2022 Roster/FA Update + FA Finish & Draft Speculation

[leonardfan40]

Quinton Spain G
Steven Nelson CB

Those are my guesses for FA. Maybe a backup 3T as well.

Draft would be wide open and those guys should be relatively inexpensive but have starting experience and would be great depth.

[kalibengal]

(03-24-2022, 02:38 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: Though the unexpected SB run fell 1 play short, it has resulted in the most anticipated off-season since, maybe ever. In the 80's & 90's we we not really players in FA. Neither Carson nor Andy won a PO game. Burrow is the real deal and we have a top 10 defense. We have cap space with Burrow on a rookie deal. So, how have we done so far?

Here is the list of moves we have made so far. I will try to keep it updated. Let me know if I goof something up.

What we have done:

I.  Signed  Sealed, Delivered
1. La'el Collins, RT. 3 years, $30 million (reportedly).
2. Alex Cappa, RG. 4 years, $35 mil. 2022 hit: $6.75 mil.
3. Ted Karras, C/G. 3 years, $18 mil. 2022 hit: $5 mil.
4. Hayden Hurst, TE. 1 year, $3.476 mil.

II.  Re-Signed
1. Jessie Bates, FS. 1 year, $12.9 mil. Franchise tag.
2. BJ Hill, DT. 3 years, $30 mil. 2022 hit: $8.33 mil.
3. Eli Apple, CB. 1 year, $4 mil (reported)
4. Josh Tupou, NT/DT. 2 years, $3 mil. 2022 hit: $1.4 mil.
5. Brandon Allen, QB. 1 year, $1.5 mil.
6. Clark Harris, LS. 1 year, $1.272mil. 2022 hit: $1.047 mil.
7. Michael Thomas, FS. 1 year, $1.035 mil. 2022: $995k.  
8. Mike Thomas, WR. 1 year, $1.12 mil. $895k cap hit.
9. Jalen Davis, CB. 1 yr, $1.035 mil. 2022: $895k.
10. Joe Bachie, LB. 1 yr, $825k. 2022: $825k.
11. Trenton Irwin, WR.
12. Stanley Morgan Jr., WR.

III.  Signed Elsewhere
1. CJ Uzomah, TE.  NY Jets. 3 years, $24 mil.
2. Darius Phillips, CB. Raiders. 1 year, $1.5 mil.
5. Fred Johnson, OT. Cut by Bengals. +$2.4 mil cap space.

IV.  Still FAs
1. Larry Ogunjobi, DT.
2. Riley Reiff, OT.  
3. Quinton Spain, OG.
4. Kevin Huber, P.
5. Trey Waynes, CB. Released. +$10.9 cap.
6. Trey Hopkins, C. Released. +$5.9 cap.
7. Jordan Evans, LB. Serious knee injury.
8.  Fred Johnson, OT. Released. +$2.4 cap.
9. Auden Tate, WR. Ain't coming back.

Whew! That is what we've done.  And is a long post.  So I will save where we stand for the next post.

Im thinking we may regret not signing Hurst for a longer term deal...I think he is going to have a great yr playing with Burrow and Co  

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Fred Johnson has signed with the Bucs. 1 year deal. I must have had a premonition when I had him on both lists.  Good for Fred. I had him rated higher than Prince, but what do I know?


FWIW, I have noticed that OTC & Spotrac disagree on which Michael/Mike Thomas have signed which contracts. If anyone has info on which is correct, feel free to chime in (I am listing spotrac's). 

My best guestimate is now around $17.6 mil in current cap room.

I.  Signed  Sealed, Delivered
1. La'el Collins, RT. 3 years, $21mil +$7 mil bonuses. 2022 hit: $4.2 mil. 
2. Alex Cappa, RG. 4 years, $35 mil. 2022 hit: $6.75 mil.
3. Ted Karras, C/G. 3 years, $18 mil. 2022 hit: $5 mil.
4. Hayden Hurst, TE. 1 year, $3.476 mil.

II.  Re-Signed
1. Jessie Bates, FS. 1 year, $12.9 mil. Franchise tag.
2. BJ Hill, DT. 3 years, $30 mil. 2022 hit: $8.33 mil.
3. Eli Apple, CB. 1 year, $4 mil (reported)
4. Josh Tupou, NT/DT. 2 years, $3 mil. 2022 hit: $1.4 mil.
5. Brandon Allen, QB. 1 year, $1.5 mil.
6. Clark Harris, LS. 1 year, $1.272mil. 2022 hit: $1.047 mil.
7. Michael Thomas, FS. 1 year, $1.035 mil. 2022: $995k.  
8. Mike Thomas, WR. 1 year, $1.12 mil. $895k cap hit.
9. Jalen Davis, CB. 1 yr, $1.035 mil. 2022: $895k.
10. Joe Bachie, LB. 1 yr, $825k. 2022: $825k.
11. Trenton Irwin, WR.
12. Stanley Morgan Jr., WR.

III.  Signed Elsewhere
1. CJ Uzomah, TE.  NY Jets. 3 years, $24 mil.
2. Darius Phillips, CB. Raiders. 1 year, $1.5 mil.
3. Fred Johnson, OT. Bucs. 1 year. 

IV.  Still FAs
1. Larry Ogunjobi, DT.
2. Riley Reiff, OT.  
3. Quinton Spain, OG.
4. Kevin Huber, P.
5. Trey Waynes, CB. Released. +$10.9 cap.
6. Trey Hopkins, C. Released. +$5.9 cap.
7. Jordan Evans, LB. Serious knee injury.
8. Auden Tate, WR. Ain't coming back.

[Bengalholic]

(03-25-2022, 01:11 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: My best guestimate is now around $17.6 mil in current cap room.

Yeah...the NFLPA, which update the numbers daily, has it at 17.9m (7th most of all teams).

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(03-25-2022, 01:21 PM)Bengalholic Wrote: Yeah...the NFLPA, which update the numbers daily, has it at 17.9m (7th most of all teams).

They have 63 guys as under contract. Spotrac has 61. Mitchell Wilcox maybe? 

[*ochocincos*]

In a nutshell - The Bengals starters are basically set. About the only spot left to possibly be up for grabs is LG.
Remaining FAs and draft will go to depth players, with some being envisioned as future starter replacements (hopefully).

[BengalFanInCanada]

(03-25-2022, 11:07 AM)kalibengal Wrote: Im thinking we may regret not signing Hurst for a longer term deal...I think he is going to have a great yr playing with Burrow and Co  

I doubt he wanted a longer deal, absent a lot of money.  This fit both his and our objectives.

[M.W.]

(03-25-2022, 11:07 AM)kalibengal Wrote: Im thinking we may regret not signing Hurst for a longer term deal...I think he is going to have a great yr playing with Burrow and Co  

Agreed, I imagine he is in for his best season as a pro.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(03-24-2022, 07:15 PM)bfine32 Wrote: You're missing a couple TEs: Wilcox, Moss

We're good on Nose Tackles we need at least 1 more 3 Tech

We need at least 2 CBs.

I look for those to bee addressed early in the draft. But affordable FAs:

Malik Jackson/DT
Tyeler Davidson/DT
AJ Boyue/CB
Jason Verrett/CB

You are correct, I forgot Moss. Spotrac does not list Wilcox as under contract. Though OTC does. When I get conflicting info like that, I leave the player off.  I thought Wilcox was an ERFA & we had to tender him & I heard no word on that. Nor on Clay Johnston, but as both sites list him, I put him on. 

I can remember an article saying we did not tender Ray. 

https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/lists/cincinnati-bengals-2022-free-agents-full-list/

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Fixed this section to include TE Moss. How could I forget Burrow's buddy! 


Note: leaving Wolcox off is not an oversight. He was an ERFA and I have heard nothing about a tender. If I missed it, let me know. With a link.

I.  We need bodies

1.  Cornerback. Likely 6-7 53. 1-2 on PS.

Starters: Awuzie, Apple, Hilton (slot).
Backups: ???, ???, Davis (slot).
PS: Brannon

Davis graded out well (69.0) last season, but played just over 50 snaps, almost exclusively in the slot, IIRC. Hargreaves, Phillips ,Flowers & Waynes all played more CB snaps than he did last year. We do not even have a viable backup boundary corner under contract. I'd call Davis CB6.

Bringing back our TE cooler Flowers on a cheap deal is appealing, but is kind of a niche role. He struggles vs quicker guys, would we need to carry 7 CBs if we bring him back? Waynes on a cheap deal?  I dream of Gilmore too, but that is gonna require him signing for less AND some other things to go our way to free up more space (Bates extension, a restructure, another vet FA fo real cheap  etc).  

It seems the draft is the most likely route. I could see 1 or 2 CBs taken. Especially if the 2nd can play CB & S (Daxton Hill) or can return punts (Marcus Jones). Gardner & Stingley surely gone by 31. McDuffie & Booth probably. Either would be hard to pass up if there. Elam has a shot to be there. Gordon & McCreary have good tape but did not test real well. Woolen, who is new to the position, is the opposite. Those guys are reaches at #31 but are probably gone by #63. If we trade back it is a possibility.

2.  DT/NT. 5 on 53. 1-2 on PS

Starters: Reader (NT), BJ Hill (DT).
Reserves: Tupou (NT), ???, Shelvin (NT).
PS: zero.

We do not have a functional 3T to backup Hill at the moment. Tupou coukd play 3T in 5 man lines/goal line, but he is really Reader's backup. Shelvin is also a nose, but is not ready to play. If he was, I doubt we bring Tupou back. I could see Shelvin losing his spot as well. He was often inactive on gameday.

I dream of bringing back Ogunjobi for cheap. Like dreaming of Gilnore, it is probably unlikely. He'd have to settle for 40% or less of what the Bears gave him (yearly). Given the injury situation, his value may have fallen enough so he is affordable. Hill starting might be awkward as well. Bringing Daniels or Kerr back seems more like a practice squad level move.

The draft seems most likely. Davis will be gone when we pick (NT). Wyatt likely as well. Wyatt would be hard to pass if there. Perrion Winfrey possible at 31, but likely a reach. Leal as well. Logan Hall & Travis Jones (more a NT) are reaches at 31 but likely (but maybe not) gone at 63. Mathis from Bama should be there. We could likely get one if we trade down into the mid 30s/early 40s.

3.  Offensive Line. 10 on 53. 2-3 on PS.

Starters: J. Williams, Carman, Karras, Cappa, Collins.
Reserves: Smith (OT3-4/G3-4), Prince (OT3-4), Adeniji (G/T), T. Hill ©.  
PS: Gaillard (G/C).

We usually carry 10 on the 53 and only have 9 ATM. And I do not feel real good about the reserves we do have. Adeniji started at RG and played OT in college but was not good. Prince filled in admirably for Reiff, but was not that good either. Fixing the right side was priority #1 for a reason. Smith looked like a starter in camp, and has OT/G versatility, but got hurt & did not play much. Hill was extremely troubled by penalties in limited time. All these guys are unproven, unimpressive, or both. I would not feel terribly comfortable with any of them in a big game.  

I think we need at least one more OL, maybe more than one. Reiff/Spain/Hopkins for cheap is a possibility. Or another vet cap/camp casualty. The draft is the other mechanism. With LG iffy and Karras' ability to play G, if a stud IOL is staring at us at #31 (Linderbaum, Zion Johnson, Kenyon Green) it is gonna be awfully tough to pass on. I'd go CB/DT over Raimann or Faalele or Smith. The young guys get another year to develop as backups, and a cheap vet still possible. If we don't go OL early, I would not expect a day 2 pick unless more pressing needs (CB, DT) are taken care of. If they are, then maybe a high upside project comes into play (Faalele).

4.  Tight End. 3 on 53. 1-2 on PS.

Starter: Hurst
Backups: Sample, ???.
PS: Washington (converted from TE), Moss.

TE is not a priority pisition in our offense. But losing CJ hurts. Hurst may be a better receiver but not as good a blocker. He is half the price, though. On a 1 year deal. This could be the last year if the Drew Sample experience as well. We do not have a TE3 s8gned ATM (it would be Washington ATM) and the two guys we have are in the last year of their deals.

TE market was getting thin when we signed Hurst. Draft has got to be the way to go. But that is dicey, too. There is not really a stud TE this year. McBride is a reach at #31 and no way would I pick a TE with CB/DT/OL needing help. And with talented DEs, WRs, and maybe even LBs out there. If not McBride, this pick could be TE3 this year. Ruckert was in a cast recently and the kid from A&M tested so poorly he is plummeting. Rd 3 at the earliest for me. Unless we acquire extra picks. If we have 4 picks in the first 3 I could happily burn one on a TE. Woods may be a day 3 guy, or late day 2.



Everywhere we ar least have bodies signed, though we could always use an upgrade.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

OK, I decided to do a Full Monty version here and list all our FAs. SFAs, RFAs, and ERFAs heading into this offseason.


I'll admit to some confusion on Mitchell Wilcox and Clay Johnston. Both were ERFAs, so under team control. Both are listed on the team site as on the roster, even though I did not hear anything about them getting a tender or signing a deal (like other ERFAs Stanley Morgan Jr and Trenton Irwin). Nor did I hear of them NOT getting a tender (like ERFA Wyatt Ray). The deadline was 3/13/22 for us to do so. If anyone has any word either way, let me know. FWIW, OTC has both on the roster, but Spotrac has only Johnston.

I.  Signed  Sealed, Delivered
1. La'el Collins, RT. 3 years, $21mil +$7 mil bonuses. 2022 hit: $4.2 mil. 
2. Alex Cappa, RG. 4 years, $35 mil. 2022 hit: $6.75 mil.
3. Ted Karras, C/G. 3 years, $18 mil. 2022 hit: $5 mil.
4. Hayden Hurst, TE. 1 year, $3.476 mil.

II.  Re-Signed
1. Jessie Bates, FS. 1 year, $12.9 mil. Franchise tag.
2. BJ Hill, DT. 3 years, $30 mil. 2022 hit: $8.33 mil.
3. Eli Apple, CB. 1 year, $4 mil (reported)
4. Josh Tupou, NT/DT. 2 years, $3 mil. 2022 hit: $1.4 mil.
5. Brandon Allen, QB. 1 year, $1.5 mil.
6. Clark Harris, LS. 1 year, $1.272mil. 2022 hit: $1.047 mil.
7. Michael Thomas, FS. 1 year, $1.035 mil. 2022: $995k.  
8. Mike Thomas, WR. 1 year, $1.12 mil. $895k cap hit.
9. Jalen Davis, CB. 1 yr, $1.035 mil. 2022: $895k.
10. Joe Bachie, LB. 1 yr, $825k. 2022: $825k.
11. Trenton Irwin, WR.
12. Stanley Morgan Jr., WR.

III. ERFA's Tendered but not Re-Signed Yet (?)
1.  Clay Johnston, LB.
2.  Mitchell Wilcox, TE.

IV.  Signed Elsewhere/Retired
1. CJ Uzomah, TE.  NY Jets. 3 years, $24 mil.
2. Darius Phillips, CB. Raiders. 1 year, $1.5 mil.
3. Fred Johnson, OT. Bucs. 1 year. 
4. Ricardo Allen, S. Retired.

V.  Still FAs
1. Larry Ogunjobi, DT.
2. Riley Reiff, OT.  
3. Quinton Spain, OG.
4. Kevin Huber, P.
5. Trey Waynes, CB. Released. +$10.9 cap.
6. Trey Hopkins, C. Released. +$5.9 cap.
7. Trey Flowers, CB.  
8. Jordan Evans, LB. Serious knee injury.
9. Zach Kerr, DT/NT.
10. Wyatt Ray, DE/LB. Bengals declined to make ERFA tender. 
11. Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG. SFA. Contract terminated during season.
12. Mason Schreck, TE. SFA, Contract terminated during season.
13. Auden Tate, WR. Ain't coming back.
14. Vernon Hargreaves, CB. Ain't coming back.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Including Wilcox at TE means we need upgrades, not necessarily bodies.


I.  We need bodies

1.  Cornerback. Likely 6-7 53. 1-2 on PS.

Starters: Awuzie, Apple, Hilton (slot).
Backups: ???, ???, Davis (slot).
PS: Brannon

Davis graded out well (69.0) last season, but played just over 50 snaps, almost exclusively in the slot, IIRC. Hargreaves, Phillips ,Flowers & Waynes all played more CB snaps than he did last year. We do not even have a viable backup boundary corner under contract. I'd call Davis CB6.

Bringing back our TE cooler Flowers on a cheap deal is appealing, but is kind of a niche role. He struggles vs quicker guys, would we need to carry 7 CBs if we bring him back? Waynes on a cheap deal?  I dream of Gilmore too, but that is gonna require him signing for less AND some other things to go our way to free up more space (Bates extension, a restructure, another vet FA fo real cheap  etc).  

It seems the draft is the most likely route. I could see 1 or 2 CBs taken. Especially if the 2nd can play CB & S (Daxton Hill) or can return punts (Marcus Jones). Gardner & Stingley surely gone by 31. McDuffie & Booth probably. Either would be hard to pass up if there. Elam has a shot to be there. Gordon & McCreary have good tape but did not test real well. Woolen, who is new to the position, is the opposite. Those guys are reaches at #31 but are probably gone by #63. If we trade back it is a possibility.

2.  DT/NT. 5 on 53. 1-2 on PS

Starters: Reader (NT), BJ Hill (DT).
Reserves: Tupou (NT), ???, Shelvin (NT).
PS: zero.

We do not have a functional 3T to backup Hill at the moment. Tupou coukd play 3T in 5 man lines/goal line, but he is really Reader's backup. Shelvin is also a nose, but is not ready to play. If he was, I doubt we bring Tupou back. I could see Shelvin losing his spot as well. He was often inactive on gameday.

I dream of bringing back Ogunjobi for cheap. Like dreaming of Gilnore, it is probably unlikely. He'd have to settle for 40% or less of what the Bears gave him (yearly). Given the injury situation, his value may have fallen enough so he is affordable. Hill starting might be awkward as well. Bringing Daniels or Kerr back seems more like a practice squad level move.

The draft seems most likely. Davis will be gone when we pick (NT). Wyatt likely as well. Wyatt would be hard to pass if there. Perrion Winfrey possible at 31, but likely a reach. Leal as well. Logan Hall & Travis Jones (more a NT) are reaches at 31 but likely (but maybe not) gone at 63. Mathis from Bama should be there. We could likely get one if we trade down into the mid 30s/early 40s.

The practice squad is empty as well. Guys like C. Sample and Hubbard can play inside some, maybe Kareem as well. If the staff sees C. Sample as a viable DT option, then the pressure to re-sign or draft at DT is a lot less.

3.  Offensive Line. 10 on 53. 2-3 on PS.

Starters: J. Williams, Carman, Karras, Cappa, Collins.
Reserves: Smith (OT3-4/G3-4), Prince (OT3-4), Adeniji (G/T), T. Hill ©.  
PS: Gaillard (G/C).

We usually carry 10 on the 53 and only have 9 ATM. And I do not feel real good about the reserves we do have. Adeniji started at RG and played OT in college but was not good. Prince filled in admirably for Reiff, but was not that good either. Fixing the right side was priority #1 for a reason. Smith looked like a starter in camp, and has OT/G versatility, but got hurt & did not play much. Hill was extremely troubled by penalties in limited time. All these guys are unproven, unimpressive, or both. I would not feel terribly comfortable with any of them in a big game.  

I think we need at least one more OL, maybe more than one. Reiff/Spain/Hopkins for cheap is a possibility. Or another vet cap/camp casualty. The draft is the other mechanism. With LG iffy and Karras' ability to play G, if a stud IOL is staring at us at #31 (Linderbaum, Zion Johnson, Kenyon Green) it is gonna be awfully tough to pass on. I'd go CB/DT over Raimann or Faalele or Smith. The young guys get another year to develop as backups, and a cheap vet still possible. If we don't go OL early, I would not expect a day 2 pick unless more pressing needs (CB, DT) are taken care of. If they are, then maybe a high upside project comes into play (Faalele).

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Continuing on:

II. Have bodies, Need Upgrades

1. Tight End. 3-4 on 53. 1-2 on PS.

Starter: Hurst
Backups: Sample, Wilcox.
PS: Washington (converted from TE), Moss.

TE is not a priority position in our offense. But losing CJ hurts. Hurst may be a better receiver but not as good a blocker. He is half the price, though. On a 1 year deal. This could be the last year if the Drew Sample experience as well. We do not have a TE3 signed ATM (it would be Washington ATM) and the two guys we have are in the last year of their deals.

TE market was getting thin when we signed Hurst. Draft has got to be the way to go. But that is dicey, too. There is not really a stud TE this year. McBride is a reach at #31 and no way would I pick a TE with CB/DT/OL needing help. And with talented DEs, WRs, and maybe even LBs out there. If not McBride, this pick could be TE3 this year. Ruckert was in a cast recently and the kid from A&M tested so poorly he is plummeting. Rd 3 at the earliest for me. Unless we acquire extra picks. If we have 4 picks in the first 3 I could happily burn one on a TE. Woods may be a day 3 guy, or late day 2. Still, getting a guy who can be a receiving threat if something happens to Hurst is needed, Sample + Wilcox is terrifying in terms of pass catching. Though both Moss & Washington would be better.

2. Safety. 4 on 53. 1-2 on PS

Starters: Bell, Bates
Backups: B. Wilson (KR), Michael Thomas
PS: T. Henderson

The starters are set, but both the contracts expire next year. We could tag Bates again. But even if we had commitments from both guys to come back, the reserves are a bit untested. Ricardo Allen retired. Tre Flowers, though listed as a CB, had some traditional safety duties last year (cover the TE). Brandon Wilson, who is an excellent KR guy, is coming off a major injury. We picked up Thomas (who made the Pro-Bowl as a special teamer) mid-season. Henderson has been on the PS the last couple years and is more of a SS, while Wilson & Thomas are more FS types, and more valuable on special teams than at safety. An injury to Bell or Bates would really hurt us.

We like to run 3 safety stuff, moving Bell down into the box, but we really cannot do it much with group of reserves. There are some pretty good safeties that could be around late first (Daxton Hill, Brisker, Cine) or maybe 2nd/3rd (Pitre, Cook, Joseph). If we get an extension done with Bates, there is a bit less urgency. Honey Badger is out there in FA, but would be costly. Gotta think the only way that happens is if Bates is traded.

3. Wide Receiver. 6-7 on 53. 2-3 on PS

Starters: Chase, Higgins, Boyd.
Reserves: Mike Thomas, Morgan Jr., Taylor, Irwin.
PS: P. Williams Jr

We initially carried 7 last year, before going down to 6 for most of the year and calling up Taylor in the POs to return punts (and score 2 pt conversions!). I'd rank Irwin 7th as he has less special teams impact than the others. Thomas is probably the best receiver (or Taylor in the slot), but counting on one of these guys to make a lot of plays in the passing game may be a fools errand. With more time for Joe to throw? Maybe. But another pass catcher as injury insurance (or punt returner), both wide and/or in the slot, seems like a good idea. Plus, Boyd seems to be slowing and Chase/Higgins are gonna be EXPENSIVE in a couple years. Prudence might make a WR a good choice, but it is not pressing. Hard to see WR at #31, but depending on how FA goes, maybe round 2. Rd 3 on, certainly if there is value.

4. Linebacker. 5-6 on 53. 2 on PS

Starters: L. Wilson, Pratt
Reserves: Davis-Gaither, Bailey, Bachie, Johnston
PS: Jones

Wilson broke out in a big way last year and Pratt really improved in the last half of the season. But he's on the last year of his deal. ADG was improving before getting hurt. Bailey, Bachie, and Johnston all showed some competence at various times. But we really do not have a great LB. Either as a pass rusher or cover guy (though Wilson is good). I doubt we use a high pick on a LB, unless Lloyd or Dean is staring at us at #31. But a round 3/4 pick might make some sense, or later. Cannot see us spending in FA unless it is at a discount.


5. Defensive End/Edge. 4-5 on 53. 1-2 on PS

Starters: Henderickson, Hubbard
Reserves: Ossai, Kareem, C. Cample (DE/DT)
PS: Spence, Hubert

This is a unit that gets Ossai and Hubert back from injury. Kareem missed a lot of time last year, but graded out vs. PFF extremely well (86.3!), but my memory does not remember a lot of pass rush. There was that incredible play vs. Denver, of course. Who knows what Ossai looks like off of injury, and we did not really know what he looked like before injury. You cannot have too much pass rush, but given the group we have, I think we'd prioritize interior pass rushers if they are around (Wyatt, Winfrey, Hall, Leal, etc). Still, it is a deep class of pass rushers and there could be good value in round 2 or if we trade back (Mafe, Ebitketie, Hall, Jackson, Engabare) or maybe even round 3 (Bonitto, Sanders). Plus, Ojabo could fall to us as well. In round 1 or 2. Is that a chance worth taking? I tend to think not at #31. But at #63? Probably yes.

[Soonerpeace]

(03-25-2022, 06:53 PM)BengalFanInCanada Wrote: I doubt he wanted a longer deal, absent a lot of money.  This fit both his and our objectives.

I know that Zac talked to a teammate of Hurst and that teammate is best friends with his brother Press. I watched his presser. Hudson (and I hope I’m wrong) seems me first. I don’t think he’s a fit. I bet he wanted the one year deal to hit it big in this offense then finally get a big deal. We’ll see. Most know I’m as pro- Taylor as anybody but I think Hurst is a problem when he doesn’t star. All I heard in his presser was I was drafted in the first round for a reason. Zac’s authentic but the other two teams coaches weren’t. I hope I’m wrong. But I think he’s more of a receiver threat than C J but isn’t an upgrade.

[*SHRacerX*]

(03-24-2022, 04:52 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: OK, current state of the roster.  Spotrac has 61 guys signed.  Obviously, some of those guys (I count 12-13) were prinarily PS guys last year. We have overflow at some spots and shortages at others. And this is with the 61 we have, draft/remaining FAs or a wish list not included.

I.  Starters

A.  Offense
Burrow; Mixon; Chase, Higgins, Boyd; Hurst, J. Williams, Carman, Karras, Cappa, Collins.

B.  Defense
Hendrickson, Reader, BJ Hill, Hubbard; L. Wilson, Pratt; Auzie, Apple, Hilton; Bell, Bates.

C. Special Teams
McPherson (PK), Chrisman (P), Harris
C. Evans/ B. Wilson (KR); Taylor (PR).  

Takeaways:

1.  We are basically talking about depth from here

On defense, 10/11 starters from a top 10 defense return. With Hill replacing Ogunjobi at DT. Hill rated higher than Larry O last year, and started multiple playoff games, and the SB. People will point to Apple, but he played well after a bumpy start. I think the FO would be comfortable with those 11 starting.  We won't pay a FA big money (no space). If one comes on the cheap or we land one in the draft, great. But we don't NEED a starter.

On offense, 4 FAs as starters + Carman for Spain with the rest the same. The three OL FA's all represent upgrades. Collins (Reiff/Prince) and Cappa (Adeniji) the biggest. Karras has legit C/G versatility. Hurst for CJ is a cheaper replacement. Probably a better receiver downfield but not as good an in-line blocker, but at half the price. Carman being the really only unproven guy.  He showed flashes last year. If we luck into a stud IOL in the draft, fine, but we don't have to reach for a starter nor pay a FA. Just like on D, we don't need to reach for a starter.

Special teams is a tad more complicated. McPherson is locked in. Harris is back but 38. Huber is a FA, and we have Chrisman signed. I'd expect a competition if Huber wants to return. Now, Evans did a pretty good job returning kickoffs.  Wilson was excellent before getting hurt last year. Taylor was on the practice squad all last year. He is signed, but his fringe roster status makes me think we probably draft a guy who can return punts.

2.  Biggest worries

1. LG.  Carman. Unproven.
2. CB2. Apple. Was improved play last year legit or fluke? 1st round talent.
3. P. Chrisman unproven. Guy semifinalist in college. Huber competition?
4. PR. Taylor not assured a spot on the 53. No other options.

Still, I do not think these are BIG worries. We have guys under contract who have proven adequate (or better) at those jobs in the past, with the exception of Carman.

Great stuff.  I would add depth at DT.  Even though they signed Tupuo, they need another penetrating 3T that can take advantage of the double teams on Reader.  One thing I hope for more of this year is rotation at DE (Get Ossai and Kareem in there...they won't need Hendrickson to play 95% of snaps, ditto Hubbard) and DT (Hopefully Tupou pushes Shelvin and gives Reader some snaps off and they need a player to help provide pressure from 3T when Hill is taking a breather).  I am not sure a player like that exists in the draft where the Bengals will be selecting.

They will also need a FA CB for depth behind Apple.  I am almost 100% certain they will be drafting CB at 31, unless the top 5 are gone.  

A FA CB before then would really open things up.  I am not sure what kind of character guy Haden is, nor do I think he would accept a backup role.  I kind of like Apple's phoenix, but I want better quality depth.  It is paper thin after those guys.  

I think D'Ante Smith's work ethic and love from the coaches will get everything out of Carman or he will find himself on the bench all season.  I know he (Carman) was injured at the end of the year, but still...he needs to prove it or Smith will take that job and never look back.  Smith is not as strong, but he is more athletic and longer...could be a better pulling guard.  

There is also the outside chance that Linderbaum falls to the Bengals and Karras moves to LG.  I actually think that would be our best case scenario...then guys like Carman and Smith are competing to be the first backup off the bench.  To be clear, for that to be my best case, I want another NFL CB with starting experience for depth.  I am pretty sure the Bengals want that as well.  

[Luvnit2]

FYI
Only top 51 salaries and bonuses count against the cap. Spotrac is saying we have 18.3 million but does not include Morgan added and a player now in top 51 removed

The rookie cap is saying less than 6 million needed after adding rookies and removing others from top 51

I think #31 is CB, center or BPA is a stud receiver drops and our targeted CB ans center are gone/ If so I think we sign a DT vet, but maybe not until after the draft

[Soonerpeace]

(03-27-2022, 11:56 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: Great stuff.  I would add depth at DT.  Even though they signed Tupuo, they need another penetrating 3T that can take advantage of the double teams on Reader.  One thing I hope for more of this year is rotation at DE (Get Ossai and Kareem in there...they won't need Hendrickson to play 95% of snaps, ditto Hubbard) and DT (Hopefully Tupou pushes Shelvin and gives Reader some snaps off and they need a player to help provide pressure from 3T when Hill is taking a breather).  I am not sure a player like that exists in the draft where the Bengals will be selecting.

They will also need a FA CB for depth behind Apple.  I am almost 100% certain they will be drafting CB at 31, unless the top 5 are gone.  

A FA CB before then would really open things up.  I am not sure what kind of character guy Haden is, nor do I think he would accept a backup role.  I kind of like Apple's phoenix, but I want better quality depth.  It is paper thin after those guys.  

I think D'Ante Smith's work ethic and love from the coaches will get everything out of Carman or he will find himself on the bench all season.  I know he (Carman) was injured at the end of the year, but still...he needs to prove it or Smith will take that job and never look back.  Smith is not as strong, but he is more athletic and longer...could be a better pulling guard.  

There is also the outside chance that Linderbaum falls to the Bengals and Karras moves to LG.  I actually think that would be our best case scenario...then guys like Carman and Smith are competing to be the first backup off the bench.  To be clear, for that to be my best case, I want another NFL CB with starting experience for depth.  I am pretty sure the Bengals want that as well.  

You are doing great work. I think that at #31 they are going to select the BPA. At a position of need to a degree. I don’t rule out any position except QB or RB. QB is obvious and RB because that’s high for a backup. I agree there are a few linemen they’d select. At #31 it has to be a starter. Plain
and simple. I think Linderbaum or Zion Johnson they’d select but doubt both are there. I think there won’t be a starting DT there. There’s a drop off after about the 5 best. I’ll be surprised if it’s not a CB. I think at #63 we get a DT. In the third round a safety or TE. But I know for fact that it’s a BPA strategy at its core by Taylor when drafting.

[*SHRacerX*]

(03-27-2022, 01:22 PM)Soonerpeace Wrote: You are doing great work. I think that at #31 they are going to select the BPA. At a position of need to a degree. I don’t rule out any position except QB or RB. QB is obvious and RB because that’s high for a backup. I agree there are a few linemen they’d select. At #31 it has to be a starter. Plain
and simple. I think Linderbaum or Zion Johnson they’d select but doubt both are there. I think there won’t be a starting DT there. There’s a drop off after about the 5 best. I’ll be surprised if it’s not a CB. I think at #63 we get a DT. In the third round a safety or TE. But I know for fact that it’s a BPA strategy at its core by Taylor when drafting.

No doubt.  I wouldn't be surprised to see a WR in rd 2 if there is a top talent still available....another speed merchant.  I can't help but wonder if DT won't be overdrafted after seeing the impact of Aaron Donald and the DTs from the Titans.  Not necessarily by the Bengals but the league is very reactionary.

You nailed the other "big three", though....DT (a 3t, not a NT), a TE, a CB, and a Safety. 

[*Go Cards*]

Surprised that Huber has not been re-signed. Believe he would take a cut in pay to stay if needed even being a hometown guy and obviously nobody is knocking down the door to sign him either. .

He averaged 46.4 a punt which is not a real decline for him. Not really going to be a big deal to me if they decide to move on, but surprising.

Not many punters sell jersey's and have fans in the stands. Although he is a little long in the tooth at 36, but punters don't get all that abuse.

[TecmoBengals]

(03-28-2022, 09:08 AM)Go Cards Wrote: Surprised that Huber has not been re-signed. Believe he would take a cut in pay to stay if needed even being a hometown guy and obviously nobody is knocking down the door to sign him either. .

He averaged 46.4 a punt which is not a real decline for him. Not really going to be a big deal to me if they decide to move on, but surprising.

Not many punters sell jersey's and have fans in the stands.  Although he is a little long in the tooth at 36, but punters don't get all that abuse.

I think the Drue Chrisman reign begins at punter for the '22 - '23 season.

Perhaps, the organization hopes lightening strikes twice and they draft Matt Araiza or Jordan Stout? McPherson last year as the rookie K and a rookie P this year?