AMPHAR

The problem the Steelers face is they have to pick up the option May 2nd or nothing. They won't know jack about their QB options by then. I'm not sure they'll even have OTA before then. So its commit $25m of 2025's cap blindly or face your entire QB room from 2024 becoming UFA in 2025.

Teair Tart - I wouldn't say the door closed, but its looking unlikely according to reports. This is a miss from the Bengals pending on what he eventually signs for. Adding him and Rankins to the D-line although not getting younger in all aspects and short term deals. Tart would add a little more pass rush over Reader. Unfortunately doesn't look likely. Becton - I think people lost their mind on this one jumping to conclusions he's the starter (if signed) at RT. I even saw someone suggest a $15m deal. I'm for the signing but it (looks unlikely) but this I would hope be a reclamation project and a contract that reflects that. No way do you take RT off your board or pencil him in at any starting spot. You have to think back to Levi Jones. As some may remember Levi had a promising rookie season, better 2003. Then tried to play through a knee injury in Baltimore since the division was on the line. Injured it worse. He was horrible in 2004. Then rebounded back to be one of the best LTs in 2005. But the knee issue kept coming back along with other lower leg stuff. He was a shell of himself in 2008. Becton you just can't invest much hope IF his knees cost him that bad. Ronnie Staley over in Baltimore is another sad story. Becton hasn't put anything on film consistently since his injury that suggests he beyond that. I don't know what the Bengals will do but I do think they try to find some sort of NT and RT in FA.

I'd have no problem with that trade if at 6 you are picking between a Chase or Sewell. Never really thought about it so I don't know how those guys grade out as far as franchise changers. During the 2021 draft it was hard to go wrong at 5. Only Pitts has been questionable and that probably is his QB situation. But Chase, Sewell, and Slater have all proven franchise players at franchise spots. I'd give up Tee and the 2nd rounder to land another Chase or AJ Green. Or another Willie Anderson.

If the Steelers decided to pick up the option. Then trade. The contract "option year" goes to the acquiring team. Bengals faced this last year with Jonah Williams. The only way out of that $12m 1yr option was to trade Williams once they decided to pick it up.

Well it sucks the Steelers are improving their QB postion in 2024 on the cheap. However, they got a tough road ahead. By May 2nd they have to commit to Fields 5th year which is $25m for 2025. If they don't then both Wilson and Fields are FAs next year and even marginal QBs are getting big deals. Essentially they will not get the advantage of "franchise qb" on rookie deal years if they want either of those 2 around past this year.

The question will be would Boyd want to come back on a cheap deal? With the off season under way it looks like extreme competition to get on the field as the 10th/11th player. Boyd would be looking at a reduced role. Unless there's some injuries its going to be tough to get those snaps and then targets. Hopefully they'll have a healthy Jones and Brown more this year. Add Gesicki. Bring back Sample and Hudson. What the Bengals have on offense is somehow being overlooked. They get some luck this time with Burrow it really falls on the shoulders of the line to be competent early on so the numbers aren't stunted. If the QB is healthy and OL not giving up a bunch of negative plays. Its going to be hard to stop.

Almost sounds to good to be true. So I'd take it. With some mocks have 3 QBs going in the top 4. I'd take that deal and run. Giants are likely to be mediocre so its a decent 2. You'd be looking at the 2nd best WR at 6, First OT, First Edge.

Orlando Brown Jr is the only tackle under contract after 2024 season. My guess even if Becton signs, they'll be drafting some. That's 3 spots to fill next year if they don't.

98th pick is pretty good for Pickett, IMO.

There's a whole bunch of drama rumored in Cleveland 1. The firing of Van Pelt. Supposedly that was an ownership call 2. Flacco - Watson didn't want him around It'd be nice to have 1 team shit can the season in the North.

1. McDonalds ketchup is not normal ketchup 2. Arby's horsey sauce is the best Fry condiment (I assume mayo base with horse radish) I'm not getting into Becton or Tart talk until they sign. But fair warning there's been a couple comments made and I'm pissed off about it.

TE room shaping up nicely.

The Jeff Ruby rumors have been confirmed with Becton. I'd say that leans towards him signing with the Bengals as long as he gets the ketchup out of the bottle the right way. Edit: Teair Tart is also there.

Probably.

Jeff Ruby's anybody?! Rumor is Joe going to host a dinner. Not sure who's going but it didn't seem like Free Agency until the Ruby's dinner. I would start off with their barrel aged Manhattan. A little Raw Bar action. NY Strip. Cream Spinach. A little cheese cake.

Mixon gettin paid. Makes you wonder if all the local scribes know what they are talking about. If Zac Moss is an upgrade then why didn't the Texans take that great deal?

Never worried about losing Reader. Hopefully they get younger. If Reader signed on the cheap, I'd probably be a little disappointed. Edit: 2 yrs. $27m for Reader. Glad that didn't happen. Good luck to DJ and for Lions sake hope he stays on the field.

Tier Tart visiting. Source: talking box in my car.

Tobin partially justified with his Bates stance because the high price safety took a dump this offseason. However, bringing back Bell and bringing in Stone suggests Hill and Battle aren't locks for snaps so the replacement plan still needs to prove out. Given, that I would assume Zac Carter might be in a crunch with Rankins coming aboard. Not looking rosey with the defender development right now. Just see how it all melts together.

That's pretty good. I thought it was conditional meaning they wouldn't get a pick until next year. Kudos. Mixon/Moss? The reality is Chase Brown is the X factor as of right now. He's going to have to be the one filling the Mixon void. They probably just going to divide snaps up differently. Maybe a draft pick goes to RB as well.

Because nobody in a professional capacity is paying attention to those stats. They have more time, better tools to create their own. When you are hired as OL assistant or whatever that's what you are doing among many other things. Otherwise they'd just pay the subscription cost and save the money. I assume the Bengals will or won't sign Becton at certain amount based on that.

I knew if I went to bed earlier. That would spur the Bengals to some activity.

Rankins - Like the move. Former 1st round pick. Possible get you 5 sacks from 3T. Hopefully paired with BJ. Don't like the availability or age. I don't think this spells the end of the Nose Tackle spot. This probably puts Zac Carter on notice as this is more of pass rusher. I would think BJ Hill is safe. Bell - Hilarious. Sign a year earlier and people are estatic they kept Pratt and Bell. Let Lou sort out the pieces in the secondary. I don't think it spells the end for anyone, there's a ton of potential in that group. Get them sorted out and elevate the level of play. Becton - If this happens. It probably more of a problem for Smith or Carman. If they sign him and do nothing eles. Cody Ford would be your RT opening TC. With one of the other tackles competing for a spot. I doubt this is all they do at tackle. Just might not lock them in at 18 taking one.

Just a guess but Texans will beat the Bengals out for Armstead and probably would not have traded Collins if they weren't sure they have an opportunity to sign Armstead. Maybe. Or maybe the Bengals didn't like Collins at $8.5m. Who knows? Why do they wait to release Nick Scott? My guess would be to make sure Geno Stone signs, I guess.

Nick Scott released. Great Scott 1.21 giggawats!