John Grieshop - Getty Images
5 months ago: CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 11: Reggie Nelson #20 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs an interception upfield during the game against the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium on December 11, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Texans defeated the Bengals 20-19. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
Safeties. An integral part with any defense that not only supports the run, but transfers into a "last line of defense" mentality against the NFL's obvious favoritism for high-flying and exciting passing assaults. The better the safety, the better an overall defense becomes. Cincinnati's stock of safeties is weak, borderline scary. They have one proven safety and they could lose him this spring. Bengals safety Reggie Nelson is one of several unrestricted free agents this season that the Cincinnati Bengals would like to bring back next year. And depending on how strong his relationship is with (about to be Dolphins defensive coordinator) Kevin Coyle, Nelson could return to Florida as a safety for the Miami Dolphins.
According to Pro Football Focus, Nelson only missed two tackles on attempted stops against receivers (or tight ends or running backs) that caught the football, giving him a tackle efficiency of 19.0 (which means he successfully made 19 stops to one missed tackle in coverage). Additionally Nelson only allowed an opposing passer rating of 73.9 and a team-leading four interceptions in 2011 -- one of which he returned for a touchdown against Seattle.
Nelson, acquired in a trade sending David Jones to Jacksonville prior to the 2010 season, has played all 32 games during his stay in Cincinnati, including six interceptions and four forced fumbles. All 16 of his starts in 2011 were at free safety, finishing third on the team with 102 tackles.
0 recs | 59 comments
reggie nelson
I think Reggie is the most important free agent that we need to resign. Also other top free agents out there besides Reggie that could be a top priority is a WR which there are alot available. Also Ben Grubbs or NIcks at OG. I also really like Laron Landry
cincybengals - January 25, 2012
Reggie
I’m not sure if the Bengals are aware of the fact based on stats that Reggie Nelson had a better year than Ed Reed and Troy Palamalu. Look at the stats. He actualy had a pro-bowl type year. I believe he will only get better. SIGN HIM NOW!!!!!!!!!! Realy though, he is the best safety we have had in my memory. Get Mays, Sands, Rookie, or free agent to step up and replace Crocker on the other side and our D will be awsome……
Terrell Keith Renaker - January 25, 2012
+1
AMAS85 - January 25, 2012
+1
The Dealio - January 25, 2012
Absolutely!
pemci - January 25, 2012
IN-house, that is...
pemci - January 25, 2012
in house, I agree Reggie is the top priority. Overall idk. Of course me being a fan I always want the bengals to make a splash in Free agency but that might not be the best idea this year espcially with the two first rounders and we’ll most likely have an extra three for J-joe
cincybengals - January 25, 2012
Word is they won't get a compensatory pick for JJo
because they signed more free agents than they let go. :-\
Animal_Like_Football - January 25, 2012
I've heard everything from they definitely WON'T get one to they definitely WILL get one
Both Hobson and Lapham are both of the opinion they’ll get a 3rd rounder. Whatever the formula is, it’s confusing enough that no one really knows for sure on this one until they announce it.
eric nyc - January 25, 2012
First off, I agree completely about resigning Reggie, if not he will be tagged, Im almot sure of it
second, how much cap space does Miami have? they might not be able to afford Reggie.
AMAS85 - January 25, 2012
I would be nic to sign Nicks so we can have a better knowledge of the 1st rounds. I like nelson and we get barron
njbengalstat - January 25, 2012
I like barron
i’m interested to see what he does at the combine. I mentioned this above, Laron Landry if a FA. I think we should take a look at him.
cincybengals - January 25, 2012
I think Ive seen a mock where the Jets take Barron right before that... and that kinda makes sense, since Ryan like his DBs
AMAS85 - January 25, 2012
yea ive seen that as well. It is possible.
cincybengals - January 25, 2012
I love Landry when he's on the field
But his injury history really frightens me. Whoever signs him is going to be putting up a lot of money on a big gamble. I’d rather see what we have in Mays or find a less risky FA gamble.
eric nyc - January 25, 2012
yea his history with injury is a question mark. But we lost jjoe alot to injury then this year he was fine and it really hurt us. Mays i think shows flashes of being solid due to his speed and tackling skills. He just has to implement the coverages better
cincybengals - January 25, 2012
Landry hasn't just had one injury
He’s missed half of the last two seasons from injuries and had a handful more before that. I think Mays could keep us from drafting Barron because I could see Marvin and Zimmer figuring they already have basically the same player on the roster already if they dont’ see Barron as being strong in coverage.
eric nyc - January 25, 2012
I agree with the Mays project
especially if we can snatch Rod Woodson away from coaching duties at Oakland to coach up our DBs. He had an internship under ML and played the position to HOF status. Coyle is not that great. We need a change. If not Woodson try Fulcher…he’s in Cincy already and coaching at a local high school. Either one of these guys can bring the wood.
sofakingood - January 25, 2012
Coyle has been great here with our DB's
Bengalsfan024 - January 25, 2012
At what point can we begin signing our own FAs?
Make it a priority to lock him up before he can hit free agency.
RHSNEYES - January 25, 2012
After what happened last year with J-Joe...
I think the Bengals would be eager to sign their FA’s as fast as they can….
pemci - January 25, 2012
I agree about resigning him.
Everyone is screaming del rio if Zimmer doesn’t return. So, if Del Rio did come will he bring the cover two D from Jacksonville as well. I’m only saying this Bc Reggie for some reason didnt look good with that scheme and fell out of favor with Rio. I think bengals sign Nelson draft Barron in first round. And draft corner with second pick in first rd/ vice versa. As well as signing a FA Rb and draft a Rb in 2nd or third round.
Bengalsredsvictim - January 25, 2012 via mobile
I don't see how we could even consider not re-signing him
You could mak the argument he was the best defensive back on the team last year, with only Leon being comparable and he missed half the season. WIth as weak as our secondary was, how could we even dream of letting one of its best pieces go? Especially when there’s NO ONE out there in free agency or the draft that would be anything like an upgrade. I don’t think Reggie’s going to command huge money, and I’d think he is appreciative of the team and Zimmer rescuing him from Jacksonville and finally using him the right way as a starter. This should be a no brainer.
eric nyc - January 25, 2012
Reggie, will get top 10 FS money and he deserves if he going to continue to play the way he has the last couple of years on our defense
AMAS85 - January 25, 2012
Reggie, will get top 10 FS money and he deserves if he going to continue to play the way he has the last couple of years on our defense
AMAS85 - January 25, 2012
Top 10 FS money isn't really THAT much money
eric nyc - January 25, 2012
true
AMAS85 - January 25, 2012
No
Look what happened when Pat Sims left the lineup. We couldn’t stop the run to save our lives. Sack total dropped too.
They should re-sign Nelson, he’s a high priority and there is no reason to think signing one precludes the other. Sign them both.
BENGALS69 - January 25, 2012
We'll be re-signing most of our defensive free agents
Sims, Fanene, Rucker. I think we might let Pacman go which I woudln’t mind. I’d almost rather keep Jennings for depth assuming we draft a CB. Reggie should be on the top of the list.
eric nyc - January 25, 2012
+1
I like that list. We still need a safety though. Crocker is gone.
ticalcaldwell - January 25, 2012
Well if we dont' get Barron...
I think we’ll be going into camp assuming Mays has the job. I’m not that comfortable with that scenario, either, but I just dont’ see the FA out there that makes the upgrade. Unless we take a gamble on Landry or Leonhard, which I don’t like the idea of either. We might bring in a cheaper FA or pull off a trade for a middle tier guy to compete with Mays for the spot. I wish there were more guys in the draft this year but there aren’t. WORST case scenario (and I hate to even type this) you bring back Crocker as a backup in case Mays just completely fails. I know that’s a horrible solution because it doesn’t improve us at all at the position, but it’s a touch position to upgrade.
eric nyc - January 25, 2012
And let's not forget... Robert Sandsmay show some dramatic improvement with an off season.
He and Moch were known to be “raw.” I think the lack of an off season really hurt them (and of course, Moch’s injury/migraines). It’s not a guaranteed improvement, but neither is it inconceivable that Sands looks dramatically better with a full off season. I have to think that as a 5th rounder far away from being able to step on the field he probably received minimal individual coaching last year.
Same with Boling… he probably will benefit greatly with an off season strength/conditioning program. He just didn’t seem to be strong enough to hand with the DTs across from him.
We have a few players that could show serious improvement. I’d expect at least one of them to contribute next year.
Boomer Lion - January 25, 2012
Improvement for Sands?
did he even step on the playing field during the regular season? so any playing time would be an improvement considering he didn’t play at all. Same thing goes for Moch.
AMAS85 - January 25, 2012
That's right. That's the point.
For whatever reason, they were starved of opportunities this season. If those reasons are addressable in the off season, then we see them contribute.
Your reasoning seems to be that if they didn’t make the field last year, it’s impossible that they make the field this year.
Boomer Lion - January 25, 2012
well i was implying that if the get to touch the playing field at all next year... that would be an improvement in its self
AMAS85 - January 25, 2012
That is indisputable!
I hope we see some value from them. I was really pumped about both of them, kinda shocked that they never made the field…
Boomer Lion - January 26, 2012
I'd wait for Ray Ray Armstrong in the 2013 draft
Rey, Vinny Rey, and Ray Ray
DTFCPDX - January 25, 2012
Crocker is signed for next year
They seem to like his sorry a**
occams_tiger_teeth - January 25, 2012 via mobile
I'd rather keep Jones over Jennings
his “run in” with the law this summer was no more than a dispute in a restaurant.
The Dealio - January 25, 2012
+1
biggie22 - January 25, 2012
What if Pacman gets a 4 game suspension?
Still want him? Hall is possible PUP’d as he recovers from achilles surgery.
I think they need guys that can come in a play when training camp opens. Pacman can fill the nickel for sure, but not here while he is suspended…no more of that.
BENGALS69 - January 25, 2012
Highly doubt he gets a 4 game suspension
Disorderly conduct…
Oregonbengalsfan - January 25, 2012
Repeat offender
Doesn’t matter how small the offense. It’s one on top of a substantial list. Did it happen during the lockout? If so then they might give him a break like they did Benson.
Bigcatdaddy - January 25, 2012 via Android app
How do you figure wanting Jennings but not pacman? PAC has contributed way more than Jennings. I want PAC back especially in Nickel! The year before the neck injury he was a turnover machine. If we can get a solid corner and hall back healthy, w PAC back in nickel that could mean a lot of turnovers with the way we get after the QB now!
Bengalsredsvictim - January 25, 2012 via mobile
I don't know if that's true
Watching the last couple games of the season, including the playoff game, I think you could easily make the argument that Jennings played better than Pacman. Granted, Pacman was generally playing on the outside, but he was also continually getting burnt, caught out of position, and literally falling on his ass. When you add into that the fighting with Crocker, the tantrum on the sideline in Houston, and walking away from ZImmer during the playoff game, I just don’t know that his value to the team is worth whatever it would cost to re-sign him. Jennings would almost certainly be cheaper, in my opinion not be THAT much of a dropoff in talent (as a backup CB…not as a starter or a punt returner, which is significant), and doesn’t come with the attitude. Add it all up and I’d rather stick with Jennings. But, like I said, that’s assuming we draft a CB very high to be at least our #3 corner, if not our #2. And if there’s a better free agent out there who would be a better spot starter in case of injury, all the better. I’m just not that high on Pacman.
eric nyc - January 25, 2012
pac
Let’s face it pac had a ruff year. If pac is our three then I guess i could live with that. But I would rather keep jennings. He seems more consistent. Marvin in pregame is always around pacman. I would go so far to say that he is probably Marvins favorite player. FA in the corner area this year is pretty bad. I think tracy porter and Courtland Finnegan are headlining it. I would love to see Finnegan and Hall here with Clements floating around for one more year.
cincybengals - January 25, 2012
I'd rather have Grimes than Finnegan
Though I don’t think Atlanta will let Grimes go. Either way, I don’t think we should be in the market for a big money FA corner. I’d rather spend that money on the O-line and a receiver, plus shoring up our own guys. If Finnegan and Grimes are the head of the class this year and they’re going to be getting JJo money, I’ll pass.
eric nyc - January 25, 2012
Finnegan will be tagged IMO.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 25, 2012
Grimes is a beast. I do like him and if we could get Finn that would be nice as well. Finn could bring some anger and aggression to this already good D!
Bengalsredsvictim - January 25, 2012 via mobile
Yea but..
Like you said PAC was burnt and did look out of position. But..how well I’d he come back from that hamstring? And not only that I thought he didnt look as bad as people put him out to be. Yes, he was playing the outside but he as always done good in the buckle. Jennings played most o the nickel and the best play I seen out of him since he came to us was the play on Johnson in the end zone. And Johnson looked rusty he usually comes down with that! All I’m saying is I believe PAC is the better option Bc he plays good nickel majority of the time and he is a threat on punt returner! Bring him back if u can and give him nicks duties/punt returner And let go of Tate. (assuming we have depth at WR after FA and draft!
Bengalsredsvictim - January 25, 2012 via mobile
I've said for a while that the ONE thign that woudl really change my mind about Pacman
Was if we said he was going to be our everyday punt returner NO MATTER WHAT. That means releasing Tate and not mixing in anyone else just to “feel them out.” If Pacman would come back for a very reasonable salary, knowing he’d be playing nickel, and returning punts every time I’d be all for it
eric nyc - January 25, 2012
I'd take Pacman
WAY before I’d take Jennings!!!!
biggie22 - January 25, 2012
PAY THAT MAN!!! HE HAS EARNED IT!!
cincity8285 - January 25, 2012
+1
AMAS85 - January 25, 2012
+1
We NEED him back, we can’t take a step backwards
The Dealio - January 25, 2012
He's more important to us...
…than he would be many other teams. He had a good year, he’s a solid player in the prime of his career, we don’t have a whole lot on the depth chart behind him, and the safety free agent market doesn’t seem to be too popping with alternatives.
Yes, we need him back. We need our defense back as well—Sims, Rucker and Jones as well.
goffchile - January 25, 2012
Nelson for David Jones
Talk about a bargain… Any other busts or projects we can turn around in Cincinnati? And no, please do not mention Vidal Hazelton.
balooko31 - January 25, 2012
Nelson along with atleast 2 of the 3 d linemen.
Fanene, Rucker, and Simms. I’d go for Simms and Rucker. Fanene wanted big money last season that’s why we only got him to sign for one year. After this season I’m sure he’ll be more set on starter money and he can probably get it. Frostey can do just as good for probably half the price. He was actually better against the run than JF.
Bigcatdaddy - January 25, 2012 via Android app
Didnt Lawson have a higher grade?
I would sign only 5: Nelson, Lawson, Sims, Jennings, and Nugent. And then go get some impact guys from other teams.
occams_tiger_teeth - January 25, 2012 via mobile
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