Heeeeeere's Rey!

Say it ain't so!

So far I have agreed with the Bengals tactic of laying low in FA, and resigning their special teams guys (Nugent, Huber, Harris). The one non-special teams signing (Geathers) I was not huge on. Now comes the news they have signed Maualuga to a 2 year $6.5 million deal. This one I cannot let them slide on. If Maualuga provided them nothing, it would be bad enough. Maualuga is weakest link (by a long stretch) in this defense. Take a look at the highlight in this link. Maualuga's crapiness is pointed out on a number of occasions, but pay particular attention to his missed tackle on Foster around the 1:24 mark. By far my "favorite" Maualuga clip. 


And, just in case you forgot how bad the Bengals were in the playoffs this year, let this guy remind you: 

The only good play Maualuga has ever made:

Ladies and Gentlemen, your $6.5 million LB, Rey Maualuga.

What to expect from the Bengals Going Forward

 

Mike Brown does not believe in getting into the crazy spending in the first few days of free agency, and I agree with him. The first few days is overpaying for players who will marginally help your team and you cannot build a successful franchise that way. However, once the dust settles and the big money has been spent, teams can go in and fill holes and improve their rosters with solid players at cap friendly prices…which is the way you build success in the NFL (the Dolphins and Browns will learn this one day).

Here is what to expect of the Bengals going forward:

·      Signing Andre Smith

     The Andre Smith front has been quiet in regards to all teams and that is good news for the Bengals. Smith wanted $9 million – he has problems with weight, injuries, and work ethic - he ain’t getting $9 million. However, when healthy, he is a solid RT and is a good sign for the Bengals. Expect the Bengals to sign him soon in the $6-7 million range.

·       Signing Adam Jones 

      Also haven’t heard much on Jones from other teams. Expect him back in Cincy. Zimmer seems to like him and he seems to like Cincinnati for giving him a chance to save his career. Since signing, he has been a good nickel CB and an excellent punt returner. In today’s passing NFL, you need 3 good CBs and good punt returners are tough to find. I would guess 2-3 years in the $2-3 million range.

·       Signing Terrance Newman

      This is a possibility, and not a bad one at that. Newman had a good year and would provide depth at CB and possibly even help at safety. If they sign Newman, look for just another 1 year deal.

·       Signing Thomas Howard

      I still believe they will re-sign Howard. It is not sexy, but he was there best LB in 2011 and would be available at a low market price. 1 year deal for $1 + incentives.

·       Extending Geno Atkins

      Atkins (along with Dunlap and MJ) are FAs next year. Atkins is the best DT in the league right now and you do not want him to hit the market. If he does, the Bengals will not re-sign him. They would be wise to use their cap space this year and extend Atkins. 

·       Don’t rule out extensions for Dunlap, MJ, or Green

     These players are all better than what was and is on the market, and with the cap space the Bengals have, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start working on extensions.

If simply re-signing and extending the guys above is the extent of the Bengals offseason, that is a good offseason. Look, the Bengals are a good and young team. There was not many (if any) players on the market that were a significant upgrade from  what the Bengals have….and that is a good thing. The Bengals philosophy is why overspend to get marginal improvement? Draft well and keep your own, and that is what they are doing. It has been proven time and time again that many free agents are bust because they either were good system fits in their old system (see departing Baltimore defensive players) or they just don’t perform once getting the big money. Keep in mind, the Bengals have young internal options coming up at LB and CB.

LB

• Aaron Maybin – Perfect Zimmer reclamation project. High 1^st round pick just 4 years ago who has not found success in the league. Zimmer has a track record of reviving guys careers. Maybin, at 24 years old, may just be that guy at strongside linebacker. 
• Dontay Moch – Who you ask? A 2011 pick from Nevada who has yet to be able to stay healthy. However, when healthy, he can rush the passer. Avergage 8+ sacks a year his last 3 years at Nevada and lead the Bengals in the 2012 preseason with 3.5 sacks (second most was 1.5). However, a PED suspension and injuries stopped his year before it began.
• Brandon Joiner – Who you ask again? A 2012 Bengals undrafted FA from Arkansas State who missed 2012 because he was in jail (insert Bengals joke here). All indications are that Joiner seems to be different (and here). His crime occurred 5 years ago when he was 18 and all accounts are that he has conducted himself in exemplary fashion since. The Bengals will use Joiner (a DE in college) at LB. Joiner was the 2011 Sun Belt Co-Defensive player of the Year and ranked 4^th nationally with 13 sacks. He compiled a total of 17 sacks and 24 ½ tackles for loss in 2 seasons at Arkansas State. He is no lock to make the roster, but could be a steal like Burfict was last year. 
• Emmanuel Lamur – Another who? Didn’t play much last year, but played when Maualuga went down and played fairly well. Looked good against the run and in coverage. He is a 2^nd year player out of Kansas State.

CB

• Dre Kirkpatrick – A top 20 pick in 2012 that essentially missed all year with injuries. Having him back in 2013 will be like having two 1^st round picks again.
• Shaun Prater – Another 2012 pick (5^th Rd from Iowa) the Bengals were high on that missed all of 2012 with an injury.
• Brandon Ghee – Speaking of guys that can’t stay healthy, but whom the Bengals are high on. A 3^rd round pick in 2010, was a 3 year starter at Wake Forest and one of the fastest CBs in the 2010 draft (4.39).
• Jason Allen – Young? No (30). But a good CB and former 1^st round pick that missed most of last season with injuries. His return should help and he can play CB and S.

WR

• Mohamed Sanu – How short our memories are. Not a speed guy, but a guy with good size, hands, and route running whose presence had the Bengals offense clicking last year prior to his injury.
• Marvin Jones – Not a great rookie year, but has speed and the Bengals are very high on his ability to be a #2 WR.

If the Bengals do look to go outside the organization to sign some players, here are some good players left that could improve the Bengals depth or provide a slight improvement at a reasonable cost and may be worth a look: 

Saftey

Ed Reed – Regardless of what the Bengals do, they should draft a safety high this year, and for the right price (under $4 M), Reed would be a good sign to bridge a gap to a young safety.

Charles Woodson – See analysis of Ed Reed and insert ‘Woodson’ for ‘Reed.’

Quintin Mikell – The Bengals need help at Safety. Mikell is a safety. He is also a veteran (11 years) with decent success.

Bernard Pollard – I would not sign Pollard, but if they want veteran Safety help, he may be worth a look.

Kerry Rhodes – Another veteran that could provide help to a weak safety group. 23 INTs and 13.0 sacks over a 9 year career

Michael Huff – Another Zimmer type reclamation project. #7 overall pick in 2006 was cut by the Raiders. He can also play CB and would be my top S target. In 7 seasons, he has 11 INTs, 5.5 sacks, and 438 tackles. A possible Charles or Rod Woodson revival is possible with Zimmer.

Cornerback

Antoine Winfield – If the Bengals want veteran depth at CB and possibly even safety, Winfield may be worth a look. Not the player he once was, but a Zimmer type who could provide depth and leadership.

Aqib Talib – I would stay away from him. Has a long history of conduct issues (most involving punching others in the face or firing of guns) and has not shown any remorse. But, then again, neither did Adam Jones and that has turned out pretty well. I would not sign him, but he is talented (#20 overall in 2008).

Linebacker

Karlos Dansby – I prefer Burfict in the middle. But, if they leave him on the outside, Dansby could be a good sign (I don’t think he would be up for a backup role).

Takeo Spikes – Would be a good sign for depth and leadership. Would not sign him as a starter, but would be an excellent mentor for Burfict and I would love to see Spikes back in stripes.

DJ Williams – Again, could be a very undervalued signing at LB for depth or starter.

Nick Barnett – See above.

Wide Receiver

Laurent Robinson – A potential #2 that could be brought in to compete with Sanu and Jones.

Darrius Heyward-Bey – See above.

The Smoke is Clearing from the Free Agency Frenzy

 

 

The first 3 days of free agency are done. The shopping at Saks has ceased, and now the same name brand goods are showing up at TJ Maxx for 50-75% off. The perennial bottom dwellers of the NFL have finished blowing their money and now is when the good teams start signing. Laugh all you want that I am lumping Mike Brown in with this group, but look at his recent track record – he has figured out the way of a successful franchise is to build through the draft (and the Bengals have been solid in the draft the last 5+ years) and not overspend on free agents. Wait till the market comes down and you get solid players at a good deal…and we know no one likes a good deal like Mike likes a good deal!

P.S. – Look at the teams spending big money (Mia, Cle, Det, Phi, AZ, etc), most of these teams are, and will continue to be non-playoff teams -- for those of you wishing the Bengals were more like the Dolphins, take a look at this: the Dolphins have $35 million (or 28.5% of their cap) tied up in Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, Dustin Keller, Dannell Ellerbe, and Philip Wheeler. That makes headlines. However, teams built around WRs, TEs, and LBs (and marginal ones at that) don’t win. Who will keep Tannehill up long enough to throw to any of these guys? And by the way, the cap hit on Mike Wallace in year 2 is $15 million!....or (based on 2012 numbers), a cool $17,942.58/yard, $234,375/catch, or $1.875 million per TD!!

Here is my analysis on the Bengals signings and other big signings around the league:

Player	New Team	Old  Team	Pos	Yrs	$	Age	Analysis
Wes Welker	Den	NE	WR	2	$12 M	31	Great signing. Great player for great value. Can you imagine Manning with Welker, Thomas, and Decker? Scary.
Cliff Avril	Sea	Det	DE	2	$15 M	26	Not a bad deal for a DE that has averaged 8 sacks a year. I like that this is only a 2 year deal
Mike Wallace	Mia	Pitt	WR	5	$60 M	26	Terrible signing. $12 M a year for a WR who can run 1 route (Go Route) and was 34th in the NFL in receiving yards in 2012 - plus, has attitude issues. In less than 5 minutes I rattled off the following 28 WRs, all of which I believe are better than Wallace (in no particular order):     1)      Calvin Johnson 2)      Andre Johnson 3)      AJ Green 4)      Brandon Marshall 5)      Demaryius Thomas 6)      Larry Fitzgerald 7)      Dez Bryant 8)      Reggie Wayne 9)      Wes Welker 10)   Roddy White 11)    Julio Jones 12)   Victor Cruz 13)   Eric Decker 14)   Greg Jennings 15)   Jordy Nelson 16)   Percy Harvin 17)   Marques Colston 18)   Steve Smith 19)   Michael Crabtree 20)   Brian Hartline 21)   Miles Austin 22)   Anquan Boldin 23)   Vincent Jackson 24)   Justin Blackmon 25)   Torrey Smith 26)   T.Y. Hilton 27)   Dwayne Bowe 28)   Antonio Brown                                                                                     Yet Wallace will get paid more than all but 2. Sounds like a good contract for 836 yards of production.
Dashon Goldson	TB	SF	S	5	$41 M	28	Good player, but too much money to spend on a safety. Bengals were right not to pay this.
Danny Amendola	NE	Stl	WR	5	$31 M	27	Good player, but too much money for a guy who can't stay healthy. Missed 20 games the past two years. 196 career catches -- that is 1.5 seasons for Welker.
Steven Jackson	Atl	Stl	RB	3	$12 M	29	I like Jackson. If he is 2/3 of his prior self, this will be a touch offens.]
Cullen Jenkins	NYG	Phi	DT	n/a	n/a	32	No word on the details, but not a bad signing…at least until we see how much
Connor Barwin	Phi	Hou	LB	6	$36 M	26	I like Barwin, but $6 M/year for a guy who had 3.0 sacks last year is a lot -- Wallace Gilberry had 6.5 in half the playing time, the Bengals signed him for $2.25 M/year
Glenn Dorsey	SF	KC	DT	2	n/a	27	Not sure of the dollar figure, but Dorsey could officially be labled a bust. #5 overall pick in2008, he had more sacks his senior year at LSU (7.0) than he has over his entire 5 year NFL career (4.0). If they can revive the college Dorsey, maybe a decent pickup worth the risk.
Laron Landry	Ind	NYJ	S	4	$24 M	28	Solid player, but still too much for a safety, especially one that is not a game changer (6 INTs and 5.5 sacks over 6 year career).
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie	Den	NYJ	CB	1	n/a	26	Don't like it. The guy may be talented, but I wouldn't trust him. Something to be said about a good 26 year old CB that is now on his 3rd team in 6 years in the league (apparently rotates teams as often as he rotates mothers of his children!). Probably why they only gave him 1 year.
Reggie Bush	Det	Mia	RB	4	$16 M	28	I like this signing. $4 M/year is a good deal for the Lions. This offense could be scary!
Jared Cook	Stl	Tenn	TE	5	$35 M	25	Terrible. Could go down as an all-time worst FA signing. $7 M/year for a guy with 8 total TDs over a 4 year career and has never had 800 yards.
Rashard Mendenhall	AZ	Pitt	RB	1	$2.5 M	25	I don't trust any man that believes the NFL is like slavery, has supportive tweets of Osama Bin Laden, and who doesn't believe planes took down the twin towers on 9/11. I most assuredly would not give said man $2.5 M.
Kenny Phillips	Phi	NYG	S	1	n/a	27	Not sure of the dollar figure, but a solid, not flashy, signing.
Shonn Greene	Tenn	NYJ	RB	3	$10 M	27	Shonn Greene, when not on a circus team like the Jets, could be a decent RB. Just not sure where he fits in with Chris Johnson on the roster.
Danell Ellerbe	Mia	Balt	LB	5	$35 M	27	Another terrible signing by Miami. $35 M for a career backup with 142 tackles over 4 years? Ellerbe played well when Lewis went down, but expect Ellerbe to be a cap casualty in 2-3 years.
Paul Kruger	Cle	Balt	LB	5	$40 M	27	Another bad signing potential cap casualty in 2-3 years. $8 M/year for a guy with 47 career tackles in a 4 year career. Sure he had a great year last year with 9.0 sacks, but he had 6.5 sacks total in the 3 years prior. I am always leary of guys with spikes in production during a contract year.
Robert Geathers	Cin	Cin	DE	3	$9.45 M	29	I didn't like this signing. Marvin and Zimmer seem to love him. The consumate pro, but his production does not match the money. Not a terrible deal, because the money is not a ton, but just doesn't make sense to me.
Plaxico Burress	Pitt	Pitt	WR	n/a	n/a	35	TBD. He will be 36 by the time the season starts, has attitude issues, and since 2007, he has been shot in the leg (1) and jailed (1) more times than he has had 1,000 yards receiving. Can still be a good red zone target though.
Philip Wheeler	Mia	Oak	LB	5	$26 M	28	Yet another terrible signing by the Dolphins. $5 M plus for a with 219 tackles and 5.0 sacks over a 5 year career? Smells like a 2-3 year salary cut again.
Josh Brown	NYG	Cin	K	n/a	n/a	33	Not sure of the money, but I like Josh Brown. In fact, I would have preferred him over Nugent
Wallace Gilberry	Cin	Cin	DE	3	$6.75 M	28	Sexy? No. But a solid signing.  Had 6.5 sacks (tied for 42nd in the NFL) as a back up! Tied with Jason Pierre Paul and more than: James Harrison, Osi Umenyiora, Will Smith, Lawrence Timmons, Dunlap, Dwight Freeney, etc. Figure out that sack to dollar ratio!
Mike Nugent	Cin	Cin	K	2	n/a	31	Solid signing. However, I would haver preferred bringing Brown back. Brown has a better leg, has been more clutch, and Nugent has injury issues seemingly every year.
Pat Sims	Cin	Oak	DT	n/a	n/a	27	Not sure of the numbers, but Sims is a solid player and great against the run. May be a coincidence, but since 2011, the Bengals are 11-4 when Sims played (thanks to CincyJungle.com). The knock on Sims is dedication and health. Both of which are likely why the Bengals were OK to let him go.
Clark Harris	Cin	Cin	LS	5	n/a	28	Laugh all you want that one of the Bengals first signings was a LS, but every team needs a good one. In terms of a LS, "good" is defined as not screwing up. So far, Harris hasn't screwed up (knock on wood).
Kevin Huber	Cin	Cin	P	5	n/a	27	Laugh all you want again that one of the Bengals first signings was a P, but Ps can change field position and like LS, every team needs a good one. Huber was top 5 in Net Avg and punts inside the 20.
Desmond Bryant	Cle	Oak	DT	5	$34 M	27	Not a bad signing, but it has to be a little concerning to give a guy nearly $7 M/yr when he was arrested just about 1 month ago - even though he doesn't have a history of issues.
Brian Hartline	Mia	Mia	WR	5	$31.75 M	26	Solid WR, but at $6 M+ a year, he is way overpaid for a guy with 1 TD last year. But hey, it's the Dolphins, they are apparently paying players with Monopoly money down there.
Dustin Keller	Mia	NYJ	TE	1	$4.5 M	28	Another poor signing by the Dolphins. Not poor because Keller is no good, but poor because they are overpaying an average TE coming off an injury riddled season. I think the Dolphins may have hired someone from Enron to control their cap.
Greg Jennings	Min	GB	WR	5	$47.5 M	29	I like Greg Jennings and I think this is a good pickup for the Vikings. However, he is a 5’11” WR who will turn 30 when the season starts and is coming off an injury plagued season. Let’s also not forget, any WR looks good with Rodgers throwing to them (look at the no names who filled in and had big games). For Bengals fans that wanted Jennings, would you pay $9M+ for a 30 year old 5’11” WR coming off injuries? I sure wouldn’t and I am glad Mike Brown wouldn’t either.
Brandon Gibson	Mia	Stl	WR	n/a	n/a	26	Have the Dolphins figured out a way to start more WRs than the other teams in the NFL? Is he better than Bess? What is the point of this signing? Meanwhile, Jake Long remains unsigned?
Adrian Wilson	AZ	NE	S	3		33	Not sure of the money yet, but he is a good S and one I would have liked the Bengals to sign…for the right price. Price is key to signing Wilson because he is 33. Even with signing Wilson, the Bengals would be in need of a younger S.