Grading all of the Cincinnati Bengals' signings after the initial waves of NFL free agency

NFL free agency technically began yesterday afternoon, the Bengals have been nailing it since Monday. Four internal re-singings have occurred in the past week, and the same number of external additions have been reported as well, with more on the way. All moves that have earned them praise locally and nationally, and rightfully so.Cincinnati has […]

John Sheeran — Cincinnati Bengals News Writer
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Zack Moss
© Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

NFL free agency technically began yesterday afternoon, the Bengals have been nailing it since Monday.

Four internal re-singings have occurred in the past week, and the same number of external additions have been reported as well, with more on the way. All moves that have earned them praise locally and nationally, and rightfully so.

Cincinnati has also traded running back Joe Mixon and released safety Nick Scott, saving cap and cash to further facilitate the moves they've made. Let's grade each of the reported moves thus far.

Grading external signings

S Geno Stone
Two years, $14 million ($6 million guaranteed)

Grade: A

It became clear and obvious that the Bengals were going to be in the safety market, and that's where they went first in free agency. They landed on Stone, an ascending free safety with ball skills and instincts aplenty. The Bengals had neither of those traits at safety last year, so he's an immediate fit for an affordable price. And if he underwhelms, he's easily expendable after this season. Easy A. 

RB Zack Moss
Two years, $8 million ($3 million guaranteed)

Grade: A-

This is greater than just who Moss is as a running back. His replacing Mixon as the lead back of a new-look committee will provide a net positive impact on the offense despite not having the pedigree, and past production of his predecessor. Moss is a better fit in the Bengals' offense for his ability to break tackles, break off explosive runs, and pass protect all at better rate, and all for less money. 

TE Mike Gesicki
One year, $2.5 million ($400,000 guaranteed)

Grade: B+

The Bengals stuck with their usual plan at tight end by going the one-year route with a former high draft pick again. This time it's Gesicki, who's a better receiver than the last two one-year fliers they brought in, but more one-dimensional as well. Gesicki provides little to nothing as a blocker and is rarely used as an inline player. He's more of a big slot than anything, and that's perfectly fine for the cost and with Tyler Boyd on his way out. There's still work to do at the true tight end position.

DT Sheldon Rankins
Two years, $26 million

Grade: A-

Cincinnati's most expensive acquisition so far, and likely for the entire player acquisition period, is a 3-technique who can push the pocket better than anyone they currently had at the position. Rankins is a disruptive pass rusher who dominated against the Bengals as a member of the Houston Texans last year. The Bengals have been interested in him for years now, and their union comes at a good time with B.J. Hill needing a proper running mate in the last year of his deal. $13 million per year is a bit pricey, but he should be worth it if he's the same player he was the past few years.

Grading internal signings

Combined Grade: A

No egrgious overpays to be found here, which is what would've tanked the grade a bit. Ford and Williams are fine to hold on at minimal cost. Sample is a quality second tight end and his price reflects that. Davis-Gaither is valuable on special teams and as the first linebacker off the bench. The Bengals have done well in retaining their own so far, and more are expected to follow.

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