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Cincinnati Bengals 2017: Brandon LaFell back in the Queen City

By Russell S. Baxter

Dec 18, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals saw wide receivers leave via free agency but they no longer have that worry when it comes to Brandon LaFell.

This past season, the Cincinnati Bengals missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010. A disappointing season by the defense and a passing attack that dealt with injuries and offseason departures hurt Marvin Lewis’ team.

The then-defending AFC North champions entered ’16 minus free-agent defectors Marvin Jones (Detroit Lions) and Mohamed Sanu (Atlanta Falcons). Talented wide receiver A.J. Green missed the final six weeks of the season with a hamstring injury. Tight end Tyler Eifert was limited to only eight games.

But there was a bright spot in the addition of Brandon LaFell. The one-time Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots performer signed a one-year deal to join the club a year ago. He responded with 64 receptions, good for 862 yards and a team-best six touchdown catches. Now he’s apparently heading back to the franchise and will not hit the open market on March 9. Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer informs us that LaFell’s new deal will be for two years.

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It’s a smart move for a franchise that looks to rebound from a rough campaign. While quarterback Andy Dalton had a solid year, it took the Cincinnati offense a little time to get on track. That being said, Lewis’ club scored just 325 points in 2016, down considerably from the previous season (419). And another offseason for LaFell with the club should add up to a big plus for the Bengals’ aerial attack.

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