The Bengals have agreed to terms with prospective free agent Mike Pollak on a new contract that will keep the guard off the open market, according to Geoff Dobson of Bengals.com. Alex Marvez of FOX Sports reports (via Twitter) that Pollak’s deal will be a three-year pact.
“I don’t think there’s any question there would have been a market for Mike, but he felt really comfortable playing for [Bengals offensive line coach] Paul [Alexander],” said agent Ken Zuckerman. “He likes the fit and Paul’s approach and is happy about going back there.”
Pollak, 29, has been limited to just eight games over the last two seasons due to injury issues, but started multiple contests at right guard for the Bengals last season and recorded positive grades, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics. With some injury and free agent question marks along the offensive line, the Bengals will likely rely on Pollak as either the top interior reserve in 2014, or perhaps even as a starter.
I had ranked Pollak, a former second-round pick out of Arizona State, as a second-tier option when I broke down the free agent market for guards earlier this week.