Personally speaking, Pete Prisco of CBS Sports is a writer that I respect a lot. He's knowledgeable, opinionated but still objective, and he is relatively positive when he talks about the Bengals. His in-season weekly power rankings are viewed by many who follow the NFL and he is very well-respected in the field.
Today, Prisco wrote up an interesting article about which free agents would be potential good fits with certain teams. He went through each team and gave a brief synopsis as to why that particular player would be a good acquisition for that particular club.
With the Bengals needing a starting wide receiver to pair with A.J. Green, Prisco looked in the direction of one of the more young and electric wideouts that could become available.
In the Bills' Steve Johnson, the Bengals would be getting a speedy, big play threat that could take a lot of pressure off of Green. Noting the current uncertainty at the position, Prisco writes:
Best match: Bills WR Steve Johnson
Jerome Simpson is a free agent and has some legal issues, and they need a weapon opposite A.J. Green. Johnson would be the perfect complement to the taller Green.
While Johnson doesn't have the legal issues that Simpson does, he does have some other baggage. He seems to channel his inner-Chad Ochocinco at times, making up wild touchdown celebrations and has had some issues with dropped passes. Even with these issues, there's no denying Johnson's talent.
He's eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark the last two seasons, has had over 75 receptions in both years and has a combined 17 touchdowns. Johnson has been a major catalyst in the re-surging Bills offense and was a major contributor to their early success in 2011. In his two career games against Cincinnati, Johnson has racked up a dozen catches for 195 yards and three touchdowns (ouch).
There's a chance that Johnson would be interested in joining the Bengals. They are coming off of a playoff appearance and seem to have a lot of pieces in place to continue to build on that success. In his four years in Buffalo, the Bills have never made the playoffs. In that same span, the Bengals have been twice. Johnson also went to the nearby University of Kentucky, so he might be inclined to rejoin the are to which he is accustomed.
But, while the prospect of Johnson being added to the up-and-coming Bengals offense is an intriguing one, the point may be moot. Aside from his on-field theatrics and occasional drops, Johnson may be looking for No. 1 wide receiver money. Though the Bengals have the money to spend on a player like Johnson, he would definitely play second fiddle to Green in Cincinnati. Furthermore, Johnson and his agent have recently exchanged offers with the Buffalo Bills, making his return there even more likely.
We'll see what both Johnson and Bills end up doing, but Prisco could be on to something if a deal can't be struck in Buffalo. If Johnson is available when free agency begins next month, the Bengals could look hard at Johnson as a wide receiver option.
0 recs | 62 comments
As long as can do a decent riverdance
I would love to pair his high catch numbers with the big plays of Green. Bring him to the Jungle!!!!!!!!
recedingjungle - February 16, 2012
Ehh, maybe.
The character concerns bother me and his celebrations, while often hilarious, aren’t the type of thing I want constantly backing our kickoffs up 15 yards. Too high maintenance, both in money and in the fact that he causes a lot of trouble.
sexsalad - February 16, 2012
+1
njbengalstat - February 16, 2012
Reminds me of another younger WR that we had some good and some not so good times with...
a younger Ocho. Although we had some good years with, not sure I want to live through again. Giving him a bigger contract doesn’t usually change that either.
The Van Buren Boys - February 17, 2012
Absolutely
If all he does is dance in the endzone and doesn’t cause locker room issues I’ll take him in a heartbeat. He seems like a good kid that means well
Helmsy - February 16, 2012
x100000
chad was fun to watch with his endzone stunts etc.
it was when chad changed his name and went hollywood that things went south
Bengalsfan024 - February 17, 2012
would be a great fit
he has the speed and big play ability that you need but has also shown he can catch the ball consistantly. He would be a nice pickup. I was going to mention in the other post, if driver gets released because of cap issues, I would love to pick him up for a 4th/ 2fillin.
BigJungle - February 16, 2012
I say yes
heres my take
Steve Johnson wears his emotions on his sleeves too much and he does too many dance when he scores a TD, I mean its cool to dance but just dont over do it and shoot your team in the feet, I think with AJ and Dalton he wouldnt do much celebrating and less talking, I think he’ll just go humble and fit right in the locker room, but i dont think he has much of a character issue, did he have any arrest?? or what is is character issue?? or is it his celebrations with DIVA written all over it
Touhue Cha - February 16, 2012
Not at all
He has all the ability,but i dont care for any member of any team who fills the need to show off for personal glorification
The "TEAM’ thing seems to be whats working best for us now,with Benson and Rome hitting the door
That really only leave’s Pacman,and if we somehow improve our secondary depth send him packing also,but he will
probably be to cheap to let go
keithp - February 16, 2012
The only person you mention that is inline with the TEAM mentality
is Benson. Rome and Jones weren’t issues in that area.
And Johnson had 3 penalties for excessive celebration the whole season. Not like he did it for every TD
Oregonbengalsfan - February 16, 2012
Keith just wants Rome gone...
To get the Negative look out of Cincy… I see his point but the cure for any team is winning. If Steve Johnson wants to come help the team do that I’m all for it. His celebration were only a problem when they lost and he became the scape goat, same as Desean Jackson… As far as him playing “number 2” He’ll be a starter for the offense and to me Greene and Johnson will both be number 1’s!
Dwight Carter - February 16, 2012
That's three more than our entire team did last year.
sexsalad - February 16, 2012
True
So?
Oregonbengalsfan - February 16, 2012
3 to many
keithp - February 16, 2012
We had 1 penalty for excessive celebration
Against Dunlap in the Indy game when he scored off the fumble. I would’ve done it also but I’m just saying.
Bigcatdaddy - February 17, 2012 via Android app
Your correct
That Rome wasnt a problem in that area,but chose to make ignorant decisions off the field
Jones however has been seen showing up teammates and coach’s,even though things were kept in house,it wasnt like
Pacman was anything spectacular,just isnt something that should be tolerated from someone your supposed to be going into battle with.But emotions can run high at certain points of a game,with Pacman it just isnt the same,it comes off as selfish
and undisciplined
keithp - February 16, 2012
To you
but nothing coming from the team says this
Oregonbengalsfan - February 16, 2012
Nothing from the team is ever going to say that
Thats part of being a “TEAM” Just watch the game’s
keithp - February 16, 2012
And nothing from Adam Jones himself
Benson, we heard about from the team and from his own mouth.
I watch the games and what I see is intensity and emotion.
Oregonbengalsfan - February 16, 2012
+1
Dwight Carter - February 17, 2012
just no ability
Bengalsfan024 - February 17, 2012
Oh come on
You’re not being honest
Oregonbengalsfan - February 17, 2012
Honestly
Pacman is at best depth,and a great return man
Just the fact he play’s with intensity and emotion,while at the same time running for cover when he should be making the tackle,IMO makes him more of a liability rather than a leader
keithp - February 17, 2012
"Just the fact he play’s with intensity and emotion,while at the same time running for cover when he should be making the tackle"
You’re not being honest either…
Oregonbengalsfan - February 17, 2012
Your being a homer,a million miles away
Watch Pac Tackle,he goes for the stripp,or arm tackles thats why his shoulder is in the shape it is
He’s bargain talent,at best
keithp - February 17, 2012
Not being a homer
just honest
Oregonbengalsfan - February 17, 2012
Bring him here it would be awesome
Diesel2405 - February 16, 2012 via mobile
He makes me think of young Chad Johnson
Do you think he’ll change his name to Steve Unotres?
Evil Monkey - February 16, 2012
Shudder...
Animal_Like_Football - February 16, 2012
Was that a cold breeze I just felt?
or just the horror of going through our Ochocinco phase? (For the record, I’m actually a Chad fan, but you have to admit the latter part of his career was rough with Cincy).
Animal_Like_Football - February 16, 2012
Just sign Steve for 4 years...
and we won’t have to worry about the latter part!!!
Dwight Carter - February 16, 2012
haha
As a player, he’s the perfect compliment to AJ… As a persona… yeeeesh… no thanks
The Dealio - February 16, 2012
He's young
If he gets in with our guys I think they’ll check him if he starts getting a little to diva-ish. After he got one of the penalties for a TD celebration he seemed really tore up about it.
Helmsy - February 16, 2012
The thing is..
Right now, the Bengals have enough leaders in the locker room such as Whit, Peko, etc. to deal with and humble Steve Johnson
DTFCPDX - February 17, 2012
Exactly
Thats what I was saying. If you let him know as soon as he comes in how it will be then I think he’ll be fine. Plus with AJ being our obvious #1 might humble him some too
Helmsy - February 17, 2012
I'm tired of talkers
This guy is a mouth. He has skills, but he drops a lot of passes and is 100% certified diva. Bengals, don’t do this.
Mojokong - February 16, 2012
I like steve johnson, but he is like a chad junior, which isn't a bad thing
just wouldn’t jive with Marvin, I believe.
AMAS85 - February 16, 2012
Not a good move
For one thing he will not except the roll to be a #2 behind A.J. And let’s face it he is a diva, not as bad as chad, but I love the direction of the new bengals and we don’t need no drama
thegrassisGREENer18 - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Johnson Has Game
If we get a chance to sign SJ to a multi yr deal, I believe AJ and Ad will bring the best out in him. He will eliminate the drops and tone down ocho dance. Got me fingers crossed!
Makebelieve - February 16, 2012 via mobile
In all honesty...
his attitude doesn’t bother me all that much just as long as he can stay out of trouble off the field. He’s been a number one receiver in Buffalo the last couple of years and has excelled in that role so him playing opposite AJ in a number two role would be sick. And with Shipley in the slot and Gresham at TE well all I’ve gotta say is look at all the toys Andy will have to play with. He would certainly be a much better option than Manningham who I’ve been hearing more talk of coming here as opposed to Stevie. So what if he has a Chad attitude we put up with Chad’s attitude for years and once it became too much for Marvin to handle we traded him, plain and simple. Bring this guy in, it most certainly will upgrade our receiving corps.
dstacify - February 16, 2012
Agreed...
I dont want Manningham. But if I will take him over JS. But I’ll also take SJ over Manningham on any given Sunday. you put a nice spin on that by the way!
Makebelieve - February 16, 2012 via mobile
I'm not sure I like it.. but..
and it’s a big but. The Bengals now have locker room ammunition against guys like this. “Chad lead the AFC in receptions until he decided to be an attention whore diva. Now look at him, he couldn’t even catch on in New England.” If I were a receiver, my ears would be wide open.
Cry - February 17, 2012
Nah!
SJ isn’t as high strung as the Ocho. The Ocho is gunshy in new england. And you’re right, Cry, the Bengals do guard against this sort of thing after Chad’s tear, and sj knows this as well should he be offered a contract. his primary role would be secondary receiver.
Makebelieve - February 17, 2012 via mobile
No
no
WhoDeyTim - February 17, 2012
here was my takeaway from Pricso's article
The Bengals FO needs to wake up and start putting value on the interior O-Line.
EarthwormJim - February 17, 2012
+1
Dalton would have all day back there if we signed Nicks/Grubbs and drafted another G (DeCastro/Glenn). DB’s have a hard enough time staying with AJ now, just imagine what that would be like!
The Van Buren Boys - February 17, 2012
then add Wallace or Johnson to the mix...
Bengalsfan024 - February 17, 2012
Just a question if we get some quality gaurds
can we use or TE’s to do more than block i know gresham had a slightly better year but having 3 TE’s hes the only one that did anything noticable..
Still want to see coffman catch some for us.(he leeps people like leonard)
Bengalsfan024 - February 17, 2012
One thing
Most of you are forgetting our Offensive coordinator is Jay Gruden,no exception’s if your a proven ass,no thanks
Stevie is going back to Buffalo
keithp - February 17, 2012
Dream Team
All the above would be nice, but what about chemistry? was all of those elite players you mentioned ‘mesh’? …Would there be too much talent on the frontend? Hmmm….
Makebelieve - February 17, 2012 via mobile
SOL
Sorry Stevie… But my fellow Bengalfans don’t want anything to do with you! they don’t like your attitude! …Next in line! MEANINGHAM!!!lol
Makebelieve - February 17, 2012 via mobile
No to Manningham
He is no better than Simpson
Oregonbengalsfan - February 17, 2012
Johnson...
is better than Manningham no question. I’ve already said this before but Stevie’s attitude does not scare me all that much. Manningham’s poor play throughout this season, his tendency to disappear in games, and his lack of viability as a solid number two receiver, that now those attributes scare me. I think Meachem should be next in line, not Manningham.
dstacify - February 17, 2012
+1
Oregonbengalsfan - February 17, 2012
Is MEANINGHAM a combo of Meachum and Manningham? LOL
DTFCPDX - February 17, 2012
What character concerns?
He celebrates when he scores who gives a shit? You old dudes need to get over it. He was penalized once last year. It’s 15 yds on a kickoff big whoop.
Diesel2405 - February 17, 2012
Thats a bitch move to begin with
OLD,YOUNG,Black,White,big or small its a selfish ass penalty either way you look at it
Now maybe it shouldnt be a rule,but it is
keithp - February 17, 2012
Go For It!
I don’t think stevie has character issues myself. I’m all for signing stevie to a long term contract. other fellow bengal fans disagree. they do not like his excessive celebrations after he scores touchdowns. I think stevie would be a good fit….
Makebelieve - February 17, 2012 via mobile
If we're looking for a receiver to compliment our already stellar crew
that may or may not have character issues…I’d much prefer DeSean, who I personally think really lacks any issues…Jaws doesn’t even think he slacked off period…and he WAS getting paid little Hawk last year
stales711 - February 17, 2012
D-Jax has a lot of issues actually.
Watch what his play was like this season and you’ll quickly retract that statement. A number of issues come to mind with him: jogging down the field, size and durability, taking plays off, drops, alligator arms, giving his QBs the cold shoulder (which I don’t want him coming here and doing to Andy), subpar blocking (which Rome could at least do well), and taunting penalties to top all of that off. So yeah, D-Jax may actually have more issues than Stevie as Stevie at least is somewhat good-natured with his celebrations, albeit tactless at times in the case with the Plax celebration. So what if D-Jax isn’t getting paid, that doesn’t condone his play and behavior from this season. So pass on him.
dstacify - February 17, 2012
Agree
I’m not all for Stevie,but D-JAX has cancer written all over him
keithp - February 18, 2012
Here's the perfect example of how high-maintenance...
Jackson is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h6bPWvIMu8
dstacify - February 17, 2012
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