05-15-2019, 05:30 PM
(05-15-2019, 04:44 PM)NKURyan Wrote: If I have to choose between resigning Green and Boyd or signing any of the guys in last years FA market, I know which one I'm taking. To me the inactivity in FA is more an indication that they've got a more long term strategy in mind and I've said as much. Otherwise you end up like the Reds - a lot of splashy offseason moves, sure, but it's lead to nothing so far and most of these guys are going to be gone in a year. The Bengals MO has always been to develop and keep their own best guys while building through the draft and that's what they're doing. I think a lot of people want to spend money just to see them spend money, but that doesn't make it the right course of action.
The time to make a splash in FA is in an offseason after a season like 2015, when you're right there but haven't quite gotten over the hump, not when you're coming off a 6-10 season and integrating a brand new coaching staff.
I agree that re-signing Green and Boyd is a must.
But, what I question is spending money on Hart, Webb, and Miller as opposed to using that on other guys like LJ Fort. Then, maybe you land Hart cheaper after a few weeks.
It would have been nice to see us fill some glaring starting needs before backup needs. That's my point.
After 2015 is when we lost Sanu, Jones, Nelson, Lamur, Andre Smith, Leon Hall, AJ Hawk, and Brandon Tate. Yeah some of those guys were below average, but some were really good. Losing those guys started the ball rolling on 3 losing season.
I would argue that the time to spend was 2014, 2013, etc. We were so close roster-wise and maybe upgrading at Center or getting that LB that could cover a TE would have put us over the top? In the playoffs, coaches find and go after weaknesses relentlessly...and even our best rosters generally had holes at Center and pass coverage at LB (Maualuga).
