02-20-2016, 03:20 AM
(02-19-2016, 08:46 PM)TheLeonardLeap Wrote: Consider it like this. If you cut Maualuga, you save roughly $7.8m.
So if you give Laurinaitis 3yr/$21m, it's essentially giving yourself a big upgrade at LB for $13.2m more over three years. James has never missed a single game (played 99.7%, 99.0%, 99.0%, and 100% of the snaps the last four years), never had less than 100 tackles, never been blanked in the sack stat, is generally good for 1-2 INT.
While I would prefer Travathan, this seems like a more likely option that the Bengals would actually do since it's less money AND he's been cut rather than being a FA, so it doesn't mess with their love of 5th round compensatory picks.
Early Draft Pick/Laurinaitis/Burfict could be a pretty good group. (Though if the Rams are in this big shedding mode for moving, I would see if they have any interest in trading Ogletree.)
You make a great case for an upgrade. Funny enough it would have to be the Ohio/cut/OSU/close to 30's type vet everyone mentions to target and the resume you mention to unseat the plan of Rey in the Maualuga in the middle. We debate Vinny's worth in how many hats he wears, but Laurinaitis logging all that time means they trust him in coverage and as the heart of that defense. Though Cincy rotates defenders, Denver drew blood when they went no huddle at the end of the year. First time all year I remember feeling the defense looked helpless out there. That wasn't just Geno's trait issue, guys were gassed out there. Give me a seasoned warrior with a prime season or two left for the right price and it would make a difference if someone tries it next year. I really like the rotation you menion. Heck, upgrading to a solid 3 down MLB means for the short term I'm not crying if they don't draft a LB early, and I've been clamoring for one all offseason. I'd be fine with Burfict/Laurinaitis/Vinny/Dawson/mid round rookie/Flowers and others competing.
