01-31-2023, 02:05 PM
(01-31-2023, 12:22 PM)WeezyBengal Wrote: My main wants:
1. Cut Mixon
Nothing against him, but we just arent a running team. Paying the third most money on the team (12 million) to a guy that barely touches the ball and isn't super effective when he does is asinine. Draft some speed out of the backfield or go pick up a FA for cheap.
2. Find a punter.
Christman was freaking awful on Sunday and field position has been a problem for us all year. I am over it. Either draft one or bring in one in FA. It's a cheap upgrade that can pay huge dividends.
3. Bring these guys back.
Eli Apple, Pratt, Vonn Bell, Perine, Hurst, Flowers. None of these guys will break the bank and have been solid players for us.
4. Upgrade the OL
What happened with injuries in the playoffs was unlucky. The OL was OK this year, but nothing special. Go out and get that elite guy on the OL that we need. Joe goes from a good to best QB on the planet when he has time to throw and is comfortable in the pocket.
5. Find that elite game wrecker on defense
The Chiefs have one in Chris Jones. We need a guy like that on defense. Our defense is solid, but it's missing that one guy that can just wreck a game.
None of these things are huge asks. The Bengals have 44 million in cap space right now - third most in the league. Bates leaving and cutting Mixon would free up another 20 million at least.
All great in theory. But 4 and 5 are easier said than done. Rite pass rushers are gonna be 5 year/$100M. And who? I haven’t looked at free agent list but I doubt there’s some insane pass rusher that his team won’t resign first.
Getting an elite O line is also gonna be $20M/year. Yeah we have 40M in cap space but we haven’t paid Burrow, Chase, Higgins yet. Those 3 will be $90-$100M per year!
