The NFL’s free agency period may have quieted down, but that does not mean the Cincinnati Bengals have not been active. In fact, the team has recently made a significant move that has caught the attention of football fans everywhere.
The Bengals announced that they have waived center Matt Lee, a former seventh-round pick and the primary backup to Ted Karras. This move comes as a surprise to many, as Lee had been with the team for two seasons and was expected to continue to serve as a reliable backup.
Last season, the Bengals signed two veteran interior offensive linemen in hopes of strengthening their offensive line. With the addition of Karras and veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, the Bengals were confident in their line’s ability to protect their quarterback and open up running lanes for their running backs.
However, with Lee’s departure, the Bengals have lost a key depth piece. This may raise concerns for some fans, but the Bengals have already made moves to address this issue.
In a surprising turn of events, the Bengals have signed guard Jon Feliciano to a lucrative deal. Feliciano, who was previously with the Buffalo Bills, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Bengals’ offensive line. He has played both guard and center positions in his career and is known for his physicality and toughness on the field.
The addition of Feliciano not only adds depth to the offensive line, but it also provides the Bengals with a potential starter at center if Karras were to go down with an injury. This signing shows that the Bengals are serious about improving their offensive line and are not afraid to make bold moves.
But the Bengals were not done there. They also signed former New England Patriots center James Ferentz to a one-year deal. Ferentz, who has played under current Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, is familiar with the offensive scheme and will serve as a reliable backup to Karras.
These moves show that the Bengals are committed to building a strong and deep offensive line. They know that in today’s NFL, having a solid line is crucial for success on the field. With the addition of Feliciano and Ferentz, the Bengals have solidified their offensive line and have put themselves in a good position heading into the new season.
But while the Bengals have made moves to strengthen their offensive line, they have also lost a key starter in free agency. Cornerback William Jackson III, who had been with the team for five seasons, has signed with the New York Giants in a deal worth $17 million per year.
Losing Jackson is a big blow to the Bengals’ defense. He was a consistent starter and had become one of the top cornerbacks in the league. However, the Bengals have already taken steps to replace him.
They signed veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to a three-year deal. Awuzie, who previously played for the Dallas Cowboys, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Bengals’ secondary. He is known for his physicality and ability to defend against top receivers.
The Bengals also re-signed cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who had a solid season with the team last year. With these additions, the Bengals have shown that they have a plan in place to fill the void left by Jackson’s departure.
Overall, the Bengals have been active in free agency and have made moves to improve their team. They have strengthened their offensive line, filled the hole left by Jackson, and have set themselves up for success in the upcoming season.
While it may be disappointing to see a key starter leave, the Bengals have shown that they are not afraid to make bold moves to improve their team. With a solid draft class and these free agency signings, the Bengals are on their way to becoming a competitive team in the NFL once again.
