 million dollar contract. 

Salary fits?

3. Morgan Fox: He's 29. 7 sacks, 5 hits, 28 hurries last year. His last contract was 1 year 1,187,500. I've wanted him the last 2 times he has been a free agent. Played B gap, over the tackle and Outside

4. Jarran Reed: 60.5 pass rush grade, 4 sacks, 11hits, 18hurries..had 52 overall tackles. 1 year 1.035 last year in Green Bay. 30 years old

5. Taven Bryan: Just 27. Played for Hobby in Jacksonville, 61.3 pass rush grade-4 sacks, 2hits, 17 hurries. 1 year 4 million

6. Sheldon Rankins: 66.1 pass rush grade-4 sacks-4 hits and 17 hurries. 2 years 11m total. He's 29

7. Adam Gotsis: 31, 69.9 pass rush grade on 315 snaps, 3sacks, 6hits, 5 hurries, 1 year 1,035 million

--------Guys I bumped into that seem interesting but I had never heard of. 

8. Isiah Buggs: 27, played for Lions, 66.8 pass rush, 1 sack, 8hits, 11 hurries. 46 tackles. 752 snaps this year in Detroit after 3 years at PIT where he never went above 227. 

9. Greg Gaines: 4sacks, 1 hit, 11 hurries, 59.3 pass rush, 6 sacks last year, 26 hurries. 27 years old

10. Kentavius Street: 59.8 pass rush, 6 sacks, 3 hits, 10 hurries, 26 years old

 

Defensive End

Coached by Hobby

1. Dante Fowler: 29, 73 pass rush grade, 6 sacks, 26hurries, 4hits 1 year, 3 million

2. Clein Ferrell: Just 26. 60.1 pass rush grade, 3 sacks, 5hits, 15hurries. Coming off rookie deal.

3. Shaq Lawson: 29, 62.3 pass rush grade, 4sacks, 11 hurries, 5 hits. 1 year 1,1875

4.  Yannik Ngakoue: He's 28 and might cost a ton as he is coming off a 2year-26 million dollar deal. 56.9 pass rush score, 12s-24hurries-9hits

5. Dawuane Smoot: 28, 73.4 pass rush grade, 6sacks, 24 hurries, 6hits...ruptured Achilles in week 16. 2 years 5per. 

Other

6. Arden Key: 27, 72 pass rush grade, 5sacks, 28 hurries, 11hits, 1 year 4 million

7. Justin Houston: 34, 75.4 pass rush grade, 11sacks, 22hurries, 6hits, 1 year 3.5 million

8. Melvin Ingram: 34, 78.9 pass rush grade, 7sacks, 23hurries, 5 hits, 1 year 4 million

 

LB

I'm not interested in LBs at all. This might be a blind spot for me. but I have two on the list. 

1. Devin Bush: Coached by Kovacs at Michigan. 25 years old. Not great stats but obviously has an upside as a former first rounder. 79 tackles, 4fl, 2h, 1s, 4pd. 

2. Matthew Adams: Bears LB, Just 27. Don't know much about him but a 71.9 coverage grade. 

 

S

I am as sure Bell is back as I am Hurst is back. So here I would just look for depth. I think they will be looking for a backup veteran who has versatility but will settle on a guy who can play FS. 

1. Bobby McCain: Drafted by Anarumo in Miami, 30, Cap Casualty, 69.5 coverage grade. Started 16 games last year so might get a starting role. Last year had 404 slot snaps, 353 FS snaps, 195 Box snaps....But has played FS for the most part the years before that with some SS put in. 

2. DeAndre Houston-Carson: 30, coming off a 1 yr 1.7m contract. 59.6 coverage grade, snaps primarily at FS but also in the box and slot. 76.3 passer rating when thrown at. 

3. Eric Rowe: 31, Versatile, started 6 games last year for Miami, 248 in the box, 188 slot. 43.7 Coverage grade. Coached by Burks

4. Rudy Ford: 29, Seems underrated. 81.4 coverage grade last year on 443 total snaps. Coached by Bettcher in 2017. Mostly a free safety last year. 2 year 4.2 million

 

CB

I think they draft one early and I think Apple is back. I don't think they will be on the market for one. There are two interesting guys though

 

1. Byron Jones, 31, Just cut by Miami. Played for Burks in 2021. 

2. Nik Needham: 27, Played for Burks in Miami, 68.6 coverage grade. Ruptured his Achilles week 6. 

 

 

 

[MichaelWeston]

Im struggling with favorite DE/DT and RB

[sparky151]

In the mock, some random depth guys I picked up were DE Dante Fowler, LB Duke Riley, S LaMarcus Joyner, and CB Isaiah Oliver. The first 3 were cheap 1 year deals. 

 

There's always talent available and guys who can play in the NFL at at least a backup level without requiring a lot of money aren't hard to find. They don't have the upside of day 2 rookies but do have higher floors. 

[spicoli]

 

[MichaelWeston]

I have landed on 9 moves to make so we can draft almost anyone in the draft

1. RB-Perine-Splits time at RB

2. TE-Hurst-Starter at TE

3. TE-Oliver-Pass Blocker and catcher and backup TE

4. T-Beachum-Starter at RT and has played LT so he's probably the first backup at LT

5. C/G-McGovern-Competes for LG, primary backup at LG, RG and can play C in a pinch if he doesn't start at LG

6. DL-Fox-Can play 3T and LE

7. S-Bell-Starter at SS

8. S-McCain-Hedge for FS if Hill isn't ready, if Hill is ready he is the backup at FS, SS and Slot CB

9. RB-Veteran/Mixon-Splits time at RB

 

You do that and you don't have to draft any position for 2023 and can draft BPA

-You need another pass rusher but that can be a 3T or edge

-You need depth at Corner but you can sign a vet after the draft if necessary. If you re-sign Eli Apple to hedge against the Awuzie injury you are even safer but a 1st round corner would essentially be 5th on the depth chart

-You need a backup WR/PR but you can get that after the draft if necessary

 

QB	Burrow 25	Browning 25
RB	Perine 23	Mixon/Vet	Evans 25	Holyfield
WR	Chase 26	Lassiter 25
WR	Higgins 24	Morgan 24
WR	Boyd 24
TE	Hurst 23	Oliver	Asiasi 24	Bowers 25	Hudson 25
LT	Williams 24	Carman 25	Smith 25
LG	Volson 26	McGovern	Gilliam 25
C	Karras 25	Hill 25	Brown 24
RG	Cappa 26
RT	Beachum	Adeniji 24	Cochran 25
K	McPherson 25
P	Chrisman 24
LS	Adomitis 24
LE	Hubbard 26	Sample 25	Johnson 25
LT	Reader 24	Tupou 24	Tufele 25	Davis 25
RT	Hill 25	Fox	Carter 26
RE	Hendrickson 25	Ossai 25	Gunter 26	Carney 25
WLB	Wilson 24	Bachie 24
MLB	Davis-Gaither 24
SLB	Bailey 24	Jones 25
S	Bell 23	Massie
S	Hill 27	Anderson 27	Corker 25
CB	Awuzie 24	George 24	Lammons 24
CB	Taylor-Britt 26	Tell 25
CB	Hilton 25	Davis 25

 

Did a mock with just BPA and got this

 

 

QB	Burrow 25	Browning 25
RB	Perine 23	Mixon/Vet	McBride Rd 4	Evans 25
WR	Chase 26	Lassiter 25
WR	Higgins 24	Morgan 24
WR	Boyd 24	Dell Rd 3
TE	Hurst 23	Oliver	Mallory Rd 6
LT	Williams 24	Carman 25	Smith 25
LG	Volson 26	McGovern
C	Karras 25	Hill 25
RG	Cappa 26
RT	Beachum	Adeniji 24
K	McPherson 25
P	Chrisman 24
LS	Adomitis 24
LE	Hubbard 26	Sample 25	Adewebore Rd 2
LT	Reader 24	Tupou 24
RT	Hill 25	Fox	Carter 26
RE	Hendrickson 25	Ossai 25
WLB	Wilson 24	Bachie 24
MLB	Davis-Gaither 24	Thomas Rd 7
SLB	Bailey 24
S	Bell 23	Massie
S	Hill 27	Anderson 27
CB	Awuzie 24	Banks Rd 1
CB	Taylor-Britt 26	Bennett Rd 5
CB	Hilton 25	Davis 25

 

[Jamie_B]

Titans released their cemter Ben Jones

[sparky151]

Denver released veteran C/G Graham Glasgow for cap reasons. When he was a free agent 3 years ago, we looked into him (his brother was a Bengal at the time) but he got 11 mil per year in Denver. He's started at LG, C, and RG in his career. If he's willing to take a backup job or challenge Volson, he might be a good signing. We could probably get him for a little more than we paid Sharping last year. 

[spicoli]

 

[spicoli]

This seems a bit odd seeing as we’re only a few days away from the start of FA..

 

 

[Cricket]

WTF?

[sparky151]

That seems hyperbolic. There's probably some legislation dropped in the hopper at the General Assembly which would affect contractual employees differently than at-will employees. 

[spicoli]

 

[Le Tigre]

1 hour ago, sparky151 said:

That seems hyperbolic. There's probably some legislation dropped in the hopper at the General Assembly which would affect contractual employees differently than at-will employees. 

Not seeing any of that. Only bill of substance recently was WC benefits for work-from-home employees

[Jamie_B]

Rams trade Ramsey to the Dolphins

[MichaelWeston]

2 hours ago, Jamie_B said:

Rams trade Ramsey to the Dolphins

This could have some effects for us. One of their starters ruptured his achilles in week 5 last year. Nik Needham. Overall he is pretty good and a free agent. He was coached by Burks in Miami. 

[sparky151]

3 hours ago, Le Tigre said:

Not seeing any of that. Only bill of substance recently was WC benefits for work-from-home employees

 

Apparently there is a proposal that professional athletes under contract with professional teams be excluded from the State of Ohio's worker comp system. The NFL CBA still requires teams to provide coverage so the Bengals seem to be proposing privately supplied coverage. Not sure if the bill has any chance of passing or what other pro sports teams say about it. 

[spicoli]