Patrick Smith - Getty Images
6 months ago: BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 20: Linebacker Manny Lawson #99 of the Cincinnati Bengals shows his frustration after the Baltimore Ravens score a touchdown in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 20, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won, 31-24. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
+ The Cincinnati Bengals enter free agency this year with choices that need to be made at linebacker. Along with a possibility that Rey Maualuga could serve a suspension due to his reported "indiscretion" last week, Cincinnati's starting strong-side linebacker Manny Lawson will enter free agency after completing a one-year deal that he signed days before training camp. Unless the team wants to explore their younger players in Roddrick Muckelroy or Dontay Moch in some capacity, the possibility exists that the team could re-sign Manny Lawson.

Pro Football Focus, grading every position in anticipation for free agency, released their top-five outside linebacker free agents. Ranked third is Cincinnati's Lawson, who generated a +10.2:
After having played outside in San Francisco’s 3-4, it was interesting watching Lawson adjust to playing in a four-man front. He surpassed almost all expectations and, if anything, looked more suited to the Bengals’ scheme. While Lawson may only be a two-down player (he graded negatively in coverage) he does have some versatility in that he can play with his hand on the ground if needed. He hasn’t quite had the success of Kamerion Wimbley in Oakland but he is a solid role player who should continue to improve.
The remaining top-five includes Minnesota's Eric Henderson (+21.7), Baltimore's Jarret Johnson (+18.3), Seattle's Leroy Hill (+5.7) and Indianapolis' Phillip Wheeler (+9.3). Johnson is the only player out of that group that's over 30 years old.
Here's the beauty.
With a reported $60 million under the cap, the Bengals will have options. Figure that roughly $10 million will go towards rookie contracts and another chunk going towards contract extensions, the team will still have plenty of room to play with their salary cap. But one of the first decisions they'll need to make is whether or not to bring Lawson back -- a move we'd be highly supportive of.
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0 recs | 20 comments
as much as i'd like to have lawson back
stealing Erin Henderson from the vikings would be heaven. dude is a beast (young too)
palewook - February 19, 2012
Agree
I wouldnt mind many back at a cheap price, but def. go after Henderson first
thegrassisGREENer18 - February 19, 2012
Yeah but what would it take?
I think Moch and Muckelroy will both get a shot at that spot for next season. Both obviously under contract.
whodeycommish14 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
moch is a neverwas until he shows the willingness to get on the field, migraines or not.
we can’t cross our fingers and hope he might be ready to play next season for the whole season. until moch proves he can handle 1 game much less 16, we have to plan for playing without him. and the off season in when you address holes in your depth. not in week #1 when moch is back on the injury list with migraines again.
palewook - February 19, 2012
Ok but you didn't answer the question,
Have you heard anything about how much it would be to get him to Cincy? Contract demands? I never once said either one would start. I agree about Moch. Muckelroy was a coach’s favorite last season to step into Rey’s position after moving to the middle. I’m just stating facts. Moch is a third round draft pick. You act like there’s no plan for him. They didn’t use a third round pick on him for nothing. Whether he is a situational pass rusher or an outside linebacker, I think he makes some type of impact in 2012. My opinion of course….
whodeycommish14 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
probably in the area of $9,680,000 per year (franchise tag area for a lb)
palewook - February 19, 2012
That's ruthless...
So what would be your position wish list for Bengal FA signings? LB and what else? Guard?
whodeycommish14 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
i want to spend the whole 60 million =)
superbowl baby!
palewook - February 20, 2012
Sure why not
The mayans say the world is coming to an end anyways
njbengalstat - February 20, 2012
this is stupid
moch was a rookie we had the #1-#4 D most the year… you dont play rookies especially ones dealing with mirgraines if you dont have to..
also muck will be back
And Brandon Johnson could play that spot as well
Bengalsfan024 - February 20, 2012
johnson is a fa
palewook - February 20, 2012
Kenny Powers
njbengalstat - February 19, 2012
Eric Henderson For Sure
He is a headhunter and would fit in like flint in Zimmer’s blitzing schemes….
Makebelieve - February 19, 2012 via mobile
+1
tbarber64 - February 20, 2012
I wouldn't mind if Lawson left..
I’d like to see Dontay Moch get a shot if he’s ever healthy…before the season they said he was all over the place making plays, nobody could stop him.
Bengal4ever - February 19, 2012
I like Lawson
I wouldn’t mind seeing him back, but if we can get someone better then I hope we do. If we can upgrade any position I am all for it. If we can upgrade every position, eventually we will be good.
I guess I just don’t get attached to players. If we aren’t as good as we can be then start finding upgrades. Too many time we are all to happy to keep someone around just because of who they are or where they were drafted.
Yarin - February 19, 2012
+1
I’m all for getting better at any and all positions. Lawson coming from a 3-4 to a 4-3 may have been what he needed. He may want to stay for that reason or go to a team with the same scheme. Moch hasn’t shown anything so I wouldn’t count on him at all. SLB isn’t on the field that much so it doesn’t make him a high priority but if we can keep him I’m all for it. Maybe him or Howard makes a better MLB thay Rey and they move Rey back over. We shall see
Bigcatdaddy - February 19, 2012 via Android app
Move him to de
Hes got great speed height nd explosion at thebsnap imo hed make a great passrusher
Rob the bengal - February 20, 2012 via Android app
Been there, done that.
He was drafted as a 3-4 rush LB, but never had much success.
whodeycommish14 - February 20, 2012 via mobile
Or mlb
Im curious to see whos goin to b the ray lewis of the bengals defense werea young team that needs leaders
Rob the bengal - February 20, 2012 via Android app
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