As we've noted in a few posts since the Bengals' 2011 season ended, the Bengals aren't big players in free agency. We also recently went over the names of all of the potential free agents for 2012 and there are quite a few names that pop out as "franchise players". The Bengals tasted success in 2011, albeit with quite a few glaring roster holes.
As fans look at the potential free agent list, they begin to salivate over marquee names that they hope to see in stripes the next season. Even though they are slow movers in free agency, the Bengals do tend to surprise us with some big name signings (Terrell Owens, Adam Jones, Larry Johnson), but usually it's because they come with baggage and/or are at the end of their career.
Well, our friend Geoff Hobson at Bengals.com dropped a little hint as to what the Bengals plans are for this impending free agency period:
As usual when free agency starts March 13, they won’t be looking for big names and are most likely to focus on signing own players. The Bengals hope to have guys like kicker
Mike Nugent and safety Reggie Nelson locked up before offseason workouts start April 16 at Paul Brown Stadium.
Hobson usually has a pretty good pulse on the team and what their plans are, so this is probably accurate. It would be a stretch to say that this is a surprise, though it is frustrating. The real question is what constitutes a "big name" in Hobson's and the team's eyes. Is it specific players or positions that they won't be targeting?
For instance, one could argue that guys like Ray Rice, Matt Forte and Arian Foster are all elite names and some of the best at their position. The Bengals probably won't opt for these types of players and look towards the draft. However, does that mean that they'd look at the best player at a non-flashy position, say offensive guard, like Carl Nicks? Again, I'd doubt it based on Hobson's take.
Most agree that the best way to build a team is through the draft and I echo that sentiment. You can get good, young talent locked up for four or five years to build a foundation. The Bengals have seemed to have done a good job of that over the past couple of years, but it's become obvious that talented veterans from other successful clubs would be great additions to a team seemingly headed in the right direction. After all, the point of free agency is to plug a lot of roster holes and then fill the rest and add depth through the draft. A successful team isn't continuously built if a team invests too heavily in one or the other.
It's still really early to see how their offseason goes, but don't be surprised if the Bengals are frustratingly quiet in those first 48-72 hours of free agency.
0 recs | 68 comments
How can they not consider a 26 yr old Carl Nicks who's a Pro-bowler after only 3 years??
gratefulmax - January 17, 2012
+1
Boomer Lion - January 17, 2012
because Mike Brown doesn't think
“now what can I do to win a Super Bowl?” … he thinks, “now what can I do to keep the suckers, er, fans, coming to the games”
occams_tiger_teeth - January 17, 2012
no surprise here
But getting a G in FA would open up the draft. That money has to be spent somehow and I hope that Hobson is wrong.
Mr.Blanket - January 17, 2012 via mobile
we been wrong about MB as of lately.
Mr.Blanket - January 17, 2012 via mobile
doesn't HAVE to be spent till 2013
and we probably get someone like urbik of Buffalo as opposed to Nicks or Grubbs
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
this kind of post
frustrates the hell out of me, Mikey needs to step up if he wants to keep the fans interested. He’s not doing bad so far, he needs to strike while his image is looking better or many may call his bluff and stay away again next year too.
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
+1
See my post below about making a “big splash” (which they clearly can afford), by adding one of the best o-lineman in the NFL
The_Black_Stripes - January 17, 2012
+100
Mr.Blanket - January 17, 2012 via mobile
They don't have to spend till 13, but
I don’t see Brown waiting till next year and then stuck with alot of cap room to tie up. I wouldn’t be surprised if they start spending this year. It may be on our own players, but I can’t see him possibly being forced to spend it all in one off season when you can get rid of a little money now with improvements.
Bigcatdaddy - January 17, 2012 via Android app
i can't recall specifics
but i do remember a time or 2 lately that hobson said something and we did something different.
for all those who want nicks, he’s incredible and all, but i don’t think we need him. that’s a lot of cap money tied into our o-line and we can probably find someone good enough for a lot cheaper. i’d rather sign an established corner.
brandone - January 17, 2012
the only corner in free agency
I’d even consider is Brandon Carr, I might consider Tyvon Branch or Michael Griffin, but they still don’t help our Offense, I don’t want a rookie guard protecting Dalton, period.
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
* 2 rookie guards instead of a rookie guard
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
i didn't say a rookie,
i just said we don’t need to spend all that money on nicks.
and i’d take finnegan or grimes if they came in around 5 or so mil per.
brandone - January 17, 2012
well
there’s only two guards that would definately upgrade our line, besides them the only other way is by the draft
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
Really?
What about Cortland Finnegan or Brent Grimes?
BobJones4980 - January 17, 2012
Hobson, at least initially, also thought The Quitter would return to the Bengals
I really like Hobson, but this wouldn’t be the first (and most likely won’t be the last) time he is incorrect.
We shall see, though. I personally hope he is wrong, with regard to Nicks or Grubbs.
A targeted Free Agency of:
1.) OG = Nicks/Grubbs (i.e. the “headliner”/big splash, which would appease the disenchanted fans, as some posters above have rightly mentioned, and signal a different Bengals’ course has been charted. I can dream, right??)
2.) WR = Manningham
3.) TE = Martellus Bennett (The Bengals actually tried to trade for him 2 seasons ago when he was a rookie). Plus, with Coffman now with KC, and Lee an UFA, I would love a TE trio of Gresham, Bennett, and Cochart.
Manningham and Bennett fit the mold of “2nd tier FA players” the Bengals tradionally have targeted. Nicks/Grubbs would represent a “new course”.
This would open up the draft to improve the D, get a sold RB, or just strictly follow the BPA method regardless of position.
The_Black_Stripes - January 17, 2012
Manningham = A Less Athletic Simpson
Manningham just doesn’t have the upside that Simpson has showed at points this year. Manningham has worse hands than Jerome, and in my opinion, he isnt nearly as athletic. With the money we spend on Manningham, we could easily acquire an Upgrade to the Offensive Line, or put the money towards someone like Bush
Alexneyer - January 17, 2012
Bush will most likely be Franchised Tagged by the Raiders (especially with the concerns of Run DMC's durability)
Manningham at least runs precise routes. Does NOT possess blazing speed by any means, but he does seem dependable. Plus, he’s had 23 TD receptions over his first four seasons (that’s more than solid production from a person who is not even their #2 receiver. Giants have Nick and Cruz).
The_Black_Stripes - January 17, 2012
doubtful
if for only because they can’t afford to have so much money tied to 1 position, still don’t want him though, wore down to easy to be considered a stud back
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
Rotoworld Free agent list
Also has him pegged as being franchised
biggie22 - January 17, 2012
can't see how they can afford both
when they don’t have a draft, they need that money to upgrade their team, but, I hope they do so we can’t even consider him, wore down too easily for my liking
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
Sorry - he has 18 career receiving TDs, not 23.
Still impressive for essentially a #3 receiver.
The_Black_Stripes - January 17, 2012
Simpson needs to be #3
We need a better #2. I see Simpson staying and they bring in another WR. If they go for someone better is the question.
Bigcatdaddy - January 17, 2012 via Android app
we have
shipley, hawkins and whalen for the #3 spot, if Simpson can’t be the #2 we don’t need him, I think he can personally, took him 3 years to get involved in brat’s offense, but by year 2 in Grudens, he should be fun to watch.
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
I mean out side receiver
We are set on slot guys for shore. We have three guys at outside wr, Green, Simpson, and Caldwell. I was taking it that the post above was saying that Manningham would be behind Simpson as a #3 outside wr. I was saying that we need a better #2 than another Caldwell.
Bigcatdaddy - January 17, 2012 via Android app
Caldwell was a slot guy
who happened to back up Simpson, if that’s what your saying, would rather replace him by way of draft.
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
here's another scenario
what about Chase Coffman for the #2 reciever? I know he’s having a hard time blocking as a TE, but would think he would be a great blocker as a WR.
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
Could work
The one thing that killed his chances was that we needed blocking bad. If we get better blocking from the line and a good blocking rb I could see Coffman getting reps at TE. The guy has great hands but I don’t know if he has the speed to play outside. Wilder things have happened.
Bigcatdaddy - January 17, 2012 via Android app
i don't thonk speed is all that important
the difference between 4.4 and 4.6, blink
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
*think
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
Very true
Housh wasn’t a burner by any means and he did okay. I think it would benefit AJ more if they had a fast guy to draw the safety off but I’m all for whatever works best. I’d really like to see Coffman on the field.
Bigcatdaddy - January 17, 2012 via Android app
I think they spend some money this off season
It’s just good business sense. MB has a spending floor starting 13’ . So why wait till then and have money you have to get rid of and maybe the players you want or need aren’t their? As tight as MB is I don’t see him spending it on players he doesn’t want. IMO all teams that are in our position spend some money this off season. Maybe it’s on the teams own players with extension, but it could be a busy FA period.
Bigcatdaddy - January 17, 2012 via Android app
maybe but....
I have a hard time seeing the Raiders paying Bush as a top 5 or top ten running back and that what the franchise tag would be. They have Branch as a free agent and see them tagging first because we all know a quality safety is hard to get.
EPK1979 - January 18, 2012
Martellus Bennett
is a head case down here in Dallas…. would not be a good signing in my opinion.
txbengal29 - January 17, 2012
Manningham = Another Simpson
Manningham just doesn’t have the upside that Simpson has showed at points this year. Manningham has worse hands than Jerome, and in my opinion, he isnt nearly as athletic.
Alexneyer - January 17, 2012
Ignore this one -.-
Alexneyer - January 17, 2012
Agree he is not overly athletic, but he runs dependable routes.
Also, I never mentioned signing Manningham to the exclusion of signing Simpson. I like both can be had as they will likely not command a great salary.
The_Black_Stripes - January 17, 2012
would rather have simpson or meecham
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
Of course I would prefer Meachem to Manningham, any day of the week. I just mentione Mario as a possibility if they somehow land a big name OG. So ,essentially, what about simpson AND Manningham??
Bengals usually carry 6 WRs:
A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson, Mario Manningham, Jordan Shipley, Andrew Hawkins, and Ryan Whalen. Wouldn’t mind this receiving corps.
Brandon Tate is released and Baby Hawk assumes punt return and kickoff duties (he is so much more elusive than Tate).
The_Black_Stripes - January 17, 2012
Release Brandon Tate?!?
Nuh-uh my brutha!! Marvin luvs him some Brandon Tate!!!
Bengals NFL Champs - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Of course I would prefer Meachem to Manningham, any day of the week. I just mentione Mario as a possibility if they somehow land a big name OG. So ,essentially, what about simpson AND Manningham??
Bengals usually carry 6 WRs:
A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson, Mario Manningham, Jordan Shipley, Andrew Hawkins, and Ryan Whalen. Wouldn’t mind this receiving corps.
Brandon Tate is released and Baby Hawk assumes punt return and kickoff duties (he is so much more elusive than Tate).
The_Black_Stripes - January 17, 2012
I could live with this if
we got Grubbs or Nicks
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
I'm trying to find a positive way to spin this.
Maybe they don’t want to show their hand, and would rather act like they aren’t going for a big name so other teams think there’s one less contender for them then swoop in out of nowhere and grab a big name like Nicks?
I know, it won’t happen, but I’m grasping at straws here.
sexsalad - January 17, 2012
I wouldn't blame them for not landing him or Grubbs
but, for the sake of God…TRY!!!!!!! don’t give up before the fight begins
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
RE:
I think that the Bengals recognize a glaring need for a starting guard, as they HEAVILY pursued Robert Gallery last year.
I don’t know if that means that they’ll look to do it again this season, but from what Hobson is saying, I wouldn’t bet on it.
Anthony Cosenza - January 17, 2012
I agree
and… it’s disheartening
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
+1
Why would they want to tell everyone the are in the market. I
biggie22 - January 17, 2012
for curiosity for the fans
right now we’re all on the edge of our seats, keep us there. Don’t come out and say…nah we’re not gonna make a run at any of the best players, you could however say, we’ll evaluate our needs and look at the best players out there to fulfill those needs. not tipping your hand but at the same time, not getting a fanbase all riled up either, I mean, it would be better to not say anything
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
Please sign a couple stud o-lineman (Calr Nicks)
And then I look for Mike Brown to bring home a couple former Buckeyes like he did with Nate Clements (he loves the Bucks). Donte Whitner and Tedd Gynn JR
biggie22 - January 17, 2012
whats chances of williams returning?
If we can re sign Williams for a good price I like that idea. We also need to sign STUD G or DT/DE early in free agency. After year in system Boling should be a lot better also to compete with Williams or provide depth.
pray4gm11 - January 17, 2012 via mobile
CHANGES in the JUNGLE ?
I felt a different vibe coming from our team after Katie influenced her father to trade Carson to the Raiders, I just feel that Katie knows that she eventually will inherent he team so she’s taking on responsibilities that will cause and effect. I also sense that indeed Mike Brown did give Marvin Lewis more power in decisions about personal , as to free agent acquisitions and the drafting of college players, A sweet NFL deal,( for ten years). The sweet heart deal about the stadium issues, They will get a covered practice field this year. We don’t need big name free agents, we need smart signings. Carl Nix, Meachem , Brandon Carr,draft a power running back, who’s a team player. Sign Jack Del Rio to run the defense, ( if Zimmer leaves) feeling or pipe dream?
Keith Call425 - January 17, 2012
I agree with this. I also have another take on it
I think that there is a possible chance Mike was hoarding money for a purpose: to buy the minority interest in the team he just purchased for $200 million. The Brown family now owns 100% of the team. Now that that’s out of the way, maybe we will see him let loose of the purse strings a little, plus maybe now that he has complete control and is in his mid 70’s, he will start to let Katie come out more as face of the team. This would be great for PR.
BonnieBengal - January 17, 2012
Great footprints all over this..
It feels right!! It’s like a Chinese foot massage all over my back!
Law1951 - January 17, 2012
no guards for you
damn it ><
palewook - January 17, 2012
reminds me of "the Soup Nazi"
joeb69 - January 17, 2012
All "Soup Nazi" references get a rec. :)
BonnieBengal - January 17, 2012
do they =(
palewook - January 18, 2012
Yea I was never a fan of that show
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
hell with that
i just wanted my rec from bonnie =)
palewook - January 18, 2012
All they do is wine the whole damn show
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
Message to the rat b-stard running this team:
One-and-done doesn’t cut it. You will see more empty seats next year if you don’t show the fans you’re trying to win the Super Bowl (I hope!)
occams_tiger_teeth - January 17, 2012
Right on OTT
Rec for you!
KentuckianaBrowncoat - January 17, 2012
+1
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
They never show their cards
Brown knows the future is pretty close to now. Cant see them squandering the position they’re in now with crazy spending, But the scare they just survived transitioning from a year ago. They’re in position to shore up the team for a few years. They’ll spend
They’ve got money and some draft picks to stack the deck with…. they know it. Can’t see em breaking the bank… they always let the stupid bidding settle before getting in. This season may have also opened up other players to consider Cincy to that wouldn’t have..
Getting in the FA market would really open up the draft to. Surely they want to hit on whoever they make an attempt at… I’m sure some of the recent misses have em gun shy…. And with the new low cost rookie cap who knows. If I were bettin…. They’ll pick up up receiver maybe a lineman on either side. Simpson is never gonna scare anyone away from loading up n Green. An Caldwell’s depth chart material to.. If that. Put a threatening RB and another true wide out with Shipley in the slot. The O-line will be better immediately. Not that they don’t need help. But when nothing scares a defense its easy to tee off on lineman.
At any rate after pulling out of the roster hole they were in last year. They gotta be lickin their chops. I think the tag of Brown being cheap on players anyway, has been overblown for a few years now. He’s made the attemps… not all good ones. But I’d be surprised if they stood pat in all this
olbuzz - January 18, 2012
+1
pemci - January 18, 2012
From reading the articles on Bengals.com, I get the feeling that they are looking at the young guys on the roster. They had a article early this week about the younger safeties maybe starting. Then today they had a article where they are looking to maybe re-signing Simpson, giving Tate more snaps at reciever and standing pat where they are. Maybe this is because these are the players currently on the roster? It just sounds to me they are content with what they have and if thats the case,thats bad news. This team needs serious upgrades at guard,safety,cornerback and running back. With money to spend,they need to address some of these concerns in free agency so they don’t reach for needs in the draft.
EPK1979 - January 18, 2012
I haven't looked at that site yet
but it sounds like they are wanting to stand pat at S/WR. Which with what they have on the roster already, I can see happening (with some changes ie. bye bye Crocker). Our biggest needs IMO are G/CB/RB. I don’t see them (at least hope they don’t) staying with what they have at these 3 positions. As for safety; there is apparently a much better class coming out next year as opposed to just Barron this year. And with Sands and Mays sitting there learning the system, hopefully they are the answer; if not we look to next year’s draft. As for WR, I know I’m in the minority, but I think Simpson stays and has a breakout season as the #2.
IMO the needs at G/CB/RB are to glaring to focus too much attention on drafting/signing WR/S.
Oregonbengalsfan - January 18, 2012
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