HoosierCat Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 Last year the Bengals signed center Alex Stepanovich, an RFA the AZ Cardinals didn't consider worth a tender offer.This year, the Bengals are reportedly interested in LB Darryl Blackstock, an RFA the Cardinals didn't consider worth a tender offer.The agent for linebacker Darryl Blackstock said Miami and Cincinnati are interested in the free agent, to whom the Cardinals declined to make a tender offer.“If they want him, he’d definitely consider it,’ Brad Blank said of a possible return to Arizona.But, “I don’t see it as likely. If they are interested, they should let me know.”http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/110288There's the Bengals' FA strategy we all know and love... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BengalszoneBilly Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 Last year the Bengals signed center Alex Stepanovich, an RFA the AZ Cardinals didn't consider worth a tender offer.This year, the Bengals are reportedly interested in LB Darryl Blackstock, an RFA the Cardinals didn't consider worth a tender offer.The agent for linebacker Darryl Blackstock said Miami and Cincinnati are interested in the free agent, to whom the Cardinals declined to make a tender offer.“If they want him, he’d definitely consider it,’ Brad Blank said of a possible return to Arizona.But, “I don’t see it as likely. If they are interested, they should let me know.”http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/110288There's the Bengals' FA strategy we all know and love... You're raiding my local Arizona papers for this news! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChadJohnson-85 Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 Is this guy any good? I don't know to much about him... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC_Bengals_Fan Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 Given my superior understanding of the current NFL 'washed up loser' food chain, I hereby predict this tool will be playing for the Saints in 2010. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sportsdoc Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 Shane Olivea, another OSU lineman (a little slow footwise, but better than Bobbie "Holding" Williams) was released... probably available for $700000 a year... we should have cut Willie, let Stacy start and have shane as a RT back up...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJ29 Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 If we can get Blackstock for cheap, I really wouldn't mind the move. He was a great player in college (I know he went to Virginia, and I think he played with Brooks), and if he's chap he's at least a good backup. I would definitely rather have him as a backup than Miller or Schlegel, and Landon is probably a goner, so more insurance is necessary. I'm still holding out hope that Odell and Brooks can stay healthy and out of trouble and can start at the same time, but I'd like this move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted March 2, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 I would definitely rather have him as a backup than Miller or Schlegel, and Landon is probably a goner, so more insurance is necessary.I'm no longer so sure that Landon is a goner. There really doesn't seem to be much of a market for LBs outside of Calvin Pace this year. Demorrio Williams barely got over $3 million a year and he's arguably a better backer than Landon. I thought for sure Landon would land something in the $4-5 million range but now it looks like he'd be lucky to get half of that. In which case (assuming the Bengals' reported lowball offer didn't totally p*ss him off) he could end up back here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJ29 Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 Regardless of Landon's situation, we still need better backups. Schlegel's way too slow, Miller's way too small. Landon, on a good team, is a good backup, but he'll probably start again if he's back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pidge Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 I could live with landon re-seigning. Not LT-like but solid and occasionally very good. We could do worse in a starting role and he'd be good depth at the very least.He's given us more than decent return for a 3rd rounder, IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 From Mark Curnette...Saturday, March 08, 2008Bengals like LB Blackstock Division rivals Cincinnati and Cleveland are in the hunt to sign Arizona outside linebacker Darryl Blackstock, a restricted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals, a source told The Enquirer late Friday night. He was a 2005 third-round pick from the University of Virginia, but the Cardinals declined to give him a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent, so the Cardinals are not entitled to match any offer he would receive and would not get draft-pick compensation from a new team.The Bengals lost starting linebacker Landon Johnson to the Carolina Panthers on Friday. Johnson agreed to terms on a three-year deal for $10 million.Blackstock is 6 feet, 3 inches, 244 pounds, and he is listed as an outside linebacker. He has played in 44 games over three seasons with one start. In 2007, he played in all 16 games for Arizona with no starts. He had 21 total tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble.Miami also was interested, but Blackstock is most interested in the Bengals and Browns at this point.Bengals public relations also confirmed a visit by former Colts and Bills defensive tackle Larry Tripplett. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DDOGG Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 This would be a very good pickup, IMO. I was impressed with Blackstock the handful of times I saw him play last year.Division rivals Cincinnati and Cleveland are in the hunt to sign Arizona outside linebacker Darryl Blackstock, a restricted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals, a source told The Enquirer late Friday night. He was a 2005 third-round pick from the University of Virginia, but the Cardinals declined to give him a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent, so the Cardinals are not entitled to match any offer he would receive and would not get draft-pick compensation from a new team.The Bengals lost starting linebacker Landon Johnson to the Carolina Panthers on Friday. Johnson agreed to terms on a three-year deal for $10 million.Blackstock is 6 feet, 3 inches, 244 pounds, and he is listed as an outside linebacker. He has played in 44 games over three seasons with one start. In 2007, he played in all 16 games for Arizona with no starts. He had 21 total tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble.Miami also was interested, but Blackstock is most interested in the Bengals and Browns at this point.Bengals public relations also confirmed a visit by former Colts and Bills defensive tackle Larry Tripplett. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horsemen Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 This would be a very good pickup, IMO.Indeed. Make it happen Cincy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJ29 Posted March 9, 2008 Report Share Posted March 9, 2008 Jesus, why isn't Curnette running the official site? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJJackson Posted March 9, 2008 Report Share Posted March 9, 2008 Does anyone know if this guy plays special teams?I'd like to see any backup linebacker they sign be an above average performer on special teams, personally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted March 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2008 http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=6681Signed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyline Posted March 10, 2008 Report Share Posted March 10, 2008 Fine by me. An extra pass rusher can't hurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted March 10, 2008 Report Share Posted March 10, 2008 Not sure what they've got here as it's fair to say I've lost track of Blackstock since he was drafted. But I liked him then and if it's fair to say he disappointed in Arizona, and it is, it's just as fair to say he's young enough and talented enough to deserve a second look and a second chance in a different system. All things considered, replacing Landon Johnson was probably just this easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted March 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2008 Worst-case scenario is that Blackstock provides proven depth on a unit with a ton of question marks. If he can step up into a starter's role, tee-riff. Plus it gives the Bengals more flexibility in the draft's middle rounds. Nothing to get excited about IMO but a good move nonetheless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted March 10, 2008 Report Share Posted March 10, 2008 Yeah, right now I doubt they're looking at Blackstock as a true starter. More like a situational pass rusher/special team player who backup multiple positions. But he's just 24 and I like the idea of giving Fitzgerald, the new LB coach, a project to develope....because that's exactly what he kept doing over and over again for the Ravens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJJackson Posted March 10, 2008 Report Share Posted March 10, 2008 The small hidden bonus part of this - this signing does not negatively impact our chance to earn a 2009 comp pick for losing Landon because this guy was not a UFA but rather a RFA. RFA's do not impact that equation.Had he been a UFA - we'd probably lose the 6th or 7th round comp pick we'd otherwise be due for losing LandonNot a biggie, but hey, Housh was a 7th rounder and Terrel Davis and Tom Brady were 6th rounders..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Posted March 10, 2008 Report Share Posted March 10, 2008 According to his agent, the Bengals have agreed to terms with former Cardinals linebacker Darryl Blackstock, a 6-3, 240-pound college teammate of current Cincinnati middle linebacker Ahmad Brooks. Brad Blank wouldn't reveal terms Monday, but said his client was impressed with head coach Marvin Lewis and the Bengals defensive coaches during his visit last week that followed a trip to Cleveland. The Bengals don't confirm deals until they are signed. Blackstock, 24, a three-year backup in Arizona, has two NFL starts and 44 tackles in 46 career games with four career sacks. While Brooks played inside the University of Virginia's 3-4 defense, Blackstock was an edge rusher for the Cavaliers at outside linebacker before Arizona drafted him in the third round in 2005. Blackstock As the Bengals did to wide receiver Tab Perry, the Cardinals chose not to tender him an offer as a restricted free agent, making him an unrestricted free agent. He had 21 tackles and three sacks this past season as a backup strong-side linebacker and nickel pass rusher. He had the Cards' lone sack in the 35-27 victory over the Bengals back on Nov. 18. Blackstock could get looks at both outside backer spots and as a nickel rusher. Perry is reportedly in Green Bay on Monday for a visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horsemen Posted March 10, 2008 Report Share Posted March 10, 2008 Awsome welcome to the tigers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparky151 Posted March 11, 2008 Report Share Posted March 11, 2008 The small hidden bonus part of this - this signing does not negatively impact our chance to earn a 2009 comp pick for losing Landon because this guy was not a UFA but rather a RFA. RFA's do not impact that equation.Had he been a UFA - we'd probably lose the 6th or 7th round comp pick we'd otherwise be due for losing LandonNot a biggie, but hey, Housh was a 7th rounder and Terrel Davis and Tom Brady were 6th rounders..... I think that's only true if he was tendered and his previous team declined to match. When he wasn't tendered, he became the equivalent of a UFA and does count as an offset if Stepanovich or Miller or some such gets a similar contract. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bryce40 Posted March 11, 2008 Report Share Posted March 11, 2008 I can't say I'm excited about this pickup, but hopefully he'll turn out to be a stud for the Bengals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingwilly Posted March 11, 2008 Report Share Posted March 11, 2008 This is a decent signing. He is not going to come in and be Urlacher or Lewis but he will fare better than Schlegel or the next round of guys off the street.He does not seem to have a bad injury history and has been effective in spots.If we combine a higher talent level, across the board, with a better scheme and <crossed fingers> a healthy start, we just might see this D improve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.