+ Not sure why this is coming back up -- it was in my RSS reader this morning. On February 18, PFT suggested that the Bengals should have franchised Cedric Benson. "Retaining Benson for another season via the franchise tag would have cost $6.621 million, which equates to only 5.4 percent of the team’s 2009 salary limit." However, Benson signed a two-year deal worth $7 million -- approximately only $380,000 more than the Franchise tag... but with a second year.
Shayne Graham was franchised, therefore tendered $2.483 million. Graham has yet to sign his franchise deal. In reflection, the Bengals saved $4.138 million by franchising the kicker. They also saved $3.121 million by signing Benson to a two-year deal worth $7 million -- subtracting $3.5 million from the franchise tag number.
More links and notes.
Speaking of Florio, he says that Johnathan Joseph is a bust. Which means he's not a bust.
Matt Bowen poses five questions the Bengals "need to answer" for 2009.
John Clayton doesn't think that the Bengals will be able to trade Chad Johnson because of the Bengals' asking price (a first and third-round pick).
One Man Crimewave agrees with Cincy Jungle's assessment -- we need to draft a center. ROTB mocks Alex Mack in the second round for the Bengals.
BTSC rates AFC North quarterbacks.
The Bengals are reportedly "smitten" with Virginia running back Cedric Peerman.
Finally, the Reds pull even at 3-3 after last night's 7-6 win. EddieE hit a grandslam, but it was the relief pitching that "saved" us. After Edison Volquez pitched five innings, allowing seven hits, four walks and six runs (all earned), the bullpen went four shutout innings, allowing seven guys on base.