The Bengals learned an important lesson about depth last season, especially at inside linebacker.
That's why Monday's A.J. Hawk visit, as reported by NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, should come as no surprise. The former first-round pick spent nine seasons in Green Bay and, astonishingly enough, missed only two games.
Security blankets for Rey Maualuga and especially Vontaze Burfict are hard to come by, especially if Marvin Lewis isn't expecting much of a drop-off in talent.
As much as Hawk suffered from a perception he could not live up to, his dependability has to be his most attractive asset heading into a free-for-all spending spree.
For Lewis, though, never a big spender on the market, he knows this is more about ensuring that he can't have his two best run stoppers missing a combined 15 games in one season.
He also knows that finishing 20th against the run won't help his case for that elusive first playoff win.
Other visits we are tracking Monday:
» Rapoport reported the Indianapolis Colts will host linebacker Trent Cole and defensive tackle Kendall Langford for visits on Monday.
» Cornerback Cary Williams is visiting the Titans on Monday, per Rapoport. Williams' decision likely will come down to the Jets, Seahawks and Titans.
» Safety Tyvon Branch will visit the Kansas City Chiefs Monday, Rapoport reported.
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