Earlier on Tuesday, the Dallas Cowboys released linebacker Greg Ellis. His agent, James D. Williams, said that several teams have already expressed interest. Dallas News' Todd Archer speculates Cincinnati as a destination because of his connection with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. The Star Telegram's Clarence Hill Jr. speculates the same for the same reason.
Geoff Hobson writes that the Bengals called Ellis' agent after he was cut on Tuesday. "Williams said that Ellis also has the Bengals on his list because of his regard for defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, his coordinator in Dallas for seven years." Hobson isn't so sure, writing "Ellis would most likely project to a rush end in the Bengals' 4-3. The Bengals are heavy at that spot, which is manned by their two most expensive defensive players in Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom, and they also drafted Michael Johnson in the third round back in April." My thoughts exactly.
A week ago, Pro Football Weekly wrote that Cincinnati might not be only a destination for Ellis, but the best destination for the linebacker:
Zimmer could use Ellis as a third-down pass rusher in place of DE Robert Geathers, who hasn't gotten to the QB much the last two years, or as a linebacker in some occasional 3-4 looks. There are some D-linemen on this team, such as rookie Michael Johnson and Jonathan Fanene, could could play in that scheme.
Joe Reedy says, don't expect it, writing, "the Bengals appear poised to go into the season with what they have." Reedy tends to have the most level-headed perspective on matters of speculation. In other words, buzz kill! But he's been spot-on most of the time.