Justin Smith Contract Extension?

[Kirkendall]

ESPN's John Clayton said on the 6 p.m. SportsCenter about Justin Smith:

"The three sack opener by Bengals defensive end, Justin Smith, shows how much playing with the lead can improve his production. As the Bengals have gotten better under Marvin Lewis, Smith, now in his sixth season, has performed up to the potential that made him the fourth overall pick in the 2001 draft. Playing with more leads could mean a 10+ sack season which would make Smith one of the top free agents in 2007, something the Bengals hope to prevent with a contract extension."

I transcribed it here too.

http://www.cincyjungle.com/

[skyline]

Yeah, I saw that. I think he was probably just making an assumption, but who knows...

[Kazkal]

so are they in talks? or just saying they need exted justin?

[walshfan]

One game and Clayton is in his jock....

[Stripes]

So Justin only gets sacks when we're winning big? Where'd he get that?

If that's the case, then most of his sacks are coverage sacks, and nobody would want him. Contradictory article, IMO.

[Section 310]

Justin Smith has been a chronic underachiever (and rumored to have issues with alcohol...sued over a New Year's eve drunken fight....DUI). Remember that Reinard Wilson came alive during his contract year?? That turned out well for us right??

Smith's production over the last four years does not justify a fat contract. There are other guys who can give you the same production for less money.

I'm not saying that Smith wouldn't be worth it if he fully dedicated himself, but if it takes a contract year for the guy to perform, I say find another option.

[Kazkal]

Justin Smith has been a chronic underachiever (and rumored to have issues with alcohol...

Hes a hick and likes to drink beer he hasen't done nothing wrong sense his rookie year.

sued over a New Year's eve drunken fight....DUI). Remember that Reinard Wilson came alive during his contract year?? That turned out well for us right??

Um what year was this?

Smith's production over the last four years does not justify a fat contract. There are other guys who can give you the same production for less money.

Smiths production has been fine for a 3down DE most of you guys just want a double digit sacker,Justin isen't dwight that has its flaws but it also has its perks.he deserves a payday mybe not top 5 DE but he deserves a good pay day for what hes done.

i'm not saying that Smith wouldn't be worth it if he fully dedicated himself, but if it takes a contract year for the guy to perform, I say find another option.

Ya if he was such a underachiever do you think marvin would start him 4 years? He pulled tory james out when he played like crap and then james lit it up.if justin was a underachiever they woulden't have him in on almost every freaking play...justins worth paying 4-5 million a year IMO and with help on the defensive line you wanna kick our best linemen to the curb? yaaaaa makes sense!

[ArmyBengal]

Whatever gets done, if anything at all, will not be known until it's already inked...

WHODEY !!!

[Kazkal]

true enough

[HairOnFire]

So Justin only gets sacks when we're winning big? Where'd he get that?

If that's the case, then most of his sacks are coverage sacks, and nobody would want him. Contradictory article, IMO.

No, he's right about sacks being easier to get when your team has the lead. Defending the run game of a team that is trailing almost becomes an afterthought. Pure pass rushing allows a defender to attack higher and thus...faster. If you find a RB with the ball on your way to the QB, well....knock him down by all means. But if you're a DE playing for a team that consistently trails on the scoreboard then you're looking at a steady diet of run defense, run defense, run defense. That means staying low, playing slow, maintaining your gap control, and an endless series of stunted pass rushes as you play outside containment against draws and screens. Playing first and foremost against the run also dramatically reduces the moves available to a DE. Spinning is high risk stuff as is crashing laterally down the LOS. You take yourself out of more plays than you make.

As for extending Smith, I've championed the idea for a couple of months. He may not be a truly great player, but he's too good to lose without taking a step back, he's been remarkably durable at a position that has a high casualty rate. Most importantly....his defection doesn't have to happen due to his willingness and desire to remain a Bengal. Besides, keeping Smith would do wonders when it comes to freeing up next years draft or FA hunt. But who knows if Smith fits into the Bengals future plans or if he's actually been approached by the Bengals?

[HoosierCat]

As for extending Smith, I've championed the idea for a couple of months. He may not be a truly great player, but he's too good to lose without taking a step back, he's been remarkably durable at a position that has a high casualty rate. Most importantly....his defection doesn't have to happen due to his willingness and desire to remain a Bengal. Besides, keeping Smith would do wonders when it comes to freeing up next years draft or FA hunt. But who knows if Smith fits into the Bengals future plans or if he's actually been approached by the Bengals?

That about covers it. I dont think Justin is particularly "broke," so ain't no reason to "fix" him. And if one of our other DE prospects should actually work out on our other side...well, things could get ugly for our opponents.

[DontPushMe]

Im sure it was just an assumption by Clayton, but I hope they get it done. Hes not a great player, and wasnt worth the 4th overall pick in the draft, but hes a good starter, and for the past few years hes been our best defensive lineman. You cant question his desire, the guy has a non stop motor and goes 100% all game, his problem, as many have said plenty of times, is that he had one move, the bull rush. Sunday I saw him use a spin, and a few other moves, if hes learned that he can really start to become a better player.

What im trying to say is, i hope hes resigned, as long as it doesnt break the bank. If hes asking too much, I think Rucker, Geathers, and a new addition can fill in the slack. Good teams dont overpay guys.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Justin Smith has been a chronic underachiever (and rumored to have issues with alcohol...sued over a New Year's eve drunken fight....DUI). Remember that Reinard Wilson came alive during his contract year?? That turned out well for us right??

Smith's production over the last four years does not justify a fat contract. There are other guys who can give you the same production for less money.

I'm not saying that Smith wouldn't be worth it if he fully dedicated himself, but if it takes a contract year for the guy to perform, I say find another option.

Oh please. If getting Schlitzed on New Year's is an issue with alcohol, you can send me straight to Betty f'ing Ford right now.

Check that. Let me finish my beer first.

[HairOnFire]

Smith's production over the last four years does not justify a fat contract. There are other guys who can give you the same production for less money.

If Smith's sack production never improved a bit, and he was signed to a 4 year contract after this season, he'd finish that contract as the franchise's 2nd best all-time sack producer. No kidding. Even at his modest rate of .46 sacks per game it projects to 73.3 sacks. Only Eddie Edwards would have more, and if memory serves me well....Edwards played 12 seasons....two more than Smith would have played. And if Smith were signed to play an equal number of seasons? Yup, he'd eclipse Edwards and set a new franchise sack record with 88.

BTW, better pass rushers do hit the market from time to time, but they don't come cheaply. Guys like John Abraham break the bank. So do players with stats nearly identical to Smith's, as Grant Wistrom proved. Even situational pass rushers who couldn't begin to dream of filling Smith's three-down DE role make big coin.

Fun Fact: Since being held out of his 1st game Justin Smith has never missed a game.

[Kazkal]

Fun Fact: Since being held out of his 1st game Justin Smith has never missed a game.

"wants to curb stomp all the haters"

[Tasher]

Lunch pail and hardhat. That is all.

We NEED MORE guys like this, not less.

Now, is he a 3-4 DE? Probably not, do I have any understanding or professional credentials to critique this, probably not, so IN MARVIN WE TRUST.

If it is meant to be, he will be resigned, if not, then he won't.

BUT ALL HE HAS DONE IS BE PRODUCTIVE EVER SINCE HE HAS BEEN HERE, UNDER SUCKY CONDITIONS UNTIL PM (POST MARVIN).

[Kazkal]

Well still may not be resigned if 4-3 was ment to be but if him and jumpy both walk then ya we know our future heh.whats the pricetag to even tag a end? just wondering.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Justin Smith has been a chronic underachiever (and rumored to have issues with alcohol...sued over a New Year's eve drunken fight....DUI). Remember that Reinard Wilson came alive during his contract year?? That turned out well for us right??

Smith's production over the last four years does not justify a fat contract. There are other guys who can give you the same production for less money.

I'm not saying that Smith wouldn't be worth it if he fully dedicated himself, but if it takes a contract year for the guy to perform, I say find another option.

Certainly don't see them having room for Smith, but stranger things have happened. They drafted Rucker, Pollack, Geathers, and signed Jeanty/Henderson for a reason. They'll probably go after another DE high in the draft next year, along with o-lineman, unless something drastic happens elsewhere.

They've already overpaid for Levi and Willie - let it end there.

[HairOnFire]

whats the pricetag to even tag a end? just wondering.

The tag price for Abraham was something like 8.1 million this offseason. Figure on that going up due an increased salary cap. Frankly, I love Justin Smith more than most, but that's too much to pay. Instead, I'd wave goodbye...shed a tear or two...and then make sure that only DE's are included on my 1st round draft board.

Only realistic option? Extend him now at 5 or 6 million per for 4 or 5 years OR hope that you can sign him as an UFA after the season. No tag.

[Kazkal]

They've already overpaid for Levi and Willie - let it end there.

Ya its time to give the defense some money

Aye, they can always tag him try work a deal then remove it before the date no?dunno only time will tell

"crosses fingers"

[Tasher]

Justin Smith has been a chronic underachiever (and rumored to have issues with alcohol...sued over a New Year's eve drunken fight....DUI). Remember that Reinard Wilson came alive during his contract year?? That turned out well for us right??

Smith's production over the last four years does not justify a fat contract. There are other guys who can give you the same production for less money.

I'm not saying that Smith wouldn't be worth it if he fully dedicated himself, but if it takes a contract year for the guy to perform, I say find another option.

Certainly don't see them having room for Smith, but stranger things have happened. They drafted Rucker, Pollack, Geathers, and signed Jeanty/Henderson for a reason. They'll probably go after another DE high in the draft next year, along with o-lineman, unless something drastic happens elsewhere.

They've already overpaid for Levi and Willie - let it end there.

Gotta remember that the cap is jumping by exponential proportions with the new labor agreement. Cap is at 102 -105 and will probably go to 110-115 next year, so lots 'O' room!

Personally, I am glad to see the Bengals spending the cash. Remember when they thought that Montoya was just another average Tackle and they let him walk without consideration for what he did for the team chemistry and leadership? We folded up in the wind. I say let Marv point the direction, he will steer us right.

These signings are a watershed in Bengals history. We have never acted this responsible as an organization. It will prove itself out over the next 3-5 years.

Give it a chance.

[GregCook]

I don't think Levi was overpaid, nor Willie. Without at least Levi, the Bengals would have a underpowered Oline in 2007.

Justin is now getting 1.8 mil. Thornton is gettin 3.0 mil. Tory is getting 2.6 mil. Brian Simmons is getting 2.7 mil. So there is alot of money freeing up next season to afford Justin. The Bengals might just wait until the end of the season to decide to make him an offer. See how he plays on a good defensive line, unlike the past 5 years. Then again, he'll be 28 next season, wanting a 4-5 year deal, so they want him that long?

[Kazkal]

eh justins getting like 4million and tory james is getting 5

but all same be np keeping him really with bonus his cap number would be between 4-5 million

[ShulaSteakhouse]

I don't think Levi was overpaid, nor Willie. Without at least Levi, the Bengals would have a underpowered Oline in 2007.

Justin is now getting 1.8 mil. Thornton is gettin 3.0 mil. Tory is getting 2.6 mil. Brian Simmons is getting 2.7 mil. So there is alot of money freeing up next season to afford Justin. The Bengals might just wait until the end of the season to decide to make him an offer. See how he plays on a good defensive line, unlike the past 5 years. Then again, he'll be 28 next season, wanting a 4-5 year deal, so they want him that long?

If he has a 10 sack year and has 70-90 tackles - I just don't see how they could afford him, and don't think it'll be worth it depending on what the market is giving him. It's just too early to predict this stuff though ultimately. And the higher the league sets the cap, the higher the salaries go.

Levi and Willie are overpaid IMO - but they pretty much had to be signed - I won't argue that much - they both serve their purpose in the grand scheme of things ultimately. I just think Levi is overrated as a pass protector and is inconsistent/injury prone - for a top 15 pick. He proved that again Sunday - but they still won and thus my point - he's a financial hit they had to take at this point. He's not a bad LT - but not a great one either.

[HoosierCat]

If he has a 10 sack year and has 70-90 tackles - I just don't see how they could afford him, and don't think it'll be worth it depending on what the market is giving him.

Yeah, god forbid the Bengals pay "market prices. That'd be "overpaying," right? Sheesh, Shula, have you sucked in the Mikey Mindset or what?

It's funny, first I had to listen that we couldn't afford to keep Steinback because we need to put more $$$ on D, now I have to listen to how we can't afford market prices for a (hypotehtical) double-digit sack artist. Will you people make up your mind?

And while we're not spending money on Eric and while we're not spending money on Justin...well, what are we going to do with it. Extending role players like Landon and Caleb won't cost that much. I say we buy Mikey a Porche or 10.

And the higher the league sets the cap, the higher the salaries go.

Yeah, because the higher the revenues are.

Levi and Willie are overpaid IMO

Well, MHO says YHO is wrong. Exhibit A: the Chiefs' line last Sunday. Where's Trent Green? How much would Levi and Willie been worth to them?

some more bulls**t about Levi snipped

Whatever.