Joey Harrington: The Thread

[GROIIIDayton]

"Harrington heading to Cincy?

<Mar. 30> Harrington flew from Miami to Cincinnati on Wednesday for a meeting with Bengals coaches, and the Bengals have a chance to get him before the end of the weekend, according to ESPN.com's John Clayton.

The Dolphins might be willing to go as high as $2.5 million a year to acquire him, but they aren't likely to make a trade because they've already giving up two 2006 draft choices for Daunte Culpepper and Cleo Lemon. With Carson Palmer rehabilitating from reconstructive knee surgery, the Bengals are looking for a capable starting quarterback in case Palmer isn't ready by opening day.

Denver, Kansas City, Dallas and Seattle have also expressed interest in Harrington. Lions GM Matt Millen reitorated at the NFL owners meetings that the Lions are entertaining suitors for Harrington, and that they will listen to offers.

"We'll let it run its course with him taking his trips," Millen told The Detroit News. "Then we have the conversations with the clubs. It's a look-see for them, also. We just kind of let it run its course."

"We'll be as aggressive as we can be."

I am hoping this happens if Carson isn't going to be able to play for the first 4-6 games, which if they trade for Harrington makes me think that is what they are thinking. Harrington comes in goes 4-2 and the Bengals trade him next year for a second rounder. Sounds very possible to me.

[AMC]

"Harrington heading to Cincy?

<Mar. 30> Harrington flew from Miami to Cincinnati on Wednesday for a meeting with Bengals coaches, and the Bengals have a chance to get him before the end of the weekend, according to ESPN.com's John Clayton.

The Dolphins might be willing to go as high as $2.5 million a year to acquire him, but they aren't likely to make a trade because they've already giving up two 2006 draft choices for Daunte Culpepper and Cleo Lemon. With Carson Palmer rehabilitating from reconstructive knee surgery, the Bengals are looking for a capable starting quarterback in case Palmer isn't ready by opening day.

Denver, Kansas City, Dallas and Seattle have also expressed interest in Harrington. Lions GM Matt Millen reitorated at the NFL owners meetings that the Lions are entertaining suitors for Harrington, and that they will listen to offers.

"We'll let it run its course with him taking his trips," Millen told The Detroit News. "Then we have the conversations with the clubs. It's a look-see for them, also. We just kind of let it run its course."

"We'll be as aggressive as we can be."

I am hoping this happens if Carson isn't going to be able to play for the first 4-6 games, which if they trade for Harrington makes me think that is what they are thinking. Harrington comes in goes 4-2 and the Bengals trade him next year for a second rounder. Sounds very possible to me.

Good point at the end there. If the Bengals trade for him, then rework his deal to make it trade friendly for next year that could work out.

I just don't see it happening, given the current ebb and flow of this offseason.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Interesting though about bringing him in, making him look good again, and trading him away. HOWEVER, if he's a capable backup, why not keep him? GOOD TEAMS KEEP TWO STARTER QUALITY QBS. Why? THey get hurt!

[AMC]

Interesting though about bringing him in, making him look good again, and trading him away. HOWEVER, if he's a capable backup, why not keep him? GOOD TEAMS KEEP TWO STARTER QUALITY QBS. Why? THey get hurt!

QBs get hurt???? Name one????!!!!!!

HA, sorry.

That is a good point though TNBT. Why not keep the guy around for a few years....

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Interesting though about bringing him in, making him look good again, and trading him away. HOWEVER, if he's a capable backup, why not keep him? GOOD TEAMS KEEP TWO STARTER QUALITY QBS. Why? THey get hurt!

QBs get hurt???? Name one????!!!!!!

HA, sorry.

That is a good point though TNBT. Why not keep the guy around for a few years....

Crap, the only QB I can think of that got hurt was Big Ben. I mean he was the only one I saw crying over his boo boo on his finger....

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Interesting though about bringing him in, making him look good again, and trading him away. HOWEVER, if he's a capable backup, why not keep him? GOOD TEAMS KEEP TWO STARTER QUALITY QBS. Why? THey get hurt!

Problem is doing it, since the backup won't want to re-sign to be a backup when another team will give him even a chance of being a starter on a crappy team. See "Kitna, Jon."

[GROIIIDayton]

I don't think Harrington will sign for more than two years at the price we will pay him. He wants to start like every other quarterback and that is why I believe we have a chance. If Harrington plays his cards right signs a two year deal for 3 million and gets to play the first 4-6 games and plays well he knows there will be teams that believes he can be a starter. When you think about being a quarterback for a team with all the weapons the bengals have it has to be tempting even if it is for a little less money. I believe that is the card the Bengals are playing. Taking less money to play for the Bengals now could help him get another big pay day. This is the only reason we have a chance to sign him.

[Defender]

http://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/cont...0330ludwig.html

The link above is from Chick Ludwig of the DDN. He brings up several interesting points, including the locker room chemistry possibly being affected by the rivalry that Carson and Harrington went through during their days as Pac-10 opponents.

[HoosierCat]

Haven't we had enough high-first-round-pick QB busts on this team?

Pass. With prejudice.

[HairOnFire]

I don't think Harrington will sign for more than two years at the price we will pay him. He wants to start like every other quarterback and that is why I believe we have a chance. If Harrington plays his cards right signs a two year deal for 3 million and gets to play the first 4-6 games and plays well he knows there will be teams that believes he can be a starter. When you think about being a quarterback for a team with all the weapons the bengals have it has to be tempting even if it is for a little less money. I believe that is the card the Bengals are playing. Taking less money to play for the Bengals now could help him get another big pay day. This is the only reason we have a chance to sign him.

If internet rumors are accurate I don't see money being the deal breaker. Harrington is said to be asking for 3 million and a 1 year contract, an amount that is far higher than the Bengals prefer to pay for the backup position, but the current circumstance is far different than normal. Frankly, I can easily see them agreeing to pay more than normal for the right guy...begging the question if Harrington is really that guy.

Nor do I see the trade compensation being a deal breaker, unless a bidding war for Harrington suddenly breaks out...something I don't see happening. My guess is the Lions will greedily accept a low 2nd day draft pick this season and a conditional pick based upon playing time in next years draft as a sweetner.

The potential deal killer that I can see is length of contract. Simply put, I don't trade anything for a one year contract, dictating that I wait for Harrington to be cut.

[JPW]

The most that I would be willing to trade for him is a 6th rounder.

[HairOnFire]

I don't see chemistry between Palmer and Harrington being an issue at all. Palmer is an MVP candidate who doesn't make or look for trouble with anyone. Meanwhile, Harrington is looking for a place to jump start his career, and he has to know that his reputation amongst his fellow players is one of the things that concerned his past team. I bet Harrington and Palmer would become very good friends very quickly.

BTW, I loved the way the article mocked the lack of patience of many Bengal fans while claiming that Arrington and Adams remained on the back burner of a very hot stove.

[GROIIIDayton]

I agree HairOnFire. I usually like reading what Ludwig has to say, but I don't agree with this at all. Carson will not be threatened at all by Harrington and Harrington will understand what he is here for. I think this is Ludwig is completely wrong and can't believe that this can from him. I don't think he was thinking clearly when he wrote that.

[Who Dey Time]

I would think that Harrington would want to be here. Realistically, the Bengals are his only shot to be a starter (at least until CP is back) since all other teams look to have their starter or their competition set up. If he performs well, other teams might look at him to be their #1 in 2007.

If his visit goes well today, I say bring him in!

WHO-DEY!

[Spain]

I would love to have two top flight QBs , Harrington reminds me of Mcown. The guy had no supporting cast. Now he will get to drive a Ferari. This is a great move. The QB position is just too important. The guy will have no pressure and all the snaps at camp. Not to mention he probably will be very motivated not to be labeled a bust. If kitna looked good with this group Harrington will hit the FAs jack pot next year. The real ? is do we draft a QB this year?

[walshfan]

Here's a take on Harrington..

In the short time he's been with the Lions he's had 2 head coaches. 4 offensive coordinators and 3 QB's coaches.. All this in 4 years under a joke of a GM..

His happy feet stemmed from not being comfortable in the west coast offense.. He's a downfield pocket passer that compliments the running game....

His personality rubbed guys the wrong way .. He's needs someone that's mature and stable to emulate ( Palmer ) and he'll be fine..

I think the Bengals offer a fifth for him and he's ours... We keep him for a year and trade him for possiblyl a higher draft pick if things work out.

[Spain]

I doont think he will sign for two years unless we pony up then he would have trade potential. That is a very good thought!

[walshfan]

Ok say he wont sign for 2 years.. If he helps the team stay in contention for a playoff spot until Palmer is healthy then the money would be well spent..And whos's to say Palmer may never get hurt again this year.. We just dont know that...

Isnt this all about getting to the playoffs and possibly the super bowl?

[Stripes]

I doont think he will sign for two years unless we pony up then he would have trade potential. That is a very good thought!

I am sure that if we sign a (possibly) starting caliber player such as Harrington, then it will be for a one year deal. This would obviously render the trade possibilities impossible. If we sign a guy like Martin, then he could be a longer term backup solution, but wouldn't be in our trade plans. I don't see us working any trades up in with whatever quarterback we end up signing.

[BTG]

http://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/cont...0330ludwig.html

The link above is from Chick Ludwig of the DDN. He brings up several interesting points, including the locker room chemistry possibly being affected by the rivalry that Carson and Harrington went through during their days as Pac-10 opponents.

His "points" are bunk.

Come on, as if their *ahem* "rivalry" would affect them now. It's the NFL and these guys are professionals...not junior high schoolers fighting on the playground. I mean, if you were to try hard enough and have enough time, I'm sure you could go back and find 10-20 examples of guys who were "rivals" in college getting along fine in the NFL.

Anyway, I'd wouldn't mind seeing Harrington come in to play backup, but not for a big contract and certainly not for a draft pick. He's worth neither. His career passer rating is in the high SIXTIES, and this is a guy who has started 55 games in the NFL. I mean, he's basically the white Akili Smith. WHY ON EARTH would anyone pay him more than a backup's salary, let alone give up a valuable draft pick for him??

If the Bengals trade for him and sign him to a contract above 1.5 a year, I'm renouncing my loyalty to them and cheering for whomever drafts AJ Hawk.

[Spain]

Hey bgi, I hope what the bengals do aint bunk, but Im watchng!

[HairOnFire]

I mean, he's basically the white Akili Smith.

I'll want a T-shirt with that on it if the Bengals sign Harrington.

Palmer's personality is enough to discredit any fears of bad chemistry. Prior to his senior season at USC a very pup-like Matt Leinart went to the USC coaches and demanded the starters job, going so far as threatening to transfer to another school if he wasn't pushed ahead of Palmer, who had admittedly struggled the previous season. Carson's reaction to the challenge was typical of him as he promptly made numerous statements about how good Leinart was going to be, how he wouldn't worry about things he couldn't control, how he was preparing to have a great season, and most importantly...that he'd accept whatever decision the coaches made without complaint. The coaches then called Leinarts bluff, and Palmer not only started...he ripped it up. In the process he and Leinart became good friends and they remain that way to this day.

[Whur CHad At?]

Speaking of Akili, is he still in Europe...

if not we should consider bringing him back

NOT.

[Bengalbob]

Speaking of Akili, is he still in Europe...

if not we should consider bringing him back

NOT.

He's bagging groceries at a Kroger in Portland, "Paper or plastic?"

[kingwilly]

Akili is counting his (mike Bown's) money in San Diego.....don;t forget he got $$MILLIONS and while he may not have been a good QB he is not the average stupid ex-player who blew his money on dumb things....his family set it up (investments, etc) so he would not have to work again...

Harrington IS the White Akili....that is very funny....