Close Article Return to stream X
NFL

Grading the Cincinnati Bengals’ Top 5 Free Agency Decisions in 2015

+Read full article

Grading the Cincinnati Bengals' Top 5 Free Agency Decisions in 2015

Cincinnati Bengals helmet
Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals came out aggressive and have made some key moves in free agency, filling some major holes in their roster. Here's how I would grade their top five moves thus far.

5. Mike Nugent

Mike Nugent Cincinnati Bengals
Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

5. Mike Nugent copy

Mike Nugent Cincinnati Bengals
Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Resigning Mike Nugent was an interesting move for Cincinnati. He was much less productive in 2014, but it's clear the Bengals have faith in him. Hopefully he will be more consistent in the coming season.

Grade: C+

4. A.J. Hawk

A.J. Hawk Green Bay Packers
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

4. A.J. Hawk

A.J. Hawk Green Bay Packers
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals needed a linebacker this offseason and A.J. Hawk is a great addition. It allows him to return home and play for the team he grew up supporting. This is a move that's beneficial for both parties. Hopefully Hawk can gain some momentum and motivation from this.

Grade: B

3. Rey Maualuga

Rey Maualuga Cincinnati Bengals
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

3. Rey Maualuga

Rey Maualuga Cincinnati Bengals
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Many have criticized the Bengals' decision to bring Maualuga back. Yes, his productivity has fallen a bit, but he is still a solid linebacker that would have been missed had he signed elsewhere. He and A.J. Hawk could provide a dominating force in the linebacking corps next season.

Grade: B+

2. Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2. Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson Tamp Bay Buccaneers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive End was the position they Bengals were in dire need for this offseason. They got their guy a few days ago in what proves to be a perfect scenario. Johnson played his first 5 years with the Bengals and already has a familiarity with the Bengals.

Grade: A-

1. Clint Boling

Clint Boling Cincinnati Bengals
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

1. Clint Boling

Clint Boling Cincinnati Bengals
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

In my opinion, resigning Clint Boling was the best free agency move thus far for the Bengals. Losing him would have been a big blow to this offense, that could still benefit from signing another lineman before the end of the offseason.

Grade: A

Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NFL Videos

Adam Jones Posts Video Apology To Antonio Brown

Adam 'Pacman' Jones took a ton of warranted criticism for accusing Antonio Brown of faking the injury he suffered against Cincinnati last weekend. But Jones deserves some credit for apologizing now that Brown has been ruled out against Denver in the divisional round.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NFL Videos

Jeremy Hill Mic'd Up After Crucial Fumble

Jeremy Hill was clearly heartbroken after his fumble against Pittsburgh that ultimately led to Cincinnati's collapse.

Comment 0 Comments