Bengals Still Interested In Bringing Jeremi Johnson Back

by Josh Kirkendall on May 21, 2010 10:38 AM EDT in Analysis

Last month, we wrote that former Cincinnati Bengals fullback Jeremi Johnson wasn't interested in re-signing with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The fullback is Fui Vakapuna and while they’ve had interest in re-signing Jeremi Johnson, it doesn’t look to be mutual or they would have got it done before the draft.

With that, the Bengals would be left with two fullbacks that have yet to take a regular season snap. So there's general, and understandable concern, handing the job to the winner of two inexperienced guys during training camp. Will the Bengals go after a veteran fullback to add to the competition this summer? Or will they finally throw caution to the wind and simply let Fui Vakapuna compete against Joe Tronzo? Doubtful.

They still have their eye on one unrestricted free agent. According to Geoff Hobson's latest, the Bengals "haven't given up on the idea of bringing back Jeremi Johnson. Indications are they are still talking about it."

Tweet Comment 16 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

No.

Personally, I’m done with the entire “will he weigh a bazillion pounds or won’t he” discussion. At one point, he was the highest-paid fullback in the NFL. If he didn’t springboard from that into The Second Coming of Lorenzo Neal, which he didn’t, then I say (to quote Marty Feldman’s I-Gor from ‘74), "Why don’tcha come on outta there and give someone else a chance???"

by TheWalrus1971 on May 21, 2010 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

Boooooooo!!!!

wasted roster spot!

by GatorOH on May 21, 2010 1:44 PM EDT reply actions

Excuse me while I go eat 10 pounds of food. Maybe I can get a job as a Bengals FB if I gain another 200 pounds.

by FriarBob on May 21, 2010 1:49 PM EDT reply actions

I think that I'm the only one

Who is a JJ supporter. Look at the difference in the running game from 2008 to 2009. Look at the years that Rudi Johnson put up from 2003-2006. A big reason for that is JJ. Is it tiring that he’s continuously overweight and out of shape? Yes. But, he’s quite valuable when he’s in there and healthy. I will concede that they should have kept Pressley. He would have been the next LoNeal.

by Anthony Cosenza on May 21, 2010 2:05 PM EDT reply actions

I agree

We’re all frustrated over Jeremi’s weight issues but he’s a beast as a lead blocker, good at pass protection, and knows the offense.

by featherman on May 21, 2010 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions

jj > what we have

no, he wont go to the HoF. yes, jj is one of the better blocking fbs in the nfl. not sure what he’s hoping to get paid, but fbs aren’t a position many gms are willing to spend money on.

"wherever Brad St. Louis is and Shayne Graham is about to be." -R.F. Mehl

by palewook on May 22, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't see a need to bring him back...

…but it always depends on the money. Yes, he’s a vet that is familiar with the system. The Bengals, however, typically don’t make the FB a major part of their game plan. He’s a blocker that is occasionally called upon in short yardage situations. JJ rarely gets more than a touch a game.

Between Fui, Tronzo, Coats (yes I said it), and perhaps a FA out there we have options.

Honestly, if I were the Bengals, I would go without a FB and pick up an extra, between the tackles, RB. Put Peko or Roland as FB if we need an extra blocker.

by goffchile on May 21, 2010 4:36 PM EDT reply actions

love when Peko plays FB.. so beast!

by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on May 22, 2010 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Remember Chris Pressley?

Out caught Jeremi J.
Out blocked ALL the FBs at last year’s camp.
A quality replacement, he was put on the practice squad in favor of
His Perpetual Chubbiness; Jeremi Johnson.

Now, he’s in Tampa Bay, so my question is how did that happen?

Proctor of Minimalist Grandeur

by Drofintellact on May 21, 2010 7:06 PM EDT reply actions

hard knocks

Bengals FO felt they wanted to have some more controversy, and let go a guy early that they should have kept in house. Mikey Brown sticks his snout into the mix while the cameras roll and the result is us losing Pressley, a guy who really wanted to play here and was a beast. He’s still a beast and getting deserved respect that he didn’t get here.

I think we picked up a pretty good kid this draft season though, so JJ is probably a moot point. FB’s get old quick and they are not all that hard to replace with fresh meat.

by UpStateMike on May 22, 2010 5:16 AM EDT up reply actions

problem with pressley

he was an unknown, good in camp doesn’t always mean good on gameday. so the bengals gambled they could keep him on the practice squad and have pressley ready to join the roster oif the opportunity presented itself (or the need).

tampa had an injury at fb first and that was that.

"wherever Brad St. Louis is and Shayne Graham is about to be." -R.F. Mehl

by palewook on May 22, 2010 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions

outblocked???

Pressley outblocked the other 2 unproven guys thats it. The issue with Jeremi is never “can the guy block” its can he be in shape. Jeremi is one of the best lead blockers in the NFL and Pressly may be alright eventually but not even in JJs class. Oh and who gives a crap how many times the FB touches the ball, thats not his freaking job. Everyone wants a Madden FB that is quick for the swing pass but in all actuality thats not important in actual football. With Gresham and Coffman still learning how to block we need a veteran lead blocker in short yardage and goaline situations!!!!!!!!

by Andy Johnson on May 22, 2010 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Well let me shed some light on this being in Louisville, KY.

Jeremi Johnson went to Ballard High School in louisville and was the man. He played at Western Kentucky, so I’m rooting for him simply due to these two things. Not to mention, He used to be one of the best FBs in the league. If get back to old form, then by all means sign him.

JOE TRONZO is a ferocious beast who could pancake Ray Lewis. This guy is one of the best blockers I have seen in a long time. He’s also a great Special Teams player. Joe Tronzo will be a a great FB in the league even if it’s not with the Bengals. I just want to see him get a fair shot, and, mark me words, he will be a battering ram leading the freight train, Cedric Benson. WHO-DEY!!???? Can’t wait for football to start

by DonMegga on May 22, 2010 11:48 PM EDT reply actions

Ballard

I was watching JJ since his Ballard days, as well, since my cousin was on the O-Line that blocked for him. I’ve always been a fan, but I’m trying to be pragmatic enough now to separate reality from family and fandom (see 1st post in this thread).

I agree with you about Tronzo…the man is an F350 with feet.

by TheWalrus1971 on May 24, 2010 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I think people are discounting Fui

He was heavily scouted and has tons of ability both as a runner and receiving threat. if he adds a few pounds, i bet he could be totally formidable.

i’d still prefer pressley, but he’ll do.

RIP Slim.

by brandone on May 23, 2010 4:15 PM EDT reply actions

jianmei23fda your a troll and I hope your computer gets infested with bed bugs who suck every ounce of blood from your body.. Get away from out boards!!!!!!!

by Michael Rheault on May 24, 2010 5:21 AM EDT reply actions