Bengals: Alexander to Bengals?

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Alexander to Bengals?

The draft is completed. The Bengals did not select a running back. Coach Marvin Lewis said the team is optimistic that tailbacks Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry will return to health and the field in 2008. There is depth with Kenny Watson. There is the untapped potential of DeDe Dorsey, who has been a regular during the offseason at the facility. There is the Kenny Irons, who probably won't be ready for the start of training camp as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL injury, but he was the Bengals' second-round pick in 2007.

OK, what about adding a former league MVP to the mix in Shaun Alexander? The former Boone County star and Florence resident was terminated by the Seahawks this offseason after eight years in Seattle.

"Making calls to teams. Bengals are on our list!" Jim Steiner, Alexander's agent, told The Enquirer in an e-mail this morning.

The NFL's most valuable player in 2005 hit some impressive statistical milestones in 2007.

His four rushing touchdowns give him 100 for his career. He added another receiver touchdown and has 12 in his career.

He rushed 207 times for 716 yards. He now has 2,176 attempts for 9,429 yards. He started 11 games and played in two more, pushing his career totals to 97 starts and 119 games played.

He will turn 31 on Aug. 30.

Questions: If you are the Bengals, do you attempt to sign Alexander and bring him home to end his career? Would the move be more emotional than a dispassionate one that could help the team?

46 Comments:

at 4/30/2008 8:54 AM

Anonymous said...

I would like to see him in a Bengals uniform. I have to say, it is about 50/50 emotion and talent. I would like to see him come back home but mostly I think with the situation we are in, we could try and see what he could contribute. He was an MVP 3 years ago...

Carson Palmer will be MVP (this year ago)

Mike from sleepless in cincinnati

at 4/30/2008 9:16 AM

ewad said...

Offer him a short term deal. Make it insentive based. That way he gets paid well if he earns it.
It would be nice, but I don't want us having an anchor around our neck if he doesn't have any game left.

at 4/30/2008 9:27 AM

john said...

Alexander is a christian and would bring good ethics to the team....I still think he has ability left and coming back to Cincy might inspire him as well as the fan base. Hope it happens!!!

at 4/30/2008 9:28 AM

Bengal43 said...

Would he be the next Ken Griffey Jr. Really good in Seattle and average in Cincy?

at 4/30/2008 9:48 AM

Anonymous said...

Shaun is a classy person, and would be a good locker room guy, but I have doubts about what he has left. I read reports that criticized him for playing soft, maybe because he wasn't 100% healthy. He has a lot to prove, and maybe that's a good thing. The Bengals have given second chances to a lot of guys with talent, and questionable character. Maybe they should consider a guy with great character, and questionable talent!

at 4/30/2008 9:51 AM

Unknown said...

Mike Brown would never go for it...

at 4/30/2008 9:56 AM

WhoDeyNYC said...

Signing Alexander would be ridiculous. He's done. These running backs just lose a step and we shouldn't be the ones to overpay him to linger a few more years in the NFL.

Great guy...but he shouldn't be in our backfield. We already have a guy on the decline (Rudi J).

at 4/30/2008 10:05 AM

Popcan said...

Good question Mark!

I want nothing to do with the guy. No offense Shawn, you were an outstanding running back in your prime but I'm sorry that prime was gone two years ago. I know he has ties to Cincy but it's not worth taking up cap space. There's plenty of veteran leadership at that position between Rudi and Kenny.

at 4/30/2008 10:09 AM

Marc in Kentucky said...

Is there anyone out there that thinks he could possibly be as bad as Rudi has been the past two years?

I think he'd be a good reclamation project with a giant chip on his shoulder to go out with the respect that he deserves.

I say cut Rudi and sign Alexander for less money. Honestly, I think we'd be a better club.

at 4/30/2008 10:58 AM

Hudepohl Dey said...

Give Alexander a 1-year contract. we need more power in the trenches, if Rudi doesn't work out, hand the ball to Alexander. He's a big back that could give you some power runs in the double-TE set...

I'd love to have Alexander on this team.

at 4/30/2008 10:59 AM

rjemerick said...

Shaun Alexander would be a welcomed addition to Paul Brown Stadium. Make sure the terms are known that he is not being brought into Cincy to be the starting runningback but to be a clubhouse, veteran leader. An incentive based contract makes sense here. He would be a great mentor and this benefit the Bengals from a PR standpoint.

at 4/30/2008 11:07 AM

Anonymous said...

Who are you going to cut to make room for him on the roster? 23-year-old DeDe Dorsey? 26-year-old Chris Perry? 28-year-old Rudi?

No offense to Shaun, but do the Bengals really need a banged-up 31-year-old running back who has averaged 3.5 yards per carry the last two seasons?

This signing would be pure, unadulterated emotion, IMHO.

at 4/30/2008 11:15 AM

Anonymous said...

I say he would be a great signing. I think he still has some gas in the tank,not a full time runner but pick your spots with him and he can still be effective. The biggest bonus you get with him on the roster would be that he could teach the younger backs the work it takes in the NFL,how to be a proffesional,a class act...

at 4/30/2008 11:17 AM

BtotheU said...

It would be cool to see him come back to the Nati and be a productive running back. Problem is, I haven't seen him be a productive running back in quite some time. Even when he won the MVP I thought he ran a little soft. That might cut it out West...but not in the AFC North.

at 4/30/2008 11:24 AM

Unknown said...

S.A. can only create an added winning aura/expectation. More veteran leadership. Any return to hs former self is a bonus. Get him.

at 4/30/2008 11:49 AM

Hudepohl Dey said...

Hey Mr. Curnutte, do you know of a June 1st move (from 8.03 to 2.5) that you can't share with us??? how can we afford to get Alexander??? Don't you think a team like the Dophins will overpay him??? Jim Steiner is a respectable agent, he got Justin Smith a pretty penny. how will the bengals be able to afford this move???

at 4/30/2008 11:53 AM

BDC said...

NOTHING could be hurt by signing him to an performance incentive laden contract and letting him slug it out with the other RBs. At best a change of scenery could relight a fire in him and who knows what he's still capable of. At worst, he's got nothing left, you cut him, and he fades into retirement ala Priest Holmes in K.C. last year.

at 4/30/2008 12:52 PM

Allan said...

Remember when the Cardinals signed Emmitt Smith? Was Smith able to help that team?

I'd much prefer money to be spent on a young, improving, defensive player than the exact opposite.

at 4/30/2008 1:12 PM

Anonymous said...

Let me tell you straight. I have been watching SA in Seattle for 7 yrs and have constantly, with the exception of the Seahawks superbowl season, seen SA lay down as soon as he was touched.
Every time.
No determination or struggle for that extra yard.
It's disturbing.
Easily the softest starting tailback in the league.
Don't want him, don't need him.

at 4/30/2008 1:15 PM

hOOpStAr33 said...

The bengals are in bad shape in my eyes. Alexander cant help the bengals without a good O line but thats just the least of our problems. Chad needs to be traded, we have enough offensive power already. Work on the defense. Therefore adding Alexander wouldnt benefit the bengals.

at 4/30/2008 1:16 PM

Brandon said...

just like most of the other people are saying. Alexander would be a good pick up if it is a incentive laden deal. I think he would bring at very least just as much to this club as Rudi. And who do you cut? Well I'd say Chris Perry would be at the top of my list.....

at 4/30/2008 1:39 PM

Bengalsfan09 said...

Having Shaun would be a positive influence for the Bengals organization. Class act, just an all around great guy! The question is, If he hits the field (when needed) will he produce? Or continue to tap dance and drop to the ground? Injuries have a lot to do with it, aswell as just him and a poor O-line he had in Seattle. How do you expect a guy to bust through holes when the O-line can't create any for him to go through? Like others said, give him a one year contract and see what he can do. He's got it in him, with the release in Seattle he has a lot to prove. That's motivation right there, at least it SHOULD be. I would like nothing more than for him to do well.

at 4/30/2008 1:47 PM

russ said...

Let's see... an overworked and overused aging RB with a drastically declining YPC. Um, thanks but no thanks. That position's been filled.

at 4/30/2008 3:41 PM

CanMickCoach? said...

Give dominic Rhodes a shot - he can catch the ball too.

I can't believe Irons is not ready to come back yet - seems like ACL surgeries recently have guys coming back the same season it happens!

at 4/30/2008 4:04 PM

albaNY Hawker said...

while it seems that Alexander's success was largely due to the pre-poison-pill O-Line in Seattle, he's still a pretty good running back.

Don't also lose sight of the fact that he earned that single-season TD record (since broken) and MVP in his contract year, so an Alexander with something to prove may be a bonus to some team, if he can stay healthy.

As a Seahawks fan, it will be very weird seeing #37 in any other uniform, but if Montana, Marcus Allen and OJ Simpson can go out in enemy colors, than why not Shaun?

at 4/30/2008 4:08 PM

firefly118 said...

I love SA! He is a great guy, who had a wonderful career, and represented the Cincy area well!

That said, he is done! The abuse he has taken over the years has taken its toll. He is old (football years), and injury prone. This team all ready has enough RB, yeah there are a few questions, but at this point, its either Rudi or Shaun! We would not keep both, so who would you want. The only way I see it happening, is if the rumor that Rudi, Thronton, and O'neal are going to be released for cap reasons (possible June 1 trade). If that happens, we could fill Rudi's spot with Alexander for about 1/4 the cost! That is a long shot though, I would rather have Dominic Rhodes.

at 4/30/2008 4:37 PM

LittleBoomerWest said...

Shawn has always needed many carries to get the yards ( 20+ per game..sounds like Corey and Rudi) and we cannot afford to provide those carries to him. As a West Coast Bengals fan I've watched him and he is simply slow and doesn't have the same line he had 3 years ago! I hope we are not signing players on the basis of "nice personality" because that will mean "Not For Long" in the NFL. Q: Who Dey Who Dey Who Dey think going catch that slow Bengal RB? A: Every LB in the AFC North especially since our competition is designing their defense to be strong and physical against the run! But wait a minute, maybe if is he slow it would make sense for him to bring his strength as a "soft" runner to our conference. Don't look to 2002-2005 results consider the truth of 2006 and 2007.

at 4/30/2008 6:24 PM

Unknown said...

Take it from a Hawks season ticket holder.. Run.. Run as far and as fast as you can. This man has nothing to offer your team but dropped passes, missed blocks and 1 yard gains!!!

at 4/30/2008 6:34 PM

mentalmidget said...

Don't bust the bank, make his contract incentive laced. If our beloved Bengals do that, he might push Rudi!

One more thing; this year, he could perform very, very well just on adreinaline alone,,,playing in front of fans and family.

at 4/30/2008 7:01 PM

mentalmidget said...

One more thing, no one - no one - should else with the Bengals should wear number 37!! Dr. Tommy Casanova, yes Dr., was the greatest safety this organization has ever had!!!!!

at 4/30/2008 7:14 PM

Seahawks_Fan76 said...

I feel that he might have a year or two left in his game but that is probably it. I am from Washington and am a fan of his since Seattle drafted him. I don't feel that all of the loss in production was all on him I feel that it was also in part to a suspect offensive line. But on the other side of the coin he did get hurt both of the past 2 seasons and it was reported that they were minor injuries but then turned into more of an issue then they were first announced. They took more time to heal. I feel that if any team is going to take a chance on a good back like Shaun I think it would need to be a team that has a need for a back, not the Bengals, as they have what looks to be a good backfield if everyone can stay healthy. I don't think that Shaun is a good fit there. I do understand that he would be going home in a sense but the NFL is a business and is not always high on the sentiment of having a player "retire" for his home-team. I wish Shaun the best and good luck to the best back in Seahawks history. Good luck and God's speed.

at 4/30/2008 7:42 PM

JRuss said...

You could do worse than having Shaun in your locker room and in a Bengals uni. Shaun played with injuries behind a struggling o-line for two years. I think he still might have gas in the tank and, with the right team, could be a contributor.

Shaun is a class act, all the way. He would be nothing less than a great example for young players.

I'll miss seeing Shaun in a Hawks uniform. I wish him nothing but the best wherever he goes.

at 4/30/2008 8:10 PM

Dave said...

russ at 1:47 >> Correct! Why are we even talking about it??

at 4/30/2008 8:35 PM

Anonymous said...

Shaun Alexander is washed up, the only thing the Bengals need him for is mentoring their younger backs.

http://goallineblitz.com/game/signup.pl?ref=7062421
cool football sim game btw^^

at 4/30/2008 8:45 PM

NWadam said...

I live in the Northwest. I am a Seahawks fan and have seen every Hawks game for th past 6 years. While I am greatful to Sean for everything he has done for our franchise (in fact I can't wait until we can retire his # and induct him into our Ring of Honour), I also feel relieved that he is no longer our #1 back. No, he never gets into any trouble off the field, but don't mistake that as him being a team leader or even a good locker room guy. The second he feels slighted or like he isn't getting his touches he will complain. Also he is not a physical runner. If you sign him you WILL get very sick of seeing him do the Riverdance in the backfield, and self-tackle whenever a defender comes within 3 feet of him. He WILL NOT get you short yardage 1st downs. In fact, if you don't have a very solid o-line I wouldn't even let him near your team. Take it form some one who has watched him for a while.

at 5/01/2008 12:07 AM

bobster said...

Take a look at the players that GM Tim Ruskell has released. They do nothing in the following year/years with other teams. Last year it was Bryce FIsher and Darrel Jackson who were released. Fisher had I think 9 tackles total for the year and D-Jack was released by the 49ers. Ruskell is a very good talent evaluator and he released Alexander for a reason.

Alexander ran well near the goal line and on Monday night (this is when he is in the spotlight and thus sufficiently motivated)before the 06 season. He also ran well through the gaping holes created by the top-notch Hutchinson/Jones led line of 2005. At nearly all other times, he avoided contact to preserve his body. He lays down even before contact many times.

Shaun was a great back in his way. However, if you combine his "don't touch me" running style with the fact that he lost a step, you can see why he wasn't able to do anything. Injuries made it even worse. Unless you guys have the most powerful O-line in the league that can blow up huge holes on every running play, Alexander will dissapoint you every play and he will be released after one or two unproductive seasons, just like most of the other Ruskell-cut players. my 3 cents.

at 5/01/2008 2:01 AM

SaukMtnMan said...

You know what, Shaun was called Alexander the Great for a reason. He is the greatest back the 'Hawks have ever had and I do believe this guy has more left in the tank.
Yes, I've seen those plays where he just slides into the turf when we need a pivotal 3rd and 1 converted.
But I've also seen an injured runner with a chip on his shoulder carry three Chicago Bears into the end zone after a nineteen yard run up the gut in a 2006 playoff game. Yeah, he did the same thing to a few Chargers stud defenders a couple weeks earlier.
So who shows up if you sign him? I think you'd get a very determined SA that doesn't want to go out with a whimper. Playing in front of the folks at "home" is just what the doctor ordered.
If you were willing to give Chris Henry a spot on the team, why would you hesitate on Shaun...because he's going to be 31? Curtis Martin had 1000 yard seasons further into his career than 31.
I'd sign him, but maybe I'm just a nostalgic Seahawks fan.

at 5/01/2008 7:35 AM

mikefromDC said...

I have been a Shaun fan for along time. He is still one of the best backs in the league. I believe he will get the chance to prove it with some team, and when he does there is going to be alot of people take back all of the negative stuff they have said about him.

at 5/01/2008 9:32 AM

Unknown said...

I say bring Alexander in for a one year deal that is incentive ladened like some of the other people have stated on here. I would cut chris perry he has been a bust from day one. How soon we forget the everyone was saying this time last year that Jamal Lewis wasn't going to produce in Cleveland but he did. Give him a chance it couldn't hurt to see him here for at least one year.

at 5/01/2008 11:47 AM

Chone Media Group said...

I was definitely sad to see my team (seahawks) cut someone who has been so integral to our past success. I understand that this is a business, though.

I agree with what most of the people are saying here. Sign him to a 1-2 year incentive-laden deal. Make him sing for his supper. Alexander will never be the Alexander of 2005 again, but there is some gas left in the tank. Think of what your state-mates did with Jamal Lewis. I could totally see Alexander with something to prove bolstering a running game with an already talented backfeild like you guys have.

Go for it!

at 5/01/2008 12:25 PM

big bear said...

I have lived here my whole and had hawk tickets since 94 and I have never seen anyone fall over like Shaun. The only time he was good was when Walter and Hutch were opening up semitruck size holes for him. I think he thought it was touch football. Sometimes he would fall over before the defender even got there. If you get him you better have the best O-line in the NFL because your gonna need it. Off the field he cries every time he doesn't get his way and runs straight to the media. Good riddance Shaun, Don't fall down on the way to the airport, that's not a defender it's a security guard.

at 5/01/2008 2:07 PM

Unknown said...

Dominic Rhodes might be a better fit than gambling on a injury pron shaun alexzander.

at 5/01/2008 4:54 PM

HawkNate said...

In response to all the comments that Shaun is a great guy.....I'm a nice guy too, a christian, good ethics....Should Cincy sign me?? Point being: The NFL isn't for "nice" guys. To be a solid starting running back, you need to have some attitude. I am a Seahawks fan and I can tell you that the only reason he had that MVP season in 2005 was Steve Hutchinson opening up gaping holes for him. Just look what he did for that rookie in Minnesota. Shaun Alexander will fall EVERY time he is about to get hit...every time. Trust me, you don't want him.

at 5/01/2008 10:29 PM

jimijames2 said...

I read every comment here and mostly there are two types of people leaving posts: Bengal fans desperate for hope in the back field who would take SA and Seahawk die hards encouraging Bengal nation to not waste their time with SA.

I'm a member of the second group. Watching Alexander the last two years you would have thought he was being taken down by an assasin's bullet at times. The very first running play of the regular season he ran into the O-line, turned around, and sat down on his but....He didn't even get touched by a defender.
The man's done. Don't waste your time hoping he'll be your answer. Instead, hope someone else in your division takes him. Your D-line will look great those two games...

at 5/23/2008 5:30 PM

islaneni78 said...

Shaun going to the Bengals and returning home is a sign but know one believes in signs. I have read all the comments about the impact on Shaun Alexander going to the Bengals mostly about his age and not having any game because of that. I am and always will be a true Shaun Alexander fan no matter what people say about him. Everyone has talked about he has no game in him no more, But I believe he does just because of him not showing what he's got after taking the Seahawks to the SuperBowl and breaking records he's no longer valuable well everyone who thinks that is wrong, he's got game alright and this year what ever team that takes him will see that, people just don't give on others because their body slows down, yes he's getting older but that has nothing to do with his game at all, Shaun needs to believe in himself more and realize that there are people out there who believe in him too as well as his family. Wait all athletes need to know that. Also, the Seahawks releasing Shaun thinking that it will better their offense well they are wrong the key player of a football team is not the offense or the defense its the QB the ball is on his hands and if does not hold together for himself then eventually no game will be together. back in 2005 when the Seahawks went to the Superbowl I honestly think it had nothing to do with Matt Hasselback that game was well played by Shaun and the Defense team. you want to hear more from me feel free to email me @ joelcal@live.com.. Anthore thing i ain't a guy I am a girl.

at 5/28/2008 7:54 PM

aron3781 said...

What can I say about Shaun that hasn't been said already. He is a GREAT back and would be a great addition to any team as long as they are using 2 runners. With limited carries SA will get your team 900 yards and 6 touchdowns easily, and if you have another runner putting up the same stats that would be 1800 yards between the two. I believe that he could be the back he used to be if he would believe in himself. He hasn't lost a step at all, he lost his O-line. I think Walter Jones has lost his motivation since signing his multi-year contract at the beginning of last season. He also lost Mack Strong halfway through the year. It's hard to gain yardage when you're being tackled by 3 DE as soon as the ball is handed off. Most people forget that he was a backup to Ricky Watters for his first 2 seasons. He has been in the league for 9 years, but has only started for 7.

I'm tired of people saying that he's a soft runner too! He's trying to preserve his body. If you look at his stats, he gains twice as many yards in the second half of games than the first because he's figuring out the defense. I'd like to see what some of you cumquats would do if you had three 350 pound DE's coming at you.

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Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Alexander to Bengals?

46 Comments: