James Harrison was axed by the Steelers after agreeing to a restructured contract wasn’t something that appealed to him. So to complete the screw you, he’s now signed with one of Pittsburgh’s division rivals.
The Bengals have filled a need at outside linebacker by signing Harrison to a two-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Bengals and former Steelers LB James Harrison are working on a deal that would see the 34-year-old join the club, according to a report by Adam Schefter.
Cincinnati lost starting outside linebacker Manny Lawson to the Bills in free agency, so they have a need at the position. Harrison was slated to make $6.57 million in 2013, but was released by Pittsburgh after refusing to take a pay cut.
The Bengals have also been interested in Karlos Dansby, but Schefter reports Harrison will be easier to sign. Harrison lodged six sacks last season.
Take your time, Andre.
The Bengals’ offensive line allowed 46 sacks last year. That’s bad enough for 26th overall in a painful metric for sophomore quarterback Andy Dalton, whose body hit the floor once every 11.4 drop backs. This, kids, is how we identify a draft need.
Those fundamental numbers make us all genius general managers. Due to the Raiders continued payment for a quarterback they no longer employ (also, hahahahaha), Cincinnati has two second-round picks in this year’s draft, meaning they own three picks in the top 55. Initially then, the typical question of value surfaces as we try to gauge who might be available when Cincy is on the clock for the first time with their 21st overall pick. And in that process, if we determine that the right names won’t be around to reinforce the O-line, we’re also determining that the Bengals would look elsewhere.
That’s the simplest linear thought we go through in some form for every team. But right now as we attempt to do the same with the Bengals, Andre Smith is the derailment.
Smith is still a free agent, with his asking price far too high. The tackle hasn’t even had a visit from another team, making the Bengals the only suitor by default. There’s still a significant gap between the two sides, and closing it will greatly influence Cincinnati’s early draft strategy.
How much? That was a question for Joe Goodberry from Cincy Jungle, as our draft previews with questions conveniently followed by answers continue.
Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones announced his new three-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals this morning via twitter.
Happy to say this morning that i agreed to a three year deal with the Bengals Stand up WHODEY!!!!!
— ADAm Pacman Jones (@REALPACMAN24) March 21, 2013
Happy to call CIN home!!!
— ADAm Pacman Jones (@REALPACMAN24) March 21, 2013
The Cincinnati Bengals have reached an agreement with free agent linebacker Rey Maualuga. Maualuga was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2009 Draft, despite being projected to go in the first round.
He has proven to be very durable in his career, only missing four games over four seasons with the Bengals. The deal is for two years and is worth $6.5 million.
Last season, Maualuga had a career year as he appeared in all 16 games with the Bengals while compiling 62 solo tackles, 122 combined tackles, and one sack. He has a career 148 solo tackles, with three sacks and three interceptions.
With Maualuga retained, those who seek a mauling inside linebacker to upgrade their run defense are now left picking between rusted veterans, with Brian Urlacher and Bart Scott still available.
The Cincinnati Bengals are closing in on signing LB Rey Maualuga and CB Adam “Pacman” Jones, according to Bengals.com reporter Geoff Hobson.
Hobson reports Mike Brown and Marvin Lewis have landed at the NFL league meetings and are ready to make moves. Getting CB Terence Newman under contract is also a priority for the club.
Maualaga started all 16 games last season, recording 122 total tackles, 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery. Jones started five games, and mostly returned punts, running one back for a touchdown. Newman started 15 games, making 2 interceptions 10 pass deflections and 73 total tackles.
According to a tweet by ProFootballTalk, the Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed defensive end Wallace Gilberry to a 3-year , $6.75 million contract.
The Bengals have re-signed DE Wallace Gilberry to a three-year, $6.75 million contract, per league source.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 11, 2013
The 28-year-old Gilberry had 15 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 15 games for the Bengals in 2012, after spending his first four NFL seasons playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.
