2025 Free Agency - Who do you want, how much would you spend?

[SunsetBengal]

(01-03-2025, 08:39 PM)TheLeonardLeap Wrote: I think we can all agree the Bengals FO doesn't learn much, but I will also say it's not the same situation as Whit or Campbell. Andrew Whitworth was a Pro Bowler playing at a very high level (but passed over for higher awards because of Joe Thomas in the AFCN) in his age 31 season, Campbell was 1st Team All-Pro in his age 31 season.

There's a large difference between guys playing at a very high level being able to keep doing that in their 30s versus a guy who is average continuing to be so into his 30s. The latter guys tend to fall off then because they have no extra space to fall from that isn't below average.

Think Michael Johnson vs Calais Campbell. 
Or for baseball Brandon Phillips vs Joe Morgan.

BJ Hill is okay, but he's much more Michael Johnson than Calais Campbell. He's not much of a dropoff away from being untenable as a starter.

I'm just saying that because of a chronological number, that does not mean that he's washed up. If the team drafted well, they should have confidence in re-signing Hill and letting nature take it's course. I think that it's the same site that everyone refers to around her that shows BJ Hill as the best free agent DT prospect out there this year. The Bengals also need to learn when to keep their guys.

Btw, the Brandon Phillips v Joe Morgan analogy just doesn't quite fit. I'm not saying that BJ Hill is, or ever was an All-Pro level guy, but he's durable and dependable with steady, solid production. Watching him chase a running QB at his age, compared to a slug like Myles Murphy who is much younger only reinforces my opinion on retaining Hill.