Who Dey Notes: Bengals’ Kevin Zeitler, Andrew Hawkins

The Bengals need to crunch numbers for Kevin Zeitler’s return. Andrew Hawkins was released by the Browns. Could he return to Cincinnati?

Why, is the question. No, is the definitive answer. The subject is definitely Kevin Zeitler and the Bengals. The talented lineman should be kept in the Queen City. But, as the legal tampering day draws closer, Zeitler could be wearing the colors of another team. Interest in the 26-year-old guard will be at a fever pitch. He’s young, has versatility and is one of the best offensive linemen jumping into free agency.

Like another Bengals free agent, Rex Burkhead, Zeitler has found thoughts of Cincinnati. The banks of the Ohio River has that effect on people. With so many players lined up for the exit at Paul Brown Stadium, keeping Zeitler in Orange and Black will be a chore. During a sit-down with SiriusXM NFL Radio, he finally gave a little insight on his situation.

"“I love Cincinnati but I’m open to anything…it’s an exciting time.”"

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This is usually the moment when Bengals fans drop to their knees and scream profanities at the football gods. If the Bengals are going to make a mad dash at keeping their hot commodity in Cincinnati, they’ll have to do some serious number crunching. According to Spotrac, Zeitler’s four-year rookie deal paid him $7.54 million. Of that cheddar, $6.1 million was guaranteed.

If you’re a diehard Bengals fan, you just sighed and shook your head. In order to keep Zeitler on the O-line, Mike Brown will have to break the bank. Just looking at the current market value of offensive linemen…is a sobering gesture. Think Joe Thomas, Tyron Smith or Trent Williams. Then realize that Andrew Whitworth still has to get paid. So long, Kevin. Thanks for the memories.

Another Dawg Pound Catch?

The Cleveland Browns are in a “rebooting” phase. When the Bengals acquired the services of Karlos Dansby, he was a casualty of the youth movement. Suddenly, the door is open for Andrew Hawkins. On Monday, the Browns released Hawkins.

Hawkins has a history with the team and that familiarity with the system could be a plus. But, the 30-year-old is getting up there. It’s the same rationale that landed Dansby in Stripes. Hawkins could fill that leader role in the locker room that Marvin Lewis and Co. love so well.

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"“Hawk was a rock for us last season,” Browns Head Coach Hue Jackson said, via ClevelandBrowns.com. “He kept our locker room together and led by example as he gave everything he had on the field. Our young players are going to be better players and better people because of the time they spent with Andrew Hawkins.”"

There you have it. Leadership qualities in a nutshell. If Brandon LaFell isn’t re-signed…hmmm.