(03-21-2020, 09:18 AM)SunsetBengal Wrote: With all of the perceived depth in this year's WR draft class, I would expect the market for FA WRs to be lower than what they might typically expect.

Edit:  The Bengals currently have $34.11M in cap hit to their top 5 listed WRs (Green, Boyd, Ross, Erickson, Tate), that is over 17% of the new salary cap of $198M.  I wouldn't expect the Bengals to be adding much more to that position group, in terms of salaries.  The problem with dumping a John Ross, is that his entire $5.44M cap hit would translate to dead cap in the same amount.

(03-21-2020, 09:46 AM)Fullrock Wrote: Yeah, cutting Ross is not an option because they have to eat his salary regardless, but they will be in the position of having a QB on a rookie deal which opens up spending more than you normally could at other position groups. 

(03-21-2020, 10:05 AM)SunsetBengal Wrote: I agree with you on that.  I just don't believe that WR is going to be one of those position groups.  The team is currently throwing money at the defense, and after the past two seasons, for good reason.  Free agency isn't over yet, but I would still expect the Bengals to sign another defender or two, possibly another OL before the draft.

(03-21-2020, 10:28 AM)Fullrock Wrote: And they can save 2 mil in cap space by cutting Erickson, and they get Ross's 6 mil off the books next year. That would nearly pay for an Anderson deal in 2021-2022 if they could get him in that 9-10 million a year range. If the price tag is more than that I wouldn't consider it.

(03-21-2020, 10:50 AM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Here's the think about Erickson;  Sure his offensive contributions seem rather easily replaceable, but he's also a return man.  Maybe not the best return man in the game, but reliable enough if you need him, and a good contributor on teams when he's not returning.  The dude is all heart and effort, plus he has a perfect passer rating.

He's the type of player that gives you a lot of bang for the buck, or in his case $1.87M. 

(03-21-2020, 09:18 AM)SunsetBengal Wrote: With all of the perceived depth in this year's WR draft class, I would expect the market for FA WRs to be lower than what they might typically expect.

Edit:  The Bengals currently have $34.11M in cap hit to their top 5 listed WRs (Green, Boyd, Ross, Erickson, Tate), that is over 17% of the new salary cap of $198M.  I wouldn't expect the Bengals to be adding much more to that position group, in terms of salaries.  The problem with dumping a John Ross, is that his entire $5.44M cap hit would translate to dead cap in the same amount.

(03-21-2020, 11:19 AM)Fullrock Wrote: The only reason Erickson saw the field last year was injuries, and he had been beaten out for the kick return job by Brandon Wilson. He is certainly expendable.

(03-21-2020, 11:39 AM)SunsetBengal Wrote: What are you even talking about?  Erickson had his best year, last year.  Sure, he got more snaps due to AJ not being on the field, but the man provided 78 touches last season. (including returns)  He more than covers his $1.87M cap cost.  Not every player is going to be a superstar, and Erickson is a damn fine role player, supporting cast member of the team.

It could also be argued that Wilson got his shot at return man, because Erickson was needed more on offensive sets.


http://www.nfl.com/player/alexerickson/2556519/careerstats

(03-21-2020, 11:49 AM)Fullrock Wrote: What am I talking about? I have to explain it to you?? You really think Erickson would have seen many offensive snaps had AJ and Ross not been injured? He is zero threat in the red zone as is evidenced by 1 offensive TD in 4 years.  So if you had a chance to clear 2mil in cap and bring in Robby Anderson who has scored 20 TD's in 3 years,  has 6'3 length, and sub 4.4 speed you do it all day everyday and don't even think twice about it. 

Wilson replaced Erickson as the kick returner because he was more effective. Period. 

(03-21-2020, 12:01 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: For every reason that you give to cut Erickson, I can easily provide a reason to keep him around.  It seems as we are at a bit of an impasse.

I'll just say that I'd be very surprised if the Bengals cut Alex Erickson prior to roster cuts in camp.

(03-21-2020, 12:00 PM)Fullrock Wrote: Not sure, but I think a WR room of AJ, Boyd, Anderson, Ross, and Tate would survive without Erickson lol.

(03-21-2020, 08:23 AM)Fullrock Wrote: This guy is still out there and may have overestimated the market for himself. With the Bengals likely still to dump some big salaries (Dre, Dalton) I wonder if we could get Anderson on a 3 year deal in the 9-10 mil/per year range? He's in his prime at 26 years old and has 2600 yards and 18 TD the last 3 seasons with Darnold and McCown throwing to him. 6'3 and can run would pair nicely on the outside with AJ and Boyd in the slot and would take WR out of the equation at pick No. 33.

That being said, we know the WR draft class is very good so may be better to draft a guy and get him on a rookie deal, BUT the thought of Anderson in the offense is certainly intriguing and would open at clear path at pick No. 33 for OL or LB.

(03-21-2020, 08:23 AM)Fullrock Wrote: This guy is still out there and may have overestimated the market for himself. With the Bengals likely still to dump some big salaries (Dre, Dalton) I wonder if we could get Anderson on a 3 year deal in the 9-10 mil/per year range? He's in his prime at 26 years old and has 2600 yards and 18 TD the last 3 seasons with Darnold and McCown throwing to him. 6'3 and can run would pair nicely on the outside with AJ and Boyd in the slot and would take WR out of the equation at pick No. 33.

That being said, we know the WR draft class is very good so may be better to draft a guy and get him on a rookie deal, BUT the thought of Anderson in the offense is certainly intriguing and would open at clear path at pick No. 33 for OL or LB.

(03-21-2020, 06:41 PM)Jhowdy54 Wrote: Erickson had like 6 fumbles last year.  Not good for a return specialist.  Yes hes all heart and dedicated, but hes gone at this point.  Wilson has all pro potential as a return man and showed it last year despite limited chances.

(03-21-2020, 06:48 PM)McC Wrote: Still have to have a punt returner, even more so than a KR.  Phillips can do it but he may have a much bigger role as a CB.