Larry Tripplett visits Cincinnati

by Josh Kirkendall on Mar 8, 2008 2:44 PM EST in Free Agency Visits

The Bengals confirmed a visit with former Buffalo Bills defensive tackle, Larry Tripplett. Tripplett, a 293 pound unrestricted free agent, played his first four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, primarily as a backup the last two seasons with the Colts. He moved on to the Bills in 2006 and started all 32 games. Injury hasn't been a major problem in his career.

Defensive tackle for the Bengals is in short supply. After likely starters John Thornton and Domata Peko, the Bengals have Michael Myers and Titus Adams. Trades for Shaun Rogers and DeWayne Robertson fell through during the first week of free agency. A good bet is that the Bengals take at least one defensive tackle during the first day of the NFL draft.

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D-line

I don't see much difference between Tripplet and Thornton. Both are decent against the run, but can't collapse the pocket.
I think that we need to target Ellis in the draft. The ESPN draft pick trade value chart sets the trade value of jumping from 9th to 7th equal to our 4th and 5th round picks. If we can get Ellis at 7, I think we need to make that trade.
Geathers, Peko, Ellis, Odom; that's a decent line.

by Smigelskas on Mar 8, 2008 3:41 PM EST reply actions

Re:

Interesting comments. I see Cincy picking up another DT either via trade, FA, or in the draft.

As for the DL, I disagree with the use of Geathers as a DE. I see the team using him more in an LB role than as a DE.

by davidincincinnati on Mar 8, 2008 8:53 PM EST up reply actions

The diff between JT & Tripplett...

...is that it likely wouldn't cost us $4.6 million against the cap to sign Tripplett.

by BeerRun on Mar 8, 2008 4:28 PM EST reply actions

Agree with the above

How many over the hill lineman do we need? A lot of it does depend on cost, but I am not convinced we wouldn't end up overpaying for him as well.

by goffchile on Mar 8, 2008 5:44 PM EST reply actions

If we cut JT...

...the Bengals gain $4 million in cap space. I'm betting they could sign Tripplett and Ethan Kelley for that.

I have nothing against JT -- he has been a steady, no injuries, lunchpail type of guy and I'm happy he was a Bengal -- but the same could be said of Justin and I have JT in the same boat: time to move on. I think a change would benefit both the team and JT.

by BeerRun on Mar 8, 2008 8:37 PM EST reply actions