“The right people for what we do”

There were no trades, but, Radicevic says, he and Trey Brown “continued patiently plowing the fields.” The Bengals kept up the trench warfare pace with $26 million over two years for Sheldon Rankins' productivity rushing the passer on the interior, which is what they really needed. We call it double base.

They thought they could get both Rankins and Reeder, but Reeder left for Detroit late in the week.

“It was a good market for D-Tackles. I think a lot of teams saw what was coming in the draft and felt the need to spend there,” Radicevic said. “We were hoping to try to keep DJ. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. I think Rankins will do a great job filling a different type of void.”

With Reeder gone, the Bengals stepped back and looked at their board through a big picture lens. The best player in an excellent position. There were some Bengal insiders who were reminded of the moment last year when trades to retain Bell and Hayden Hurst fell through, and they turned their attention to Orlando Brown Jr.

There were some interesting players (Chase Young), but the position not only had to be a good fit, it had to be a good fit for the value, and Trent Brown's one-year deal solved the puzzle at right tackle on Opening Day.

“They told me they were just looking for someone to come play. First and foremost, they said they believed in me, they believed in my game, they liked my game, and they said the way I play is everything they believe in,” Brown said.

Brown received a phone call from his agent on Sunday that the Bengals wanted to bring him in for a visit and physical. With players like Orlando Brown and Bengals center Ted Karras endorsing him, Trent Brown had a deal in place by 1pm on Tuesday.

“The thing about him is he's been in the league as long as he's been, he's a veteran player who wants to win,” said Orlando Brown Jr., who got to know Trent at the Pro Bowl as the NFL's two top tackles.

“This is what we're getting. A Pro Bowl level player who's motivated. He's at a different stage in his career and outlook and wants to win championships. These are the guys that are going to help us get to that level. The next level and bring a Super Bowl to Cincinnati and I think Trent Brown is one of the those people.”