05-07-2020, 08:14 PM
(05-07-2020, 01:15 PM)SHRacerX Wrote: I made a comment on another thread about the potential benefit of Ross, Mixon, and Green all being in what is essentially a contract year. That got me thinking about how many guys on the team are in the final year of their contract and are in a "prove it"-type of season.
I listed them below. I didn't list the guys at the very bottom of the roster. Just most of the starters and a few other significant players:
Shawn Williams
AJ Green
John Ross
WJIII
Kevin Huber
Joe Mixon
Alex Erickson
Fat Randy
Mackenzie Alexander
Carl Lawson
Ryan Glasgow
Jordan Evans
Clark Harris
Alex Redmond
Cethan Carter
Josh Tupou
Auden Tate
Leshawn Sims
Josh Bynes
Samaje Perine
Mason Shreck
I bolded the names I feel will be the most significant players that could make a big impact in 2020 playing for their next contract. That is a heck of a lot of talent that could be playing for new deals. No doubt, there will be some tough decisions to make next year and someone line Green, Mixon, or even Lawson could be extended before the season starts, but I am not holding my breath.
Of the bolded guys + Bynes + special teamers:
1) Priority off-season extensions = AJ & Mixon
I am sure we'd love to lock them both up. By the same token, AJ missed all of laat year and half the year before that and is getting up in age. He needs to adjust his price accordingly & Cincy may want to see him play/practice before they give him $50-$80 million.
As much as I like Mixon, two down guys are not worth north of $10 million. Period.
2) Guys who need to show they are worth the $$$: WJ3, Ross
WJ3 has been a decent corner. But is he $10 million a year for 4 more years good? He is gonna have to prove it this year or face a more modest next contract.
We already wisely turned down Ross' 5th year option. But a good year with Burrow & AJ back could make a more modest extension worth it to both sides. May also depend on how Higgins does.
3) Guys who can play & will be looking for a raise with more solid play: Alexander, Bynes, Lawson, Tupou, Tate, Glasgow, Erickson.
How big a raise will depend on how well they play, and for some, how well others at their position play.
4) Vets whose starting days are likely done: S. Williams
Salary will likely take a hit.
5) Special teamers who likely stay if we want them: Huber, Harris, Bullock
6) All the rest are ST/fringe guys.
