Bengals Sign Former Lions WR John Standeford

by Jason Garrison on Aug 11, 2011 1:21 PM EDT

On Thursday, the Bengals signed former Lions and Colts wide receiver John Standeford to add depth to an already talented but young group of wide receivers.

#Bengals sign free agent WR John Standeford, a 2-year vet who has played 11 NFL games with 16 receptions for the Lions.less than a minute ago via Seesmic Desktop Favorite Retweet ReplyCincinnati Bengals
Bengals

Standeford (6-4, 200 pounds) was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Washington Redskins in 2004 but was traded to the Indianapolis Colts, where he spent the majority of his time on the practice squad. He was eventually traded to the Detroit Lions, where he finally got some playing time.

During the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Standeford played in 11 games and made 16 receptions for 249 yards. He eventually signed with the UFL's Virginia Destroyers in June of this year before being yanked back into the NFL by te Bengals.

If Standeford wants to make the team, he's going to have his work cut out for him as the Bengals have one of the youngest and most talented group of wide receivers in the league.

Standeford will be able to face off against his former team on Friday.

UPDATE: Joe Reedy Tweets that Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden coached Standeford in the UFL.

Guess I should also note that Gruden coached Standeford last year with Florida in the UFL #bengalsless than a minute ago via web Favorite Retweet ReplyJoe Reedy
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the Bengals have one of the youngest and most talented group of wide receivers in the league

LOL. I wouldn’t get to carried away with that one. Let’s just say other than A.J. Green, the rest are replaceable.

What do you do when there's no way out? Find a way to get deeper in it.

by jimbasa on Aug 11, 2011 1:27 PM EDT reply actions

I disagree

Shipley has the makings of an elite slot WR, Simpson and Caldwell are insanely athletic…they need to get on the field and prove it, but I’d hardly call them “replaceable.”

by Big Sky Bengal on Aug 11, 2011 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd say the rest are serviceable if not replaceable then.

What do you do when there's no way out? Find a way to get deeper in it.

by jimbasa on Aug 11, 2011 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions

But they are young

In 2 seasons with detriot, Standeford had fewer catches and yards than Simpson or Caldwell in the last 3 games last year. Shipley was clearly among the best rookie WR. I’m not certain why we made this pick-up unless he is great on special teams, except maybe as insurance.

It must be inordinately taxing to be such a boob. ~ The Brain

by jim0ijk on Aug 11, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

RE:

UPDATE: Joe Reedy Tweets that Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden coached Standeford in the UFL

I think this is why

What do you do when there's no way out? Find a way to get deeper in it.

by jimbasa on Aug 11, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I watched Standeford play at Purdue

Nice hands, probably most similar to Shipley. Not saying he will make the team, but I could see him giving Cosby a good run.

"The only thing we have to fear is... Mike Brown himself."

by DrainBamage on Aug 11, 2011 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Let me say it this way...

He did a lot to make Curtis Painter look good. And that ain’t exactly easy to do. Again, wouldn’t shock me if he got cut, but it wouldn’t shock me if he made it either. Given the choice between him and Cosby, I’d take Standeford.

"The only thing we have to fear is... Mike Brown himself."

by DrainBamage on Aug 11, 2011 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Tutor

Maybe they are bringing him to help tutor the other receivers on the nuances of Gruden’s system?

by AWC71 on Aug 11, 2011 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions

that was my first thought

once i heard he was with Gruden last year.

by Cedric Benson Boat Party on Aug 11, 2011 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Talented & Young

I think we do have one of the most talented group of young wide receivers. I can’t think of many WR cores who have a younger AND more talented group… Simpson & Green are both incredible talents. Shipley is great in the slot. Caldwell maybe is replaceable… but very good as our 4th WR. Gresham is Supremely talented and Coffman can catch balls too when given the opportunity…. And all of them are on their first contract! Only a few other teams boast that much young talent. Giants, Eagles, Dallas… but I honestly can’t think of anyone else

by The Dealio on Aug 11, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

I think even green is replaceable, I don’t trust any rookie until they’ve played a season. And I don’t see the love for Simpson, yeah he had some great games in pointless time last year, but that doesn’t erase three years on the bench. Having said that, we have other more important needs than wide receiver that need attention, I think this was just a garbage signing that will be cut before the season.

by Black&Orange on Aug 11, 2011 8:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

huh

Is this some attempt at getting information about Detroit’s playbook prior to a PRESEASON game…That is the only way I understand this signing.

by ticalcaldwell on Aug 11, 2011 1:34 PM EDT reply actions

I don't get it either.

I felt we were pretty set at WR, with our top six being Green, Simpson, Shipley, Caldwell, Cosby and Whalen to take into the regular season, so unless we just want more bodies at camp to reduce the workload, I don’t really know why we signed him.

by Aether on Aug 11, 2011 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

it seems like we always have a stable of WRs come in late to camp

But there’s no way this guy makes the team.

by The Dealio on Aug 11, 2011 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions

I believe he's got some PR experience

…and right now our punt return guys are Quan, Shipley and some scrub, Holland. Given that the game could easily turn into a punt-fest, they may just be looking for a guy to share the load with Holland in the second half.

by BeerRun on Aug 11, 2011 1:50 PM EDT reply actions

what the?

The Bengals are deep at WR. Why not go get a Guard or Safety? Anything but a WR. Brian Waters still available? How serious is Otis Hudson’s injury?

by M Shop on Aug 11, 2011 1:54 PM EDT reply actions

just a camp body

It’s not like he will make the team.

by JCompton41 on Aug 11, 2011 1:57 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

theory

maybe the team is getting info to help Dalton, so that his confidence isnt killed quickly…I doubt the Bengals are that smart…

by ticalcaldwell on Aug 11, 2011 2:10 PM EDT reply actions

joereedy Joe Reedy
Since it seems to be the most asked question — why? It’s a training camp body.

by Cry on Aug 11, 2011 2:13 PM EDT reply actions

He would know the terminaology which would make the transition smooth.

It must be inordinately taxing to be such a boob. ~ The Brain

by jim0ijk on Aug 11, 2011 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

This makes no sense; must bee looking for a camp body

Its not like theyre actually worried about preparing for the Detroit Lions in the opening preseason game. I suspect hes a camp body that knows Gruden and Gruden is giving him a chance to maybe make some preseason game film for other teams. I wonder if some of the real WRs are getting knicked up in practice.

by K312 on Aug 11, 2011 3:16 PM EDT reply actions