The Bengals have lost both free agent defensive linemen Jonathan Fanene and Frostee Rucker in the last 36 hours, which has been a major disappointment to most fans. Both players were featured heavily in a talented and deep rotation on the Bengals defensive line in 2011, which turned out to be one of the team's major strengths during their unlikely playoff run.
Rucker ended up winning one of the defensive end starting jobs over Michael Johnson in 2011 and finished the season with four sacks and he played well against the run. He was considered one of the more important free agents for the Bengals to re-sign this offseason.
While many believe that the reason the Bengals lost Rucker is because they didn't offer him enough money, the real reason may be because he was offered a much larger role with the Browns in Cleveland.
@joereedy
Joe ReedyRucker says playing time and a larger role in Cleveland contributed to the signing in Cleveland
32 minutes ago via TweetDeck · Reply · Retweet · Favorite · powered by @socialditto
@GeoffHobsonCin
Geoff HobsonFrostee: "I've been waiting for this opportunity to have more on my plate," when it comes to snaps. 32 minutes ago via web · Reply · Retweet · Favorite · powered by @socialditto
@GeoffHobsonCin
Geoff HobsonFrostee: "They pretty much told me I've got the keys to the car and I'm the starting right end...I'm the oldest (D-lineman)" 31 minutes ago via web · Reply · Retweet · Favorite · powered by @socialditto
It would appear that the promise of more playing time was enough for Rucker to jump ship and suit up in Ohio's other, lesser team. It did also seem as though the Bengals were in talks with Rucker all the way up until he put pen to paper with Cleveland.
@GeoffHobsonCin
Geoff HobsonRucker agent Jim Gould says he was talking to #Bengals up until deal signed 37 minutes ago via web · Reply · Retweet · Favorite · powered by @socialditto
In the end, Rucker left and we wish him luck. When asked why he decided on the Browns, on top of everything above about how he will have much more playing time at defensive end, Rucker said that his decision was a no brainer and that the Browns are a team on the rise.
For more from Cincy Jungle, make sure to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Loading comments...