DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — The Bengals selected Andrew Whitworth in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft for a moment like this.

On Friday night, offensive lineman Eric Steinbach bolted to the division-rival Cleveland Browns on opening day of the NFL's free-agency period.

Whitworth gets penciled in at left guard, replacing Steinbach, who was a second alternate to the Pro Bowl.

Whitworth (6-foot-7, 339 pounds) isn't as athletic as Steinbach (6-6, 290), but his size and strength fit the Bengals' power running game and fortify the pass protection for quarterback Carson Palmer.

The former LSU star gained valuable experience in 12 starts — 10 at left tackle in place of injured Levi Jones.

The Bengals worked the telephones on Friday, calling agents to express interest in several players, including linebacker Joey Porter, who was released by Pittsburgh on Thursday.

New England tight end Daniel Graham was on the Bengals' wish list, but the door got slammed in their face.

Graham's agent confirmed the Bengals' call. Visits are being lined up. "But not in your direction," agent Jack Mills said from Boulder, Colo. "I'm not saying we won't talk to (the Bengals), but it's unlikely. He's looking more to the western part of the U.S. because he's from here (Denver)."

Where the Bengals' own free agents are concerned, tailback Kenny Watson signed a three-year contract after averaging 5.5 yards as the team's third-down back; cornerback Tory James is weighing his options, including the Bengals; and while Joel Segal — agent for quarterback Anthony Wright — continues to speak with the Bengals, he's lining up visits elsewhere for his client.

• Bengals backup linebacker Marcus Wilkins singed a contract with the Atlanta Falcons on Friday.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253

or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.