02-20-2023, 02:02 AM
(02-20-2023, 01:21 AM)phil413 Wrote: I predict (link below) that they'll end up going back to a previous plan of signing a few cut vets that don't count against comp picks. I say end up, because if the right signing were available, they'll jump on it. We have prestige and can attract ring chasers, why would we squander that?
The problem is, a big splash like long term stability at Tackle with Brown or McClinchy will tie a large cap hit into the 4th or 5th year to get them to sign, and not line up well from hits from guys like Burrow, Wilson or Tee and especially Chase.
Plan A should be getting Burrow done NOW so you know how the deal will be structured, get Wilson signed and 2 more year out of Reader by front loading an extension. Spend some of this year's money to front load some vets so their latter years aren't so high. If they clean up on extending half the 2024 guys, it opens up the draft (they're notorious for drafting to replace guys in their last year) and you get to see how far the gap is on Tee.
Signing cut vets will end up being as good as 2nd tier UFAs, and allows you to still get the 3rd/4th for Bates, 4th/5th's for Pratt and Hurst, ect... Again, if the right vet is signed, so be it. But if the playing field is similar, the picks are important and can be dealt for vet players.
http://thebengalsboard.com/Thread-Here-is-the-potential-free-agency-list-we-should-be-using
This is dead on, it is all about timing from here on out. Until they have Joe's deal under wraps they cant do much.
