Equilibrium

[*SHRacerX*]

(03-17-2022, 07:52 PM)fredtoast Wrote: I don't think we are finished in free agency, but at this point we have at least reached "equilibrium".

We had 2 starting O-linemen who were free agents (Spain, Reiff) and we signed 2 starting O-linemen (Cappa, Karras).

We had a starting TE who was a free agent (Uzomah) and we signed a starting TE (Hurst)

We had a starting DT who was a free agent (Ogunjobi) and we signed a starting DT (Hill)

We had 2 starting DBs who were free agents (Bates, Apple) and we re-signed both of them.

It is hard to see how the O-line will shake out right now, but based just on overall "talent level" I think we have clearly improved and gotten MUCH younger.  

All the other moves were at least break even.

So overall we have improved.  

And anything we do going forward will not just be "treading water" or replacing missing players.  Instead they will be clear upgrades.

There was a lot of talk last year (not saying this is what you are saying) about they lost Lawson, but added Hendrickson, and most considered that a wash at best.  Ditto losing WJIII and gaining Chido (actually many said less than a wash, but ended up being a massive steal).  Ditto Mackenzie Alexander for Mike Hilton.  

The Bengals also had massive question marks coming off significant injuries with Burrow, CJ, and Hopkins.

This year, the team is coming in MUCH healthier (my God...what is a year THREE with Burrow at one place???) and they have added talent where they were at their weakest.  Jonah played almost the entire season and was very effective as well.

Perhaps the BIGGEST step up from a year ago has been the play of the LBs.  Even the depth guys like Bailey and Bachie showed they were capable players.  Wilson and Pratt had their best seasons yet, and the defense REALLY gelled by the end of the year.  

Many teams are adding players, but what isn't often mentioned is the talent they lost.  The Bengals have lost CJ and Ogunjobi from a year ago.  Unless I am forgetting someone else, that is it.  Oh, Riley Reiff....but the core is still there.

I think they are a Collins and another FA CB away from being their best, deepest roster ever.  The draft will be CRAZY EXCITING with so few holes to fill and they can go after a pass rusher early from either the DT or DE position as that position has some real talent this year.

I wonder if the structure of Danielle Hunter's contract makes it doable for the Bengals.  They could offer a 3rd round pick and the Vikes need a ton of cap space.  He is crazy expensive this year (if I am reading it correctly), Like $26 million, but only costs $5 million next year and his cap hit is also only $5 million next year.  That is basically $31 million for two years then he is an UFA, which could reward the Bengals a compensatory pick.  I love the depth and rotation he could offer at DE.