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Report: Bengals and Rey Maualuga agree to a four-year deal

I swear. A few hours ago, I stepped away from the computer thinking to myself, "Rey Maualuga won't sign while I'm gone." Less then an hour later, the Bengals agreed to terms with Maualuga. The agent for the outside linebacker confirmed it. Pro Football Talk writes that "Maualuga received $2.84 million in guaranteed money. The deal carries a total value of $4.66 million."

Maualuga is the ninth rookie signed, all four year contracts. Defensive End (and potential tweener -- not related to Twitter) Michael Johnson and Offensive Tackle Andre Smith remain unsigned.

Maualuga is listed as the team's backup strong-side linebacker behind Rashad Jeanty. Someone made the point earlier, wondering if Maualuga is going to be a backup player anyway, why not just make him the backup inside linebacker. I have arguments that it makes more sense keeping him where he is for the time being.

Rashad Jeanty is under a one-year contract because he's a restricted free agent. Grooming Maualuga as a probable long-term replacement makes sense, considering that Dhani Jones is signed through 2010. And if Jones continues to have solid seasons this and next year, then there's a good chance the Bengals sign him again, while finding themselves another middle linebacker to groom in later drafts. Another reason is that Maualuga is more likely to unseat Jeanty than Jones this year.

But let's face it. Starting or not, it doesn't equate to less snaps. Jeanty and Maualuga will likely rotate based on packages and both will get plenty of playing time.

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Dhani Jones could also be moved back to strong side if Jeanty goes after this year, with Maualuga in the middle.

I don’t understand why Michael Johnson isn’t signed yet. The players above and below him are signed to 4 year deals, and both play a similar position. The contract should be cake at this point. I am hoping he isn’t a Crabtree and demanding money because prior to last season he was projected as a top ten pick.

As for Crabtree, I don’t think any deal above him will get done before he is signed. too many agents will be afraid that they won’t get clients next year if Crabtree manages to get more money than someone drafted before him. That doesn’t bode well for A SMith who we all know will be one of the last top 10 picks signed.

Right now there are only 5 1st round picks signed. I think this will definitely force a rookie salary system similar to the NBA in the next CBA.

by jim0ijk on Jul 29, 2009 5:42 PM EDT reply actions  

Awesome news

Still, only four first round draft picks have signed. Only four.

by IFChris on Jul 29, 2009 6:18 PM EDT reply actions  

8 now

But going from the end of the round to the beginning, so we have a wait still

by jim0ijk on Jul 29, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't know if I'll EVER get tired of that photo.

I mean…the man is just plain ol’ Johnny Badass in that pic.

Just came to my mind…thought I’d say it.

by TheWalrus1971 on Jul 30, 2009 1:00 AM EDT reply actions  

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