Readers concerned about Rudi's future

Rudi Johnson and the Bengals situation at running back dominate reader e-mail.

Question, from Gus in Tennessee: Any chance the Bengals lure Shaun Alexander back home?

Answer: No. If some $4 million-$5 million for Rudi Johnson is too much for the Bengals,
Alexander, the Boone County native, would be wanting much more.

Question, from Michael in Dayton, Ohio: I know the reasons that the club gives for
drafting Chris Perry -- (running backs coach) Jim Anderson loves Perry. But why didn't they see how Rudi did this year and then if he wasn't the real deal, draft a running back in 2005?

The club now has two choices: Sign Rudi for what (he wants) or let him go and hope Perry is the
answer.

Answer: Anderson's string of successes can't be discounted. He's one of the top running
backs coaches in the NFL and has been right far more often than wrong in judging talent.

You'd probably like Perry a lot if he could just get past the injuries and get on the field. The Bengals might have drafted Perry because they already had a sense -- having gone through negotiations with Johnson as a restricted free agent -- that Johnson's long-term asking price might too be too high for them.

The plan has back-fired, at least this season, because they haven't been able to see what Perry could do on the field. Perry was somewhat of an insurance policy for Johnson's departure and still is. The team might have to gamble on Perry being able to be the featured back next season if Johnson leaves.

Question, from Matt in Cincinnati: Do you think the Bengals should let Rudi Johnson go?
Do you think they will use that money to go after a FA? and if so, who?

Answer: They should do everything possible to re-sign Johnson. He fits well here on many
fronts. If he goes, they'll probably sign a lower-price veteran free agency and let the free
agent and Perry battle for the starting job at camp.

Question, from Matt in Evendale: With Peter Warrick's injury, contract situation, and the
need for another receiver to take the pressure off of Chad Johnson, do you think the Bengals will take a run at Mike Williams of USC during the draft?

Answer: Warrick should be back 100 percent for training camp. He is the most valuable
player on the team, and he and Johnson help each other play better. Houshmandzadeh probably can be re-signed as a productive third receiver. They have greater needs than wide receiver if
Warrick is healthy.

Question, from Tim in Goshen: What are the chances the bengals will resign both Rudi and
T.J. to a contract for the 2005 season?

Answer: The chances that Houshmandzadeh will be back are better than the odds of Johnson's return, simply from a money standpoint.