What if we are trying hard in FA but no one wants to come?

[*TheLeonardLeap*]

(03-13-2025, 11:31 AM)ochocincos Wrote: I think of instances where we saw guys choose to leave for other teams even though the Bengals' offer was considered "the same" or "comparable."
Two instances that pop into my head - CJ Uzomah, Marvin Jones

It's pretty clear that guys want one, if not both, things:
- Guaranteed money is more important than the overall top contract amount given there's no guarantee the player will be kept through the entirety of contract
- Snaps in the offense/defense

If a guy is given a comparable contract but they have less optimism in opportunity and/or success of the team, it would make sense to choose elsewhere.
It may make sense to take, for example, 3 years $30 mill with $20 mill guaranteed from another team whereas Bengals may offer 3 years, $36 mill with just $15 mill guaranteed.

I think even that's probably being really over-generous towards the Bengals FO when it comes to guaranteed money.

Top-3 Current Guarantees At Signing (not counting rookie contracts that the team can't get around, or QBs)....
Bengals: Orlando Brown ($31.1m), Logan Wilson ($10m), Trey Hendrickson ($8m)

Ravens: Nnamdi Madubuike ($53.5m), Roquan Smith ($45m), Ronnie Stanley ($44m)
Chiefs: Chris Jones ($60m), Jawaan Taylor ($40m), Creed Humphrey ($35m)
Bills: Greg Rousseau ($49m), Dion Dawkins ($30.2m), Matt Milano ($27.2m)
Eagles: AJ Brown ($51m), Saquon Barkley ($36m), Bryce Huff ($34m)
Vikings: Justin Jefferson ($88.7m), Christian Darrisaw ($43.7m), Jonathan Greenard ($38m)
49ers: Nick Bosa ($88m), Trent Williams ($48m), Brandon Aiyuk ($45m)
Lions: Penei Sewell ($43m), Amon-Ra St Brown ($34.7m), Taylor Decker ($31.8m)