Bengals sign Laveranues Coles to a four-year deal worth $28 million
by Kirkendall on Mar 4, 2009 3:56 PM EST
in Contracts
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On Wednesday afternoon, the Bengals signed veteran wide receiver Laveranues Coles to a four-year deal worth $28 million. That's $28 million. $28 frickin' million. That's a lot of bank. We'll analyze this (go off the wall bitching and complaining) later.
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No more Crabtree
Well that definintly solidifies what the Bengals should be should be picking with their first two rounds….Offensive Linemen, not that we didn’t know that already.
by CinBengal08 on Mar 4, 2009 4:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
that’s a lot deep threat….Utecht and Caldwell are the only guys that will go over the middle….but WOW, Coles Henry and Ocho goin deep……hopefully Carson can get some time………..hint
3 yards and a pile of dust
by Hudepohl Dey on Mar 4, 2009 4:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Coles is an excellent underneath reciever
I watched Coles when he was here with the Washington Redskins, and have caught a number of Jets games, and Coles is an excellent reciever going underneath and over the middle. Remember he was often being thrown to by Pennington who is at his best throwing short passes and letting his guys run.
I would have loved keeping TJ, but a shorter contract is better than the length TJ was looking for.
My question now is, do they keep Chapman or do they bring in someone to replace him, either through the draft or another FA?
by DCBengalFan on Mar 4, 2009 4:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
RE:
1) Chad
2) Coles
3) Henry
4) Caldwell
5) Chatman
6) Simpson
Basically, you’re likely to cut Purify and Urrutia — both PS guys. A scenario, at least.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Kirkendall on Mar 4, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have no problem with this
A proven receiver steps in for Housh instead of hoping one of the younger guys “gets it.”
by IFChris on Mar 4, 2009 4:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Coles
Its a good sign, but maybe .5-1 million a year more than Coles is worth. Here is my take when comparing Coles to Housh. Coles is faster, more shifty in space, and can better contribute to the down field game. Housh is one of the best underneath route runners in the league and lets face it, no one is better on third down. He will be missed big time there. They are both crafty vets, good locker room guys, and know how to get open. You can scheme more with Coles and he will be a better asset in the 1st and 2nd down passing game, plus he is cheaper. I am not knocking TJ at all, he had a great run in Cincy. If Caldwell and Simpson develop as one would expect, this could mean Ocho Cinco could become Ocho See-ya due to a draft day trade.
by Cedric Benson Boat Party on Mar 4, 2009 4:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
RE:
You think this move hints at a possible Johnson trade? At least CYA in case one has the opportunity to develop?
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Kirkendall on Mar 4, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I would keep Chad
his value has plummeted, if we were gonna trade him it should have been last season. If we can build our O-line through the draft and run the ball more like Marvin has hinted our play action deep pass would be deadly. Live Hudepohl Dey said Chad, Henry, and Coles are all solid deap threats and it will be almost impossible to cover all three deep, especially if our run game is respectable.
by CincyMike56 on Mar 4, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, it should have been last season
we traded Chad. That said, it’s this season, now, and he still needs to go whether we get anything at all for him or not. In fact, as much as I’ve always liked Coles as a receiver, that’s the only way I’m okay with this signing; in preparation for parting ways with Chad. Even without bringing anyone in, I was okay with going into this season without both of our aging primadonas, so this feels a bit like a luxury to me. Long as we trade Chad, that is. I still think we can get a late first- probably from the Eagles who have two, for him.
by IgnatiusJReilly on Mar 4, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If we can get a 1st round pick
I’d pull the trigger in a second. I don’t like chad’s disruptions anymore than the next guy, and they may even get worse with Coles making more money than him. But nobody gets rich selling low and letting him go for a 4th round round pick would be foolish (example: raiders trading Randy Moss for a 4th round pick because he became a distraction). We have him under contract for a couple more years so were in control not him. We have shown we won’t back down to his antics
by CincyMike56 on Mar 4, 2009 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah the Eagles are dying to get their hands on another loud mouth receiver unhappy about his situation.
It worked out so well last time. I think they would be OK with a trade for say a third, but a first rounder? They probably want someone as far away from TO as possible for that kind of value. Honestly your best bet would probably be to hope that he shuts up and plays, and then trade him if he performs next season. His stock has dropped. No one is going to meet his demands until he proves that he can be the guy again. The problem is, I don’t think he knows that and neither does his agent. I’m sure someone would be interested, but that would be more of a Redstains or Raiders move.
It took my two years to come up with an avatar and sig
and this is the best I could come up with.
by einman77 on Mar 4, 2009 8:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ocho
Ocho still gets the double teams,which frees up other guys. From a business point, the trade is worth looking into. Roy Willams to the Cowboys set the market for a top receiver as a 1st and 3rd. Remember we are dealing with MB and I dont see him trading away one of the most marketable guys in the league (jersey sale revenue) whether he is liked or not. Of course spending the money they are talking about for Benson and Coles doesn’t fit his style.
by Cedric Benson Boat Party on Mar 4, 2009 4:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
if you think that we can get a first round pick for him then you are crazy no one wants a guy that old with a bad attitude. i think at best a early 3rd or maybe mid 2nd
by moeller on Mar 4, 2009 4:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
if you care
Coles has 95 speed in madden
by firstPick on Mar 4, 2009 5:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Are we really suprised by this offer to Coles.
Isn’t this deal essentially what was offerd to TJ. Should/are we suprised by this offer.
by theRaginAsian on Mar 4, 2009 5:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Coles
I haven’t seen the guaranteed money on the Coles deal, but it seems like he is going to get 7M/yr while TJ is getting 8M/yr. In terms of on field performance, I think it would have made more sense to put out the extra 1M for TJ.
However, going back the reports that TJ and Chad acted as if they were above the law and better than the team, maybe this is a good move. Coles should be able to provide leadership if he plays at a high level, and hopefully he can help steer the team into a new, more stable direction.
Also, if the team is confident in either Simpson or Caldwell, than they can feel more comfortable shopping 8 5 with Coles in the fold.
by R.F. Mehl on Mar 4, 2009 5:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Why trade chad?
Why are we trading chad again? He is not the problem and never has been. What is wrong with you people. I garauntee half the people who are bengals fans now are because of chad. Chad is the best reciever we have now and it would be assinine to trade him. I’m glad you people aren’t making personel decisions regarding chad. Let’s trade chad so he can be awesome somewhere else and make the bengals look like even more of a joke. Good idea!!!!!
by Diesel2405 on Mar 4, 2009 5:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I would like to see us keep Chad, but if we’re getting 2 1st round picks like Was offered. we’re rebuilding right now, and you need to make that deal. But I don’t think a worthwhile deal with come along.
Hopefully, he is more focused without TJ and he has a big year
by R.F. Mehl on Mar 4, 2009 5:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i never said trade him im just saying that we would never get what these people are saying we will get for him. I think him and Coles will be good together. Coles is no T.J. but he is a good player. I just hope we fix our oline in the draft or none of this will matter
by moeller on Mar 4, 2009 5:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Now that Seattle has housh the bengals are definitly taking an OT both curry and orakpo will be gone and that’s the only thing left worth picking at 6
by Diesel2405 on Mar 4, 2009 5:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i agree what about takeing McCoy (if he drops) at 38 though i think he and benson could be good. we do need a center. but there are a few good ones that will still be there in the 3rd
by moeller on Mar 4, 2009 5:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
2nd
get a center in the 2nd round. dont waste your time on medium level offensive lineman
by Braveslax1012 on Mar 4, 2009 6:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Still not official BTW
Coles agreed in principle, working out the contract language. So guaranteed money and all that jazz still hasn’t been agreed upon.
I loved this.
“Absolutely,” Benson said when asked if he was going to be at the offseason workouts. “Part of it is building team camaraderie. We’ve got a young team. You build that in the offseason and it kind of rolls over to other guys as they grow up in this league. Being here for the summer workouts can propel not only yourself, but your team.”
This is clearly not the same Benson that was in Chicago. You guys have to admit, no matter what, it’s actually refreshing to see a player “get it”.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Kirkendall on Mar 4, 2009 5:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Plus TJ never "got it" either.
He would train on the West Coast. If Coles can help the team all be on the same page then he’s a step up from TJ.
by JohnnyK on Mar 4, 2009 5:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Finally
It seems like you never hear a player from Cincinnati saying this publicly. I am excited to see what he is going to do next year now that we see that Cedric is committed, or atleast he says he is.
by CinBengal08 on Mar 4, 2009 5:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ya as long as he sticks to what he says he could be the sleeper player this year he showed he has the talent to do it last year he just needs to bring it all together
by moeller on Mar 4, 2009 5:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Despite last years numbers, Chad is still an elite receiver. Definitely worth the #21 or #28 from the Eagles- who need a topflight receiver to pair with DeSean Jackson. Chicago, Tampa, and Minnesota- at 18, 19, & 22, all need number one receivers, Miami at 25 has Greg Camarillo paired with an up and coming Ted Ginn, Jr, and, depending on Plaxico’s status, the Giants at 29 could be in the market as well. Nah, man, Chad is most definitely worth a first round pick. Anything beyond that is a guess but a first is solid.
by IgnatiusJReilly on Mar 4, 2009 5:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Wow, I clicked on the “Comments” button expecting nothing but complaints about this being a horrible deal and that Mike Brown can’t do anything right. But I’m glad to see fans supporting this. I certainly do. It’s cheaper than TJ’s deal in Seattle. They’re both older WRs in the NFL but still can be productive. Coles may even end up as a better lockerroom asset.
Also, the cap is gone when? 2010? So this kind of money may be ok. I agree that the money may have been better spent elsewhere but we don’t know that for sure. We don’t know who Cincinnati can line up. How many players actually want to be here? Coles is a step in the right direction. Fo sho.
Also, Mike Brown still can’t do anything right.
by JohnnyK on Mar 4, 2009 5:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes they get it
Like with Benson, then overpay for a 31-year-old WR.
Pointless deal for a position that we’re not exactly stocked with but wasn’t a pressing need.
We needed a veteran WR like Furrey/Lelie, not overpaying for Coles. At the same time I can see the benefits in that we now have the basics of a RB and WR threat, now we just need the OL to solidify. That being said I’d deal Chad for a #1 in a heartbeat – he’s hit 30 and he’s a WR that relies on his wheels, which for those of us the wrong side of 30 know have a tendency to drop off alarmingly.
To be fair to TJ, he practised with other WRs and his QB, not like he was shutting himself away from the team entirely but yeah, would be nice to build some team spirit at camp.
by Squizza on Mar 4, 2009 6:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don't know what there is to be excited about
The Bengals first real move in free agency and it’s a downgrade at receiver…that is classic Mike Brown. It’s not that Coles is bad or washed up, it’s just that in no way is he an upgrade over TJ. He’s a year older, doesn’t know the system, and simply isn’t the same caliber player. He’s a very good player, sure, but if we’re willing to shell out this much for him why couldn’t we match Seattle’s offer for TJ? I had no problem letting TJ go since I assumed it meant we were going to use the newly available cap space somewhere else and let our young receivers do their jobs – this move just baffles me. Coles will do fine but whatever, we’re a worse offense right now than we were a month ago and we don’t really have any money to show for it. That’s just bad management.
I was actually happy to see players leaving. As much as I liked TJ, it was a sign that we were trying to shake things up. Letting Andrews go, even letting Madieu and Smith go last year. Going into last season on paper we looked to have an incredibly talented team and look what happened. These obvious moves – replacing TJ with a slightly worse/cheaper TJ clone, going after Rex Grossman, playing Cedric Benson’s stupid little free agency game – just reek of an organization that doesn’t know how to really improve itself and apparently never will. If you can’t win with Carson Palmer in his 7th season you just can’t field a winning football team. I wish someone would explain that to Mikey. 4 year deal for a 31 middle-of-the-road receiver but not even a visit for Ray Lewis?
God I’m glad I’ve become a Giants fan in the last decade…
by eric nyc on Mar 4, 2009 6:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Why wouldn't you be excited?
Their numbers are basically a wash, plus we save $3 mill a year. It’s not like Housh has been on championship teams. Plus, maybe Coles will be more of a team first player than Housh. Sure, Chad is still a self-centered punk at times, but I think Housh had a piss poor attitude which only got worse when his numbers went up.
If you think that we lost a great leader in Housh, think again.
by a_madmule on Mar 4, 2009 6:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
See below.
Like I said, I didn’t mind letting TJ go – I’ve thought the same thing about his attitude for years. My point is that even you say it’s “basically a wash” but the fact is TJ is better, so if you’re going to spend that much money on that kind of receiver, why not go for the best? I think the money was better spent elsewhere, like along the O-line or backfield or in the linebacking corp. It’s just an obvious move that strikes me as not being terribly well thought out and we’ve all sat back and watched two decades of that kind of management now. “Oh we lost a possession receiver? Well I guess we should get another possession receiver…after all everything worked out so well with that set up the last few years.” Personally I think Glenn Holt could have done exactly the same thing as TJ or Coles had they given him the touches and done it for a fraction of the price.
by eric nyc on Mar 4, 2009 9:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We may have the better deal!
Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
631 8,095 12.8 64 44 Coles career numbers (9) years
507 5,782 11.4 62 37 Housh’s career numbers (8) years
Coles Height: 5-11 Weight: 193 Age: 31
Born: 12/29/1977 Jacksonville , FL
Housh Height: 6-1 Weight: 199 Age: 31
Born: 9/26/1977 Victorville , CA
Saving $3 million , the Bengals made a shrewd move!
by a_madmule on Mar 4, 2009 6:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Good Points
I don’t see why a Bengals fan wouldn’t be happy with the signing of Coles. a_madmule made very valid points. Don’t get me wrong, I would of rather have seen TJ stay in Cincy but he did have a bad attitude at times on the field. The stats shown by a_madmule do show that Coles has been more productive in his career. Can not see why fans wouldn’t be excited about Coles.
by CinBengal08 on Mar 4, 2009 7:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The stats don’t really tell the story. Coles was the #1 receiver in NY for years because they had absolutely no other talent. TJ was #2 to one of the most prolific receivers in the league and even still managed to get more receptions in the last 3 years than anyone else. By the end of their careers TJ’s numbers will dwarf Coles’ – especially playing in a West Coast system.
I’ll admit that I made a mistake in thinking Coles was older – I really did think he was – but overall it still just doesn’t represent an upgrade at the position, doesn’t save that much money, and basically tells the young receivers “We don’t have faith in you, and we don’t think we’re going to have faith in you for the next couple years.” I might feel better about the pickup if it came with a press release saying “Yeah…we really screwed up with that Jerome Simpson pick last year…” but don’t tell us how great those guys are going to be and then sign a 31-year old receiver to a 4 year deal when there are gaping holes other places.
by eric nyc on Mar 4, 2009 8:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
reaction to cinbengal08
who cares what our youngers guys think? this makes it a COMPETITION for a spot at WR. that is a good thing. these young guys need to step up if they want to play
in regards coles being a #1 all those years in NY, GOOD! that is a good thing!
great # comparisons from chuckster:
Coles DOB: Dec. 29, 1977
Housh DOB: Sept. 26, 1977
Coles bests: 91 catches with 2006 Jets, 1,264 yards with 2002 Jets, seven touchdowns with ’01 and ’08 Jets, 14.7 yards per catch with ’01 Jets and ’03 Redskins (for seasons with at least 59 catches).
Housh bests: 112 catches in ’07, 1,143 yards in ’07, 12 TDs in ’07, 13.4 yards per catch in ’04
Coles career: Nine seasons, 631 catches, 8,095 yards, 12.8 yards per catch, 44 TDs
Housh career: Eight seasons, 507 catches, 5,782 yards, 11.4 yards per catch, 37 TDs
Coles ’08: 70 catches, 850 yards, 12.1, seven TDs
Housh ’08: 92 catches, 904 yards, 9.8 yards per catch, four TDs.
by nadfflictar on Mar 4, 2009 9:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t care so much what the younger guys THINK. I care how they’re going to be USED. This means less playing time for them, which it should because Coles is a proven player. But how does that help anyone in the long run? Is Coles the missing piece? Of course he isn’t, because even if he was a Housh clone (and he very well might be) we’d still have all the same problems we had when Housh was here and less money to fix them. One of the big knocks on this team since 2005 is that it has too much money locked up in offensive skill positions – that was all well and good in 2005, but since then has become a glaring problem. So what happens when they lose one of their big ticket offensive skill players? They spend more money on replacing the exact same position. That kind of thing doesn’t even work in Madden, let alone the NFL. I’m not knocking Coles, I’m knocking the thinking that we needed Coles to begin with.
by eric nyc on Mar 4, 2009 9:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s also important to remember the rubber-armed Chad Pennington, the then inconsistent Jason Campbell, and a past it Brett Favre, the guys Coles has had throwing him the ball over the years. Yards after catch wise, he beats Housh hands down, as he’s actually a threat to take it to the house on any given play. That said, I’m still in favor of this move so long as it clears the way to get Chad the hell out of here.
by IgnatiusJReilly on Mar 4, 2009 9:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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