Bengals Won't Be In Hunt For "Big Names" In 2012 Free Agency
by Anthony Cosenza on Jan 17, 2012 5:00 PM EST
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PrintAs we've noted in a few posts since the Bengals' 2011 season ended, the Bengals aren't big players in free agency. We also recently went over the names of all of the potential free agents for 2012 and there are quite a few names that pop out as "franchise players". The Bengals tasted success in 2011, albeit with quite a few glaring roster holes.
As fans look at the potential free agent list, they begin to salivate over marquee names that they hope to see in stripes the next season. Even though they are slow movers in free agency, the Bengals do tend to surprise us with some big name signings (Terrell Owens, Adam Jones, Larry Johnson), but usually it's because they come with baggage and/or are at the end of their career.
Well, our friend Geoff Hobson at Bengals.com dropped a little hint as to what the Bengals plans are for this impending free agency period:
As usual when free agency starts March 13, they won’t be looking for big names and are most likely to focus on signing own players. The Bengals hope to have guys like kicker
Mike Nugent and safety Reggie Nelson locked up before offseason workouts start April 16 at Paul Brown Stadium.
Hobson usually has a pretty good pulse on the team and what their plans are, so this is probably accurate. It would be a stretch to say that this is a surprise, though it is frustrating. The real question is what constitutes a "big name" in Hobson's and the team's eyes. Is it specific players or positions that they won't be targeting?
For instance, one could argue that guys like Ray Rice, Matt Forte and Arian Foster are all elite names and some of the best at their position. The Bengals probably won't opt for these types of players and look towards the draft. However, does that mean that they'd look at the best player at a non-flashy position, say offensive guard, like Carl Nicks? Again, I'd doubt it based on Hobson's take.
Most agree that the best way to build a team is through the draft and I echo that sentiment. You can get good, young talent locked up for four or five years to build a foundation. The Bengals have seemed to have done a good job of that over the past couple of years, but it's become obvious that talented veterans from other successful clubs would be great additions to a team seemingly headed in the right direction. After all, the point of free agency is to plug a lot of roster holes and then fill the rest and add depth through the draft. A successful team isn't continuously built if a team invests too heavily in one or the other.
It's still really early to see how their offseason goes, but don't be surprised if the Bengals are frustratingly quiet in those first 48-72 hours of free agency.
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How can they not consider a 26 yr old Carl Nicks who's a Pro-bowler after only 3 years??
"What we do in this life echoes in eternity"
Maximus*
because Mike Brown doesn't think
“now what can I do to win a Super Bowl?” … he thinks, “now what can I do to keep the suckers, er, fans, coming to the games”
by occams_tiger_teeth on Jan 17, 2012 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
no surprise here
But getting a G in FA would open up the draft. That money has to be spent somehow and I hope that Hobson is wrong.
Mr.Blanket I presume. Blanket as in Blanket coverage.
by Mr.Blanket on Jan 17, 2012 5:12 PM EST via mobile reply actions
we been wrong about MB as of lately.
Mr.Blanket I presume. Blanket as in Blanket coverage.
by Mr.Blanket on Jan 17, 2012 5:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
doesn't HAVE to be spent till 2013
and we probably get someone like urbik of Buffalo as opposed to Nicks or Grubbs
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
this kind of post
frustrates the hell out of me, Mikey needs to step up if he wants to keep the fans interested. He’s not doing bad so far, he needs to strike while his image is looking better or many may call his bluff and stay away again next year too.
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
+1
See my post below about making a “big splash” (which they clearly can afford), by adding one of the best o-lineman in the NFL
by The_Black_Stripes on Jan 17, 2012 5:28 PM EST up reply actions
+100
Mr.Blanket I presume. Blanket as in Blanket coverage.
by Mr.Blanket on Jan 17, 2012 6:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
They don't have to spend till 13, but
I don’t see Brown waiting till next year and then stuck with alot of cap room to tie up. I wouldn’t be surprised if they start spending this year. It may be on our own players, but I can’t see him possibly being forced to spend it all in one off season when you can get rid of a little money now with improvements.
by Bigcatdaddy on Jan 17, 2012 6:01 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
i can't recall specifics
but i do remember a time or 2 lately that hobson said something and we did something different.
for all those who want nicks, he’s incredible and all, but i don’t think we need him. that’s a lot of cap money tied into our o-line and we can probably find someone good enough for a lot cheaper. i’d rather sign an established corner.
the only corner in free agency
I’d even consider is Brandon Carr, I might consider Tyvon Branch or Michael Griffin, but they still don’t help our Offense, I don’t want a rookie guard protecting Dalton, period.
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
* 2 rookie guards instead of a rookie guard
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
i didn't say a rookie,
i just said we don’t need to spend all that money on nicks.
and i’d take finnegan or grimes if they came in around 5 or so mil per.
well
there’s only two guards that would definately upgrade our line, besides them the only other way is by the draft
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
Really?
What about Cortland Finnegan or Brent Grimes?
by BobJones4980 on Jan 17, 2012 8:33 PM EST up reply actions
Hobson, at least initially, also thought The Quitter would return to the Bengals
I really like Hobson, but this wouldn’t be the first (and most likely won’t be the last) time he is incorrect.
We shall see, though. I personally hope he is wrong, with regard to Nicks or Grubbs.
A targeted Free Agency of:
1.) OG = Nicks/Grubbs (i.e. the “headliner”/big splash, which would appease the disenchanted fans, as some posters above have rightly mentioned, and signal a different Bengals’ course has been charted. I can dream, right??)
2.) WR = Manningham
3.) TE = Martellus Bennett (The Bengals actually tried to trade for him 2 seasons ago when he was a rookie). Plus, with Coffman now with KC, and Lee an UFA, I would love a TE trio of Gresham, Bennett, and Cochart.
Manningham and Bennett fit the mold of “2nd tier FA players” the Bengals tradionally have targeted. Nicks/Grubbs would represent a “new course”.
This would open up the draft to improve the D, get a sold RB, or just strictly follow the BPA method regardless of position.
by The_Black_Stripes on Jan 17, 2012 5:26 PM EST reply actions
Manningham = A Less Athletic Simpson
Manningham just doesn’t have the upside that Simpson has showed at points this year. Manningham has worse hands than Jerome, and in my opinion, he isnt nearly as athletic. With the money we spend on Manningham, we could easily acquire an Upgrade to the Offensive Line, or put the money towards someone like Bush
Bush will most likely be Franchised Tagged by the Raiders (especially with the concerns of Run DMC's durability)
Manningham at least runs precise routes. Does NOT possess blazing speed by any means, but he does seem dependable. Plus, he’s had 23 TD receptions over his first four seasons (that’s more than solid production from a person who is not even their #2 receiver. Giants have Nick and Cruz).
by The_Black_Stripes on Jan 17, 2012 5:31 PM EST up reply actions
doubtful
if for only because they can’t afford to have so much money tied to 1 position, still don’t want him though, wore down to easy to be considered a stud back
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
Rotoworld Free agent list
Also has him pegged as being franchised
can't see how they can afford both
when they don’t have a draft, they need that money to upgrade their team, but, I hope they do so we can’t even consider him, wore down too easily for my liking
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
Sorry - he has 18 career receiving TDs, not 23.
Still impressive for essentially a #3 receiver.
by The_Black_Stripes on Jan 17, 2012 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
Simpson needs to be #3
We need a better #2. I see Simpson staying and they bring in another WR. If they go for someone better is the question.
by Bigcatdaddy on Jan 17, 2012 6:07 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
we have
shipley, hawkins and whalen for the #3 spot, if Simpson can’t be the #2 we don’t need him, I think he can personally, took him 3 years to get involved in brat’s offense, but by year 2 in Grudens, he should be fun to watch.
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
I mean out side receiver
We are set on slot guys for shore. We have three guys at outside wr, Green, Simpson, and Caldwell. I was taking it that the post above was saying that Manningham would be behind Simpson as a #3 outside wr. I was saying that we need a better #2 than another Caldwell.
by Bigcatdaddy on Jan 17, 2012 6:21 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Caldwell was a slot guy
who happened to back up Simpson, if that’s what your saying, would rather replace him by way of draft.
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
here's another scenario
what about Chase Coffman for the #2 reciever? I know he’s having a hard time blocking as a TE, but would think he would be a great blocker as a WR.
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
Could work
The one thing that killed his chances was that we needed blocking bad. If we get better blocking from the line and a good blocking rb I could see Coffman getting reps at TE. The guy has great hands but I don’t know if he has the speed to play outside. Wilder things have happened.
by Bigcatdaddy on Jan 17, 2012 6:55 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
i don't thonk speed is all that important
the difference between 4.4 and 4.6, blink
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
*think
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
Very true
Housh wasn’t a burner by any means and he did okay. I think it would benefit AJ more if they had a fast guy to draw the safety off but I’m all for whatever works best. I’d really like to see Coffman on the field.
by Bigcatdaddy on Jan 17, 2012 9:06 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
I think they spend some money this off season
It’s just good business sense. MB has a spending floor starting 13’ . So why wait till then and have money you have to get rid of and maybe the players you want or need aren’t their? As tight as MB is I don’t see him spending it on players he doesn’t want. IMO all teams that are in our position spend some money this off season. Maybe it’s on the teams own players with extension, but it could be a busy FA period.
by Bigcatdaddy on Jan 17, 2012 6:17 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
maybe but....
I have a hard time seeing the Raiders paying Bush as a top 5 or top ten running back and that what the franchise tag would be. They have Branch as a free agent and see them tagging first because we all know a quality safety is hard to get.
Martellus Bennett
is a head case down here in Dallas…. would not be a good signing in my opinion.
Watching Stanford Jennings kick return in the Super Bowl was the out of body experience of my sports life.
Manningham = Another Simpson
Manningham just doesn’t have the upside that Simpson has showed at points this year. Manningham has worse hands than Jerome, and in my opinion, he isnt nearly as athletic.
Agree he is not overly athletic, but he runs dependable routes.
Also, I never mentioned signing Manningham to the exclusion of signing Simpson. I like both can be had as they will likely not command a great salary.
by The_Black_Stripes on Jan 17, 2012 5:32 PM EST up reply actions
would rather have simpson or meecham
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
Of course I would prefer Meachem to Manningham, any day of the week. I just mentione Mario as a possibility if they somehow land a big name OG. So ,essentially, what about simpson AND Manningham??
Bengals usually carry 6 WRs:
A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson, Mario Manningham, Jordan Shipley, Andrew Hawkins, and Ryan Whalen. Wouldn’t mind this receiving corps.
Brandon Tate is released and Baby Hawk assumes punt return and kickoff duties (he is so much more elusive than Tate).
by The_Black_Stripes on Jan 17, 2012 5:39 PM EST up reply actions
Release Brandon Tate?!?
Nuh-uh my brutha!! Marvin luvs him some Brandon Tate!!!
by Bengals NFL Champs on Jan 18, 2012 12:03 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Of course I would prefer Meachem to Manningham, any day of the week. I just mentione Mario as a possibility if they somehow land a big name OG. So ,essentially, what about simpson AND Manningham??
Bengals usually carry 6 WRs:
A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson, Mario Manningham, Jordan Shipley, Andrew Hawkins, and Ryan Whalen. Wouldn’t mind this receiving corps.
Brandon Tate is released and Baby Hawk assumes punt return and kickoff duties (he is so much more elusive than Tate).
by The_Black_Stripes on Jan 17, 2012 5:37 PM EST reply actions
I could live with this if
we got Grubbs or Nicks
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
I'm trying to find a positive way to spin this.
Maybe they don’t want to show their hand, and would rather act like they aren’t going for a big name so other teams think there’s one less contender for them then swoop in out of nowhere and grab a big name like Nicks?
I know, it won’t happen, but I’m grasping at straws here.
Cincy Jungle: Where the Rocky Mountains are in the Pacific Ocean
I wouldn't blame them for not landing him or Grubbs
but, for the sake of God…TRY!!!!!!! don’t give up before the fight begins
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
RE:
I think that the Bengals recognize a glaring need for a starting guard, as they HEAVILY pursued Robert Gallery last year.
I don’t know if that means that they’ll look to do it again this season, but from what Hobson is saying, I wouldn’t bet on it.
CincyJungle.com Manager/Editor
Follow me on Twitter: @CUIBengalsFan
by Anthony Cosenza on Jan 17, 2012 5:51 PM EST up reply actions
I agree
and… it’s disheartening
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
+1
Why would they want to tell everyone the are in the market. I
for curiosity for the fans
right now we’re all on the edge of our seats, keep us there. Don’t come out and say…nah we’re not gonna make a run at any of the best players, you could however say, we’ll evaluate our needs and look at the best players out there to fulfill those needs. not tipping your hand but at the same time, not getting a fanbase all riled up either, I mean, it would be better to not say anything
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
Please sign a couple stud o-lineman (Calr Nicks)
And then I look for Mike Brown to bring home a couple former Buckeyes like he did with Nate Clements (he loves the Bucks). Donte Whitner and Tedd Gynn JR
whats chances of williams returning?
If we can re sign Williams for a good price I like that idea. We also need to sign STUD G or DT/DE early in free agency. After year in system Boling should be a lot better also to compete with Williams or provide depth.
by pray4gm11 on Jan 17, 2012 5:58 PM EST via mobile reply actions
CHANGES in the JUNGLE ?
I felt a different vibe coming from our team after Katie influenced her father to trade Carson to the Raiders, I just feel that Katie knows that she eventually will inherent he team so she’s taking on responsibilities that will cause and effect. I also sense that indeed Mike Brown did give Marvin Lewis more power in decisions about personal , as to free agent acquisitions and the drafting of college players, A sweet NFL deal,( for ten years). The sweet heart deal about the stadium issues, They will get a covered practice field this year. We don’t need big name free agents, we need smart signings. Carl Nix, Meachem , Brandon Carr,draft a power running back, who’s a team player. Sign Jack Del Rio to run the defense, ( if Zimmer leaves) feeling or pipe dream?
I agree with this. I also have another take on it
I think that there is a possible chance Mike was hoarding money for a purpose: to buy the minority interest in the team he just purchased for $200 million. The Brown family now owns 100% of the team. Now that that’s out of the way, maybe we will see him let loose of the purse strings a little, plus maybe now that he has complete control and is in his mid 70’s, he will start to let Katie come out more as face of the team. This would be great for PR.
Follow me on Twitter @BonnieBengal
by BonnieBengal on Jan 17, 2012 8:02 PM EST up reply actions
Great footprints all over this..
It feels right!! It’s like a Chinese foot massage all over my back!
I represent the Bengals of Cincinnati with extreme passion and prejudice and make no apologies for it!
reminds me of "the Soup Nazi"
personally
I don’t want to see Marvin fired, I want him to be promoted to G.M. while handing the reigns over to Zimmer as head coach and hiring Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Who Dey!!!
by joeb69 on Jan 9, 2012 8:18 PM EST replyactions 2 recs
by joeb69 on Jan 17, 2012 6:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
All "Soup Nazi" references get a rec. :)
Follow me on Twitter @BonnieBengal
by BonnieBengal on Jan 17, 2012 8:03 PM EST up reply actions
hell with that
i just wanted my rec from bonnie =)
"the bengals are not a west of the 104 longitude team."
Message to the rat b-stard running this team:
One-and-done doesn’t cut it. You will see more empty seats next year if you don’t show the fans you’re trying to win the Super Bowl (I hope!)
by occams_tiger_teeth on Jan 17, 2012 10:52 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Right on OTT
Rec for you!
"Shiny. Let's be bad guys."
by KentuckianaBrowncoat on Jan 17, 2012 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
They never show their cards
Brown knows the future is pretty close to now. Cant see them squandering the position they’re in now with crazy spending, But the scare they just survived transitioning from a year ago. They’re in position to shore up the team for a few years. They’ll spend
They’ve got money and some draft picks to stack the deck with…. they know it. Can’t see em breaking the bank… they always let the stupid bidding settle before getting in. This season may have also opened up other players to consider Cincy to that wouldn’t have..
Getting in the FA market would really open up the draft to. Surely they want to hit on whoever they make an attempt at… I’m sure some of the recent misses have em gun shy…. And with the new low cost rookie cap who knows. If I were bettin…. They’ll pick up up receiver maybe a lineman on either side. Simpson is never gonna scare anyone away from loading up n Green. An Caldwell’s depth chart material to.. If that. Put a threatening RB and another true wide out with Shipley in the slot. The O-line will be better immediately. Not that they don’t need help. But when nothing scares a defense its easy to tee off on lineman.
At any rate after pulling out of the roster hole they were in last year. They gotta be lickin their chops. I think the tag of Brown being cheap on players anyway, has been overblown for a few years now. He’s made the attemps… not all good ones. But I’d be surprised if they stood pat in all this
From reading the articles on Bengals.com, I get the feeling that they are looking at the young guys on the roster. They had a article early this week about the younger safeties maybe starting. Then today they had a article where they are looking to maybe re-signing Simpson, giving Tate more snaps at reciever and standing pat where they are. Maybe this is because these are the players currently on the roster? It just sounds to me they are content with what they have and if thats the case,thats bad news. This team needs serious upgrades at guard,safety,cornerback and running back. With money to spend,they need to address some of these concerns in free agency so they don’t reach for needs in the draft.
I haven't looked at that site yet
but it sounds like they are wanting to stand pat at S/WR. Which with what they have on the roster already, I can see happening (with some changes ie. bye bye Crocker). Our biggest needs IMO are G/CB/RB. I don’t see them (at least hope they don’t) staying with what they have at these 3 positions. As for safety; there is apparently a much better class coming out next year as opposed to just Barron this year. And with Sands and Mays sitting there learning the system, hopefully they are the answer; if not we look to next year’s draft. As for WR, I know I’m in the minority, but I think Simpson stays and has a breakout season as the #2.
IMO the needs at G/CB/RB are to glaring to focus too much attention on drafting/signing WR/S.
by Oregonbengalsfan on Jan 18, 2012 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
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