Bengals: Looking at the offseason

Monday, December 10, 2007

Looking at the offseason

The Bengals are officially out of the NFL postseason, the league announced today.

It's time to start looking ahead.

Here's the link to the stories and lists we published Dec. 11 in The Enquirer: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20071211/SPT02/712110338/

1. Which big-name, or lower-profile, veteran free agents you'd like to see the Bengals sign?

2. Which of the Bengals veteran free agents would you like to see the team re-sign?

3. Which players would you like to see the Bengals draft in the first two rounds of the NFL draft in April.

Let us know. Send us back a comment on this file.

48 Comments:

at 12/10/2007 7:07 PM

Anonymous said...

They should re-sign Stacy Andrews and Landon Johnson. Also, extending TJ who is a UFA after next season should be a priority. I would keep Deltha and also look at Holt and Jones who are RFAs and valuable on special teams. Cut Rudi Johnson and his $5.2 million salary woyuld save them $3 mil against the cap. Also, they need to restructure or release Willie Anderson if he doesn't retire. Other priorities in no order are Center, Defensive End, linebacker depth, both safeties and Defensive tackle. I will be dumbfounded if the Bengals keep Rudi for $5.2 mil.

at 12/10/2007 7:10 PM

Unknown said...

I would like to see Eric Steinbach re-signed... Ohhhh...wait... yaaaa

Can we release Mike Brown into free agency?

at 12/10/2007 8:19 PM

Anonymous said...

any hard nosed physical lineman thats not afraid to hit.
faneca from pgh would be great.
first & 2nd round draft would be the best available lineman.
no more finesse skill players.

at 12/10/2007 8:33 PM

Unknown said...

Can we draft or sign a new owner/front office?

That has been the one constant for the poor performance of this franchise for the past sixteen years. I don't for one minute believe that Mike Brown WANTS a losing team. I'm just not sure he knows how to build one in this day and age. I'll give him the 'good intention' benefit of the doubt -- but in my opinion there will be no significant improvement until changes occur at that level.

at 12/10/2007 8:44 PM

Anonymous said...

Can you post a list or a link to a list of players that will be free agents after the season?

at 12/10/2007 8:54 PM

Anonymous said...

They should trade Rudi on draft, don't expect much maybe a 5th rounder, make Kenny Watson the featured back with Irons and Dorsey backing him up. Willie needs to retire or be released, that was a major mistake resigning him. Let Justin Smith go, he hasn't done anything, sign a monster pass rusher, Mike Brown better get out the checkbook. On draft day lets get a tight end!

at 12/10/2007 9:04 PM

Anonymous said...

Obviously, defense is a priority, as it has been for several years.

It's too early to tell what to look for in the draft..depends where they pick, and who is available. Likely being near the middle, it is hard to know this soon. I'd prefer them to get on a roll to end the year at 8-8. Green Bay did the same thing last year to finish strong at 8-8, and look at them this year. (Maybe wishful thinking on my part!)

I think it's also gray at running back. If Rudi continues to show signs of being fully recovered over the next few games, I would want to keep him. Dorsey looks like an outstanding athlete. Make sure we have him and Watson in the mix. Let's face facts: Chris Perry was a bust; he can go.

On defense, there are signs of improvement, especially with the younger players such as Hall. Consistancy over a FULL season is the key.

For once, I would like to see the Bengals go after a defensive free agent at or just getting near his prime, not someone toward the end of a career, and past prime. Take lessons from the Reds! They haven't been that great the past several years, but at least they are showing signs of aggressiveness in the market, and being really serious about being competitive now. The Bengals need that mentality, or maybe just that front office leadership!

at 12/10/2007 9:35 PM

Anonymous said...

I would also sign Andrews and L. Johnson, and cut Rudi. I might bring back Madiu Williams. Then I would sign either Suggs from the Ravens or Haynesworth from the Titans. I would draft a D-lineman(depending if I sign Suggs or Haynesworth) and a LB in the first 2 rounds.

No way do I bring back Justin Smith, I would also cut Dexter if I need more money to sign Free Agents.

at 12/10/2007 10:06 PM

frank_ray said...

They should blow the Defense up, just like Chick Ludwig said a couple of weeks ago. Bresnahan has to go, keep 6-7 of the core defensive players, I am thinking Geathers, Jeanty, resign Landon, Madeiu, Joseph, Hall, Peko (more of a back up role though). Sure, keeping people around like Ahmad Brooks and Bryan Robinsons would be great back ups but players like Deltha and Dexter and Justin Smith, Caleb Miller have to go. I think free agency is going to have to be a priority this year like no other. They are going to have to sign a big name free agent either at DT or DE, whichever is not picked up via free agency needs to be addressed in the early rounds of the draft. I think that if the MLB from Ohio State is there when the Bengals draft they better pick him up, seems like there is a pretty good core of MLB and D line coming out this year so both of these should be addressed. From what I hear the Bengals will have over 9 mill under that cap going into next year. That is plenty of money to work with in the free agency department, and for those of you who dont think free agency is the answer, just ask New England how Adalius Thomas is working out. Eventually, and unfortunately this year this team needs to address the TE position. The other 3 teams in this division all have pro bowl caliber TE's in Winslow, Heap and Pitts TE and we have pretty much a blocking back for a TE. Having a back that could be a threat over the middle 15 yards dwon field would open soooo much field for TJ, Chad and Henry as the safety would have to account for that TE. There are alot of questions to be answered in this off season and we will see how serious the Bengals level for free agency is this off season as they will have the money to spend on at least one big name free agent.

at 12/10/2007 10:08 PM

Anonymous said...

Trade Ocho Selfish for a draft pick or someone who has been on winning NFL teams and is a team player. They need to change the attitude of this team.

at 12/10/2007 10:25 PM

Anonymous said...

Bengals need to sign an offensive coordinator who will call plays that the defense allows, such as pass plays until the defense stops it.

at 12/10/2007 10:30 PM

Anonymous said...

make a run at haynesworth if he doesnt get franchised. or maybe briggs.

at 12/10/2007 11:01 PM

Anonymous said...

The Bengals should look at both coordinator positions. The offense is basic and predictable,and the defense lacks aggression. From a player standpoint I honesty think the team is set aside from the D-Line. A. Brooks / L. Johnson / and D. Jones are solid linebackers. Joseph / Hall / Jackson / and Ndukwe or White are a decent secondary. Its all about coaching!!

at 12/10/2007 11:06 PM

Anonymous said...

Ben makes some good points. But I don't know how many UFA's they will have - I heard 11, but I also read in Peter King's column today that they have 48 players under contract for next season, and over $31 million available under the cap. That's among the highest figures for BOTH available $$$ and players already signed - good news on both fronts. The need to re-sign Andrews. And they need to know about Perry's and Irons' health. Center looks to be an issue, and every position group on defense needs playmakers.

at 12/10/2007 11:18 PM

Anonymous said...

Agreed that they should resign Andrews and Johnson. Draft wise, I'd like to see the Bengals take any of the following four players in the first round: James Lauranitas; Dan Conner; Sedrick Ellis; Vernon Gholston... as far as Rudi Johnson goes, shop him around before the draft, see if you can't pick up a 3rd or 4th rounder for him similar to what the Bengals did with Dillon...

at 12/10/2007 11:49 PM

Anonymous said...

Bengals need to address the D-Line during their draft. Cut Rudi and let Justin Smith go, he is good but not 8.6 mil good. He is the most overpaid average player in the NFL. They could find a player as good as him for half the price. I also agree they need to cut or restructure Willie. With Watson, Irons, DeDe, and Perry, it would be stupid to keep Rudi. The Bengals need to say thanks, but we are moving on. That makes sense, but is very un-mike brown. He is loyal to a fault.

They need to get a D-Line that gets pressure on the QB. It does not matter who you have playing Corner, if the QB has all day to stand in the pocket, the secondary will get burned.

at 12/10/2007 11:59 PM

GodlyCynic said...

While I don't think it's possible (though you never know these days with players' draft stocks rising and falling seemingly at random), I'd love to see the Bengals draft Glenn Dorsey. He is exactly the type of player the Bengals have needed for a long time.

at 12/11/2007 12:32 AM

Anonymous said...

Rudi has been a good back but its time to cut ties. Hopefully Kenny Irons will be ready. If not Dede and Kenny proved serviceable. As far as the draft goes. Pending how far we FALL due to WINNING meaningless games, it looks like Dorsey is goin to be gone. Lauranitis or Gholston both would make A LOT of sense here.

at 12/11/2007 7:23 AM

Anonymous said...

What's the point? Our ever so brief time in the sun has passed; we have reverted to the Bengals of the nineties. Carson came to this team with unlimited potential. Now with misspent monies on the offensive line, failure to resign the lineman they should have, Carson is beginning to fall into bad habits and is showing signs of happy feet. We don't even need to talk about the defense. Mike Brown has failed to surround Carson with the pieces that could have made this team a title contender on a yearly basis.
All this talk about finishing strong, blah , blah. Which free agents are going to be available that we won't even pursue... We saw how they responded when it mattered. R.I.P. Bengals

at 12/11/2007 7:51 AM

Anonymous said...

I would blow up the coaching staff, including Bob Bratkowski... Certainly the defense is playing better, but it's time for a big change, and this buys Marvin some time from being replaced himself.

Also, I would cut/trade Rudi and go to camp with Dede, Chris, Kenny and Kenny as your rb. try to restructure/cut Willie and give that money to Stacy Andrews. Let Madieu, Caleb and Justin walk unless you can get them at your price. resign Landon, Dhani, and Deltha.

I think the Bengals need to attack free agency much like the Pats did a year ago and target the best players available. Like, Asante Samuel or Lance Briggs.

at 12/11/2007 8:30 AM

Anonymous said...

The Bengals should pretty much be the NFL's leading experts on next year. Rudi Johnson needs to go-he has lost too much speed. They need to focus on defensive picks in the next draft.

at 12/11/2007 8:33 AM

Anonymous said...

Definitely need to resign Andrews and Landon Johnson. I would look to trade Rudi, I think Irons/Watson/Dorsey can fill in nicely for the needs at running back. I would also look to trade Willie as well. Yes, I love the guy and he's meant so much to the organization but he could be dealt to a team with a young line looking for some veteran leadership, and his injuries aren't worth the money. Center is a priority. Ghiacuic is a class act, but it is clear he has not been able to fill Braham's shoes by evidence of the lack of a running game this year...no it's not Rudi's fault!!! As far as free agents go, I think going after Bob Sanders would be huge. His Palomalu type mentality is exactly what this defense needs! As far as in the draft, D-Line would be a priority and also O-Line. I think our secondary has struggled this year due to linebacker injuries. If the linebackers could stay healthy they have the potential to be an above average defense. More pressure needs to be put on the opposing team's QB though....alright I'm done, I could go on forever!

at 12/11/2007 8:39 AM

Unknown said...

Landon Johnson consistently leads this team in tackles, or finishes 2nd, both yearly and per game. He does this in spite of often having been a backup. Guess what, our best 5 game stretch in years is due to - drums please...Landon Johnson starting in the middle. Consistency helps, but having the right call and someone to position the rookies is priceless, and he does this better than anyone not named Simmons since, oh, say, Takeo Spikes' time here. Plus, he has about as much chance of ending up on a police blotter as Pacman Jones has of claiming a "clean record;" he's a pro. I could handle Brooks/Thurman next year, but if the Bengals really want to claim they can evaluate talent, Jeanty better be accompanied by Johnson - that's all I'll say. In the immortal words of a former coach of mine, "If you're going to make a mistake, make it 100%...but don't make any mistakes!" Johnson isn't big, but he plays fast and is always in position. Draft a solid DE since Smith is obviously not coming back for 8% of our salary cap, and while I love Rudi's mentality, Perry/Irons/Watson are all a better fit in a 3 WR set (see Faulk, Marshall as well as Westbrook, Brian and James/Addai).13 mil in savings signs a 12th pick DE, and with our 9 picks, I believe it is this year, we could easily trade up to go top 6 or 7 for a stud DE. Pollack may make this unnecessary - him and Geathers outside, Brooks/Thurman in the middle, Peko at DT, Jeanty/Johnson = 3-4 with speed and size, and leaves us free to draft a stud at safety (the rookies are solid, but who wouldn't want a Bob Sanders or Polamalu to go with Williams in a few years?).

at 12/11/2007 9:06 AM

Anonymous said...

Answers to your question::

1) none

2) none

3) none

File a lawsuit against Mike Brown for fraudulent product. Make him pay all the costs of the new stadium that taxpayers got bilked for.

Get rid of the team, flush it down with Mike Brown.

See ya Bungles! I'm now a Browns fan (atleast I stayed with an Ohio team)

at 12/11/2007 9:14 AM

Anonymous said...

Mark,

Tom Brady was really on target the other day against Pittsburgh. He didn't miss a throw the entire time I watched, and I don't remember the Pats having a single run through the time I planted myself in front of the tube....maybe 30 or 40 minutes worth of the 2nd half.

That means that a pro team with great q'back & receivers can win without a running game.

In the Bengals case, though, Palmer's got 4 or 5 quality receivers to throw to, and 3 of them are exceptional.

It's probably simple-minded to ask "What's the difference?" but that's the question.

What makes it work for them and not for us?

I don't think it's time to cut Rudi. He was injured, and I think he's improving each game. Plus, loyalty should mean a little bit...I know it's a business...but some loyalty on the team's part to a guy who's kept his nose clean and worked hard would send a good message.

at 12/11/2007 9:28 AM

Anonymous said...

lance briggs, please.

at 12/11/2007 9:39 AM

Anonymous said...

According to Peter Kinds MMQB this week, the Bengals seem to be in much better shape than everyone else in the division as far as the 2008 Salary Cap goes (not sure how the format of this is going to copy and paste)

Team Signed Players 2008 cap room
1. Tennessee 39 $40.85 million
2. San Diego 44 $33.03 million
3. Jacksonville 43 $32.69 million
4. Buffalo 49 $32.05 million
5. New Orleans 39 $31.69 million
6. Cincinnati 48 $31.45 million
7. San Francisco 48 $30.91 million
8. Cleveland 42 $30.31 million
9. Arizona 34 $30.27 million
10.N.Y. Jets 45 $27.72 million
11.Oakland 40 $25.98 million
12.Tampa Bay 48 $25.90 million
13.Miami 48 $25.56 million
14.N.Y. Giants 49 $24.47 million
15.Detroit 42 $23.50 million
16.Houston 43 $22.91 million
17.Dallas 40 $20.61 million
18.Kansas City 44 $20.27 million
19.Chicago 52 $19.80 million
20.Pittsburgh 43 $18.61 million
21.Green Bay 48 $18.37 million
22.Philadelphia 49 $17.17 million
23.Denver 49 $16.77 million
24.Minnesota 49 $14.88 million
25.New England 41 $10.93 million
26.St. Louis 45 $9.61 million
27.Seattle 44 $9.55 million
28.Indianapolis 48 $8.49 million
29.Carolina 35 $6.05 million
30.Atlanta 52 $5.79 million*
31.Baltimore 42 $5.00 million
32.Washington 45 -$20.72 million

at 12/11/2007 9:45 AM

Aaron said...

I have to disagree about Deltha, let him go. Jared Allen of KC is a free agent this year...if you can sign him that could change the entire tempo of the d-line. Salary cap doesn't seem to be an issue, epecially if you unload a couple players as we need to do.

at 12/11/2007 9:52 AM

Anonymous said...

I agree that TJ, Stacy, and Landon should get a look at. As for cutting rudi not sure about that. We dont have a proven every down back. Yes DeDe looked good, and kenny seems to be solid but neither has proven to be an every down back.
I think its also time for the bengals to encurage Willie to retire.
As for draft and FA. The bengals must pickup a defensive leader in FA someone to build the D around. Once you secure that fill in with draft picks.

at 12/11/2007 9:56 AM

russ said...

According to Peter King the Bengals have 48 players signed for 08 with over $30M in cap room. What do you think will be the excuses used by ownership for (yet again) not signing any worthwhile free agents?

at 12/11/2007 10:03 AM

Anonymous said...

1. Which big-name, or lower-profile, veteran free agents you'd like to see the Bengals sign?

Albert Haynesworth or Jared Allen, but that is a pipe dream.

2. Which of the Bengals veteran free agents would you like to see the team re-sign?

Dhani, LJ, Madieu, Andrews, but only if they want to be here.

3. Which players would you like to see the Bengals draft in the first two rounds of the NFL draft in April.

Round one: Vernon Gholston, Chris Long, Sedrick Ellis, Pat Sims, James Laurinaitis, Keith Rivers, Kenny Phillips.

Round two: Frank Okam(if he falls), Tyson Jackson, Terell Thomas, Ali Highsmith, Chevis Jackson, Dre Moore, Aqib Talib(if he falls).

at 12/11/2007 10:50 AM

Anonymous said...

Bob Kraft purchased the Patriots the same time Mike Brown took over the Bengals. Just look @ what Bob Kraft has done & Mike Brown has done. Please compare & you can easily figure out what changes need to be made.

at 12/11/2007 10:57 AM

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know if the 49ers game is on local TV in Cincinnati Saturday night?

at 12/11/2007 12:22 PM

Anonymous said...

1. Which big-name, or lower-profile, veteran free agents you'd like to see the Bengals sign?

Albert Haynesworth, DT, UFA, Tennessee Titans- i know it may sound like a stretch, but it would sure up the middle of the defense, its going to cost some big bucks though.

Domonique Foxworth, CB, RFA, Denver Broncos- backs up Bailey and Bly, could come here and play a lot more, however the broncos could match any offer.

Either one of these two would help the defense big time.

2. Which of the Bengals veteran free agents would you like to see the team re-sign?

I Keep-

LB-Dhani Jones- a pro's pro, a guy with experience in a young LB corps. Vocal leader in the locker room. I give him a 2-3 year extension and draft some depth with the 12 draft picks.

Stacey Andrews-Depth, cheap, still learning

Kyle Larson-solid this year, decent inside the 20 punter.

Jonathan Fanene-has shown major upside if he can stay healthy, would be a cheap sign.

Fitz- Just because

Rashad Jeanty- Depth at LB

-DeDe-might be a darn good 3rd down back, but its predictable when he comes in that he is going to get the ball.

Glenn Holt-a 1 year deal as a return guy until we can draft Holliday from LSU in 09.

I Get Rid of-
Justin Smith, Bryan Robinson, Caleb Miller, Landon Johnson, M. Williams, Chatman, Marshall, Tab Perry, Rudi Johnson

3. Which players would you like to see the Bengals draft in the first two rounds of the NFL draft in April?

-1st Round-Keith Rivers-OLB-USC- 3 year starter, flashes to the ball, rock solid hitter, decent cover guy, could step in and start.

2nd-Marcus Griffin-S-Texas- quick, instinctive player, might need work covering but a good run safety.

Starting Lineup-2008
Offense-
QB-Carson
RB-Kenny Irons/Dede
WR-Ocho, Toraj, Chris
TE-Reggie
LT-Levi
LG-Whit
C-Eric
RG-Bobbie
RT-Willie

FB-JJohnson

Defense-
LE-Geathers
LT-Domata
RT-haynesworth
RE-Fanene/Rucker/Draft Pick
LOLB-Keith Rivers
MLB-Ahmad
RLB-Dhani/Rashad
LC-Leon
RC-JJ
FS-Marvin/Griffin
SS-Dexter/Chine

Nickel-Foxworth

at 12/11/2007 12:23 PM

Anonymous said...

"Justin Smith DE: Plays hard, but his 2007 contract as franchise player ($8.64 million) is a little too rich for his big-play productivity; Bengals have been unable to reach a long-term deal."

Actually thats a LOT too rich for almost no big-play productivity.

at 12/11/2007 12:45 PM

Anonymous said...

Stay with Madeu, Release Miller, Mays and Manning. Get Suggs and get Dallas Clark. Draft a good LB also Odell Comes back. Stay with Chatman and Release Tab Perry. Stay with Dede Dorsey and release Chris Perry, Irons will be strong next year. Mock my words.

at 12/11/2007 1:23 PM

Anonymous said...

Red, the game against SF is on Channel 5.

Bengals should say goodbye to Deltha, Justin Smith and Mr. PUP, Chris Perry. They should be able to draft players who can play as well as the first two.

Haynesworth and Jared Allen will be beyond Mike Brown's level of comfort in the salary department.

They need to lock up T.J. long term. Will Chad look to move on? He's obviously got ambitions to be a national celebrity and could do it better wearing a SF, NYJ or Chicago uniform among other teams that need a top flight wide receiver.

at 12/11/2007 1:36 PM

Anonymous said...

Yeah, Mike Brown is where the Bengals' problems begin and end, that's for sure.

A new owner is the only real fix for this pathetic organization.

Mike, time to quit. Please?

at 12/11/2007 2:06 PM

Anonymous said...

Release Willy. Sign the tackle from the STEALers. Draft a dlineman like Gholston and get another linebacker.

at 12/11/2007 2:39 PM

Anonymous said...

1. Target free agents such as:
LB/DE - Terrell Suggs
LB - Karlos Dansby
DT - Corey Williams
DT - Albert Haynesworth
LB - Lance Briggs
S - Bob Sanders
TE - Dallas Clark

2. Consider re-signing these players:
OL - Stacy Andrews
LB - Landon Johnson
S - Madieu Williams
LB - Dhani Jones
DE/DT - Jonathan Fanene
P - Kyle Larson
WR/KR - Tab Perry

3. Possible draft targets (some of these depend on if the player decides to stay in college or go to the NFL):
*note* These are some players I would target in the whole draft (not just the first two rounds).
DT - Glenn Dorsey (will probably be gone before the Bengals draft)
DT - Sedrick Ellis
DE - Vernon Gholston
LB - James Laurinaitis
DE - Quentin Groves
LB - Dan Connor
TE - Travis Beckum
DE - Anthony Hoke
DT - Terrill Byrd
TE/DE - Kellen Davis (can play both TE and DE)

I would also consider targeting a new center.

at 12/11/2007 6:46 PM

Anonymous said...

If you inherited a gold or diamond mine - would you give it up?

Mike won't either - we're screwed.

at 12/12/2007 1:49 AM

Anonymous said...

I'd like to see them resign Dhani Jones, Lemar Marshall and Michael Myers, DeDe Dorsey and T.J. and release Justin Smith, John Thornton, Alex Stepanovich, Willie Anderson and Rudi. Peko, Jeanty, and Landon Johnson should be elevated to full-time starters next year on defense and I'd resign Stacy Andrews to continue Big Willie's legacy.

The top priority for the draft should be to improve the pass rush and find a future starter to start alongside Domato Peko. I would try and draft a "can't miss" guy like Vernon Gholston (DE Ohio State) or Antoine Cason (CB Arizona State) in the first two rounds. Later round sleeper picks would be Jamaal Charles (RB Texas), Matt Forte (RB Tulane), and Adarius Bowman (WR Oklahoma State). These are just the players who impressed me during games I watched. I'm sure Marvin and the Bengals scouting staff have their own good ideas of players who could make an impact. :)

at 12/12/2007 9:31 AM

Anonymous said...

Lance Briggs, Lance Briggs, Lance Briggs! Thats is the only player the Bengals should go after. If they can't get him, then pay him more money and try again. They should resign Stacey Andrews, Madieu, Williams and thats it. Sign Lance Briggs! If anyone hasn't noticed, our linebackers stink. And yes, Dhani Jones is not good. He got cut before the season started by the Saints. If it wasn't for the injuries, he would never be on this team. Signing Lance Briggs and letting Justin and/or Rudi go will free up plenty of money to keep some salary cap space.
However, I say this and nothing will happen. The Bengals will again believe that signing a high priced player through free agency is a waste of time and through the draft is the only way to go. They will just screw it up anyway and all of this talk is for not.
Next year I look forward to another losing season. We have all gotten use to it and expecting anything else is just shortening our lives.
By the way, what is the life expectancy for a Bengal fan that still believes they can win the Super Bowl each year vs. a Bengals fan that has accepted the outcome that this franchise will never get any better. I bet, if your the latter, you will live an extra 5 years.

at 12/12/2007 10:42 AM

Anonymous said...

Assemble a legitimate NFL scouting staff.

at 12/12/2007 10:58 AM

Anonymous said...

Target one free agent: LANCE BRIGGS

at 12/12/2007 11:36 AM

Anonymous said...

i think both coordinator jobs need evaluated. i would love to see billick as OC. i would re-sign the young guys like johnson, williams, and andrews. i would bring back deltha bc when healthy he is a great cover guy and would make an outstanding nickel. tj also needs an extension. they need to be aggressive in free angency. this is not the year to be cheap...there are soem solid guys out there who could help this team. justin smith should be let go as well, he is a reliable player but his money could be better spent elsewhere. as for rudi..i would be careful dumping him...he was hurt all year, and any of us who played sports even at the college level knows that injuries sure make things hard...not to mention at that level. if perry was 100% healthy i would entertain a trade...if not a healthy rudi at only 28 can carry the ball 25+ a game, which is huge. then you have either perry, irons, watson, or dorsey as change of pace guys...to me a healthy rudi is a lock...the other 4 compete for the other two spots.

at 12/13/2007 9:54 PM

Anonymous said...

They should resign everyone but Justin Smith and they should cut the last year of John Thornton's contract. That would clear up 12-13 million in cap space. Thornton has done OK and so has Smith, but neither is worth the price tag. Use the 12-13 million to get a Sanders, Haynesworth, or Suggs and fill the other positions in the draft. Remember, the Bengals should get a few compensatory picks for players lost in free agency, so they will have quite a few picks and likely an additional 3rd Rounder for Steinbach.

at 12/26/2007 3:43 PM

Anonymous said...

This is so easy that it hurts me to type it knowing that it will NEVER happen. 1) Let Justin Smith, Rudi Johnson and Madieu Williams go. Please let them go. 2) Resign Landon Johnson, but only if he's willing to come back at a reasonable offer. 3) Actively shop Chad Johnson - this is addition by subtraction when it comes to team chemistry and an overall winning/tough attitude. Chad is a showboat (who hits the ground and heads out of bounds at the 1st opportunity) on a team that needs to develop a tougher, cold-weather personality. You should be able to get either a low first rounder or a good defensive player for him. 4) Sign Stacy Andrews and then say goodbye to Willie or restructure his contract.
5) Go GET Albert Haynesworth and Alan Fanaca. Even if you can't get both or either, you make sure you are the highest bidder for BOTH. Fanaca gives you the ability to let reshuffle the line and play the best 5 players. He's also a leader with the smarts and lunch pail, tough buy mentality this Offense has been sorely lacking. 6) If these moves are made, you then have the ability to draft the best possible player at any position other than RB and QB. 7) Hire a GM and beef up your scouting department so the team ceases to embarrass the city. Marty Schottenheimer as head of football operations anyone?? 8) Of course, none of this will EVER happen. Mike Brown loves to count his money more than he loves to count his wins. We invested over half a BILLION dollars and have seen absolutely NOTHING in return. No Merry Christmas to that Scrooge.

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Monday, December 10, 2007

Looking at the offseason

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