Zeke to the Bengals?

[Soonerpeace]

(03-24-2023, 01:25 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: It may indeed by an agent ploy. I think you are probably right there. It may be that Elliot (like Brown) is gonna decide where he wants to go & then reach out, and that has not happened yet. It may be that we have interest and ZT does not want to confirm it publicly and drive the price up. It may be that we have decided to carry 3 RBs instead of 4 this year. It may be we have no interest. 

But the idea that ZT saying he is happy with the team right now meaning we are not interested in adding players does not compute AT ALL. Would ANY non-moron be happy with the state of our TE room right now? Why did Moreau visit? Why did Carter visit? Does that mean we don't need pass rush help? Or another CB? Or a backup QB? Or that Chrisman has won the punter job? Of course not. Ditto RB2. 

ZT could have said flatly we are not interested in Elliot. He didn't. He could have said we are not interested in adding a RB at present. He didn't. Instead we got vague generalities about there being a lot of great players out there, of which he wants exactly none, despite the holes on the roster. Does that make any sense to anyone? Of course not. That's why I deemed it coachspeak non-sense. It makes no sense at all. I am certainly not gonna extrapolate that bit of non-wisdom (there are lots of great players out there, but I don't want any of them) to any specific situation. 

It was just a boilerplate coachspeak answer. He praises his guys (I'm happy with my team). He praises the potential FA (lot of great players out there). He says nothing & leaves. The two things make no sense when put together. Like a peanut butter & sardines sandwich. The part that puzzles me is so many people acting like he said something significant when he didn't. 

I'll make a wager with anyone here. I bet we sign more guys in FA before the draft. Whether Elliot is one of them, I have no idea.

I’m betting there are no major signings until after the draft. Heard that if they didn’t get Moreau they’d draft a TE. But like I said I think sure they’ve got non-starter spots on the roster to fill. And early on I said Perine left because he knew that Joe was the #1 back the moment he announced. I also messaged a few before it was discussed that Perine they were shocked he left and matched his offer to Denver. I may miss on plenty of stuff but wasn’t on their value of Mixon. And I’d sign Zeke to a 1 year 5 million contract.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(03-24-2023, 03:14 PM)Soonerpeace Wrote: I’m betting there are no major signings until after the draft. Heard that if they didn’t get Moreau they’d draft a TE. But like I said I think sure they’ve got non-starter spots on the roster to fill. And early on I said Perine left because he knew that Joe was the #1 back the moment he announced. I also messaged a few before it was discussed that Perine they were shocked he left and matched his offer to Denver. I may miss on plenty of stuff but wasn’t on their value of Mixon. And I’d sign Zeke to a 1 year 5 million contract.

I mean, you qualified it to "major." What does that mean? If you mean a starter level player, I agree. The only starting spot not accounted for presently is TE, and I think that gets filled in the draft. 

I mean, given Jonah's trade request & Collins' injury, RT could become an issue. But given we have 7 OTs on the roster (Brown, Williams, Collins, Carman, Adeniji, Ford, Smith) I think a significant FA OT signing is not gonna happen. Maybe a minor one if Jonah goes AND Collins looks to be a ways out AND Carman/Adeniji/Ford/Smith don't look good. But we could also draft OT if Wright falls to us at #28. 

I think a significant signing at CB is likely before the draft. Chido is coming off a big injury and our depth is currently Jalen Davis & Allan George. Apple & Flowers are both still out there. As are some quality vet CBs. I'd wager we are willing to bring Apple back, but only at a certain price point. I could see waiting until after the draft, but we know we can make deep runs with him at CB2/CB1, he is good value. Circle back to George/Flowers for the last boundary spot if we don't pick a CB in the draft. It is a deep CB class. 

We have open spots at TE1, RB2, TE2, CB4, & OG4. Upgrades at TE3, WR depth, DT depth, DE5, CB5, and punter could also happen. As could big cuts/trades that free up space (Jonah, Collins, Mixon). Though atm, I think the preference of the team is to keep all 3.

There is a guy who claims to have sources in the building who posts on Cincy Jungle. He was in early on the Brown signing. He was out on the early reports of signing Scott & said we wanted to meet with Rapp first. He preferred Rapp personally, but we went with Scott after meeting with both. Pretty good track record. He usually avoids naming names until the deal is done or if it is already public domain. 

His take is that Elliot's camp reached out. Bengals have interest but only in a limited role and limited price point. Which I read to mean Perine's role. Ball in Elliot's court atm. But who knows what other interest he has or if we stand firm where we are. 

FWIW, he said the Bengals are still having conversations with players at TE, CB, DL, RB, and QB. Feel free to disbelieve, of course.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

I'd bet on a signing at CB, TE, DL (NT or DE), and QB prior to the draft. RB would not surprise me.

[Soonerpeace]

(03-24-2023, 04:59 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: I mean, you qualified it to "major." What does that mean? If you mean a starter level player, I agree. The only starting spot not accounted for presently is TE, and I think that gets filled in the draft. 

I mean, given Jonah's trade request & Collins' injury, RT could become an issue. But given we have 7 OTs on the roster (Brown, Williams, Collins, Carman, Adeniji, Ford, Smith) I think a significant FA OT signing is not gonna happen. Maybe a minor one if Jonah goes AND Collins looks to be a ways out AND Carman/Adeniji/Ford/Smith don't look good. But we could also draft OT if Wright falls to us at #28. 

I think a significant signing at CB is likely before the draft. Chido is coming off a big injury and our depth is currently Jalen Davis & Allan George. Apple & Flowers are both still out there. As are some quality vet CBs. I'd wager we are willing to bring Apple back, but only at a certain price point. I could see waiting until after the draft, but we know we can make deep runs with him at CB2/CB1, he is good value. Circle back to George/Flowers for the last boundary spot if we don't pick a CB in the draft. It is a deep CB class. 

We have open spots at TE1, RB2, TE2, CB4, & OG4. Upgrades at TE3, WR depth, DT depth, DE5, CB5, and punter could also happen. As could big cuts/trades that free up space (Jonah, Collins, Mixon). Though atm, I think the preference of the team is to keep all 3.

There is a guy who claims to have sources in the building who posts on Cincy Jungle. He was in early on the Brown signing. He was out on the early reports of signing Scott & said we wanted to meet with Rapp first. He preferred Rapp personally, but we went with Scott after meeting with both. Pretty good track record. He usually avoids naming names until the deal is done or if it is already public domain. 

His take is that Elliot's camp reached out. Bengals have interest but only in a limited role and limited price point. Which I read to mean Perine's role. Ball in Elliot's court atm. But who knows what other interest he has or if we stand firm where we are. 

FWIW, he said the Bengals are still having conversations with players at TE, CB, DL, RB, and QB. Feel free to disbelieve, of course.

That follows along with what I’ve mostly heard. And sounds like that guys knows some stuff.

[cinci4life]

Sound like the Eagles aren't showing interest saying they are happy with their current backfield situation.

https://www.profootballrumors.com/2023/03/ezekiel-elliott-eyeing-eagles-bengals-jets

[Bengalholic]

The Bengals could be "looming large" in the market for Ezekiel Elliott ?

"I'm told they're looking to add a RB ... either to pair with Joe Mixon or move on from Mixon." — @JFowlerESPN pic.twitter.com/44GydITGdI

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 24, 2023

 

[*Nately120*]

Wouldn't Mixon need to take a pay cut or be released? We overachieved last season for a team with one high-paid RB, so going to the SB with Mixon and Elliot on the payroll would be pretty against the grain, wouldn't it?

[Bengalstripes9]

In case I didn't say it already: I'd pass on Zeke. Too old. Draft a RB.

[samhain]

(03-24-2023, 11:06 PM)Nately120 Wrote: Wouldn't Mixon need to take a pay cut or be released?  We overachieved he's goi last season for a team with one high-paid RB, so going to the SB with Mixon and Elliot on the payroll would be pretty against the grain, wouldn't it?

I doubt it.  It doesn't seem like the demand for Zeke indicates that he's going to get a lot of money.  He's not signing here (or wherever) to be the primary back.  He's basically going to be Samaje Perine with a household name.  He'll be paid similarly.  

If he signs here, he's either a 3rd down back with Mixon as the primary or a 3rd down back with a rookie as the primary in the unlikely case that Joe gets released.  He will be Burrow's personal protector on 3rd down and a goaline/short yardage specialist.  

I'm not as dismissive of this as some, even after the Taylor comments.  He's damn near a perfect fit for what they lack right now.  If he's realistic about his value and market, I could see it happening.  

I'm good with getting a rookie, but assuming a mid-round back can step in and pick up the things that Mixon hasn't in pass protection for half a decade is risky.  It's a skill, and not everyone can hack it.  I'd almost rather get a cheap vet that we know can do it than a rookie figuring it out on the fly in a potential Super Bowl season.  Zeke is possibly the best in the business at it.  

[*Go Cards*]

(03-24-2023, 01:30 PM)PDub80 Wrote: I hated this move at first... After listening to Locked on Bengals, I LOVE the idea of Elliott coming in for the Perine role at similar money. 2 years 6mil, 2 years 7. But no higher.

Personally want a young fresh legged RB on the cheap from the draft. 

But could get behind this move at that price, but don't think he will be that cheap. Unless nobody bites and Bengals can get him on a one year prove it deal and a chance for him to get a ring or 2 years for as cheap as you suggest. 

Even if this happened ? Which I don't believe will, would still draft a youngster. 

[wanga]

Good in pass protection would seem to be the biggest benefit but gee he seems pretty used up.

[PDub80]

(03-25-2023, 03:21 PM)Go Cards Wrote: Personally want a young fresh legged RB on the cheap from the draft. 

But could get behind this move at that price, but don't think he will be that cheap. Unless nobody bites and Bengals can get him on a one year prove it deal and a chance for him to get a ring or 2 years for as cheap as you suggest. 

Even if this happened ? Which I don't believe will, would still draft a youngster. 

I agree that they need to draft a RB for sure.

Issue with current roster as is is that there are no strong pass protecting RBs.

Elliott would be lookced at as a closer for the Bengals. in on passing downs, 2 minute, short yardage.

None of the RBs in this draft that are considered top prospects are good run blockers.

bengals are in a tough spot there at this point.

[bengals67]

Zeke scored a lot of TDs last year in short yardage situations where Bengals have not been so hot.

I think his blocking skills would be extremely helpful and fill a big gap.

All for Zeke if he is willing to play at what we offered to our departed RB.

[TecmoBengals]

Maybe the plan is Zeke/Draft RB and then cut Mixon after June 1?

[Soonerpeace]

Report: Bengals Want to Pair Joe Mixon with New RB amid Ezekiel Elliott, Draft Rumors

MIKE CHIARI
MARCH 25, 2023

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly viewed as the most likely landing spot for running back Ezekiel Elliott in free agency by multiple people and teams within the NFL.

During a Saturday morning appearance on SportsCenter, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said sources believe the Bengals are "certainly looking to add" to the running back position either by signing a player like Elliott or drafting one.

If the Bengals do sign Elliott, Fowler speculated the Bengals would aim to pair him with Joe Mixon rather than releasing Mixon in a subsequent move.

This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

[TecmoBengals]

(03-26-2023, 11:51 AM)Soonerpeace Wrote: Report: Bengals Want to Pair Joe Mixon with New RB amid Ezekiel Elliott, Draft Rumors

MIKE CHIARI
MARCH 25, 2023

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly viewed as the most likely landing spot for running back Ezekiel Elliott in free agency by multiple people and teams within the NFL.

During a Saturday morning appearance on SportsCenter, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said sources believe the Bengals are "certainly looking to add" to the running back position either by signing a player like Elliott or drafting one.

If the Bengals do sign Elliott, Fowler speculated the Bengals would aim to pair him with Joe Mixon rather than releasing Mixon in a subsequent move.

This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

That's an interesting approach. I guess they could keep Mixon and Zeke more fresh if they are a tandem.

[Sled21]

One of the best things about the Bengals organization (and most frustrating as a fan) is the front office is notoriously tight lipped about what they are thinking or doing. I keep seeing articles saying Elliott has narrowed it down to 3 teams, with Cincinnati in the lead. (Eagles ajets) although none have made him an offer. (He's gonna be cheap) So does anyone up in Cincy have any idea of if we are even speaking with him, or is this just an agent's ploy to get him signed somewhere else. Supposedly he will accept an offer this week. I know he is somewhat broken down, but is still a premiere blocking back, and since we are obviously going to be a passing team, I'd be happy to see him come in and split carries with Mixon or whoever we draft if Joe is cut. Just wondered if anyone with ties up there has heard anything?

[tms]

The interesting thing about it for me was that he wanted to pick a team this week ("by the end of next week" when the story first came out). Why was the timeline so specific? I guess there's a chance it was a throwaway line and what he really meant to say was "as soon as possible," but even so... a bit weird. It wasn't the end of this week, but the end of next week. Can't help but wonder if they're waiting on something.

[OSUfan]

They were not tightlipped at all. Zac Taylor cleared up this nonsense as politically as possible. They have no interest in Elliott. There really should be no more conversation about it. Even Elliott has now changed his list to 2 teams and the Bengals are not on it.

[Sled21]

(03-26-2023, 01:19 PM)OSUfan Wrote: They were not tightlipped at all. Zac Taylor cleared up this nonsense as politically as possible. They have no interest in Elliott. There really should be no more conversation about it. Even Elliott has now changed his list to 2 teams and the Bengals are not on it.

Zac Taylor did not clear anything up. He said it would be news to him and he likes the team the way it is. He said sometimes when a player signs it's the first he hears of things. That doesn't mean Mixon is staying, and doesn't mean Zeke is not coming, or not, it was 100% non-commital.  I would not expect Taylor to say anything bad about a player still here, or to talk up a player (and hte price) of an incoming player.