Lots of draft talk, what about free agency

by biggie22 on Dec 8, 2011 2:45 PM EST

We are now 3/4 the way thru the season and this team has done much better than most people expected. Because of our trade with the Raiders, I've heard an awful lot of draft talk. It got me thinking getting Carson off the books should give us more flexibility in free agency as well. Starting in 2013 we are going to have a cap minimum. Hopefully this off season they start working toward that cap minimum so we are not sitting there scrambling going into the 2013 season, having to spend a sh## ton of money on players who may not be worth it.

On offense, I'd ike to see us let Simpson, Caldwell, Livings, and Benson all walk. Livings I'm actually on the fence about because I think he could be a descent back up but I'd really like an upgrade and would like for us to focuss on resigning and/or extending Bobby Williams (two year deal), Andre Smith, Anthony Collins, and Andrew "baby " Hawkins.

On Defense, I'd like for us to resign and/or extend the entire defensive line, excluding Robert Geathers (IMO too expensive for what he brings to the table) and I'd like us to especially work out long term deals with Dunlap and Atkins. LB's - I'd like us to extend Howard and Lawson (I know we have Howard thru 2012 but I'd give him an extension). I'd cut Keith Rivers (eventhough I like him) just because I think you could sign Lawson for half the money and get just as much production, which would be a better value. I really do not see us bringing both of them back, although it would be nice therefore I'd like for us to spend the extra money on upgrades in other areas. I almost forgot, I'd definitely try and bring back Brandon Johnson as well. DB's - I'd absolutely resign Adam Jones, especially since we are not sure if Leon Hall will even be able to make a full recovery from his injury (I've heard it's a tough injury to fully recover from). I'd let Kelly jennings walk and I 'd cut Chris Crocker. I've gone back and fourth on Reggie Nelson (love him but he's so damn inconsistent), ultimately I'd try to resign him but wouldn't break the bank on in him.

By taking Carson, Rivers and Geathers off the books we should theoretically be able to target 2 or 3 big named free agents in 2012 .

# 1 target is Carl Nicks offensive guard for the Saints. They just signed there other guard to a huge deal last year and have Drew Breeze, Marcus Colsten and several other big name free agents to worry about this year as well.

# 2 target is La-Ron Landry SS for the Redskins, he's going to demand big money and it will be difficult to get him away for Washington, especially if we have to get into a bidding war with Daniel Snyder. Having said that,we should have plenty of extra money and a stud safety is someone I'm definitely willing to throw big money at in this division.

#3 target is an established # 2 WR. There are quite a few of them out there. I know a few of you on here have talked about drafting another WR, but with our offensive skill players already being so young, I'd almost prefer us to have at least one more veteran presence in the line up and I think this would be the perfect position spot to add a veteran. A couple of the names that come to mind are Pierrre Garcon, Robert Meachem, and Marcus Colston just to name a few who will be on the market next year

If we are able to land any of these targets and then address some of our other needs early in the draft, I think this team could really be sitting pretty for a while.

Lastly, I don't know if any of you noticed but Brandon Tate was not included. It's simply because IMO he should already be gone and off this team:)

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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Comments

I don't know what other safeties are out there,

but I wouldn’t want the Bengals to target Landry. I live in the Washington area, so I get to see him all the time. I’m not impressed by his skills to be honest-

by yofrex on Dec 8, 2011 3:12 PM EST reply actions

What about Dashon Goldson 49ers

by messjunk on Dec 8, 2011 4:28 PM EST up reply actions

+1

I live in the DC metro area and Landry is not an upgrade in the Safety department.

by DCBengalFan on Dec 8, 2011 11:12 PM EST up reply actions

LaRon Landry seems pretty good pick-up and on WR I think we go Garcon

by Touhue Cha on Dec 8, 2011 3:31 PM EST reply actions

Landry will be overpriced and I’d prefer Marques Colston over Garcon. Colston is older, but he gives you a similar (I’d say better) skillset for a cheaper price.

by Cry on Dec 8, 2011 10:35 PM EST up reply actions

why would colston be cheaper than garcon?

by JCompton41 on Dec 11, 2011 9:46 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

As a #1 receiver coming from a perennial contender, he won’t be cheap. And won’t be leaving.

by Dorey15 on Dec 11, 2011 8:21 PM EST up reply actions

Isn't Free Agency before the draft

by messjunk on Dec 8, 2011 4:19 PM EST reply actions

COLSTON COLSTON COLSTON!

Also, Michael Bush seems like a good deal. Reedy’s chat today hinted that it’s a possibility.

by Boomer Lion on Dec 8, 2011 4:22 PM EST reply actions

Definately Michael Bush

I think if Richardson doesn’t declare this year we wait til next draft for RB take Bush in FA

by messjunk on Dec 8, 2011 4:24 PM EST up reply actions

Off topic but,,,

now I’m really curious as to what’s going on with Moch… not practicing for personal reasons?

by Luke on Dec 8, 2011 5:44 PM EST up reply actions

Love plugging the holes at OG and WR via free agency........

Two areas that we wouldn’t have to worry about drafting. Even though there are great prospects at Guard, I hate to talk about using a first or even second on an interior lineman. Also, this will be a huge group of free agents at receiver this offseason. With the money we will have to spend, this shouldn’t be an issue to address (if we decide to crack the checkbook). Nicks, would be great, but doubt we would pay Colston the type of money he’s going to want. We just need someone to take the heat off of Green, they don’t have to be our 1B receiver (although that would be nice, just don’t see it happening). I would be ok with a guy like Manningham, Meachem or Garcon.

by The Van Buren Boys on Dec 8, 2011 5:25 PM EST reply actions

Robert Meachem

I would want Robert Meachem as the number 2 receiver. Big upgrade over Simpson and Caldwell

by DCBengalFan on Dec 8, 2011 11:13 PM EST up reply actions

But,, but,, Colston is better,,

Older though.. but in that case man.. go for Garcon..

by Cry on Dec 9, 2011 1:37 AM EST up reply actions

Colston would also be a lot more expensive, commanding #1 dollars....

Meachem or Garcon would be cheaper and are younger. Would be thrilled with either.

by The Van Buren Boys on Dec 9, 2011 8:52 AM EST up reply actions

IF, if cincy made some quality FA moves in the offseason, they would be welcome

however, considering, mike’s history, don’t expect any moves unless they are “value accessed.”

" Mike Brown is the owner that Cincy doesn't deserve, not the one it needs..."

by palewook on Dec 8, 2011 6:46 PM EST reply actions

we get guys like Nate Webster

that’s Mikey Boy’s idea of quality, most seasons.
This year was a pretty good crop but I think it’s because Zimmer called him some bad names on the phone after he heard J Jo had been lost.

by occams_tiger_teeth on Dec 8, 2011 11:00 PM EST up reply actions

Hey guys, all of these ideas are great, if we had Jerry Jones or Snyder,

But we have Mike (five & dime) Brown. There is little to no chance we get any of these FA’s unless they have a big injury (reducing value) or get arrested (further reducing value). Other wise our FA pickups will be just like last year. A bunch of nobodys who, given the right amount of coaching will blossom into a Thomas Howard or Manny Lawson. And that’s fine with me……

by redrifle14 on Dec 9, 2011 2:21 AM EST up reply actions

Well truth be told Nate Clements is a pretty big name

but that’s I think the product of effing up on J Jo and having the coaching staff go ballistic.

Of the free agents for next year these guys might be bargains:
WR Anthony Gonzalez, Colts – just the type of guy Mike Brown loves. High draft pick, hasn’t lived up to it, injury prone
WR Eddie Royal, Broncos – been going downhill?
DL Kedric Golston, Redskins – went to Georgia (2 Mike Brown points), multiple arrests (2 Mike Brown points)
LB Ahmad Brooks, SF – a return visit?
CB Rashean Mathis, Jaguars – he’s hurt, stock is down, that’s in Mike Brown’s wheelhouse!

by occams_tiger_teeth on Dec 9, 2011 2:50 AM EST up reply actions

nate is old and nobody wanted him as a starter

we got him for a discount. only reason mike paid him.

" Mike Brown is the owner that Cincy doesn't deserve, not the one it needs..."

by palewook on Dec 9, 2011 9:39 AM EST up reply actions

true

but I think he’s a step up from the usual dregs the Bengals come up with. This years signings were all pretty decent pickups, two of the three starting linebackers off the scrap heap, and a starting cornerback (two if you count Jennings who had to start). Even though the linebackers are not your world-beater type they’re actually better than all the linebackers the Bengals have picked in Marvin’s time here, with the possible exception of Odell Thurman.

It’s amazing that given the track record of never having signed a top dog, that people still fall for these types of posts wishing that Mike Brown is going to cough up big money for Ray Rice. Even I am occasionally hallucinating along those lines.

by occams_tiger_teeth on Dec 9, 2011 9:56 PM EST up reply actions

Biggest difference is the new cba

And Carson’s contract being off the books because that means we have only 1 year to get up to around 96% of salary the cap (I beleive the min in 2013 is going to force each team to teams to spend around 96% or 97% of the total cap). People always want to talk about Mike Brown being a cheap a$$, which is true to an extent but he actually does surprise us sometimes and spends money on players (just not anything else ; practice bubble:) and unfortunately they are not always the best personel decisions (Antonio Bryant). The point is he’s shown that he’s capable of throwing big money @ certain players, I mean @ one point he made Carson the highest paid QB in the league.

by biggie22 on Dec 9, 2011 10:52 PM EST up reply actions

cant believe i'm saying this, i'd offer simpson a conditional contact with incentives

conditional on:

1) not being in jail

Conditions:

3 years at 1 million base per season with:
100000 bonus per TD (up to 8 TDs)
100000 bonus per 100 yards (up to 800 yards on the season)
100000 for not being arrested each year
100000 workout/participation (show up in shape. dont hold out)
-—————
meeting all of the conditions doubles base salary for the following season.
-——————-

in short you get simpson for a 1 million a year, with max payout on 1st year of contract at 3 million (if he gets 800 yards, 8 tds, and avoids arrest). 4 million for the 2nd season if he set the world on fire the 1st season and 6 million for the last season if he’s done the impossible – turned into a starting wr in the nfl.

the odds favor never having to pay simpson more than 1-2 million a season on this contract.

" Mike Brown is the owner that Cincy doesn't deserve, not the one it needs..."

by palewook on Dec 9, 2011 9:48 AM EST reply actions

I thought we learned our lessons.

I’m not to big on signing free agents they tend not to work out as hoped, last year proved that for us, and look at Philly this year, spent a bunch of money not very productive. I think Mays will be a good SS who could stop the run and lay people out over the middle. Rivers I would bring back and see how he develops. The only guys I would sign would be on the OL, a guard or two. I would look to the draft for WR and RB. I think Mock is going to be a good LB or could take Gathers spot on the roster if we bring back Rivers.

by rugstar81 on Dec 9, 2011 10:21 AM EST reply actions

i love thinking a guy we got for a 7th round pick will be usefull too

But let’s not bet our saftey position on it.

by JCompton41 on Dec 11, 2011 9:50 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

I def think FA is the way to go for a 2nd WR

Meachum, Colston, or Garcon would be great. We want someone who can start NEXT year, and we’re not gonna get that out of the draft. I think there are more important holes to fill that weare less likely to be able to fill in free agency, like CB, RB (unless we can get Michael Bush), Guard, safety possibly, and DLine/Depth after round 3. We will know what we need to draft based on any free agents we can get though.

by Luke on Dec 9, 2011 10:48 AM EST reply actions

Free agency is effective if you don't try to assemble a dream team

and you don’t try to search for scrubs like Mike Brown normally does.

Look at what the Texans did this year: J Jo was a nice addition for them and is being called the best free agent signing of 2011. If the Bengals could add one top-level player at any position of need, it would be a big step for them. But don’t hold your breath.

by occams_tiger_teeth on Dec 9, 2011 10:01 PM EST reply actions

same as san fran

Carlos rodgers. Saints got drew brees as a free agent. Like was said, of course free agents won’t help your team when you try to get all your defensive starters through it, or when your signing washed up injured players who nobody wants. But if you get a few pieces who fit your team, then it can make you a contender real fast.

by JCompton41 on Dec 11, 2011 9:55 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Yep but Mike Brown simply doesn't have a clue

how to manage a roster, constantly mis-diagnosing the worth of his players.

He overvalued Rudi J and undervalued J Jo and Justin Smith, for example. He gave a big contract to Geathers who promptly never played as well again. Etc.

The bottom line is as long as Mike Brown is around this franchise is stuck. But we know this already. The evidence is overwhelming!

Now, the question is, if Cincy fans will push for something bigger to change. The New York Giants fans did that. The Mara’s were exactly like Mike Brown. Then they hired a GM, who hired Parcells and drafted Phil Simms and Mark Bavaro and all the others.

by occams_tiger_teeth on Dec 11, 2011 7:38 PM EST up reply actions