Minter says joining Bengals 'just felt right'

[*SHRacerX*]

(03-21-2017, 02:37 PM)Bengalholic Wrote: From Hobson's article about Minter:

Marvin Lewis and his new linebacker, Kevin Minter, staged their version of “The Breakfast Club,” and the Bengals ended up with another leader around the coffee pot.

Minter, the captain of Arizona’s second-ranked defense, agreed to sign on Saturday after meeting Lewis for breakfast in Scottsdale, Ariz., Friday before his new head coach met with the NFL Competition Committee.

“We talked a little ball, but he was trying to figure me out and I was trying to figure him out,” Minter said Saturday night. “It was a very down-to-earth conversation. It was cool to sit down with a guy who has been a head coach for so long and just have conversation like that. I understand why so many people have so many good things to say about Marvin Lewis. It gave me a better understanding why everyone loves that man.”

“I think I’m a guy that can come in and play every down for them. That defense doesn’t need much. I feel like you can plug me in and I can be another element,” Minter said. “It’s very stout. Geno Atkins up front. Vontaze. Pacman (Adam) Jones. I’m not looking to get in the way, either. Great front four. Great in the back end. I just want to be a part of it.”

He’ll be more than that. The Bengals like the fact they were not only able to young up their linebacker corps, but that they were able to do it while also adding a seasoned leader.

“The way the organization embraced me on my visit, it just felt right,” Minter said. “I know Jeremy and Brandon LaFell from college. It’s going to be fun. Through my process Cincinnati was on the jump. I’m just glad they were able to pull the trigger and make a spot for me.”

I was pleasantly, well, I will say shocked at the signing of Minter.  He is an excellent acquisition and a veteran presence.  I am a little puzzled at the one year deal, however.  Is this just insurance that Vigil can be the player we think?  Or that it will push Vontaze to show up in shape or perhaps it would be Minter that would be extended?  

I guess I would have hoped that he would get a four-year deal and become a cornerstone of our defense.  He can play MIKE and that is exactly what we have been needing.  I am unsure if this means Vigil is not yet ready to be the nickel starter with Burfict or maybe they have lost faith in Burfict for some reason?  I don't see how you can sit Minter in nickel packages, as he is just too good at covering TEs.  

Whatever the reason, I am thrilled at the signing and hope he can become a Bengal for many years.