As the Rumor Mill Turns: Bengals Enter Robert Gallery Sweepstakes?

by BeerRun on Jul 26, 2011 10:54 PM EDT in Rumors

The Cincinnati Bengals have joined in the bidding for Oakland Raiders guard Robert Gallery, according to Yahoo's Jason Cole.

In March, Gallery told the media that he felt it was time to move on.

"With the end of the league year coming today, and the few conversations I've had with the Raiders and Mr. Davis, we've come to a mutual agreement that it's time for me to move on with my career," Gallery said Thursday from his home in the Oakland area. "I appreciate the start that they and Mr. Davis gave me and I truly have enjoyed my time wearing the silver and black. I wish them well, I thank the fans and I take away great memories of my time in Oakland."

Gallery, the second overall pick in the 2004 draft, was reportedly asking for a new deal in the $8 million per year range. Various sources have the New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions in the market for Gallery as well.

Spending $8 million a year on a guard would be a departure for the Bengals, to say the least. The team has never placed great value on interior offensive line positions, preferring to put its o-line coin into the tackle positions. Interest in the pricey Gallery could reflect the impact of the new CBA and the amount of spending required for the team to reach the salary floor.

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Not sure I like the idea of paying a 31 year old guard 8+ million a year.

I guess it’s a move to get better, but I want this team to spend wisely. Though he would do wonders for our running game. I wonder what the PFF guys would say about this (besides “should have started Evan Mathis”).

by Cry on Jul 26, 2011 11:08 PM EDT reply actions

yea 8 mil seems steep

We’ll see what he gets, hopefully less.

by JCompton41 on Jul 26, 2011 11:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

It's a step in the right direction, though.

It isn’t often that Mike Brown decides he’s willing to shell out big money to an offensive lineman. It might be a slight overpay considering Gallery’s age, but hey, if Brown starts showing a willingness to spend big money on getting big maulers to help out the O-line, I can’t complain

Miggy Miggy Miggy, can't you see?
Sometimes your skills just hypnotize me.
And I just love your veteran ways,
You're unappreciated and under-paid.

by sexsalad on Jul 26, 2011 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah no doubt

Wanting to pay an interior lineman is the first sign Mike brown is letting other people make.decisions.

by JCompton41 on Jul 26, 2011 11:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I really hope your right about that!!! LOL!!!

OH NO!!! WE SUCK AGAIN!!!

by D-Day77 on Jul 26, 2011 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

by Boomer Lion on Jul 26, 2011 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Tru Dat

Why not got after Davin Joseph or Justin Blalock with that money.

A change needs to happen to this organization. Mike Brown please step down.

by Mr.Blanket on Jul 26, 2011 11:17 PM EDT reply actions

Gallery's a good guard...

…but has had injury issues. Still, look at what we’ve got: Bobbie who IMHO struggled last year and Nate Livings. Just about anything is an upgrade.

by BeerRun on Jul 26, 2011 11:18 PM EDT reply actions

he's not gettimg $8m a season, dont worry.

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by Joe Goodberry on Jul 26, 2011 11:50 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

that makes it.even better news!

by JCompton41 on Jul 27, 2011 12:00 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

That was my reaction...

I’d guess he gets signed for about 6-7 mil a year. No way he gets 8. However the Bengals might have to pay him 8 to get him to play here (let’s not kid ourselves…if all things are equal he aint signing with the Bengals)

by Crew Jones on Jul 27, 2011 7:04 AM EDT up reply actions

Targeting a veteran guard makes the most sense

It’s no secret we need at least one guard to be remotely successful this year, no matter who we get to hold the football.

Getting a high end one would be wonderful news. Bobbie has performed great, but he’s on the decline fast now. We should keep him in reserves as insurance, and get some road graders in there.

Sure. Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth - Mike Tyson

by UpStateMike on Jul 27, 2011 6:00 AM EDT reply actions

Local Perspective on Gallery

I moved to the (San Francisco-Oakland) Bay Area in 1997 and have been here for the entirety of Robert Gallery’s career. I’ve watched Gallery play live and on television several times.

If the Bengals pick Gallery up at any price it will be too high. A Gallery signing will not upgrade the Bengals offensive line. Gallery has been a colossal (and overpaid) disappointment for Oakland who drafted him as a tackle. Obviously the tackle thing did not work out – and he’s only marginally better as a guard.

I hope Cincinnati looks elsewhere for help.

by Skeleton Kees on Jul 27, 2011 1:49 PM EDT reply actions