Bengals waive Irons, release Adams, agree with picks and lock up Whitworth

It somewhat a shocking move, the Bengals waived 2007 second-round pick Kenny Irons. At first, fans and talk radio expressed their confusion with the transaction. Earlier in the week, Irons had failed a physical and the rumor was that the running back had lost over 30 pounds (down to around 165 lbs.). The move will probably not make that much of difference. Irons should clear waivers and the Bengals will probably place him on the injured reserve list.

On the same day, the team released cornerback Blue Adams. The two rosters moves cut the roster down to 80, which is the maximum number allowed for training camp. Adams, a former Cincinnati Bearcat, struggled last season and was called for numerous 15-yard personal foul penalties on special teams. His aggressive play was one of the reasons the Bengals signed him last season after a stint with Tampa Bay, but it could have proved to be his downfall as well.

The Bengals also seem to be doing well with signing their draft picks. According to the team’s Web site on Thursday, they have agreed in principal with rookies Pat Sims (third rounder), Anthony Collins (fourth rounder) and Corey Lynch (sixth rounder). On Friday, the site reported that second rounder Jerome Simpson has agreed to a deal as well, leaving only first-round pick Keith Rivers and third rounder Andre Caldwell without a contract.

There have also been reports that the Bengals are in discussions of a potential extension for kicker Shayne Graham. More importantly, the team locked up one of their young offensive linemen in Andrew Whitworth. According to the team’s Web site, Whitworth has agreed in principle on a four-year extension that keeps him in Cincinnati through 2013.