ArmyBengal

Well every TE is a free agent currently so I'm open to pretty much anything. Sign Hudson back because Burrow likes him. Bring back both CJ and Hurst together !! LOL... Go ahead and draft a TE and let them all battle it out.

I'm happy about those odds !!

I get that argument as well AMPHAR, but I'm just about doing whatever they can to add playmakers at any position they can. If the best playmaker is a TE and represents a need, I'm probably going to be ok with it much like most positions. I have literally been saying this for 20 years here on this board when it comes to who they pick in the draft.... "Who else was on the board" ?? Maybe they do take a player many didn't project, simply because sometimes you can't pass up on the talent and value involved. It's why I am surprised more people weren't happy as shit last year when they took Murphy in the first, when simply viewing the draft at face value. He might not have been their 1st or 2nd choice going in, but they did like him and he fell, representing a very solid pick. I may have been high on LaPorta, but I wasn't suggesting taking him the first at any point pre-draft.

The Bears can't figure out how to build a roster to save their lives.

Right there with you. You don't give up Tee to save the money, because the rise in the cap took care of his tag and some. You give him up (maybe) because the compensation is worth the risk of doing so. Give him up for a top of the second round pick and people should be losing their jobs. Whether anyone else agrees, my comfort level starts with two firsts. Maybe a first and high second. Why? Because he's a known entity. He's young and will absolutely improve the gaining team's offense. Tell me what WR thought to go at the top of the 2nd round is going to DEFINITIVELY give you that? Now... how much should a team pay for that? Yeah, a lot

Apparently the Bengals were getting a ton of conversation about dealing Higgins at the Combine. It appears teams are still interested in seeing if he could be had in trade. I know where I stand on the topic. It better be a monster deal to make me happy with that decision.

Nope no real thoughts on the greater aspect of politics these days. I've gone off the grid. I read the stories and determine what to think about them. No need to tune into FOX, CNN, MSNBC or whatever political news broadcast people get their daily mindfuck from. I can't even remember the last time I watched a news broadcast and I'm much happier for it. Much like I despise and push back against almost all social media nonsense. People just can't help but deal in the drama of shit. Follow what party you like, believe what you like and enjoy your life. Isn't America great ?? I won't complain or argue the point, just don't force your nonsense on me. I'm your typical old man these days, in that I just want to be left alone. Peace and quiet is where it's at. I will leave you to it COB !! Good luck !!

Everyone pretty much thought the world was coming to an end when that happened. Just seared into our collective memories.

I was all in with Newton here, but I'm hoping for an impact DT in free agency, making Latham a no brainer.

Holy Jesus !! Remember when the Bengals had to eat 8 million on the Antonio Bryant signing and it cost the entire medical staff their jobs ?? $85 million ??

Yeah, I'm hoping for a QB run in the top half of the first for sure. Nothing would please me more !!

So, to address the Xavier Worth 40 yard dash... He's definitely going to go in the first round and I have no interest at #18. That being said, I was routinely taking him in the 2nd round when doing a mock. He's not the big body WR, but I knew he was fast, productive and adds benefit as a returner. When Chuck Sizzle went down, there was no one. Having Tee for another season made that selection more palatable. Bowers? I have been in favor of him for quite some time. Not sure any more. Not only the weight, but I heard he was poor in the interviews as well. Ja'Tavion Sanders has become a target for me should he make it to round two, which I am doubtful. Not quite an apples to apples, but for how much LaPorta was talked up last year, this kid should be in that discussion. LaPorta had 4 years at Iowa. 153 catches for 1786 yards at 11.7 YPC and 5 TD's. He ran a 4.5 at 6'3, 245 lbs. Sanders had 2 years at Texas. 99 catches for 1295 yards at 13.1 YPC and 7 TD's. He ran a 4.6 at 6'4, 243lbs. If you want another guy I like at TE, take a look at Theo Johnson.

I will save comments about the player in the draft thread so as not to take this one over. I have seen many comments about adding both a free agent TE and drafting one. Names like Johnu Smith and Noah Fant. I would be interested in seeing if Fant’s talent that got him drafted in the first round could do better in an offense worth a crap.

Posting here thinking of John Ross. Insane !! https://youtu.be/kUlCbte_ojM?si=LV8Yjt0Bnw93yO0G

After catching these CB’s drills today, I’m left to wonder if a 4.4 forty is now slow? Those dudes were moving !!

The Steelers and Falcons being interested in Fields shouldn't surprise anyone, but think he would fare better in Atlanta. The Raiders hired his former OC Getsy and it was noted part of that was due to not getting success out of Fields. Not only that, the two of them have on more than one occasion traded barbs. Can't really see that happening, but who knows? Money talks.

Yeah, I think they said Newton had surgery or something, but will be doing all drills at his pro day.

You must hate unions. I don't like them much either, but must admit I didn't give it much thought this was coming from them. Now that I have, I still don't care. There's nothing to get upset about either. Fetal position? Fear mongering? Reduce your caffeine intake. It's simply looking at the results and what or may not come from them. Not where this is coming from. Remove the union for a minute. Could this information to even one free agent, who's married and has kids at least give that consideration? I would guess. Does that mean they absolutely won't sign with us? Of course not. Again, these are simple things. They aren't asking for a percentage of the salary cap and shit. I also don't know what's being missed that the majority of other teams provide these services. It's kind of intriguing to me personally. We have child care, a cafeteria with low cost options and a physical fitness center available to us whenever I may need to go into the office. These things are available even on weekends should the need arise to get work done at that time. I and my wife have benefitted from these services for the better portion of the last 3 years. I can guarantee you that I would not consider leaving this job without those services being provided in the future. Why? Because they are important to my wife and I. Not because the union, which we have and I am not a part of, said so. And for the record, I don't care if any of this happens or not. Like I said, I'm intrigued.

It’s really not that serious dude. Again, easy fixes should be fixed.

I get that as well. Hire a nanny, chef or whoever else you need. That being said, the precedence is being set not by the spouses, but the majority of other teams in the league that provide these services. It's not like this is a 24/7, 365 kind of thing. Hell there are parts of the year, nothing is provided. Hell, not every player is married and/or has kids. This isn't something that should be a problem.

Was looking at what exactly those graded areas are. Come the fuck on. These are such easy fixes, it's not even funny. A place for the football families to gather together to get out of the elements if needed? Daycare to watch the players kiddos during game days? A place for the families to gather after the games that isn't a tent? A family representative they can reach out to or that coordinates communication to the families? While none of these affect me personally and I don't really care about the outcomes (Since I don't work for them) I could fix each and every one of these concerns in less than a week, without any challenging concerns. I don't see it as asking for special treatment, they are simply asking for the same thing the majority of teams in the league provide their families. And why wouldn't you want to do that exactly, besides a little money? You want to build a cohesive, family like environment, that is there for each other so the players can focus on what they are getting paid millions to do. That and come free agency time for their player, you don't think the spouses are sharing their thoughts on the team, city, accommodations, etc? What about the spouses talking to other spouses of potential free agents the team would like to bring in? Some may say, who gives a shit, but these are simple fixes. I was serious, I could fix that shit in no time.

I’m with you Stripes, while it may not equate winning, it’s concern enough that players are commenting about it. As a multi billion dollar organization, these items should not be problematic to correct. If they are… shame. Maybe Mike has another grandchild he can find to head this up.

Seriously, there are many more concerns than Mixon and his salary for 2024. Just spitballing positions of more importance to me and it would probably be easier to list the ones that aren’t. QB, K Damn near every other position on this roster could be upgraded via free agency and/or the draft. Any position on both lines? YES Tight ends and receivers? YES Linebacking corps? YES Corners and safeties? YES Punter? YES Cutting Mixon to save 8 million that was covered by the increase in salary cap, while creating a new need that wasn’t there, without a true plan? FUCK NO !! Now if you are telling me they plan on bringing in an upgrade to Mixon for less, then we are talking. Only problem is… that ain’t fucking happening. Jacobs? Ekeler? Barkley? Nope, not for 8 million…

Couldn’t agree more. Here’s my thought. The cap just went up by 30 million dollars. So that covers both Tee and Mixon for 2024 with money no team expected to be there. At least not THAT much. So yeah, again… why?

I like Latham a lot and would love that pick.