It’s time we moved from Gio.

[*ochocincos*]

(12-13-2020, 06:04 PM)THE Bigzoman Wrote: If we’re going to get rid of aging, underperforming vets, then Gio needs the boot too.

You can’t tell me that we couldn’t replace him with some younger talent for cheaper than his salary.

No fumbles till today aside, what is he good for really?

RB is one of the positions you can get quality production from a cheap contract. Whether that be a veteran not signed right away, a draft pick, or even a UDFA.

Look at JAX. They moved on from 1st round pick Leonard Fournette, who had nearly 1700 yards from scrimmage last year. They went with UDFA James Robinson, who has 1361 yards through 13 games. 

The Bengals have the 16th most money going to RBs this year ($6.3 mill), and they currently have the most going to RBs next year ($16.3 mill).
If you are going to have the most money going to RBs, you damn well better have a Top 5 running attack. But no, they have a Bottom 5 rushing attack because their OL is terrible and they have to play from behind too much.

The Bengals can free up $4.1 mill next year if they cut Bernard. They should at least do that to have more money go to the trenches, and probably see if they can find a trade partner for Mixon if someone would be dumb enough to take on that contract. If not, roll with Mixon for 2021 and then dump him in 2022 if he's not a Top 10 RB in 2021. His dead cap is only $6 mill in 2022, which would be a $4.7 mill cap savings.