Who Dey Notes: Bengals’ Dalton, Green On Free Agency, Shayne Graham
By Emile Pierce
The Bengals’ offseason agenda is underway, with Super Bowl LI in the books. Now, it’s time to put the pieces together for a super run.
After watching a miraculous Super Bowl win by the Patriots, the Bengals are looking to get to the Big Game themselves. Picking up key players during free agency could be a smart way to add experience and desire to the roster. Bengals’ QB Andy Dalton and superstar wideout A.J. Green would like to see Marvin Lewis and Duke Tobin make some sound offers to players that want to ball with the Bengals.
When Lewis said he wanted a leader, he may have bitten off more than he can chew. Green was outspoken about the moves that Bengals brass needs to make during the offseason. It looks like Green is getting a head start on being a voice in the locker room.
"“We got to make the right moves. Atlanta went out and got Mo (Sanu). Got a couple other guys. So, we have to make some moves and put some guys in pieces. We always draft well, so we’ll be fine there, but if we get some pieces on the defensive side of the ball I think we’ll be fine. Get that 2014 defense back.”"
The often quiet receiver went on to give his thoughts about the Andrew Whitworth situation.
"“Whit is playing out his mind and we need that guy back. One guy we can’t lose is Whit. He brings so much more to the table than just his playing. His leadership and the way you carry yourself. I hope we bring him back.”"
The Rifle Speaks About Needs
Dalton also understands the importance of getting the ship back on track. He expressed his opinion and seems excited about the prospect of adding key free agents. But, he firmly agrees with Green on bringing Big Whit back. Dalton needs the experience of the Pro Bowl veteran to protect him from another season of 41 sacks.
Cincinnati Bengals
"“What do we need? Hard to say,” Dalton explained. “We need to get some of our guys back. That would be nice. If we can get some of the guys who are free this year back with us and continue what we have with continuity.”"
Continuity will be important if the Bengals want to make a run at Super Bowl LII.
The End Of The Road
Former Bengal Shayne Graham decided to hang up his cleats (do they still use that phrase?). After getting cut by the Atlanta Falcons, Graham didn’t play the entire 2016 season. On Monday, he announced his retirement.
Graham was the Bengals’ most accurate kicker, making 86.8 percent of his kicks. He’s No. 10 on the all-time list with an 85.5 percent mark.
Shane described his time as a Bengal as one that he should have taken to heart more seriously.
"“One of the great regrets I have in my career is that I didn’t realize how good I had it in Cincinnati,” Graham said, per Bengals.com. “There was a time I fooled myself into thinking there were other things more important than what they were. I lost grasp of what true reality was. When I look back on it I feel like I could have been there a lot longer if I made different decisions. But think it made me a better person, made me a better professional.”"