I fully believe that it's easier for an NFL team to make themselves better by selecting the right players in the draft than it is to compete in free agency, unless of course we're talking about who is going to sign Peyton Manning (if that actually happens). With two first-round picks, the Bengals have a great opportunity to build something off the solid foundation they laid down in 2011. If the Bengals pick the right people, they can find themselves at least in the same position they were in at the end of 2011 or possibly further into the playoffs.
The Bengals need a new running back, wide receiver, cornerback, safety, guard(s) and they could possibly use an upgrade at a handful of other positions. Unfortunately, they can't find competent replacements that can contribute right away at all those positions in the draft. That's where free agency can come in.
Free agency has worked for the Bengals in the past. Both Thomas Howard and Manny Lawson came to the Bengals as free agents, started as linebackers and had good seasons. So good, in fact, that when Keith Rivers was able to play, the team decided to place him on injured reserve to keep their two new guys in the game.
Of course, it's also burned them. The Antonio Bryant signing was a disaster and even though Terrell Owens had a good season when it came to his statistics, he didn't help the locker room very much. Before them it was Laveranues Coles who was completely underwhelming.
The Bengals have some extra money since they freed themselves of Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco's contract and the new rookie compensation system means they won't need to save a bajillion dollars to pay their two first-round picks which could help them in free agency as well.
The Bengals could find good players at each of the positions they need help in if they're willing to spend the money in free agency. They may not find a long-term replacement and signing a free agent could be like placing a band-aid on a bullet wound, but if the Bengals think they're ready to make a run deep into the post season, good free agents can help them.
Free agency doesn't officially start until March 13 and we don't know which players will get the franchise tags from their teams and which players will be re-signed. As usual, there will be a handful of elite-level free agents that could help the Bengals if they're willing to pay the price, then they'll be some potential good signings and then there will be 100 yards of nobodies.
So, who are some free agents you would like the Bengals to target heading into the 2012 season?
0 recs | 159 comments
I want a guard and/or safety
Nicks or Grubbs being the obvious two. It’s too bad we had a Pro Bowl guard sitting here in Mathis yet refused to play him.
I do think that if we land a G in FA, it will open up the draft some and get people to stop calling for us to reach for a G in the first if DeCastro isn’t there.
As for Safety, Branch, Goldson, Landry, or Griffin would be great pick ups.
Mexal - February 1, 2012
Give Mays the job...you won't be sorry I think
Coldmutha - February 1, 2012
where does all this love for Mays come from?
It’s been known since he was in college that he didn’t have the hip swivel to play in the NFL. I expect him to be cut in the preseason.
indesignkat - February 1, 2012
Who knows..I assume his measurements
But I don’t know. He has never put it together on the field, neither in college or the pros.
Mexal - February 1, 2012
I think Mays could be the answer but either way
we still need to draft a safety. Competition never hurt anybody.
AMAS85 - February 1, 2012
this is why i want a Center
and mays did well in college. or else he would not have been a 1st round canidate.
And his time in sanfran was 1 year in which they fired most their staff afterwards. and he was hurt here for a time and crocker was running with a top 5 d so they stuck with him
Bengalsfan024 - February 1, 2012
ive been trying to ask everytime and never get an answer
JCompton41 - February 1, 2012 via mobile
the ability to fluidly turn your hips and change direction
is more of an issue for corners than for a strong safety. It’s the basis of going from your back pedal to running with the receiver. as the safety is at least 10-15 yards off the LOS, that need to change as quickly isn’t as much of an issue. I think we could use him exactly as zimmer used roy williams or how the steelers use polamalu. neither had elite coverage ability, but both were strong against the run because of their size and both can drop when needed. mays also has speed that those 2 never did. let’s see what he does with a full offseason of zimmer coaching him up before we say he can never play in the NFL with any effectiveness.
brandone - February 1, 2012
I think
He is the type of safety every team will need. TEs are taking over the league and defenses are going to adapt. Secondaries will need a bigger, lb/safety hybrid to cover these monster TEs. He may just be the guy. Maybe
quickslant - February 1, 2012 via mobile
But he can't cover
Mexal - February 1, 2012
We don't know that
Because he has not been on feild. I know he was able to cover at USC but apparently he couldn’t in SF.
I’m not sold on Mays but I’m ready to give up on him either, mainly because he came in late and we don’t really know what we have.
biggie22 - February 1, 2012
One of the biggest knocks and one of the reasons he fell so far
is because he couldn’t cover.
Mexal - February 1, 2012
Mays
Mexel one thing to consider is how the change in coaching may effect his abilities. Zimmer may be able to bring out cover skills ppl thought he didn’t have. Look at Mathis, he couldn’t crack the lineup here, Carolina, and Miami but in Philly he’s a pro bowler. Different coaches effect players uniquely.
Engelj06 - February 1, 2012 via mobile
Mathis was real good here
He was just undervalued by the coaching staff which was stupid. Alexander is terrible when it comes to evaluating the OL. See Collins and Mathis as recent examples.
As for Mays, it was his knock coming out of college. It might change as time goes on, who knows. We’ll see this year. The kid has all the measurables you dream of in a safety. I’d just love to see him put it together but I won’t anoint him a superstar already like some people here do when he has yet to produce anywhere.
Mexal - February 1, 2012
I don't think anyone has
anointed Mays as a superstar. Just as someone we traded for, and who might fill our needs. To label him a superstar when he has only played a handful of games for us, is a wee bit overrated.. :)
pemci - February 1, 2012
He enables us
to spend time fixing other holes. if he struggles worse than crocker which doesnt seem possible. Then we replace him next year
Bengalsfan024 - February 1, 2012
+1
pemci - February 1, 2012
Replacing Crocker with Mays
Is like replacing your Ford Pinto with a poster of a Lamborghini.
Sure it looks great, it’s got great speed and looks exactly like you want it to look in every physical aspect, but it isn’t going to get you anywhere.
indesignkat - February 1, 2012
We don't know that
Oregonbengalsfan - February 1, 2012
See Wes Welker with Miami and
Wes Welker with N.E.
If Miami EVER thought Wes Welker was going to be that good, would they have let him go to NE?
pemci - February 1, 2012
Bret Farve was a falcon
Bengalsfan024 - February 1, 2012
Forgot about him...
Thanks… :)
pemci - February 1, 2012
He did a good job on Owen Daniels in the first Texans game
He was destroying us and then they put Mays on him and Owens wasn’t heard from again. I definitely think he deserves a chance. I think an actual offseason with OTA’s will help him. I still do think they maybe need to sign someone as a back-up plan though.
EPK1979 - February 1, 2012
I'm all for giving him a chance
Mexal - February 1, 2012
Agree...
He came in and did a really good job on Daniels. Plus, I would like to see what Sands can do as well, this coaching staff has a tendency to not play rookies, unless they have to, not all the time, but especially for those after the 3rd or 4th rounds….
pemci - February 1, 2012
He covered Owen Daniels extremely well in round 1 vs the texans
Bengalsfan024 - February 1, 2012
Oh guess I should have looked further down first :)
Oregonbengalsfan - February 1, 2012
He covered Daniels
Oregonbengalsfan - February 1, 2012
wrong
I watched Mays all four years at ‘SC and the knock on him was never that he couldn’t cover, it was that he went for the big hit instead of the pick or the knockdown
NFL types see/hear one thing, fixate on it, and suddenly it becomes the “truth” about a guy. Mays was a monster for ‘SC and receivers were literally scared of running crossing routes because he leveled them (remember his open field special teams tackle this year — that’s Mays)
What he was able to get away with in college that he can’t in the NFL is that he won’t be able to just jar the ball loose every time, and there were plenty of times that he was there in coverage but just went for the hit instead of the pick or the swat
That is what Zimmer is talking about when he says about Mays “getting him to do things our way”. I trust Zimmer can get through to him, then watch out
swebbIL - February 1, 2012
landry!!
Toasted_Orange_Monster - February 1, 2012
Carl Nicks
I don’t know how it will be possible for the Saints to pay Brees, Colston, and Jahri Evans and still come up with the biggest OG contract in the league to keep Nicks. He’ll be available, and he’ll cost a ton of money. but this is exactly the kind of signing Marvin should be clamoring for. He wants a power running game, he wants to be big and dominating in the trenches, he wants to be a blue collar AFC North team…well this is the guy who can do it for you. You have the cash (and then some) to lock him up for the next 6 years and basically cement your offensive line. He would make every aspect of the offense instantly better. It makes SO much sense that I’m 99% sure it won’t happen.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
+1
Striped4life - February 1, 2012
+1000
N.O. already made Jahri Evans the highest paid OG in the league (7yr/$56.7M). Plus, their Pro Bowl Left tackle, Jamon Bushrod, will be an UFA next year, too. With all their UFA this season, Nicks will test the market, and the Bengals will be in a position to offer him what he seeks – I.e. To become the highest paid OG in the league. They have the money. Will they spend it on Nicks?? We shall see.
If not Nicks, Grubbs would be more than welcome, too. Plus, Grubbs brings with him familiarity in facing the Steelers, Browns, and of course the Ravens (if he were to leave Baltimore). Nicks is 1 year younger than Grubbs, but Grubbs would certainly be equally welcomed, if for no other reason that his intimate familiarity with the defenses in thw AFC North.
The_Black_Stripes - February 1, 2012 via mobile
As much as I want Nicks
I have a feeling that little grimey Jerry Jones will dash our hopes and he ends up with the Cowboys.
EPK1979 - February 1, 2012
I've read articles saying the Cowboys will likely heavily pursue Nicks
As will a bunch of other teams, most likely.
We’ll see
The_Black_Stripes - February 1, 2012 via mobile
+1
njbengalstat - February 1, 2012
But after reading up on it.
The Cowboys are in salary cap limbo. They are close to or are over the cap now. From the looks of it, it looks like the Bengals and the Chiefs( who are also in the market for a guard) seem like the most competitive teams that could offer him the deal he probably is looking for.
EPK1979 - February 1, 2012
Nicks/g
Bryant/dt
Shockey/te
Carr/cb
pray4gm11 - February 1, 2012 via mobile
I'd love a Red Bryant signing
Have no desire to have Shockey on this team though.
Mexal - February 1, 2012
Agree- no Shockey.
Ben-GAL - February 1, 2012
Shockey brings toughness
pray4gm11 - February 1, 2012 via mobile
He is unnecessary
as well as a whiner and old.
Mexal - February 1, 2012
If not him, I believe we still pick up another TE. Shockey as a #2 TE would be a huge pick up though.
pray4gm11 - February 1, 2012 via mobile
I think the Bengals are happy with Gresham and Cochart
And I see no reason why they shouldn’t be. Shockey wouldn’t help this team.
Mexal - February 1, 2012
I'd draft Coby Fleener from Stanford to be that 2nd tight end.
DTFCPDX - February 1, 2012
Marvin blasted Cochart every game, didn’t like his blocking. Whenever he played Marvin would blame offense struggles on him. Cochart only played because if injuries to other TE. I don’t think he’s a long term answer for #2
pray4gm11 - February 1, 2012 via mobile
Can you provide a source of that?
I can’t remember him blaming Cochart once for the entire teams offensive struggles.
Mexal - February 1, 2012
Yes, please do provide a source.
Shockey is beyond his prime, like Mex said, is a whiner. We don’t need that s____ in our locker room anymore.
Ben-GAL - February 1, 2012
Don’t really remember where I read it at. I believe it was the couple games Gresham missed. In Marvin post game comments he mentioned a new player on line that didn’t play good.
pray4gm11 - February 1, 2012 via mobile
Didn't think you had a source
You said he blasted Cochart “every” game. Now you think it’s just when Gresham was gone and you also don’t know if it was even Cochart or not.
Nice.
Mexal - February 1, 2012
It was Cochart, I said don’t remember where I read it. It was cleary over 10 plays this year where Cochart got beat badly.
pray4gm11 - February 1, 2012 via mobile
Is there ANYONE on this team that you like?
pemci - February 1, 2012
He would like Barron, if we drafted him.
Ben-GAL - February 1, 2012
haha...very true... :)
pemci - February 1, 2012
not sure about his "blasting" of cochart, lewis did put him in the dog house
From Bengals mother ship: Inactive (coach’s decision) for Games 3-6 and 15-16
appears lewis preferred Lee’s vet presence over cochart at times. i can find no statements via google to back up lewis dogging cochart. only the inactives games appears too.
palewook - February 1, 2012
This is the first I am hearing of this as well....
Lewis “blasting” Cochart…
pemci - February 1, 2012
That should say the first TIME I am hearing of this...
pemci - February 1, 2012
On one of Hobson’s blogs. Didn’t mention his name, but said “we had a new guy on line this week so we know where our problems came from”. This was in a post game new conference.
pray4gm11 - February 1, 2012 via mobile
Hmm
McGlynn anyone
Oregonbengalsfan - February 1, 2012
They also still have Lee and Scaife
Oregonbengalsfan - February 1, 2012
Why not bring back Lee
He had a solid season
Helmsy - February 1, 2012
And he new his role and didn't complain
He played really well when Gresh was hurt
Helmsy - February 1, 2012
+1
Ben-GAL - February 1, 2012
Made couple huge 3rd downs. Was nice pick up for us, wouldn’t mind bringing him back if completely healthy.
pray4gm11 - February 1, 2012 via mobile
wonder what he'd want to come back
vet min deal works, he gets hurt and cant play much, we arent on the hook for a big contract
palewook - February 1, 2012
I don't think he would want much
Like i said he seemed to embrace his role and do it well
Helmsy - February 1, 2012
John Carlson perhaps???
He is a solid pass catcher and blocker and could be affordable.
EPK1979 - February 1, 2012
If we resign all of our own players
And ONLY bring in NICKS, I’d be verry happy. That’s how much I want that guy
biggie22 - February 1, 2012
Agreed.......would love a CB or S, but if we only took care of this one glaring need I would be thrilled.
The Van Buren Boys - February 1, 2012
+1000
I (and assuredly many other fans) would be so, so happy with this. And I assume you mean, “re-sign all our free agents” except Ced Benson. That would be a great FA period. Nicks or Grubbs
The_Black_Stripes - February 1, 2012 via mobile
Yes
biggie22 - February 1, 2012
I think we can do that and still bring in a veteran WR to play oppoite AJ
It’s not going to be Meachem or Garcon or Jackson, but it could be a solid older guy.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
All of our free agents
Except Ced Benson, Nate Livings, Mike McGlynn
DTFCPDX - February 1, 2012
Yes
The_Black_Stripes - February 1, 2012 via mobile
Yes
biggie22 - February 1, 2012
Count me in that too, those 3 guys can go elsewhere... :)
pemci - February 1, 2012
sorta an odd feeling
i agree though, the biggest FA moves the bengals can make are bringing back a handful of their free agents. Simms, Nelson, Fanene, and Collins are all must resign for me. With Jennings, Jones, Simpson, and Bobbie Williams all guys that can help the team with depth in 2012.
palewook - February 1, 2012
Totally agree with this.
It’s nice to know some of the best FA moves we make may be in house.
Ben-GAL - February 1, 2012
Can someone provide a link or list of all the free agents?
Diesel2405 - February 1, 2012
Google is your friend
http://www.footballsfuture.com/freeagents.html
Mexal - February 1, 2012
Or
http://walterfootball.com/freeagents.php
Mexal - February 1, 2012
Typically the Bengals approach to free agency is the following...
1) sign your own guys first
2) let the dust settle on the FA market
3) Target one or two free agents to fill gaps
4) Sign some journeymen/college FAs to compete for roster spots
I don’t think this year will be much different. We need to focus on keeping our defense together first and foremost. Assuming that happens with some degree if success, if we do gun for a bigger name, I think it will most likely be on offense—most likely RB. At WR I predict we will sign a younger “second tier” receiver like Ginn or Doucet. I’d love to see us get Nicks, but somehow it doesn’t seem likely that he will last long enough on the market for the Bengals to get him. Then, I think we will sign some journeymen compete for roster spots at safety.
goffchile - February 1, 2012
I'd love to get Ginn, immediate improvement for special teams.
DTFCPDX - February 1, 2012
dust settling approach scares me if cincy is looking at fa for a rb in 2012
choices left after the dust settles will probably be slaton, LT (if he’s not retired), benson, and perhaps bush.
palewook - February 1, 2012
I'd take LT on a one year deal
He looked like he had a lot left in the tank down the stretch this year. He was the only player on that entire team that showed up for the last game. He would be a great guy to have mentor a rookie and he can get tough yards up the middle the way Marvin wants.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
I wonder if we could get him to remove his Jets tattoo...
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
I don't want a FA RB full stop
Mexal - February 1, 2012
Me neither
But if we were going to go after one, i’d rather it be something like a one year deal for LT to help bring along a high draft pick than a 4 year deal for Michael Bush to be the feature back for the life of the contract.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
We should try to sign these free agents
RB: Benjarvis / Cadillac
WR: Wayne/ lloyd / Manningham
OL : Nicks / Grubbs
DL: Keep ours intact
LB : Keep ours intact
DB: Mathis / Carr / Lowery / Goldson / Landry / Griffin
Resign Nelson, Pacman and Jennings. Have a DB competition throughout training camp.
Diesel2405 - February 1, 2012
I like it
Though I’d be leery of Cadillac Williams, and I’d really prefer Pacman spend the next few years in jail.
indesignkat - February 1, 2012
why would pacman spend the next few years in jail?
AMAS85 - February 1, 2012
Did you really just ask that?
He’s a despicable human being who has done some disturbingly atrocious things. It’s only a matter of time before he’s busted again.
indesignkat - February 1, 2012
People change
Oregonbengalsfan - February 1, 2012
+1
biggie22 - February 1, 2012
I think Pacman is finally growing up.
By no means do I want to see him spend the next few years in jail.
Ben-GAL - February 1, 2012
Agreed
He still has a temper when he loses but really is that bad. We don’t want them to be ok with it. I don’t think Pacman will have any more legal issues.
Helmsy - February 1, 2012
+1
I agree 100%
biggie22 - February 1, 2012
Sign PacMan
3rd DB and Punt Returner
TX Bengal - February 1, 2012
I'm wondering how much Reggie Wayne is going to be looking for
At this point I don’t think I’d want to give him more than a 2 year contract for something like $3-4 per. I doubt he’d go for that. If the Giants let Manningham go I’d love to have him, but I don’t see that happening. But maybe Victor Cruz changes that…I think either one of those guys would be too expensive to let us go after Nicks to Grubbs. Lloy’d not a bad option.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
I question any Colts players
Manning makes them look good.
Would rather Garcon than Wayne if we were going after a Colts player but don’t really want either.
Mexal - February 1, 2012
Wayne was the deal in his prime
It’s just hard to say how far past it he is now. And I’ve never really liked his attitude. He clashed with Marvin Harrison towards the end. Any guy who’s going to come in and butt heads with a HOFer probably isn’t the locker room presence you want around AJ and Andy.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
i wouldnt mind wayne for a vet presence
although over paying him isn’t really worth it. something like an incentive vet min contract is an option if he’ll listen.
otherwise, i’d love a burner in FA so we can save the draft pick. getting mike wallace away from the steelers would make me happy. if we can’t do that, there’s always simpson if he decides to strike a plea deal and avoid jail time.
palewook - February 1, 2012
I wish people would get their head out of the clouds...
I think it would be good to sign a big lineman or WR too, but this is still Mike Brown we are dealing with. We’ve got three guys we are paying decent money to on the line in Andre, Whit, and Cook, and I seriously doubt we are going to break the bank for a guard.
As for WR, I could see us pursuing Manningham or Meachem or Garcon, but Reggie Wayne would not fit in on this team. We need young guys that can develop together. Wayne would fit in better with a win now team, not a built to win for years kinda team. Lloyd is way more likely to stick around in St. Louis where they need him as their #1 and will get paid decent money.
I can’t imagine why you would want Cadilac Williams. he’s almost 30, has a history of injury… and just isn’t that good. As for Green/Ellis, do you think he can produce outside of the Patriots system? I highly doubt it.
As for DBs, Landry would make a lot of sense, but again, that is mucho dinero, and not likely to happen. Do you know who would have made a lot of sense, Whitner… grrr.
The Dealio - February 1, 2012
I can see the Bengals possibly targeting the following players
1.). OG Carl Nicks / Ben Grubbs
2.). WR Robert Meachem
3.) TE Martellus Bennett
4.) Running Back BenJarvus Green-Ellis
Plus, the UFA list always expands as year after year some quality players are surprisingly cut by teams to create cap space. Nate Clements last year comes mind
The_Black_Stripes - February 1, 2012 via mobile
I don't like Green-Ellis
His style just seems so jerky. Behind our offensive line, which is a lot bigger than NE’s (especially if we added Grubbs or Nicks) I dont’ think he’d be able to find the hole to make his little 3-4 yard hop runs. Considering we’re almost definitely going to draft a RB in the first 2 rounds I think we can find a better back in FA if we want the depth. Otherwise I’d imagine we’d go with the rookie and Scott. Depending on the rookie I’d be fine with that, providing we upgrade the line.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
not sure green-ellis works in cincy either
palewook - February 1, 2012
lol i thought we were trying to move away from backs like Benson. Am i missing something here/
AMAS85 - February 1, 2012
Exactly
Plus I don’t think Green Ellis is even as good as Benson. In theory, any RB should be able to put up decent numbers when he’s playing behind Tom Brady. You think he EVER sees an 8 man front?
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
This is more along the lines of what I think will realistically happen.......
I really want us to get Nicks/Grubbs, but have my doubts. The only thing that makes me feel like we might is because we’ll only go after one high priced guy (hope one of them is that splash). Like Meachem and Green-Ellis, could see them fitting in here. Still young, got a lot left and were underutilized but produced when called upon. Even 2 out of those 4 would make me happy.
The Van Buren Boys - February 1, 2012
Also, would you rather go after Bennett or re-sign Donald Lee
I get that Bennett is way younger and more of a receiving threat, but he’ll also cost 3 times the money and I’m still not entirely sure we know how to use the one Pro Bowl tight end we already have. Donald Lee is a much more economical option as a backup and he already knows the system, plus he’s been mentoring Gresham.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
Would be fine with Lee.......
veteran guy, made some big conversions for us and best of all, cheap.
The Van Buren Boys - February 1, 2012
Laveranues Colds
i remember him. he did nothing remarkable as a bengal.
palewook - February 1, 2012
Jerrico Cotchery anyone?
DTFCPDX - February 1, 2012
I think he'd be a good signing
he’d cost virtually nothing, has produced in his career and has good speed to stretch the field
The Dealio - February 1, 2012
Nice to see where your mindset is
Cotchery sucks ass
Diesel2405 - February 1, 2012
there is no longer a 1st and 3rd tender for RFAs
so would you pay a 1st rd pick for webb, arian foster, etc? that is something that people should think about this year.
brandone - February 1, 2012
Foster, yes...Webb, no way
Webb had a great year, but I don’t think he does it again. He’s not an elite CB.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
How about pay for RFA Mike Wallace?
DTFCPDX - February 1, 2012
i'd love to jack mike wallace away from the steelers
palewook - February 1, 2012
Question..
If Mike Wallace was the only free agent we got, and we didn’t get any free agent o-linemen, would you do it?
I would
DTFCPDX - February 1, 2012
I like Brown better than Wallace
But wouldn’t mind having Wallace here
Helmsy - February 1, 2012
1st round pick for Wallace?
Nah. He’s good, but I don’t even think he’s first round talent good. There are enough good options for a #2 in free agency.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
hahahahahaha
Are you serious about Wallace? Not that good? hahahahaha
Diesel2405 - February 1, 2012
Signing Carl Nicks and Laron Landry
would INSTANTLY give us an added division of physicality that would help us compete in the division. Those two would be perfect.
RHSNEYES - February 1, 2012
I'd love Landry if I thought he could stay healthy
I think he’s too much of a gamble. If he’s healthy, he’s a game changer, but he’s missed something like 15 games in the last two years.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
Also
Landy is another one who supposely is great against the run but struggles in coverage (over aggressive).
biggie22 - February 1, 2012
Kind of like Mays, but with more experience?
pemci - February 1, 2012
MICHAEL BUSH - RB
Bush could be the workhorse we desperately need. He is 27 and has not played a full season yet since recovering from a broken leg early on and being behind Run-DMC.
He would be a HUGE upgrade from Ced.
IrishMIZery - February 1, 2012
Why do we need a workhorse?
Mexal - February 1, 2012
because we still play pitt and balt 2x a year
Need someone who can pound the ball. I’d rather have a ray rice type who can do it all, but that’s hard to find.
JCompton41 - February 1, 2012 via mobile
Only way to find one is to draft one...high
And if you sign Bush then you’re not going to do that. Signing guys like Benson and Bush is what has kept us from developing a real RB threat for the past few years. Made sense when we felt we were close to putting it all together, but now it makes much more sense to find a guy in the draft.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
But Bush is basically a second year guy with four years in the league. He has many many good years ahead of him. He is better than every RB in the draft expect Trent Richardson.
IrishMIZery - February 1, 2012
He will also cost 4 times as much as any RB in the draft over the life of his contract
And I don’t know if I agree with your talent assessment…either on him or the other backs in the draft. I could see Richardson, Polk, Miller, and even Martin being better than Bush. Maybe even in their rookie years. To me, Bush is a Benson clone. He’s younger, so he might be able to get a little more push and have a little more breakaway speed, but he’s not a game changer.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
Pounding the ball doesn't really work against Pitt/Balt
I know it’s common theory that we need to do it but when you pound the ball for 2 ypc, it just makes things a lot more difficult. RB success against those teams is a direct reflection of the OL and less so the back.
I’d rather spread the field, run stretch plays or throw screens with a fast back then try to run up the gut. That could be just me though.
Mexal - February 1, 2012
I don't quite understand this thinking either...
You hear it all the time. That this is a “blue collar division” and all. I dont’ even know what that means. Ray Rice is the best back in the division by a MILE and he isn’t a ground and pound guy. If anything, you’re going up against the stoutest rushing defensive fronts in the league, so you should be looking for offensive players who can exploit other areas, like the outside or the passing game. This just seems like old dogmatic thinking…the kind that makes Marvin so frustrating sometimes. So yeah…we’ll almost definitely sign Michael Bush…sigh.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
Or you can look at it as the RB of the future
IrishMIZery - February 1, 2012
If you sign Bush, that's basically your one FA signing
Means no upgrade on the line, no receiver, no safety help. Plus it means you’re not going to draft a RB high in a very loaded RB class where you have 5 picks in the first two days. Seems like a bad decision to me, especially since I don’t see Bush doing that much better than Benson in our system.
eric nyc - February 1, 2012
Plus Bush is garbage
Diesel2405 - February 1, 2012
I'd be happy If the Bengals
went after 2 out of 3, between OG, RB and WR in free agency. As to who that could be, we will have to wait and see who comes on the market. But I heard the Saints may not retain a quality guard, and there is always a handfull of #2 quality WR’s. I would like to see both 1st rounders go to the defense.
keithster - February 1, 2012
IMO we should target offensive line and WR in FA
Generally speaking these are two position groups that it USSUALLY (not AJ Green) takes playes a few years to get acclamated the NFL. Everything else I think we can address from within and/or through the draft and get players that can make an immediate impact
biggie22 - February 1, 2012
I don't want Nicks
Im sure ppl think I’m nuts from the title but hear me out. Nicks is going to get crazy insane money bordering on overpaying with the new cap rules. Even if the bengals signed him to top dollar I think the harm would outweigh the benefit. That’s money you can’t use to resign your own FA like Simms, and players due to be FA in 2013 like Rey. Also doing that makes it harder to resign Williams at RG he’ll want more if they overspend at LG. Also you just make Whitworth underpaid by comparison and have to address that.
I’d rather they find a mid road LG or draft one they fits the culture of our OL then just plugging in the top FA. Philly tried that with their D this year and look at the result.
Engelj06 - February 1, 2012 via mobile
We don't need to resign Williams
And we have loads of money to spend with Palmer and Ocho’s contracts no longer on the books.
We’d still have enough money to spend on Nicks and our own. A Pro Bowl guard who is only 26 is better than an unproven middle of the road rookie. It’s worth the money.
Philly also transitioned an OL coach into a D-Coordinator. That had as much to do with it as anything
Mexal - February 1, 2012
+1
njbengalstat - February 1, 2012
I would be thrilled with
1.)Nicks-G
2.)Reggie Wayne/Robert Meachem-WR
3.)Terell Thomas-DB
4.)Tyvon Branch-SS
EPK1979 - February 1, 2012
I always forget about Terrel Thomas
Eventhough he’s coming off an injury he might be worth taking a flyer on
biggie22 - February 1, 2012
I think the injury may make him fly under the radar
And he could come at a decent price. It could be risky signing a player coming off an injury when Hall is coming back from one. But when healthy, Thomas is a playmaker that is one of the best corner’s in the game against the run.
EPK1979 - February 1, 2012
I agree
That’s why I still think we should resign Pacman (3rd CB), and draft a CB early (round 1, Gilmore). We have only have Clements for 1 more year so even after Clements is gone, if Thomas pans out we would still be pretty set at CB
biggie22 - February 1, 2012
What about Laurent Robinson?
Too pricey?
M Shop - February 1, 2012
Most likely
Helmsy - February 1, 2012
He does have a rather injury-plagued career...
that might help drive the price down on him a bit?
pemci - February 1, 2012
Yes that is possible
But I would see him at least trying to get big money in the beginning to see any team would bite.
Helmsy - February 1, 2012
I saw on ESPN.com
The Bengals only have 71.2 million committed towards the cap for 2012. The most they can go is 120 million but they have to be at 108 million for next season. So they have roughly 37 million to spend this year? If anyone knows for sure can they clarify that?
EPK1979 - February 1, 2012
Not sure
And does that include the massive amount of free agents we still have to sign internally. Also it may be wise to set a little aside so we can extend Atkins and Dunlap this year to long term deals and then next year (when we have to have to be at the cap min) look to extend Dalton and Green to long term deals as well
biggie22 - February 1, 2012
No need to extend Dalton or Green
They’re in the 2nd year of a 4-5 year contract. We can look at them after year 3.
I do agree they should resign Dunlap and Atkins to long term deals. Still think we have enough money for that plus one good FA.
Mexal - February 1, 2012
I'm not saying this year to extend Dalton and Green
I’m saying after next season for Dalton and Green
biggie22 - February 1, 2012
That's true
They have to reach the floor of 108 mil which if we’re honest with ourselves, is all they’ll get to. At the moment, we have the least committed towards the 2012 cap in the league.
As you said, that means they have roughly 37 mil to spend this year which is a lot. If they wanted to really sign some players, they could spend up to 49 mil.
Mexal - February 1, 2012
That is how much we have as of now.
I agree they need to spend wisely to get Atkins,Dunlap,Green and Dalton eventually extended. But after next year, they have the contracts of Geathers and Clements coming off the books. That will free up ten million a year. We could sign who we want to keep and still go get some players and we will be at where we need to be with flexability for the future. They don’t need to reach the 120 million.
EPK1979 - February 1, 2012
They spend 8 million to get Nicks
That will put them at 29 million to sign their own, sign their draft picks and make a couple more solid pick ups. I know signing bonuses are counted against the cap hit for each player and thats not factored in but it’s just basic view of things. With the new CBA, the rookies won’t account for what they use to, so that helps a lot too.
EPK1979 - February 1, 2012
Also I am gonna guess that Leon Hall's contracts will come off of the books too or at least will get restructured.
HOPING that he can come back and be the old Leon, but I’m not holding my breath for it. IF he can’t come back and perform as a top corner they will need to cut him or restructure his contract.
Luke - February 1, 2012
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