Antonio Bryant-Signing is a Calculated Risk

by drj112379 on Mar 10, 2010 6:27 PM EST

It’s way too early to condemn or praise this signing of Antonio Bryant. I would have liked to have signed Brandon Marshall because he’s way more proven, but then we would’ve given up a first round pick. Granted, I think giving up a first round pick for Marshall would have been easily worth it, but a good team really builds through the draft rather than free agency. With Bryant, the Bengals are taking a little bit more risk, but they get to keep their first round draft pick, AND it lessens the pressure to reach for a receiver in the first round. Basically, it gives the Bengals more breathing room to draft the best player — regardless of position — at number 21.

I know, I know, most people say that we should draft a tight end at no. 21, but I don’t know if that’s a foregone conclusion. If there is some stud offensive guard or defensive tackle, I’d say go for it. Tight end is still a huge position of need, but you gotta go for the best player available. Look at the Reds: They drafted Yonder Alonso, a first baseman, after they saw that Joey Votto was going to be a franchise player. Just because the kid can hit (of course now they’re looking for him to play a new position, but that’s another story).

What scares me a little bit is that we just resigned Dan Coats, who was flat out awful in the passing game. Way too many drops. But he can block okay and I don’t mind if we keep him for that purpose. But we do need someone who can catch and we have that in Chase Coffman, but we could use some more talent in there.

Overall, the Bengals took a slight chance with signing Bryant vs. trading a first round pick for the better prospect of Brandon Marshall. But the Bengals get to keep their first round pick, have a less-proven-but-potentially-very-good receiver, AND we don’t have to worry (too much, it still could happen, but I would highly doubt it) about having the T.O. circus come to town.

So the Bryant signing is a calculated risk, and it’s the one with the highest potential ceiling, but it could also bite us in the ass. Time will tell if it pans out.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Cincy Jungle's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Cincy Jungle's writers or editors.

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agree with you on Marshall

If you’re going to compete for talent, compete like you mean it. Still, Bryant was the safest remaining choice, so I can’t complain too much.

I don’t think this completely rules out T.O., although it reduces any urgency to deal with him. If no one else is interested, he could be signed on the (relatively) cheap weeks from now.

by Mr. X on Mar 10, 2010 9:31 PM EST reply actions

Marshall would be great

the problem is we are seeking to give Joseph and Hall good extensions cause they are arguably the best duo in the NFL and maybe resign some free agents (Roy and Bobby) so the money Marshall would demand would take away some of our options.

by Dylan P on Mar 10, 2010 11:28 PM EST reply actions

...And Cedric

by The Dealio on Mar 11, 2010 12:00 PM EST up reply actions

My bad

how could i forget about Benson, he also deserves a pretty good extension….hope he repeats his performance from last year

by Dylan P on Mar 11, 2010 2:52 PM EST up reply actions

I am glad to see some others here on the site who get it.

Marshall is a very good player and I would love to have him but the price is just too high. The simple fact is Bryant had a bad year last year because he had his knee scoped in TC and just didn’t give it time to heal. playing on it prolonged the process and he wasn’t healthy until the last month or so. Prior to that he was a very good player as well. It all comes down to the fact that, IMO, Bryant plus a guy like Iutapi of maybe Dez Bryant if he continues to fall like he has in the last week, will help the team more than Marshall for close to the same money. The numbers I have seen approach 50 mil for Marshall. That is just too much for a team that has more than one slot to fill.

"Coincidence is God's way of staying anonymous"

by JUNGLEJOHN on Mar 11, 2010 9:19 AM EST reply actions

Not to mention

Marshall is one false move away from a significant suspension. And we all know how boring cincy is.

I would have loved to have him, but I think the Bryant signing will work out. First 2 rds can go for OL, S, DB, or TE, then take either the kid from south Florida, the citadel, or another receiver that will hopefully be the heir to chads throne.

RIP Slim.

by brandone on Mar 12, 2010 2:21 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

I'll admit I wanted Marsh, but

You are correct about his pricetag being way too high. Plus it’s a possibility that there will either be no football in 2011 or the salary cap will return.

This opens the door for Iupati or Mays.

Slim 15, you will be missed. RIP Chris Henry

by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Mar 11, 2010 2:59 PM EST reply actions

I'm Glad We're Finally Showing Some Sanity on Marshall

Brandon Marshall has sick talent, but he’s also sick in the head. Why do you suppose the Broncos are practically giving away a stud receiver in the absolute prime of his career? You don’t do that unless there are serious, chronic issues. Marshall qualifies. Click on the following link and I think you’ll agree that we should stay the hell away from Marshall.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=4216417

by Who dey in LA on Mar 13, 2010 2:33 PM EST reply actions