CINCINNATI - The Bengals re-signed linebacker Vincent Rey on Thursday and could be done with free agent signings despite losing another wide receiver, Mohamed Sanu, to the Falcons.
At this very moment, #Bengals LB Vincent Rey is putting pen to paper on his new three-year, $11.5 million contract.
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) March 10, 2016
LB @VinnyRey is staying in Cincinnati #LetsRoar
Rey News Conference: https://t.co/GEvBrbWd67 pic.twitter.com/A0PwWYRtgF
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 10, 2016
Sanu's departure means the Bengals have lost their No. 2 and No. 3 wide receivers in the last 24 hours. Marvin Jones went to the Lions Wednesday.
Former Bengals WR Mohamed Sanu agrees to terms on 5-year deal with Falcons. (via @AdamSchefter) pic.twitter.com/y6SMZtt15i
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 10, 2016
Sanu tweeted that he would "forever be Grateful to the Bengals organization and fans for giving me a chance and believing me."
The Bengals are likely to fill their receiver vacancies through the draft rather than by signing a free agent. They might still sign one of their backup defensive linemen - Wallace Gilberry, Brandon Thompson and Pat Sims. But the Bengals will probably pass on the three veteran starters still out there - cornerback Leon Hall, right tackle Andre Smith and safety Reggie Nelson.
The Bengals also lost linebacker Emmanuel Lamur to the Vikings on Thursday. Minnesota said it finalized the deal after Lamur passed his physical. Lamur is now reunited with former Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, the Vikings' head coach.
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said he was happy to keep Rey, the team's leading tackler the past two seasons. Rey, in his sixth-year NFL season, has played in every game since 2011.
“Vinny is a strong guy and a tough guy, and he’s like a sponge. If you say something to him, he gets it right the first time, and then he goes out and does it right," Lewis said. "That’s why he gets so many tackles.”
The Bengals said they were still finishing the Adam Jones deal, which is likely to be announced Friday. Jones agreed to a three-year contract for $20 million plus.
The Bengals also confirmed they have re-signed safety George Iloka and tackle/guard Eric Winston following reports on Wednesday.
For #Bengals and S George Iloka, it's a done deal. 5 years, $30M with $18M over the first 3 years. Cincy players often play them all out.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016
Winston signed for one year, the Bengals said.
“We’re excited to have George and Eric stay with us,” Lewis said. “They’ve been key contributors to the success we’ve had, and they fit our plans going forward. They’ve started a lot of games, have made plays and have been great teammates.”
A message from newly re-signed @George_iloka #LetsRoar #WhoDey
More on the signing: https://t.co/VztsSXDXABhttps://t.co/lx1v44r4BF
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 10, 2016
Iloka, a fifth-year NFL player, took over the free safety job three years ago and started every game until missing four last year due to injuries.
“George is a young player with still a big upside,” said Lewis. “He has size and length and speed, and we expect his contributions to keep growing.
Winston, president of the NFL Players Association and a 10-year veteran, has been a reliable backup and positive locker room presence since the Bengals signed him as an injury replacement two years ago.
“Eric is the consummate pro, and it’s great to have him back in our room,” said assistant head coach/offensive line coach Paul Alexander. “He’s a veteran you can count on in the game, and he’s also a strong leader in our locker room. Guys respect what he’s done in the league, and what he still can do.”
