Who Dey Notes: Bengals’ Andrew Whitworth, Shayne Graham
By Emile Pierce
The Cincinnati Bengals have a serious date with Free Agency in March. Andrew Whitworth wants a ring. Shayne Graham is a Bengal again.
The Cincinnati Bengals 2017 offseason has been interesting, to put it mildly. With the free agency period set to start March 7, per the Sporting News, fans are collectively holding their breath on the future of Andrew Whitworth. The offensive line has had its moments ( more than a few that should be forgotten). But, overall, things have been shaky for the guys that are paid to protect Andy Dalton. With the possibility of Kevin Zeitler also walking away from PBS, it’s time to get serious about negotiations.
Big Whit has been in Orange and Black since 2006. He’ll be entering his 12th season as an offensive tackle in the NFL. Hopefully, that time will be spent with the Bengals. In order to remain on the shores of the mighty Ohio River, some serious chatter has to get started. Owner and president Mike Brown will have to make some changes in the way he deals with veteran players and figure out how to appease Whitworth.
Freedom Has Its Merits
Whitworth is serious about getting to the Big Dance. In other words, if he has to get that Super Bowl ring elsewhere…he’s willing to do it. The Bengals have been close to the carrot but don’t have a thing to show for their efforts. Cincinnati’s streak of playoff berths ended last season. After five straight years of one-and-done futility, it’s obvious. He’s not getting any younger and the window for success with the Bengals is getting smaller.
More from Bengals News
- 6 Bengals whose stock significantly rose in preseason game vs Cardinals
- 7 winners and 7 losers from Bengals preseason opener vs. Cardinals
- Jackson Carman winning LG job isn’t a given after Bengals preseason opener
- Denzel Ward wants to flex on Bengals WRs in 2022
- Scouting the enemy: Bengals preseason opener chat with Raising Zona
"“I love Cincinnati and I want to be there,” Whitworth acknowledged, via ESPN. “I’m pretty positive that things will work out in a way that I’ll be there again, but I want to take advantage of the opportunity of being free and listen to what other people have to say. I think that’s the right way to do it.”"
Yeah. It’s gonna be a wild time in Cincinnati if Brown decides to let Whitworth walk. Fountain Square could easily be the next site for a horror movie. Get ready for Zombie Bengals Fans: The Carnage Begins. What’s that typical line? Oh. Coming to a theater near you.
Graham Crackers And Cheese
Well, he’s not so bad after all. Mike Brown did Shayne Graham a solid and allowed him to retire as a member of the Bengals.
Graham was Marvin Lewis’ kicker of choice for seven years. From 2003-2009, Shayne was able to put up franchise highs as the Bengals fourth-down man. Most notable was his accuracy. Graham holds the club record for FG percentage (86.8) and also owns the single-season mark with 91.2.
Big cheesy grin? Probably so. It feels good to come home. That’s exactly how Graham described the feeling, per The Cincinnati Enquirer.
"“I really felt like Cincinnati became my home away from home. I’m not from here but I love being here. I think there were certain times during my stay here — especially toward the end — that I lost touch with that, but when it came to the end of my career knowing playing was no longer an option my best days were here.”"
Next: Bengals' Fantasy Year In Review
Now, it’s time for Mr. Brown to start retiring numbers. When “that” happens, look out. It may be time to check the Bengals franchise for cloning experiments.