Deuce Lutui Will See The Bengals At Christmas (Just Not Likely Doing Anything)

The Cincinnati Bengals reportedly signed former Cardinals offensive guard Deuce Lutui to an $8.75 million deal over two seasons with $5 million due during his first season in late July. Though he was projected to being a backup offensive guard, there was suspicions that he could compete at left guard to replace Nate Livings as the team’s starter. That lasted all of a single day until Lutui reportedly failed his physical. As he was leaving Cincinnati, Lutui, who reported at camp at 381 pounds, offered a message to the Bengals saying:

"Just understand what's leaving the door and I'll see you guys this Christmas."

Riiight. More like you left $8.75 million at the door on your own.

The problem for Lutui that if he does play, it means something happened with the Arizona Cardinals starting right guard Rex Hadnot, forcing the team to go with Lutui, the backup guard. Whatever revenge story expected to play out, the Bengals aren't likely to see the Lutui-wrath.

At the same time we can’t argue that Lutui wouldn’t have been helpful this season, with the troubling results from Nate Livings and mediocre (to worse) production from Mike McGlynn. But in the end it’s all meaningless because Lutui isn’t likely to play and if he played for the Bengals, his production wasn’t likely to improve Cincinnati’s overall talent on the offensive line. Let's call it a draw.