2024 Defensive Personnel Failures

[XsandOs]

(12-07-2024, 02:18 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: So basically, you're proposing that the Bengals should add about $80M AAV to the payroll? 

Even going cheap, say with only Holland and Smith, you're still looking at adding $40-45M for just the two of them. (which I could live with) 

Sunset, I was going to comment about our visceral reaction as Bengals fans to improbability of getting high end players due to salary cap. But I won't., because I am in the same boat, having been conditioned over decades. I listed what I feel were the best potential UFAs in 2025.

But, I think there is a way to get the defense upgraded, without over spending.

If you recall, Hill and Apple were 1st and high 3rd round picks that we acquired at 25 years of age, who were good pickups. Chase Young and Okudah look the same to me. I would be intrigued to see if we can turn the careers of two young players around and get great value from them. 

I also feel that we can absorb a Jevon Holland type of a deal at $18M per year, if we cut Hubbard and Stone and let Bell walk. 

Then there is the D-Line question, which is the main area of concern - not just for interior pressure but also run stopping. We need a true run stopping NT. Jenkins is not it, and Jackson/Rogers are not there yet. For true interior pressure, we no longer have Larry O to go with Hill. So, do we keep Rankins or cut him? What would Hill cost to re-sign? This draft has several good DTs/NTs we could get in the first or early second round.

So for D-Line, it has to be a trade and/or the draft. Assuming we can re-sign Hill. If there is a Hendrickson holdout, then all bets are off.