Bengals Become More Active in Free Agency

Over the years, a few things have proven to be staples in Cincinnati. Death, taxes, incompetent city council members, and the Bengals waiting in free agency. Mike Brown doesn’t shop at Saks. He waits for the name brands to come to TJ Maxx and then he goes on a shopping spree. As an avid supporter of ‘The Maxx’ myself, I can’t blame him on such an excellent strategy! The start of FA is a high price risk that rarely works out. A few weeks later, you get low priced equivalents that are productive and do not cause issue down the road with the salary cap. Bang on Mike all you want, but he has a good strategy. Who would you prefer to see at the MLB position on the Bengals next year, Ellerbe (at $7M) or Dansby (at $2-3M)? I would take Dansby hands down. Especially at 1/3 of the price of Ellerbe. Here’s your update on recent activity by the Bengals:

Jason Allen

Released. Can’t be shocked by this one. You can’t keep a guy that can’t stay on the field (Bernard Scott).

Karlos Dansby

Brought in for a visit. Strong move if they sign him. I would sign him for a 1 or 2 year deal, move Rey outside, and let Burfict be mentored by Dansby.

Felix Jones

Why? Speaking of guys that can’t stay healthy, Jones is made from the same glass his former Arkansas running mate (Darren McFadden) is made of. Fast? Yes. Serves a purpose on the Bengals? No. Draft 1 or 2 RBs.

Kerry Rhodes

Brought in for a visit. A decent veteran to have back there if they don’t bring back Crocker. Crocker makes more sense, but Rhodes is a decent second option to provide experience and a mentor for a young safety they are sure to draft.

Ahmad Bradshaw

May be brought in for a visit. I don’t see where he fits. He would be a change of pace type guy (when compared to BJGE). The draft has a ton of these guys that will be available throughout the first 5 rounds, all of which are younger and have less injury issues than Bradshaw. I would favor drafting 2 RBs in this years draft – 1 in rounds 2-3 and 1 on the 3^rd day of the draft.

James Harrison

Brought in for a visit. I would rather not. Sure, he brings an attitude, but he also brings an aging, injury plagued bitter player. I would pass.