The Cincinnati Bengals have started free agency with a bang, signing four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to a four-year deal worth $64.1 million. The Bengals gave Brown a record $31 million signing bonus to protect quarterback Joe Burrow's blindside. Brown is considered one of the top players in the game and has missed just one of a possible 82 regular-season games, starting all 10 playoff games. The Bengals are hoping that Brown's experience and t


alent will be a great influence on the offensive line, especially in protecting Burrow, who was injured during his rookie season. The Bengals' offensive line was shuffled with the signing of Brown, but they are hoping to build a strong and efficient team with their latest acquisition.

Brown, the son of the late Browns and Ravens left tackle Orlando Brown, Sr., has played on the left side since he moved to the Chiefs. Brown's father paved the way for right tackles to make big money in the early days of free agency in the 1990s while urging his son to play left tackle, which at the time was the more high-profile side. Brown has been productive in both left and right tackle positions, but he believes that he has been able to make the last four Pro Bowls because his peers understand the type of player he is in talent. Brown's size and strength are a great fit for Burrow, and the Bengals are hoping that his addition will make them hard to beat when Burrow is protected.

The Bengals' offensive line coach Frank Pollack said that swing tackle Jackson Carman is in the mix to start on the right side if incumbent right tackle La'el Collins isn't ready for early in the season. Collins is currently rehabilitating a torn ACL, and his status for opening day is uncertain. On the other hand, left tackle Jonah Williams, who counts more than $12 million against the salary cap, is coming off surgery for a dislocated kneecap and is expected to be ready for training camp.

Overall, the Bengals' offensive line has been shuffled and re-made, and they are hoping that this will be the start of building a strong and efficient team. Brown's signing has been seen as one of the biggest lightning strikes in Bengals history as they secured one of the top players in the game who doesn't turn 27 until May 2. With Brown's experience and talent, the Bengals are hoping that they can make it to the playoffs and compete for the AFC championship.