Breakthrough Still Within Reach For Bengals

Team-By-Team Offseason Roundup

Cincinnati Bengals

Players Released:
Rich Braham, C (retired)
Brian Simmons, LB

Free Agents Lost:
Eric Steinbach, G
Marcus Wilkins, LB
Tony Stewart, TE
Kelley Washington, WR
Kevin Kaesviharn, S
Shaun Smith, DT
Anthony Wright, QB
Tory James, CB

Free Agents Re-Signed:
Kenny Watson, RB
Reggie Kelly, TE
Justin Smith, DE

Free Agents Added:
Alex Stepanovich, C
Michael Myers, DT
Ed Hartwell, LB
Blue Adams, CB

Draft:
Rd. 1 (No. 18 overall) Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
2 (49) Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn
4 (114) Marvin White, S, TCU
5 (151) Jeff Rowe, QB, Nevada
6 (187) Matt Toeaina, DT, Oregon
7 (230) Dan Santucci, G, Notre Dame
7 (253) Nedu Ndukwe, S, Notre Dame

Analysis:

The Cincinnati Bengals have been far more noteworthy over the past year for their players' off-field misdeeds than on-field exploits. But they remain a team capable of being a top contender, even in the rugged AFC and even after an offseason with more significant roster subtractions than additions.

The Bengals have lost some reliable contributors. Eric Steinbach got one of the $7 million-a-year contracts that guards were getting in this year's free agent market and departed for the Cleveland Browns. Cornerback Tory James signed with the New England Patriots and safety Kevin Kaesviharn left for the New Orleans Saints. The Bengals released linebacker Brian Simmons, and center Rich Braham retired.

Center Alex Stepanovich, defensive tackle Michael Myers and linebacker Ed Hartwell arrived in free agency. Hartwell was released by the Atlanta Falcons, but once was a dependable player for Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis in Baltimore when Lewis was the Ravens' defensive coordinator. The Bengals got fortunate on draft day and were able to land Michigan cornerback Leon Hall with the 18th overall choice. There was some thought entering the draft that Hall might be inching near the top 10.

The offensive nucleus remains intact with quarterback Carson Palmer, tailback Rudi Johnson and wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Lewis is yet to put a championship-caliber defense on the field in Cincinnati, but his history suggests that he will at some point. The supporting cast perhaps has been weakened a bit this offseason. But Lewis is a superb coach and Palmer is capable of putting up otherworldly numbers, and as long as they remain in the fold the Bengals will always have a chance to break through and become an AFC heavyweight.

By Mark Maske |  May 9, 2007; 2:00 PM ET  | Category:  Bengals
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Posted by: pack4life | May 10, 2007 11:43 AM

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