5 years $46 mil for TE Travis Kelce 1yr ago. Do Bengals pay Tyler Eifert that?

[*ochocincos*]

(03-28-2017, 04:11 PM)depthchart Wrote: Leonard Fournette gone for sure and Solomon Thomas likely gone before pick 9.
I do think the Bengals would take Solomon Thomas but all indications are he won't be there.
Derek Barnett, maybe, but would likely rotate with Michael Johnson and many Scouts consider Barnett to not be a sure thing with limited moves plus less inside value than Solomon Thomas.
Using 2 linebackers in Nickel packages a lot with Minter signing may mean no Reuben Foster as draft pick.
Lafell with 1,000 yard potential may mean no Corey Davis.
2 starting Safeties in the fold may make them wait on Drafting another.

Letting Tyler Eifert walk may net a 3rd round Compensatory pick.
Recent ankle and back surgeries for Eifert.
Nearly $10 million per year likely to extend Eifert in new market even with injury history.

* Brace yourselves because the more I think about this the more I think the pick will be OJ Howard.
   A team picking before the Bengals and taking Howard could be the only way it doesn't happen.

I don't see the team paying $9+ mill a year for a TE, let alone an oft-injured one. It does make a lot of sense for the Bengals to take a TE early with the intent to groom as a rookie and then take over after the incumbent leaves for big $$ in FA.

People may really have to start preparing themselves for OJ Howard at 9.