The difficulty that the New Orleans Saints are having signing quarterback Drew Brees to a contract could present opportunities for a team like the Cincinnati Bengals, still requiring components to help the team improve their overall talent. Though there's no doubt that Brees will eventually return to New Orleans (think Franchise Tag), the more this process drags out, the less likely New Orleans will be able to keep several of their high profile free agents. Dan Pompei with the National Football Post writes:
It’s possible Marques Colston will be a former Saint in the near future. The Saints have made no attempts to re-sign the star wide receiver up to this point. The front office has been pre-occupied with trying to work out a new deal for Drew Brees. If the Saints can’t sign Brees, they likely will use the franchise tag on him, giving them one less way to retain Colston. Also complicating the issue is the pending free agency of guard Carl Nicks. Given the cash outlay this team will be facing, the Saints may have to choose between Colston and Nicks.
Interestingly enough the Cincinnati Bengals have a need for an experienced wide receiver opposite of A.J. Green. With Jerome Simpson's legal issues (and entering free agency) and Andre Caldwell entering free agency, the Bengals will need to team Green with an effective receiver, threatening enough to help Green and reliable enough to help quarterback Andy Dalton. Colston has put together five 1,000-yard seasons during his six-year career with 48 touchdowns. SB Nation's New Orleans site Canal Street Chronicles believes that a three-year deal worth $10 million could keep Colston around. Does anyone believe that?
Though he doesn't have the numbers Colston has, wide receiver Robert Meachem is also entering free agency. A speedy receiver with a recorded 4.39 at the 2007 NFL Combine, Meachem could could provide an outside threat, helping to free Green in the process, but giving Green another option in undercoverage.
But the free agent that could benefit the Bengals as much as anyone will be an offensive lineman. A noted pass and run blocker, Carl Nicks has graded as one of the league's top offensive guards since 2009 according to Pro Football Focus (top rated in 2010 and second-rated in 2011). Larry Holder with CBSSports.com writes:
Nicks could easily be considered a top-five 2012 free agent at any position. Nicks is widely considered one of, if not the best guard in the NFL. He's one of the main reasons Brees stayed upright throughout the most potent passing season in history along with a vastly improved Saints running game.
Signing him will be complicated. If the Saints remain consumed with getting Brees signed to a long-term deal, Evans could enter free agency, indirectly thanks in part to the contract that the Saints gave to their other offensive guard.
The Saints signed Jahri Evans to a seven-year deal worth $56.7 million on May 5, 2010 making him the richest offensive guard in the NFL.
You can assume that Nicks will command something similar. With Cincinnati reportedly having over $40 million available in cap space, with the eventual arrival of a salary cap minimum in 2013, it makes sense to address the team's offensive line with a guard that would directly help Cincinnati dig into that salary cap to surpass the minimum with a talented player that the team desperately needs.
0 recs | 54 comments
Im starting to think Carl Nicks wont hit the FA Market
I think Colston will be a FA so we can try to lock him up but i think he will demand #1WR and we can get Ben Grubbs if he comes out in FA Market
Touhue Cha - February 12, 2012
Crazy Bengal Stat
Bengals lost every game thay played when they lost Time Of Possession.
Bengals won every game that they played when they won the TOP except for two.
Both against The Ravens.
Ravens ate up Dalton. Flacco over 100 rating in both games. Dalton never over 68.
Who the one free agent who make a difference. Mario Williams
Chili Dog - February 12, 2012
Mario Williams will command TONS of cash.
But he might just be worth it. He’s experienced, talented, proven, somewhat young, and mostly humble. He’s obviously an excellent player.
Pardon_My_French - February 12, 2012
So Will Nicks
Chili Dog - February 12, 2012
He will
But if your trying to point out that we need to keep winning the time of possession battle then Nicks is going to have more of an impact than Williams. There is absolutely no better way to control the clock than having a good run game. Nicks would be a nice start to establish one.
Bigcatdaddy - February 12, 2012 via Android app
I never made a point at all
Just asking what is the value of Guard ve Headhunter?!
Who do our opponnents want us to Grap WHO WILL IMPACT GAME! will they be scared by a guard or a Headhunter?!
Chili Dog - February 12, 2012
Comments to all the above
Mario Williams is great, the problem is that are we willing to pay a guy top money and have him miss the season, thats the problem i have with Williams but other than that im good with him, also Nicks/Grubbs will be a great addition up front to help protect Dalton
Touhue Cha - February 12, 2012
Allow Flaaco and Ben to will the game is a Sin?!
Who will Affect a Bengal game? A guy who gets to the Qb or a blocker? The Affect of Effect Is Clear?!
Chili Dog - February 12, 2012
A blocker who doesn't allow a pass rusher to get to the QB
And open holes for the RB. O linemen aren’t in a flashy position that gets recognition for their contributions yet with D linemen it’s a little different. I wouldn’t be upset with Williams but if I had to chose between him or Nicks it would be Nicks. I see your point though. We aren’t that bad on the defensive front IF we bring back our own.
Bigcatdaddy - February 12, 2012 via Android app
I think I said on the podcast
That Carl Nicks was my No. 1 FA target. There’s no question they can get him. Not only do they have $40+ million in cap space in 2012, they have circa $19 million in leftover space from 2011 they can advance into this year. It’s just a question of whether he hits the market and whether they are finally willing to pay “tackle money” for a guard.
BeerRun - February 12, 2012
we dont like to pay our tackles, tackle money
have a hard time believing brown is going to pay 7-9 million a year to nicks to bring him to cincy.
palewook - February 12, 2012
Cap space rolls over?
So you’re telling me that they could spend $60 million extra dollars? damn.
Animal_Like_Football - February 12, 2012
How about Porter also?
I don’t really know much about his game outside of the clinching pick in the Super bowl, and he made a play against the Bengals as well. He seems like a quality pick up, if we’re talking about what the Saints are shedding in relation to the holes on the Bengals roster.
einman77 - February 12, 2012
porter doesnt impress me
he was thrown to 73 times and gave up 52 which is good for a 71% completion percentage, which is one of the worst in the leagues
Jason Blanton - February 12, 2012
Makes sense
He’ll probably get a big payday for that SB pick as well, and how Gebril Wilson’s career played out, I assume it’s usually better to stay away from those kinds of guys.
einman77 - February 12, 2012
Please, by all means, pay for Tracy Porter.
He had a great postseason when we won the Super Bowl, but since then, his play has fallen off. Whether that’s due to injuries(likely) or being in a scheme that basically lives and dies by the pass rush(which we couldn’t seem to do, no matter how many guys were going after the QB- also, likely), we just haven’t seen the same guy since the 2009 postseason
Alex Swift - February 14, 2012
I can't wait for a month from now
I hope that they make significant moves and don’t let us down with inactivity as they’ve done before. They have to keep the momentum from 2011 going this offseason. With the cap space there’s no excuse.
As for the Saints, they could get fleeced this year because of the Brees situation. He’ll be their first priority, but they may lose out on their other key guys. Not a good spot for them.
Anthony Cosenza - February 12, 2012
hope you're right
i’m sorta worried we’ll sit back, do nothing – not even resign our free agents, and play the waiting game looking for see what
scrapsleftovers can be had in free agency for under 3 million per signing.palewook - February 12, 2012
those days are gone
it might not be this year, but eventually mike brown is going to get fined for being under the salary minimum, he wont let happen
Jason Blanton - February 12, 2012
Salary minimum doesn't mean salary cap minimum
So they could easily spend enough while still being under the cap. I think the salary minimum counts signing bonuses and stuff.
Mexal - February 12, 2012
hard floor doesnt kick in until 2013
or 2014 either =(
palewook - February 12, 2012
Great moves
none of which I expect to see. I’m guessing another Deuce Lutui type of false start, to be honest.
Mr. X - February 12, 2012 via mobile
Remember the name
Chilo Rachal. Easily a guy that I could see them bringing over here to start.
Anthony Cosenza - February 12, 2012
he's young enough (only 25)
i wouldnt mind stealing a player from the 49ers either. still little annoyed with the way the 49ers pick over our castoffs. brooks, spikes, smith, a. williams for the older fans (90s guy), etc.
palewook - February 12, 2012
I liked him coming out of USC
I know he played a lot of tackle at USC, not sure if he played any for the 9ers but Bengals tend to like lineman that bring versatility. He would be an interesting cheaper option.
EPK1979 - February 12, 2012 via mobile
I could see the Bengals making a play for a Rachal-type player (even though it makes sense, and we have all the resources to be able to sign Nicks)
However, I remember Rachal really struggling in the week 3 game here in September. He had a terrible game against us, and I think Harbaugh even benched him at halftime. Either way, he didn’t start a game the rest of the season. He gave up two sacks to Fanene, and numerous other pressures. The bengals pretty much beat him down. He did have a pretty dominant 2010 season by all accounts, and is a better run blocker than pass protector.
As others have mentioned, Nicks makes too much sense, and instantly upgrades the offensive line to one of the best position groups on the team. I propose to offer him the amount of money MB was already committed to pay the Quitter had The Quitter, “Performed for us” as MB famously stated this summer. In other words, The Quitter was due $38.5M over the next 3 seasons (2012 – 2014 seasons). That was money MB had already committed to player salary for those seasons. The money saved by trading Carson makes up part of the Bengals being $44M under the cap for this season.
An offer to Carl Nicks of 7 years/ $65M, with $38.5M guaranteed through the first 3 seasons ( I.e. the seasons that same amount of money would have been paid to The Quitter), would likely convince Big Carl to play in the Jungle. Plus, that averages to $9M+ per season ( more than Jahri Evans, which is what Nicks purportedly desires), yet still ensures he would be making less than Big Whit ( who will be making close to $10M/yr). It can be done. The Bengals will have sizable contracts coming off the books after next year (e.g. Geathers and Crocker to name a few), meaning that a big signing this offseason will not necessarily compromise future seasons from a salary-cap perspective. Additionally, with the new CBA, rookie contacts cannot be renegiotiated until after the player’s 3rd season. Thus, for all those worried about future money for A.J. and A.D. extensions, know that under the new CBA, the Bengals can’t even renegotiate their deals until after the 2013 season (I.e. which is after the minimum cash spend kicks in – that is, before the 2013 season). A Nicks or a Grubss signing makes too much sense. We shall see.
The_Black_Stripes - February 12, 2012
Agreed
I’m not saying that Rachal is a guy I’d like, I just think that he’s a type of player that the Bengals would target and he’d be willing to come here for a starting gig. Don’t be surprised if you hear his name come up, is all—affordable, decent player—-just the type of FA’s the Bengals seem to target.
Anthony Cosenza - February 12, 2012
Sigh, if only I had any faith that we'd do that
I like it though, really really do.
Mexal - February 12, 2012
Nicks should be priority number 1
He is the BEST at a position of need that usually pays off in FA. He is still young. Yes he will command a hefty pay day but the Bengals have the money to do it. Like Anthony said, they need to build on the momentum they have and aquire elite players.
EPK1979 - February 12, 2012 via mobile
Why Nicks?
Mario Williams is the Guy! Football is a game of bringing it. Same price tag and a Zimmer Guy. What do you want? A guard to protect or a Weapon who can Hit? What does Flacco and Roth want the Bengals to do? Draft a Guard or a QB Headhunter?! No Brainer!
Chili Dog - February 12, 2012
i mean not draft, but GRAB
Grab a Quy who will bring IT!
Chili Dog - February 12, 2012
Chili,
A Guard doesn’t just “protect”. Nicks is a man-eater. He’s a bulldozer in the run game. I just read your post up top talking about TOP. Come on now… We know the Bengals are going to be able to get after the QB. One thing we don’t have is an “A” grade Guard that can pave the way for this offense to be just as good as the defense. Boom….
whodeycommish14 - February 12, 2012 via mobile
And yes,
I’d take a guy that protects my biggest investment in the whole organization (Andy Dalton) over someone that isn’t really needed. Yeah, Mario would be a huge upgrade, but the Bengals have a fluent rotation that produced 44 sacks this season. Not too shabby.
whodeycommish14 - February 12, 2012 via mobile
wouldnt it be nice
if Andy had time to find a 2nd or 3rd reciever.
bengal4life68 - February 12, 2012
i agree 100%…. hopefully he’ll be in stripes this season….mike brown has no escuse…..OG nicks should be a #1 priority
greenheart - February 20, 2012
Well you know Brees is a FA too
He’d be a nice backup for Dalton……lolol
Helmsy - February 12, 2012
I hope they sign Meachem
That would be a huge improvement at WR.
Porter would be a bonus as well, probably at nickel which we need to fill.
Nicks won’t go to the Bengals as they’ve never paid top dollar for guards.
Sign Porter and Meachem then say thank you New Orleans.
Will it happen? Doubtful. New Orleans know how to walk and chew gum at the same time. They’ll take care of Bree’s while resigning the players they covet.
But for FA predictions look at where they are losing players. CB is a mess and needs FA and draft help. Dline is losing 3 guys so that will be a focus in FA.
BENGALS69 - February 12, 2012
Honestly, I think the Bengals should break the bank on Carl Nicks.
He’s experienced and is physically at the top of his position. He may help out Boling and a possible 4th or 5th round guard this year, and he can pave a lane for whatever RB we end up with. Getting him enables us to sit tight with two first-round picks, and take a corner and a RB. Grab another DB in the second or third round, and an OT and DT in rounds 2-4 as well. We’d be good to go, as long as we take our pick from the LONG list of qualified WRs in free agency. Nicks’ contract would dictate who we’d get, but we’ll have enough to pay Nicks, many of our FAs we’d like to retain, and a decent No. 2 receiver.
Pardon_My_French - February 12, 2012
i agree 100%…..signing OG Carl Nicks would be HUGE….as you said it would even let us not feel presured to draft an OG in rd #1
he would probably be the highest quality FA this org has ever signed….let’s hope mike brown can pull the trigger….time to be bold imo….
greenheart - February 20, 2012
allbeit kicking & screaming
the whole way. Mikey Brown has to finally (forcibly) opens the wallet for the teams biggest need. Carl Nicks is the way to go.
bengal4life68 - February 12, 2012
Ive been saying this to people since January lol
Carl Nicks to the Bengals allows us to protect Dalton and have one of the best o lines in football. So when we draft our new running back he can be a star as well. Please do this Mike Brown!!!
Kyleecb1 - February 12, 2012
Sign Nicks, Williams, and LaRon Landry...
… and then trade up for Richardson and then take a corner (Dennard, Gilmore, Jenkins).
Wow crazy awesome would that be?!
RHSNEYES - February 12, 2012
Bengals game is that they are one guy away
The Def Line is in need of a lift from the Linebacker Position. Mario Williams is the guy.
Chili Dog - February 12, 2012
Williams wouldn't play LB in Cincy
He would be a DE like he was in Houston before they switched to a 3-4 making him and outside LB.
Bigcatdaddy - February 12, 2012 via Android app
Nicks and Grubbs... we should be greedy.
Colston or Meacham. Forte. We actually have cap space to make that happen… that’s the redonkulous part.
Boomer Lion - February 12, 2012 via mobile
Correction… one person who, while otherwise a fairly nice guy, has exactly zero understanding of free agency or the salary cap (and whom, if you scroll down a bit, you’ll note I flat out eviscerated him — and deservedly so — in the comments of that post) thought that a 3yr / 10 million contract would keep him around.
He was completely and totally wrong, and I told him so.
As a Saints fan, I hate to see my guys leave. As a Bengals fan, I’d love for us to have Colston, but I’m less sure on Nicks. Oh he’s awesome, don’t get me wrong. But since I’m truly a fan of both teams, I’d much rather the Saints keep Nicks and lose Colston, and I actually think that’s the better deal for the Bengals as well. Sure we need a guard upgrade, but I could almost manage to be an upgrade over the flat putrid crap we had in there at the end of the season. And I’ve never played a down of even high school football in my life. Plus I think we could probably find enough of a guard upgrade in the draft, and also there will be other decent guards out there that are cheaper and more likely to not demand top-dollar to come here. So we don’t need to aim for the best guards in the league. Simply having average guards would be an enormous upgrade and make it less likely to have to pay a huge salary to attract them to the team as well.
And since the Saints do have other receivers, that would probably make it work out OK for both teams as well.
FriarBob - February 12, 2012
i agree there are a few guards out there that are cheaper in the Free Agency
Evan Mathis from the Eagles, Mike Brisiel, from the Texans, and Jake Scott from the Titans are also good possibilities on a cheaper level tho… they are by no means as good as Nicks or Grubbs…. but they could end up free agents as well for a lot cheaper price tag.but add any of them with OT-Demetrius Bell and they look far better overall… which is something to keep in mind, cheaper isn’t always better but then again it’s typically how we’ve done for years, so why not this year as well?
ARoo - February 12, 2012
Nicks and Meachem in stripes..........
2 of our biggest needs checked off the laundry list. Then load up on D and a RB in the draft. There is no reason we can’t do it with the money we have. I know several believe we won’t go after him and/or land him, it’s never made more sense then it does right now.
The Van Buren Boys - February 12, 2012
Anything on rod woodson
diehard bengals fan 20 - February 12, 2012 via mobile
Anything on rod woodson
diehard bengals fan 20 - February 12, 2012 via mobile
Cap Rollover
I’ve seen some places that Bengals can roll over 11 Million in 2011 cap money to 2012 – is that the case?
TX Bengal - February 12, 2012
Think so
Mexal - February 12, 2012
We can sign Nicks and draft DeCastro but...
they’ll go to the bench and we’ll start Livings instead (see Evan Mathis case) :’(
Fire Alexander!
Antoniomagon - February 13, 2012
No way they sit on the bench
If we had those big dogs and got a nice db and rb in the draft id be good
njbengalstat - February 13, 2012
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