01-31-2023, 03:28 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.
I agree with most and this is a huge off season for them in which they could go in any number of ways
1) Extend Burrow, Wilson and possibly Higgins
2) If numbers are reasonable, bring back Hurst, Wilcox, Bell, Apple and Perine. Ideally short term deals that won't be on the books going into Burrow's 6th season (not sure how likely that is for Bell). I'd love to see Pratt back too but not sure that happens
3) Find replacement (early rd draft pick) for Mixon or Boyd this year and then consider moving on from one of them this off season (or see if Mixon will re do his deal at a lower salary to stay).
4) Figure out plan for OT next year between Carman, Williams and Collins. Do they move on from Collins contract this off season?
5) Use a 2nd or 3rd rd pick to continue building OL (OT) as I assume next year is Jonah's last as a Bengal
6) Consider future FA's - DJ, Chido, Sam and Trey. Any willingness from them to extend / rework their contract? Can't really push money forward given likely cap impacts on Burrow and other big contracts coming up.
7) Move on from Brandon Wilson - save the $2M on next years cap
The Bengals have cap space to work with this off season - will be interesting to see how they go about it
