04-14-2022, 02:54 AM
(04-14-2022, 01:16 AM)TheLeonardLeap Wrote: Win the Super Bowl at all costs. The Bengals have a 2 year window here where their QB is not going to be making $50m/yr and none of their 3 very good WRs are going to be making $25-30m/yr.
In 2024 that changes. Do everything you can to win now.
2024 Bengals FAs
DJ Reader
Tyler Boyd
Chidobe Awuzie
Tee Higgins
Jonah Williams
Logan Wilson
That will happen right when Burrow's cap hit will massively jump up (fair assumption he gets a contract after 2022, 2023 should still be reasonable) and Ja'Marr Chase will become eligible for an extension. After then Burrow and Chase will be combining to make probably $80m/yr. It will be much much harder to put as top-to-bottom talented of a team out there then.
You have a window now, don't squander it, and don't dilute it to try to make it stretch out longer because those windows can close fast regardless. Win in 2022, win in 2023, worry about anything else after then.
"At all costs" is sort of relative and moves should be case by case. Collins fell into place for Cincy for example, so thankfully they didn't need to pull a blatent "win now" move like the Dolphins did with Armstead. They didn't have to pay some of these pass rushers into their late 30's like some teams did either. Their moves have been to improve the team but not cripple them long term. Cappa was a great win now move, the debate would be if you think Tretter for one year is better than Karras for 3 years for example. That or is it worth it to trade say a 3rd or 4th round pick for a one year rental at LG. That or trading a high pick for a corner like the Rams did for Ramsey, I don't think it's realistic the Bengals trade multiple picks, but for the right corner I'd listen.
I don't agree that if they don't make extreme short-sighted moves then they are automatically squandering a window. They should be looking to re-sign a few of the guys that they can, that make sense long term and continue to build. I'd also be mindful of how they use their picks not only for this year but next year two when defining "win now". For example, they should be willing to deal a mid-late round pick if someone is hurt in preseason or before the trade deadline.
I guess it would be helpful if you gave a few more examples of moves you would make, it would be interesting to see the reactions of those. We all want to win now, but "at all costs" should have it's limits.
Edit: with your Gilmore example, I don't disagree they should look to sign him especially with him not getting market value. They could restructure guys under contract to get more guaranteed money, that will we around like Hubbard or Hendrickson and you get Gilmore for 2 years. No draft picks moved, no long term dead money. Just like Collins, take advantage of the market. I do think there will be some ring chasing descent vets when the market settles after the draft, but worth Gilmore yes they should peruse him even if they want to take a corner early.
