09-19-2015, 10:29 PM
Signing their own stars have been the model of late, beginning with Atkins on to Burfict/Dalton and now Green. I honestly can't say what the issue is with Iloka (Nelson is on the wrong side of 30, so that makes sense to let it play out in a way). I can tell you Iloka wanted to get an extension - but I think this Green thing took way longer than the Bengals would have hoped. I mean, it literally came down to the last 90 minutes before they got on the bus to Oakland - and it's hard to negotiate other guarantees if you don't know what Green was going to command.
As for Ogbuehi/Fisher - without a doubt they were drafted as potential replacements. Fisher could play guard, too. They definitely view Ogbuehi as a left tackle of the future. They have a little bit of leverage with Whit - I really believe he wants to be here, and he's older, even for a tackle. The question is, as always, the open market. What if a contender who needs a 1 year stop gap comes calling? Is the "one team for a career" thing important, or could chasing a ring be worth it.
Smith would be open to returning as well - but if he has another good year for all 16 games, he could get a 4-5 year deal at his age. I don't know if it's "ideal" to start, essentially, a rookie LT and a 1st year guy at RT next year if they make a deep run, but it's the NFL - teams have to move on at some point and they can't sign everyone.
As for Ogbuehi/Fisher - without a doubt they were drafted as potential replacements. Fisher could play guard, too. They definitely view Ogbuehi as a left tackle of the future. They have a little bit of leverage with Whit - I really believe he wants to be here, and he's older, even for a tackle. The question is, as always, the open market. What if a contender who needs a 1 year stop gap comes calling? Is the "one team for a career" thing important, or could chasing a ring be worth it.
Smith would be open to returning as well - but if he has another good year for all 16 games, he could get a 4-5 year deal at his age. I don't know if it's "ideal" to start, essentially, a rookie LT and a 1st year guy at RT next year if they make a deep run, but it's the NFL - teams have to move on at some point and they can't sign everyone.
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