03-09-2017, 09:22 PM
(03-09-2017, 03:13 PM)OrlandoBengal Wrote: I understand that age is a concern, but what "sign of slowing down" are you referring to? The guy was All-Pro in 2015, and only allowed 14 pressures on more than 500 drop backs last year. He did not allow a sack after week five. He was the number two rated LT last year. You can be concerned about him being able to maintain, but he is still playing at an exceptionally high level to this point.
He gave up no sacks in '14 and '15. I'm not saying he didn't play at a very high level, but he didn't play as well as he has in the recent past, which could be read as the beginning of him dropping off or dismissed. However, at his age, you have to be careful with long term deals that include a significant amount of guaranteed money. The Bengals are also a little more handcuffed than the Rams on offering him a similar deal. Say Whit backslides this year into a merely serviceable starter, but no longer the elite player he once was. The Rams can cut him with a shrug from their fanbase, but the Bengals would have a PR nightmare if they did the same.