NFL Free Agency 2020: Grades for every team after first wave

There are things to like about what the Cincinnati Bengals have done in 2020 NFL free agency. Retaining A.J. Green to work with assumed No. 1 pick Joe Burrow via the franchise tag is wise, even if Green is not the happiest. Meanwhile, the Mackensie Alexander deal is huge for the secondary and at a good price — and the same goes for Vonn Bell. As for D.J. Reader, he may be overpaid by the Bengals but he could help the defensive line become a strength again.

However, the two issues with Cincinnati are the Trae Waynes deal at three years, $42 million when he has not proven to be worth anywhere near that type of money and the lack of clear direction for this team. Maybe they believe that Burrow alone will make these signings worth it and have the team make a huge jump but I’m skeptical of that being the case.

You could certainly pick apart the Cleveland Browns offseason in some areas. Making Austin Hooper the highest-paid tight end in the NFL is not the greatest look and has drawn the ire of many. But even the Hooper deal all fits into the plan for the Browns as they look to rebound from a terribly disappointing 2019 season.

Hooper gives new head coach Kevin Stefanski the ability to operate in two-tight end sets that he loves. Furthermore, the team addressed a huge hole at right tackle with Jack Conklin and answered depth issues on defense with veteran corner Kevin Johnson and safety Karl Joseph. Meanwhile, Case Keenum is a great backup for Baker Mayfield.

While there is a hole at linebacker that must be addressed and the offensive line still needs work, the Browns are better on the whole after free agency, without a shadow of a doubt.