Marvin Lewis: 'Pace Wins the Race in Free Agency'

Head coach Marvin Lewis took some time out from pre-draft preparations to comment on the Bengals' free agency -- or lack thereof -- to date:

Having heard that some fans are frustrated with what they perceive as the Bengals' lack of activity since Friday, Lewis pointed to the hefty contract extensions signed in July and August by bookend offensive tackle Levi Jones and Willie Anderson – as well as the new deal reached with starting right guard Bobbie Williams in April.

You know, Lewis' point can't be emphasized enough. Every off-season teams spend gobs of money to sign big-name, usually past-their-prime free agents, the fan base is excited about the prospects of finally making a Super Bowl run, and nine months -- and six or seven wins -- later, the process starts all over again.

Levi Jones and Willie Anderson are two of the best offensive tackles in the NFL and it's not cheap to keep those guys around. Sure, the Bengals have real issues with their run defense, and maybe franchising Justin Smith wasn't the best idea. But that is what the draft if for. Want more proof: look at the Super Bowl winners since 2000 and they all built their rosters through the draft.

Of course, fans aren't easily persuaded -- especially after a disappointing 8-8 finish -- but Cincinnati is taking the right approach. No need to break the bank for mediocre talent when the draft is often a better, cheaper long-term investment.