Cincinnati Bengals Trade Rumors

Sources: Maualuga to enter rehab
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February 7
ESPN.com
 
"Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga will check into the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif., later this month for at least 30 days, according to multiple NFL sources. Maualuga, who pleaded guilty to drunken driving in Kentucky on Tuesday and apologized for his actions, had considered checking into rehab this past week, but opted to put it off until after a previously planned trip to Samoa, sources said. He is expected to enter the facility once he returns. The rookie linebacker from USC was arrested on Jan. 29 in Covington, Ky., after police said he hit a parking meter and two parked cars. On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty and received a suspended seven-day jail sentence, two ..."
Chad Ochocinco: Please sign Owens
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February 5
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"With free agency set to begin one month from tomorrow, Chad Ochocinco gave his endorsement to adding another big-name receiver to the Bengals – Terrell Owens. Ochocinco earlier in the day told Fox Sport's Jay Glazer that the Bengals were going to sign Owens, who is an unrestricted free agent. Later in the day from South Florida, where he was making the rounds on radio row for Super Bowl week, Ochocinco slightly changed his stance, saying he was in favor of signing the enigmatic receiver. "Eighty one and eighty five, what more is there to say?" Ochocinco said. "I like what we have but I think a veteran presence and giving Carson another target someone of that caliber. Can we not say take an ..."
Source: Maualuga meeting with NFL
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February 4
ESPN.com
 
"Cincinnati Bengals rookie linebacker Rey Maualuga will meet with NFL officials Wednesday to discuss his recent off-the-field incident, a league source tells ESPN.com. Maualuga pleaded guilty to a DUI charge Tuesday in northern Kentucky after hitting two parked cars and a parking meter in the early morning of Jan. 29. In recent years, the NFL has come down hard on players for off-the-field incidents. According to the source, a final ruling is not expected to come out of Wednesday's meeting, which was described as more of a personal evaluation of Maualuga by the NFL's substance-abuse team. He is now entered in Stage 1 of the league's substance-abuse program. Maualuga was a second-round pick ..."
Mock drafts: Bengals like TE, but which one?
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January 25
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"With less than three months until the NFL Draft, and everyone gathering down in Mobile starting on Monday for the Senior Bowl, the first series of mock drafts are being released even though positions 29-32 have not been finalized. As is normal this time of the year, three of them have the Bengals taking different players with the 21st pick. ESPN's Mel Kiper has the Bengals selecting Florida tight endAaron Hernandez in the first round. According to one draft observer I talked to, Hernandez is seen as a faster, smaller version of Chase Coffman, who would supply less as a blocker than Coffman. Considering that Coffman's major deficiency was trying to develop as a blocker, who knows if this is ..."
Bengals retain defensive coordinator Zimmer
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January 12
NFL.com
 
"Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has signed a three-year contract to remain with the team, a source with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday. Zimmer's retention – his contract was set to expire – is considered a huge deal for a team that won the AFC North this season, largely on the strength of its defense. Zimmer, who just completed his second season with Cincinnati, was reported to have been targeted for the defensive coordinator job in Washington under new coach Mike Shanahan. Zimmer also figured to have other suitors based on the job he has done in turning around the Bengals' defense."
Bengals will look to retain Zimmer
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January 10
NFL.com
 
"The Cincinnati Bengals will open contract talks with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer next week in an effort to retain him. Zimmer's contract is set to expire and a source with knowledge of the situation said the Bengals want to try to persuade the sought-after coach from taking a job elsewhere. According to a source, the Washington Redskins are interested in hiring Zimmer to join new coach Mike Shanahan's staff as defensive coordinator. If it becomes a bidding war, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has shown the willingness to pay what is needed. The Bengals tend not to spend excessively. Zimmer is revered in Cincinnati for building the defense into one of the better units in the NFL in his ..."
Zimmer discusses Redskins rumors
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January 6
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"With Mike Shanahan expected to be hired as the next Redskins coach any day now, the rumors of Mike Zimmer's departure to become Washington's defensive coordinator have increased the past couple days. Zimmer's contract with the Bengals expires after this season and the two sides have not talked about an extension since the bye week. "That's really up to Cincinnati, it's really not up to me," Zimmer said. "They can approach me at anytime they want and if they don't want me I'll move on. "I've not talked to Mike Shanahan or anyone from the Redskins. It's all rumors and speculation. It's not for me. I promise you it's not for me.""
NFL player Chris Henry's case still open
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December 25
Charlotte Observer
 
"The investigation into the death of NFL wide receiver Chris Henry is still open, with Charlotte-Mecklenburg police planning to re-interview his fiancée and other witnesses who may have heard or seen the couple arguing. Deputy Chief David Graham said a decision about any potential charges likely won't come until the new year. He doesn't expect any charges, but said investigators want to re-examine all the details. Police say Henry's fiancée, Loleini Tonga, 25, was driving the Ford F150 pickup Henry was standing in Dec. 16 just before he was injured and then later died. At issue is what exactly caused Henry, 26, to come out of the back of the pickup. He was found unconscious on Oakdale Road ..."
Ochocinco might not wear Henry's jersey
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December 20
Washington Post
 
"Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco said he might not wear Chris Henry's jersey during Sunday's game at San Diego as a tribute to his late teammate. According to the Bengals' Web site, Ochocinco said he isn't concerned about a potential fine by the NFL but added: "I don't want to be a distraction." Ochocinco said he would work with Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis on the matter, according to the team's Web site. Ochocinco previously said that he might wear Henry's jersey Sunday. The two were close and Ochocinco became emotional when talking to reporters in the Bengals' locker room Thursday about Henry. The NFL Players Association is offering to pay any fine imposed on Ochocinco by ..."
Tricks or tweets?
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December 1
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Jordan Godwin
"With college and pro football players around the country getting in trouble over controversial posts on Twitter, the Texans might have found the solution. Twitter user "BrianCushing56" had been posting all season, reflecting on Texans games and life as a rookie. After last Monday's loss to the Titans, tweets read, "the refs killed us last night," and later, "The refs were terrible last night!" On Tuesday, the Texans' media relations department said the account was maintained by an imposter who is not Cushing or anyone associated with the Texans. The account that apparently misled more than 5,000 followers has since been deleted. An elecronic trail showed that Cushing's official Web site ..."
Cedric Benson's status up in the air
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November 28
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Bengals running back Cedric Benson and defensive tackle Domata Peko said before Friday's practice that they felt they'd be on the field for the workout in Paul Brown Stadium, and they were. Benson was limited, but indications continue to point toward the fifth-year running back possibly being in the lineup for Sunday's game against Cleveland. Benson suffered a hip-flexor injury near the end of the Nov. 8 game against Baltimore and then left during the second quarter the next week against Pittsburgh . "I think Ced is in a good spot right now, and we'll make that decision on Sunday," coach Marvin Lewis said. If Benson, who is listed as questionable on the injury report, does go against the ..."
Benson rehabs, might play Sunday
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November 27
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Running back Cedric Benson was on the field Thursday but was doing rehab work while team practiced. The fact that he was working leaves open the possibility that he might play on Sunday against the Browns. Wide receiver Laveranues Coles (chest) and defensive tackle Domata Peko (knee) did not practice for a second straight day. If either are unable to go, expect Andre Caldwell and Pat Sims to get the starts. Defensive end Robert Geathers (hip), defensive tackle Tank Johnson (knee), cornerbacks Morgan Trent (knee) and Johnathan Joseph (foot) and linebackers Rey Maualuga (foot) and Keith Rivers (calf) were limited."
Benson has a slight possibility of playing Sunday
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November 26
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Running back Cedric Benson did not practice with the team on Thursday but he did do some work on the side rehab field as there remains a slight possibility that he might play on Sunday against the Browns. Also not practicing on Thursday were WR Laveranues Coles (chest) and DT Domata Peko (knee). If either are unable to go, expect Andre Caldwell and Pat Sims to get the starts."
Benson might play Sunday
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November 26
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Even if starting running back Cedric Benson returns for Sunday's game against the Browns, Bengals rookie Bernard Scott is expected to see more action for the rest of the season. Coach Marvin Lewis said Wednesday that Benson appears to be "very close" to recovering from his hip flexor injury and could be available Sunday. "Well, he's got a good opportunity to play this week. We'll see," Lewis said. Benson, who left during the second quarter of the Nov. 15 game against Pittsburgh, was not on the field for Wednesday's practice. Even if Benson is back this week, expect Bernard Scott to get a good amount of carries for the rest of the season. As for Scott, he ran for 119 yards on 21 carries ..."
Bengals running back Benson unlikely to play against Raiders
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November 20
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Running back Cedric Benson did not practice for a second straight day and is unlikely to play Sunday at Oakland. That means Larry Johnson's timetable to be somewhat comfortable with the playbook is accelerated. "It's a new offense and they have to get comfortable with trusting me to step in there," said Johnson, who celebrated his 30th birthday Thursday. "The plays are the same handing off and right now the exchange has been pretty good between Carson (Palmer) and myself.""
Bengals give tryouts to Galloway, Doss
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November 18
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Larry Johnson signing was not the only thing that transpired with the Bengals on Tuesday. They announced that they released receiver Antonio Chatman and tight end Ben Utecht and added safety Brannon Condren to the practice squad. And in order to possibly bolster their roster, the team had wide receiver Joey Galloway, safety Mike Doss and defensive tackle Ed Johnson in for tryouts. Considering the recent season-ending injuries to Chris Henry and Roy Williams, the additions of Galloway and Doss would be intriguing. Galloway was released by the Patriots last month, but could provide some sort of deep threat. Doss was with the Bengals last year for the final three games of the season."
Larry Johnson inks deal to join the Cincinnati Bengals
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November 17
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Larry Johnson is a Bengal after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with the team this morning. The Bengals still have not made an official announcement since they still have to make a roster move to put Johnson on the 53-man roster. Johnson arrived on Monday night in Cincinnati and met with the coach Marvin Lewis and his staff. Since being released by the Chiefs last Monday, Johnson had talked but the Bengals will be the one to take a chance on the oft-troubled seven-year running back. Lewis spoke with Johnson last Thursday about possibly coming to the team. Lewis also said on Monday that Johnson would be the fourth running back and that the role of the three backs on the roster ..."
Larry Johnson to sign with Bengals
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November 17
Kansas City Star
 
"Larry Johnson has his second chance. The troubled former Chiefs running back will sign Tuesday morning with the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson's agent told The Star late Monday night. Peter Schaffer wrote in an e-mail that Johnson's deal would be finished early Tuesday, a day after Johnson reportedly was in Cincinnati to meet with Bengals coaches. Reports surfaced Monday that Johnson, who was released last week by the Chiefs after 6 seasons, was being courted by the Bengals after running back Cedric Benson suffered a hip injury in Sundays win against Pittsburgh. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis told local reporters Monday that, if his team signed Johnson, the 29-year-old rusher would be insurance ..."
Larry Johnson expected to sign with Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday
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November 17
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Barring any last-minute hiccups, the Bengals are expected to announce Tuesday that they have signed former Kansas City running back Larry Johnson as an insurance policy in case of injuries. Johnson arrived in town on Monday and met with the coaching staff. ESPN reported earlier in the day that the deal would be worth the prorated league minimum. If that's the case, then Johnson would earn $306,764.43 for the remaining seven games. Since being released by the Chiefs last Monday, Johnson has talked to other teams, but it appears as if the Bengals will be the one to take a chance on the oft-troubled seven-year running back. In order to address or quell rumors, coach Marvin Lewis said during ..."
Bengals-Johnson union imminent?
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November 16
ESPN.com
 
"Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was en route to Cincinnati on Monday and, barring a last-minute breakdown, he expects to sign with the AFC North-leading Bengals, a source familiar with the negotiations told ESPN's Michael Smith. A deal, if consummated, is expected to be for the prorated league minimum. The Bengals, along with several other teams, first expressed interest in Johnson last week as depth behind Cedric Benson, who suffered a hip injury in Sunday's 18-12 victory at Pittsburgh."
Bengals running back Cedric Benson hopes to be ready for Oakland Raiders
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November 16
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Bengals running back Cedric Benson said after the game that he hopes to be ready for next Sunday's game at Oakland. Despite leaving in the second quarter, he was happy to see Bernard Scott have success. "I'm happy for him that he was able to get out there and play," Benson said. "You kind of hate to see it happen due to injury but he was able to go out there and do well." Bengals running back Cedric Benson said after the game that he hopes to be ready for next Sunday's game at Oakland. Despite leaving in the second quarter, he was happy to see Bernard Scott have success. "I'm happy for him that he was able to get out there and play," Benson said. "You kind of hate to see it happen due to ..."
Ochocinco fined $20K by NFL
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November 14
ESPN.com
 
"Chad Ochocinco has been fined $20,000 by the NFL for flashing a dollar bill at an official during a replay challenge -- a joking attempt at a "bribe" -- in last week's Bengals-Ravens game, team and league sources tell ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen. The NFL also cited the Bengals wide receiver's use of the word "bribe" in his postgame comments to reporters. In the third quarter of last Sunday's 17-7 Bengals victory, Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer completed a 15-yard pass to Ochocinco. Baltimore challenged the call, contending that he was out of bounds, and the Ravens won the challenge."
Bengals injuries mount after win
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November 9
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Three Bengals were injured Sunday, the most serious Chris Henry with a fractured left arm. He might be done for the year. "Not sure yet," Henry said. "Got to see the doctor (Monday morning)." Henry said he fractured both bones in his forearm. It was only a couple of weeks ago that Henry was saying how forward he was looking to someday being called upon to run inside routes. The play on which he fractured his arm was an inside route. It came on the Bengals third offensive series of the game, just as the second quarter was beginning. Henry said he didn't know exactly at what point in the play the fracture occurred. "When I caught the ball and I looked upfield, I tried to split the ..."
'Healthy' Harris out for Bengals game
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October 24
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said Thursday morning on WSCR-AM (670) that defensive tackle Tommie Harris ''is healthy.'' A statement on Harris' health hasn't been that inaccurate since coach Lovie Smith announced at the start of training camp that Harris was ''100 percent healthy.'' Since Angelo's radio appearance, Harris has missed his second and third practices of the week, and he will be held out of the game Sunday at Cincinnati. A source said Harris has undergone extra treatments on his left knee after experiencing persistent pain since last week's game on the artificial surface in Atlanta. Marcus Harrison, who made his first career start against the Falcons, will move from nose ..."
Benson says he was blackballed
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October 22
Washington Times
 
"Cedric Benson believes the Chicago Bears did all they could to keep him from signing with another team. Released in June 2008 after two alcohol-related arrests, Benson will face his former team when the Cincinnati Bengals host the Bears on Sunday. Although he insisted he's not out for revenge and won't try to send a message, Benson clearly has some bad feelings for the Bears. "I heard all the rumors that were said coming out of Chicago," Benson said. "Even the Bengals told me all the things, that they would call and inquire about me and get nothing but negative things. Just that I didn't work hard, that I was I guess a prima donna or I didn't work hard on the field, just wasn't focused. ..."
Bengals, Smith close to contract
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August 30
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"After a deal appeared out of the question a week ago, the Bengals and Andre Smith are closing in on a deal that could be finalized in the next couple hours, ending a 30-day standoff. Talks between the Bengals and Smith's agent, Alvin Keels, are currently taking place at Paul Brown Stadium and Smith is on a plane to Cincinnati. If a deal is completed by 3 p.m., the offensive tackle would be on the practice field for the first time since the last minicamp session on June 20. Including today's practice, there will be three before the Bengals take on Indianapolis in the preseason finale at PBS on Thursday. Last Sunday, Keels met with the team for four hours with no progress. But during the ..."
Palmer will sit out Thursday's game
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August 25
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Another day, another practice without Carson Palmer. Palmer rehabbed his sprained left ankle inside Paul Brown Stadium on Monday while the Bengals went through their practice in preparation for Thursday's third preseason game against St. Louis. With only one practice remaining, it is doubtful Palmer will play Thursday. He has not practiced since Aug. 12, which was the last practice before the New Orleans game. He did some light tossing on a side field Sunday and is keeping his arm in shape, but has not been able to consistentlyback to pass. "I'll take it day by day," Palmer said. "It looks slim (playing) but I'll keep rehabbing, see how it feels and if it keeps improving see where we're at ..."
Palmer might sit vs. Rams
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August 23
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Carson Palmer was walking better Saturday, but his status for Thursday's third preseason game, against St. Louis, remains questionable. Palmer, who has a sprained left ankle, did not practice on the field Saturday, instead doing rehab work inside Paul Brown Stadium. If you read between the lines on some of his comments, it sounds very much as though he will not see action against the Rams. "It's important to play and practice as much as possible. But at the same time, you need to be smart and make sure you're setting yourself up to be as healthy as possible for the opener and not have a season-long issue," Palmer said. "I'd love to be able to play and practice and do everything I can. But ..."
Smith agent, Bengals talking
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August 15
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The logjam of unsigned picks in the lower top 10 has broken, but whether it means progress in getting Andre Smith signed remains to be seen. At least it has gotten both sides talking again. Agent Alvin Keels sent a proposal to the Bengals on Wednesday and the two sides were expected to talk on Friday. In the past two days, the number eight and nine picks have agreed to terms. The more important of the two happened on Friday as the Jaguars agreed to terms with offensive tackle Eugene Monroe on a five-year deal worth $35.4 million with about $19 million guaranteed. The Bengals last offer to Smith was $33 million, or $5 million less than than what Darrius Heyward-Bey got from Oakland as the ..."
Report: Bengals pursued Vick
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August 14
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com this morning said the Cincinnati Bengals offered Michael Vick a two-year, $2.3 million contract. Vick, 29, has been out of the league for two years after being convicted of conspiracy and running a dogfighting operation. He reached a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles that was reported on Thursday worth $1.6 million, with an option for a second year for $5.2 million, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Last month, Bengals owner Mike Brown said that Vick wouldn't be a fit in Cincinnati because Carson Palmer is established as the starter. "Quarterbacks are like queen bees," Brown said then. "Carson is the guy.""
Bengals place Kelly on IR
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August 6
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Bengals today officially placed tight end Reggie Kelly on injured reserve, ending his season. The 11-year veteran underwent surgery in Cincinnati to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon, which he suffered during a morning practice on Monday. "He's been very durable and played through some injuries," said coach Marvin Lewis of Kelly. "That's the challenge of coaching, to look and see what our best opportunities are to replace Reggie's snaps and his influence." Kelly was in his seventh season with the Bengals and has 115 receptions for 928 yards and three touchdowns in 90 games (86 starts). He spent four seasons with Atlanta before joining the Bengals. Ben Utecht and Chase Coffman are ..."
Bengals' tight end injured, may be done for season, report says
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August 3
Dayton Daily News
 
"Initial reports out of Cincinnati Bengals training camp Monday, Aug. 3, are that starting tight end Reggie Kelly may have suffered a season-ending injury, according to Bengals.com. Kelly, considered a superb blocker, was carted off with what is feared to be a torn Achilles, the team Web site is reporting. If that is the case, Kelly could miss the entire season and it would leave the Bengals with just one experienced tight end in Ben Utecht."
Bengals striking deal with 3rd-round draft pick soon likely
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July 9
Dayton Daily News
 
"The Cincinnati Bengals have pretty much ignored their tight ends in recent years, but that part of the offense could be revived if third-round draft choice Chase Coffman has anything to say about it. But first, the former Missouri star must sign a contract. That being said, there are reasons to believe that a deal will be struck in time for training camp. With players due to report to Georgetown, (Ky.) Thursday, July 30, Coffman is very optimistic that he will be signed before camp opens. "There is no way I am not going to be signed before we go into training camp," Coffman said during a recent phone interview. "I'm making it there the very first day if not a couple of days early. I'm ..."
Hall could face league discipline
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June 2
ESPN.com
 
"Cincinnati Bengals starting cornerback Leon Hall is not out of the woods just yet. Despite his drunken driving case being reduced this week to a misdemeanor charge of reckless operation of a vehicle, the former first-round pick could face a fine or suspension before the 2009 season. "Yes, he is still under review for potential discipline," NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello said Tuesday. "Pleading to a lower charge doesn't prevent you from discipline." The league is expected to examine the facts of the case and determine what to do next with Hall. According to the Bengals, Hall hasn't had any additional transgressions with the law. That could work in Hall's favor, because the NFL typically ..."
Is IR system in line for a change?
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May 21
Boston Globe
 
"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."
Smith sticking with agent
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May 13
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Who is Andre Smith's agent? At the moment it appears to still be Rick Smith. The Bengals' first round pick was the subject of published reports on Tuesday claiming that he fired his agent and was returning to his old one. SI.com's Jim Trotter reported Tuesday afternoon that Andre Smith had terminated his contract with Priority Sports and Rick Smith and was in the process of seeking his third agent in a month. A couple hours later, Steve Wyche of NFL.com said Andre was going back to his original agent, Alvin Keels, who he fired on April 12. However, a termination letter has not been sent to Priority Sports and Keels told The Enquirer he has not been rehired. As the day progressed, there was ..."
Smith fires agent
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May 12
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Andre Smith agent case just keeps getting wilder. It began with a report earlier in the day from SI.com's Jim Trotter, that said the Bengals first-round pick had dropped Rick Smith of Priority Sports as his agent. A couple hours later, Steve Wyche of NFL.com said that Andre was going back to his original agent, Alvin Keels, whom he fired a month ago. Andre Smith is in Atlanta until organized team activities begin next Tuesday. Interview requests to him were not returned. On April 12, Smith fired Alvin Keels before choosing Rick Smith and Priority 10 days later. "The deal is this: Andre is hungry and ready to do whatever it takes to be an elite player in the National Football League," ..."
Bengals could use what Wayne grad Orton might bring
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May 8
Dayton Daily News
 
"Greg Orton, from Wayne High School, was a standout wide receiver for the Purdue Boilermakers as a senior last season. However, his performance on the field failed to result in having his name called in April's NFL draft. Instead, Orton was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals and now must take the road less traveled to a life in pro football. In a recent phone interview, Orton reflected on not being drafted and having the opportunity to make the Bengals the hard way. "It feels good to be with my hometown team, but I'm a little disappointed not being drafted," Orton said. "I have a chip on my shoulder and it motivates me even more to go out there and work harder each ..."
Bengals trade for running back
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May 7
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Roy Williams' is officially a Bengal while the team might've found a backup at running back. Williams, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, officially signed his contract this afternoon with a 2:30 press conference scheduled at Paul Brown Stadium. He arrived in town today and will be reunited with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who was his coordinator in Dallas from 2003-06. However the Bengals' wheeling and dealing was not done. They made a trade with St. Louis, sending DT Orien Harris to the Rams in exchange for RB Brian Leonard. Leonard started in seven games as a rookie in 2007 and finished with 303 yards on 86 carries. His best game came on Oct. 7, 2007, against Arizona when he had 102 ..."
Bengals reach deal with star safety
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May 7
Dayton Daily News
 
"Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis once said that with Roy Williams on your team, you could play defense with 10 guys. The Bengals will line up with 11 against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 13, and his strong safety will be Williams. The 6-foot, 225-pounder agreed to contract terms on Wednesday, May 6, two months after he received his release from Dallas. The move strengthens the Bengals' secondary, giving it more physicality. "I believe Roy will bring veteran leadership and a headhunter's mentality to the team," agent Jordan Woy wrote in an E-mail. Williams, who turns 29 on Aug. 14, is a six-time Pro Bowler. One of the NFL's most feared hitters, Williams became known for the ..."
At last, the Bengals' selection
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April 25
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"After four months of seemingly endless evaluations, a million mock drafts and more scrutiny about character than a Supreme Court, the Bengals should go on the clock at the NFL Draft Saturday around 5 p.m. With the sixth pick in the first round, the Bengals could address large needs on the offensive and defensive lines, achieve coach Marvin Lewis' goal of finding a pass rusher or opt for a skills position player. Here are some of the key questions heading into this weekend: Isn't it a foregone conclusion that they're going to take an offensive lineman? Nothing is a foregone conclusion when it comes to the draft (except for the first pick being known and signed). However one must take into ..."
If the Bengals get the right offer Ochocinco is gone
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April 25
Dayton Daily News
 
"Inquiring minds want to know if the Chad Ochocinco era in Cincinnati ends today, April 25, with a trade of the disgruntled wide receiver. Head coach Marvin Lewis said he won't move his five-time Pro Bowler, whose contract runs through 2011. However, if a suitor from the NFC East dangles the right carrot, Ocho could go-go. Owner Mike Brown doesn't want to set a precedent by dealing Ochocinco with years remaining on his contract. But Brown has to realize an angry, pouting player doesn't offer his best effort when he's unhappy. Trading Chad would give the club ammunition to make a play for a prized wideout such as Jeremy Maclin, Michael Crabtree or Darrius Heyward-Bey. It would also send a ..."
Will Bengals choose O-lineman?
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April 24
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"During the last two months, when a top tackle or center prospect worked out, Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander was there. That's nothing new, but this year Alexander's campus appearances were especially noteworthy. That's because the Bengals, who pick sixth in this weekend's NFL Draft, lost two starters on the offensive line in the offseason, making it very possible that the team will pick an offensive lineman in first round. The last time the Bengals drafted a lineman in the top two rounds was 2006, when Andrew Whitworth went in the second round. • Quiz: See how much you know about the NFL Draft. • Interactive: Joe Reedy's draft analysis The Bengals aren't alone in their needs. ..."
An offensive tackle rests at top of the Bengals' wish list
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April 24
Dayton Daily News
 
"A look at the Cincinnati Bengals as the NFL draft approaches: Picks: 11 Rounds: First (No. 6 overall), second (No. 38), third (Nos. 70 and 98), fourth (No. 106), fifth (No. 142), sixth (Nos. 179 and 209) and seventh (Nos. 215, 249 and 252). What they need: An offensive tackle to protect quarterback Carson Palmer, who suffered a broken nose and partially torn ligament and tendon in his right elbow, which sidelined him for 12 games. The Bengals yielded 51 sacks and finished last in total offense. Top five offensive tackles: Eugene Monroe (Virginia), Jason Smith (Baylor), Andre Smith (Alabama), Michael Oher (Mississippi), Eben Britton (Arizona). Possible surprise: The upset pick would be Ohio ..."
Bengals could pick Wake LB
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April 23
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"For a unit that had its highest defensive ranking in seven years last season, the Bengals' defense is continuing to develop. After taking defensive players in the first round the last four years, it is possible that the Bengals might end that streak this weekend, but there could be some intriguing possibilities if a certain player falls to the No. 6 draft spot. That player would be Aaron Curry. The Wake Forest linebacker is the consensus choice as the safest pick in this year's draft because of his athleticism and work ethic. He was a four-year starter for the Demon Deacons with 332 tackles, including 45.5 for loss, and three interceptions returned for touchdowns. Curry visited the ..."
Lewis says once again, Ochocinco is here to stay
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April 22
Dayton Daily News
 
"Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco isn't going to be traded or released. "I don't know why people continue with this speculation of moving Chad," head coach Marvin Lewis said on Tuesday, April 21. "It's been told many times and we've reiterated it now for I don't know how long. But Chad is not getting moved." Chad's surname is officially "Ochocinco" - one word, not two. "We're going to conform to the league policy on his name," Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said. "That's what it says on the legal books. That's what's going to be on his jersey." Feed the hungry The Bengals return all 11 starters on defense, but the league's 12th-ranked unit needs an impact pass rusher to take pressure ..."
Ocho Cinco unlikely to be traded
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April 12
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"With the draft two weekends away, the amount of e-mail from curious fans has increased. And most of it has focused on one player, Chad Ocho Cinco, and one question: Will he be traded? The short answer is probably not. Barring a major change of course, he will be here after draft weekend and should be in Georgetown, Ky., for training camp. Since Ocho Cinco did not show for the voluntary offseason workout program March 30, the rumor mill has increased about the wide receiver's future with the team. Things went into overdrive last Saturday when a blogger had Ocho Cinco traded to the Raiders for a second-round pick and running back Michael Bush. Then on Tuesday, Michael Smith of ESPN reported ..."