Deuce Lutui's Contract May Hint That He's The Favorite To Start At Left Guard

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 31, 2011 1:13 PM EDT in Contracts

Thanks to a fellow reader promoting the contract details, which we have confirmed through Roto, the deal that Bengals guard Deuce Lutui signed last week is a two-year deal worth $8.75 million, with $5 million due during his first year. In truth the deal tends to put a wrench in our speculation about how the team will utilize Lutui, but that's only dependant on the accuracy of RotoWorld's figures.

Starting every game at right guard throughout his career with the Arizona Cardinals, we assume he'll stay there as a backup to Bobbie Williams. But the truth is, a contract that pays $5 million in 2011 would promote the idea that Lutui would be a favorite to start on the left. Then again the way they ditched Mathis, an obvious improvement over Nate Livings, we're not exactly sure if $5 million is enough to sit Livings.

The Bengals generally take 9-10 offensive linemen into the regular season. Our sure-fire locks (barring injury) include guys like Andrew Whitworth, Kyle Cook, Bobbie Williams, Andre Smith and Anthony Collins. Clint Boling should be a lock, as should Lutui. Being as the team needs a backup center, Reggie Stephens would be a safe bet leaving at least one lineman to compete for a ninth spot. Which you know will probably be Livings; Dennis Roland if there's a tenth spot. Let's just hope that Marvin Lewis' starting from new belief applies to the final two spots.

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i hate all of these moves

by Doc Scratch on Jul 31, 2011 1:16 PM EDT reply actions

2011 free agent strategy: sign 2006 second rounders

Lutui was taken 9th in the second and will join fellow 2006 2nd rounder Whitworth on the left side of the line. Thomas Howard was taken 6th in the second. We’ve already lost out on Danieal Manning, Roman Harper, Daryn Colledge, Kellen Clemens, Chris Chester, Richard Marshall, Jeremy Trueblood, and Tarvaris Jackson so it’s time to get cracking front office! I hear LenDale White is available…

by bengaljohnboy on Jul 31, 2011 1:29 PM EDT reply actions

Deuce is a prototypical RG

I don’t know why we’re assuming Bobbie makes the roster this year. He looked pretty bad at times in 2010. I would love a better option than Livings, but they had that in Mathis and let him go. For whatever reason Alexander loves him.

by BeerRun on Jul 31, 2011 1:39 PM EDT reply actions

"I don’t know why we’re assuming Bobbie makes the roster this year"

Huh?

Managing Editor at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 31, 2011 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Confused me too.

Why would Bobbie not make the roster? He’s still our best guard, regardless of these signings.

by Doc Scratch on Jul 31, 2011 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions

RE:

He’s routinely regarded as one of the better guards in the league, much less our team.

Managing Editor at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 31, 2011 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

let's see what happens

This could work out…a former high round pick that has been a starter in this league…I will be a judge of him after the pre season

by beast_ on Jul 31, 2011 1:54 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

vonta leach signed with the ravens

3 year 11 mil.

by JCompton41 on Jul 31, 2011 2:06 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Dirt cheap for a guy that turned arian foster into the leading rusher.

FB is so unappreciated.

by Cry on Jul 31, 2011 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions

yea no doubt.

A good full back can get your runningback an extra 2 ypc easy.

by JCompton41 on Jul 31, 2011 3:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Just look at 2009 compared to 2010 what a real FB mean. Bet Ced wish he had a true FB (vet) last year.

by i am will on Jul 31, 2011 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Hey will be at RG and Benson will be running that way.

Deuce was #1 in stuff percentage. #3 in big plays runs. #6 in total rushing (that’s with a passing team too). This is for the total history of one off the old teams in the NFL! We lost one of the best in cardinals history!

by Realstory on Jul 31, 2011 2:25 PM EDT reply actions

Any upgrade

is a good upgrade, when it comes to our offensive line. He is friends with Domata and Rey and that alone I think will help him keep motivated with his weight issues.

"Next season will be better" circa 1990
Twitter @Rcklarue

by Yarin on Jul 31, 2011 2:39 PM EDT reply actions

He can play

I think he will play LG. If they stick with run first pass second he will be ok. We will see what he can do. Just glad he is in camp now so he can get use to the offense and get some preseason work in at LG (if he plays LG). If he can play LG he will start. With him at LG the O line should be much better.

by i am will on Jul 31, 2011 3:20 PM EDT reply actions