The Cincinnati Bengals lost two of their most productive backup receivers during the 2016 NFL free agency period. Both Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu left the Bengals after making the playoffs during the 2015 regular season. Jones was the most sought-after free agent wide receiver in the NFL and signed a 5-year, $40 million contract with the Detroit Lions, while Sanu also signed a 5-year $32.5 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
This sets the Bengals back quite a bit as they continue to look for a deep playoff run. The only wide receivers left on their roster are of course the superstar AJ Green, James Wright, Brandon Tate, Michael Bennett and Mario Alford. The Bengals could cut everyone behind Green before training camp rolls around, so signing LaFell should be considered a depth move at best. The Bengals will now have to rebuild the wide receiving corps through the draft and free agency.
LaFell massively disappointed during the 2015 season and looked as if he had lost a step due to injury. LaFell was supposed to be counted on as a quality backup receiver with the Patriots, however he could not catch a ball for most of the 2015 season. LaFell only recorded 37 receptions and 515 yards during 2015 after having spectacular production in 2014.
In his first year with the Patriots he racked up 74 receptions, 953 yards and seven touchdowns, which made his performance this season even more disappointing. LaFell is about to turn 30, and the Patriots saved around $2.6 million releasing him which basically allowed them to be a bit more active during free agency. LaFell spent the entire beginning of the 2015 season on the PUP list with a foot injury, and he could never get back to his original form.
This may have slowed him down in the beginning, but it cannot be an excuse for how many balls he dropped in 2015. LaFell ended the 2015 season tied for the sixth most drops in the league, and he didn't even play a full season. It can even be argued that if LaFell caught a few more passes the Patriots could be standing here as Super Bowl Champions. Signing LaFell may be a desperate move, however with the 2016 NFL Draft coming up the Bengals could bolster their wide receiving group with a top rookie prospect. With an injury-plagued year behind him, let's see if the former Bengals wide receiver has any gas left in his tank.
