04-26-2022, 08:05 AM
(04-25-2022, 08:21 PM)George Cantstandya Wrote: Well the thing is and something I was mistaken about is that the Bengals only have until May 2nd to agree to his 5th year option. So it is kind of tricky to say make it a prove it year. If they don't commit to the 5th year option then he is a free agent next year. If he plays good or great that leaves the Bengals with options to either franchise tag him and paying him a guaranteed salary based on the average of the top 5 salaries at his position (which would be very expensive, the tag value for O-line was $16.6 million this year and will most likely be more next year) or trying to work out a longer term deal. See the recent issues with Jesse Bates and the tag for how that can be complicated.
But given last season he was fairly solid and I expect barring injury he will continue to improve it makes sense to me to pick up the 5th year option instead of saying to him this is a "prove it year." I think given the struggles the Bengals have had finding even an average LT over the years he is worth that 5th year option locked in at 12.6 million.
they can resend the 5th year option before it kicks in next season right?
