Report: Bengals to sign Shaun Smith on Wednesday

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2009 9:36 AM EST in Contracts

Yesterday it was reported that the Bengals were interested in defensive tackle Shaun Smith. Smith later confirmed he came into Cincinnati for a visit. Domata Peko is reportedly out until the season finale, at least. So the Bengals, with a rotation of Tank Johnson, Pat Sims, Orien Harris at defensive tackle, with Jonathan Fanene and Frostee Rucker taking few snaps is good enough for that stretch run.

And honestly, I do approve of this team actively looking and finding solutions, even if they are temporary. Most of us made our opinion known that we're not in support of it -- not because he's another trouble-making player that Mike Brown is looking to "redeem". Rather he was here already at one point, mixed it up in the media about a fight that happened three years prior and has created several lockerroom issues with other teams.

All indications are that the Bengals will sign Smith on Wednesday.

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Is Leonard Little available for some LB depth?

by smoormandiddy on Dec 9, 2009 10:03 AM EST reply actions

LMFAO!

Exactly.

by JohnStofa on Dec 9, 2009 10:09 AM EST up reply actions

Smith Signing...

I just don’t trust that management is strong enough to deal with character issue after character issue. Sure, they have more experience than any other team but the Raiders, but I wouldn’t call them successful at it.

I still don’t think the LJ signing is a good one…everyone wants to point to his success while Benson was out, but personality issues come out over time….anyone is able to keep their mouth under wraps for awhile, but the more weeks that go by with LJ sitting on the bench increase the possibility of his mouth starting to twitch.

So..the question is, do you really think that Shaun Smith has really changed his ways? do you think the guy that outed Ocho, baited Brady, badmouthed his GM, mouthed his way out of Detroit, has suddenly seen the light? I think both of these guys will be fine right up until things start to implode. Then they will be the first ones getting their quotes in the newspaper or up on their Twitter accounts.

by JohnStofa on Dec 9, 2009 10:08 AM EST reply actions

according to something I read on profootballtalk (or whatever it is), smith actually called and made apologies/amends with some people around the league this past off season. Dunno if he had some epiphany… hope it doesn’t temper his ability, if the Bengals are to pick him up.

I guess a winning record brings out freaks.

by supergrover on Dec 9, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

same knock on Tank, he turned out pretty good

we need a back up plan incase Peko doesn’t make it back this year. Besides, he might butt heads with Tank and we could get a really good cage match out of the deal. as long as he doesn’t puch Carson, I’m ok with it. hopefully it’s only needed for 3 or 4 games. the question is who looses a seat when the music stops. Not only do I vote for Daniel Coats, I thinks he should get a cherry belly for every dropped pass this year.

by steve whodey on Dec 9, 2009 10:20 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

Cherry Belly?

You should get one for using that term.

by UpStateMike on Dec 9, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions

a cherry belly or a rec :)

I clicked actions and rec to give him one… but not a cherry belly

I guess a winning record brings out freaks.

by supergrover on Dec 9, 2009 7:43 PM EST up reply actions

Mike Browns idea ?

Why is it if the guy has a troubled past, he must be MB’s idea to sign him. This past off season the Bengals went out and signed Tank and Roy W. From what I have read they wanted to come here because of Zim.And Zim has played up the “nobody wanted you” very effectively. Peko is a run stuffer. The only one close to Peko in size is Sims. Harris is built more like Tank. Fanene and Rucker can play DT, but they are really needed at DE. Smith like LJ is a short term stop gap in the event that Peko doesn’t recover by year end. What other run stuffers are out there ? They must think Smith is a better choice than Langston Moore.

by redberkey on Dec 9, 2009 10:25 AM EST reply actions

I think it’s been pretty well established that Mike Brown makes these decisions. But I’m sure he appreciates you coming to his defense.

by bodacio on Dec 9, 2009 11:08 AM EST up reply actions

shaun smith

I think some would be needed against the vikings with all of their talent.

by RTB on Dec 9, 2009 10:46 AM EST reply actions

The difference between now and a few years ago: Guys we heavily depended on let us down. Took two years for us to recover from Odell Thurman. “Old” Chris Henry left us without a viable 3rd receiver in at least half the games. It’s a matter of depth and solid leadership already in place. If LJ wants to call Marv a fag and Shaun Smith wants to be a big fat baby….that’s great. The majority of the team WITH character will feed it to them like no one’s business and, ultimately, the Bengals will cut them with little or no financial loss. We’re not asking much. If they don’t pan out, not a big deal. And anyone thinking two dudes off the street are going to take over this lockerroom….look in the mirror….get serious.

by bodacio on Dec 9, 2009 11:04 AM EST reply actions