Keith Brooking could be available; Bengals need a core of linebackers and not one-year deals

by Josh Kirkendall on Feb 24, 2009 4:28 PM EST

If the Bengals could sign a guy like Keith Brooking, would you take it? The Atlanta Journal Constitution points out that Brooking and the Falcons are in the middle of stalled negotiations in which "both sides are struggling a little bit to assess" Brooks' market value.

As of right now, the Bengals have two likely outside backers starting the season, Keith Rivers and Rashad Jeanty with an expected offer for Brandon Johnson coming soon. What about Corey Mays? Darryl Blackstock? While the Bengals could go heavy in the draft to keep building their core linebackers, like they did with the secondary from 2006-2007, they're just as likely to re-sign their restricted free agents.

The issue of course, from our perspective is cost. Can the Bengals find that market value that Brooks' representative Pat Dye Jr. is trying to assess? Furthermore, would the deal be worth it for a five-time Pro Bowl player that recently had his seven-year, $41 million deal voided because of a playing time clause he reached? Another issue is desire. Does a guy like Brooking want to come to Cincinnati to play for the Bengals? In fact, ask EVERY available free agent that question. Brooking will turn 33 in October, which could be a concern.

Either way, we don't expect it to happen.

Our primary focus, however, is that the Bengals find themselves with few linebackers on roster, several of whom will sign one-year deals leaving a void next season. Same thing happens next year, another void exists the following season. Rotating a series of one-year linebackers to keep the depth chart full, while not having a set of core guys, hampers the defensive improvements that the Bengals could actually use for sustaining success. I suppose we've never been one to develop, and that's why we put such a premium on our secondary guys being the most developed unit during the Marvin Lewis era via the draft.

Back to the original question, and this is on you guys. Would you sign a guy like Brooking, or develop linebackers through the draft?

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I vote "No."

Normally, I’d say yes, citing the experience he has and what he could contribute to the younger guys in the locker room, but we already have Dhani Jones for that.

by TheWalrus1971 on Feb 24, 2009 4:55 PM EST reply actions

I would sign a Vet LB

Lets say these are the guys that will most likely make the roster next season that is on the roster right now

WLB Keith Rivers, Brandon Johnson
SLB Rashad Jeanty,
MLB Dhani Jones,

I think we should draft a MLB or a SLB in the upcomming draft. MLB’s are easier to find than the Strongside. So i think we can draft a MLB in the 3rd or 4th round. and hopefully we will have 2 3rd round picks. Guys that will be there are Darry Beckwith and Danell Ellerbe
Now on the strongside, dont get me wrong, i like what Jeanty brings to the team. He’s a hard worker, plays special teams, good against the run. But he is limited in pass coverage and isnt very good in open space. That being said, i would love for us to sign a veteran to play this position for us. Guys like Bills Angelo Crowell and Atlantas Keith Brooking have played these postitions and have done so at very high levels

by Joe Goodberry on Feb 24, 2009 4:57 PM EST reply actions

Brooking is too old. Crowell or Crowder, maybe, so far as free agents go- though my wish list in that regard starts with Bart Scott. Also, adding a Curry/Maulauga or a Cushing/Simtim in the draft is a good idea. Hell, I think Connor Barwin will eventually be an OLB and can play an effective TE while he learns. Curry may be the very best prospect in this draft, so it’s unlikely we have a shot at him and #6 may be too high for Maulauga. I keep seeing Andy Katzenmoyer when I look at Laurinaitis, which makes me want to steer clear. I think it’s almost vitally important that we pick up one of Philly’s firsts- for Chad or TJ, and grab Cushing, who I think is every bit as good as Maulauga but a little cheaper.

by IgnatiusJReilly on Feb 24, 2009 7:04 PM EST reply actions