Your 2007 FA Wish List

[delhole]

There's no doubt Bengals are going to need to pick up some playmakers in free agency to fix some problems on the team(mostly defensively). The 2007 free agency has some real elite talent but it doesn't look to be very deep so teams will be fighting for the top-teir guys with alot of extra pocket change thanks to the cap increase. With cap space that we already have and the added $7 mill to the 2007 cap I figure the Bengals can sign about 2-3 impact FA's depending on exactly who we resign. I consider Smith and also Steinbach as part of the top-teir group so resigning them wouldn't leave us much cap space. Considering the Bengals have 24 free agents(that's alot) in 2007 and most of them being unrestricted they can definatly get rid of some dead cap weight (Perry, Kelly, and James() are possibilities). I think they should focus on the offense in the draft since there are no real immediate needs(plus not a very deep FA for offense in '07) and pick up some defensive FAs. Just some ideas (or fantasies):

CB Nate Clements from Buffalo - he'll probably be the most pursued defensive free agent but he's exactly what the Bengals secondary needs. Young, excellent in coverage, and a solid tackler.

DE Dwight Freeney from Indy - Drop Smith and pick-up Freeney. I'm all for it! He'll probably cost time and a half compared to Smith but look what the guy brings to the table.

DE Bryan Thomas from NY Jets - Another great option to replace Smith. He's pretty much doubled his '05 stats this year with 7.5 sacks and 70 tackles. He's young and will be a great pickup.

LB Lance Briggs from Chicago - the guys a stud and could become an instant leader for the Bengals D but he'll be highly pursued which of course means highly priced.

LB Adalius Thomas from Baltimore - he's athletic and versatile but fairly old. 4-5 years left and he'll be fairly costly.

I'd be happy with getting just one of these guys and there's no reason it can't happen. We'll have the cap space and player interest that we never used to have. But lets not forget the missing piece to the offense, an athletic/pass catching TE:

TE Tony Gonzalez from Kansas City - Just imagine our offense with Gonzalez, LIGHTS OUT! Really it wouldn't be as far a reach as it may seem...Gonzo wants a Super Bowl and Cincy is just the place to be

TE Eric Johnson from San Francisco - The more realistic option. Only thing I'm worried about is would Brat even know what to do with him?

We'll also need a replacement for Steinbach if we can't resign him and chances are we won't with the type of money he'll be asking for. Unless Whitworth dramatically improves in the off season I wouldn't put Palmers health in his hands. I think Derrick Dockery from the Redskins would make a good replacement at a good price. And I'm just throwing this out there, I WANT WARRICK BACK Well, thats all I got for right now. Let's hear what you think

[Kazkal]

Lance Briggs or Adalius Thomas + Daniel Graham or Tony Gonzalez would work for me...Terra

l Sands from oakland would also be nice.

I'm worried about out own first...

1.)Justin Smith Resign him...He missed out on another double digit sack season..so his cap number shoulden't be much more then it is now.

2.)Eric Steinbach-If guycheck isen't the future...but otherwise how could bench whitworth till willie or bobbie are done?...Could also be tagged and traded.

3.)Jumpy Jr....Extend him and hopfully he won't break the bank

4.)Madieu Williams Extend him

5.)Kyle Larson Extend him

6.)all the tenders + min offers for players like KK.

After all that is done bring in tony or daniel and then a defensive stud if we can afford it...

CB Nate Clements from Buffalo - he'll probably be the most pursued defensive free agent but he's exactly what the Bengals secondary needs. Young, excellent in coverage, and a solid tackler.

He isen't that young I rather just draft one and then have Oneal play knickle in 2008.

DE Dwight Freeney from Indy - Drop Smith and pick-up Freeney. I'm all for it! He'll probably cost time and a half compared to Smith but look what the guy brings to the table.

Nope don't want a guy from colts defense ...>Dwight might be awesome at getting to the QB but hes also one of the reasons colts are horrible vs the run.

DE Bryan Thomas from NY Jets - Another great option to replace Smith. He's pretty much doubled his '05 stats this year with 7.5 sacks and 70 tackles. He's young and will be a great pickup.

Why downgrade? young is why? hes 3 months older then smith. he's been far less productive then smith.

LB Adalius Thomas from Baltimore - he's athletic and versatile but fairly old. 4-5 years left and he'll be fairly costly.

I would love Thomas...if we could get him for a contract that is friendly cut in 3-4 years ....I'd say more like 2-3 years...

We are rdy to get rdy to get rid of Bsimmons because of his age/slowing down and AT is only 2years younger....Thats the only reason I woulden't want him.

TE Tony Gonzalez from Kansas City - Just imagine our offense with Gonzalez, LIGHTS OUT! Really it wouldn't be as far a reach as it may seem...Gonzo wants a Super Bowl and Cincy is just the place to be bengal.gif

TE Eric Johnson from San Francisco - The more realistic option. Only thing I'm worried about is would Brat even know what to do with him

I'd love tony for short term boost...but I probbley rather have graham who should be avg price and is what we need with a balanced TE.

Replacement for steinbach

Whitworth Played great till the past 2 weeks where he has had problems with tiny speedsters...playing guard he won't have to worry about little guys like elvis or Dwight...plus hes still a freaking rookie so even with 2 bad games overall still looks like a great future starter....If eric is resigned it probbley to play center or they could always stick whitworth in at RG...but that be paying bobbie williams 3million to play backup guard.

[cincy9275]

There's no doubt Bengals are going to need to pick up some playmakers in free agency to fix some problems on the team(mostly defensively). The 2007 free agency has some real elite talent but it doesn't look to be very deep so teams will be fighting for the top-teir guys with alot of extra pocket change thanks to the cap increase. With cap space that we already have and the added $7 mill to the 2007 cap I figure the Bengals can sign about 2-3 impact FA's depending on exactly who we resign. I consider Smith and also Steinbach as part of the top-teir group so resigning them wouldn't leave us much cap space. Considering the Bengals have 24 free agents(that's alot) in 2007 and most of them being unrestricted they can definatly get rid of some dead cap weight (Perry, Kelly, and James() are possibilities). I think they should focus on the offense in the draft since there are no real immediate needs(plus not a very deep FA for offense in '07) and pick up some defensive FAs. Just some ideas (or fantasies):

CB Nate Clements from Buffalo - he'll probably be the most pursued defensive free agent but he's exactly what the Bengals secondary needs. Young, excellent in coverage, and a solid tackler.

DE Dwight Freeney from Indy - Drop Smith and pick-up Freeney. I'm all for it! He'll probably cost time and a half compared to Smith but look what the guy brings to the table.

DE Bryan Thomas from NY Jets - Another great option to replace Smith. He's pretty much doubled his '05 stats this year with 7.5 sacks and 70 tackles. He's young and will be a great pickup.

LB Lance Briggs from Chicago - the guys a stud and could become an instant leader for the Bengals D but he'll be highly pursued which of course means highly priced.

LB Adalius Thomas from Baltimore - he's athletic and versatile but fairly old. 4-5 years left and he'll be fairly costly.

I'd be happy with getting just one of these guys and there's no reason it can't happen. We'll have the cap space and player interest that we never used to have. But lets not forget the missing piece to the offense, an athletic/pass catching TE:

TE Tony Gonzalez from Kansas City - Just imagine our offense with Gonzalez, LIGHTS OUT! Really it wouldn't be as far a reach as it may seem...Gonzo wants a Super Bowl and Cincy is just the place to be

TE Eric Johnson from San Francisco - The more realistic option. Only thing I'm worried about is would Brat even know what to do with him?

We'll also need a replacement for Steinbach if we can't resign him and chances are we won't with the type of money he'll be asking for. Unless Whitworth dramatically improves in the off season I wouldn't put Palmers health in his hands. I think Derrick Dockery from the Redskins would make a good replacement at a good price. And I'm just throwing this out there, I WANT WARRICK BACK Well, thats all I got for right now. Let's hear what you think

yes that's a nice wish list but that's all it is i am willing to bet. that not 1 of the players listed even visit us let alone sign with us.

[Stripes]

The one must sign free agent, IMO is......

Justin Smith.

[CBin2k7]

The one must sign free agent, IMO is......

Justin Smith.

I would resign Justin, but only at a reasonable price. I think Geathers is better than him, and is younger than him. They will not be cheap, if I had to chose one I would sign Geathers and let Justin go.

[cincy90]

And what is your reasoning for Geathers being better? Smith is stronger, always leads the defensive line in tackles, and is relentless. Geathers is a situational pass rush guy.

[Kazkal]

The one must sign free agent, IMO is......

Justin Smith.

I would resign Justin, but only at a reasonable price. I think Geathers is better than him, and is younger than him. They will not be cheap, if I had to chose one I would sign Geathers and let Justin go.

I say resign em both

yes that's a nice wish list but that's all it is i am willing to bet. that not 1 of the players listed even visit us let alone sign with us.

Thomas very well could since hes one of marvins old players...but for most part ya I agree.

[CBin2k7]

And what is your reasoning for Geathers being better? Smith is stronger, always leads the defensive line in tackles, and is relentless. Geathers is a situational pass rush guy.

Geathers is far from a situational pass rush guy. He is pretty good against the run also. For as many tackles as Smith makes, he opens up holes the size of the grand canyon on alot of running plays. He also fails to hold his contain point on many of the trick plays and cutback runs that kill the Bengals. He may be relentless, but I rather he just play discipline football and make the correct plays instead of chasing something down from the backside.

Geathers generates more pressure on the QB in far fewer pass rushing situations than Smith and he is also faster to the ball and holds his contain alot better on trick plays/rollouts. I would take both of them, Smith is not worth the big bucks he may command, at a reasonable price he is a solid starter. Geathers is a difference maker.

[Kazkal]

Geathers I think would be a fine starting DE...he had a soph slump where he was being moved inside on passing downs...he has played the run good this year and is still very young guy who can improve... he'll probbley be about same age as our 1st rnd pick this year.

[Dan2330]

Rumor here in Chicago has it that Urlacher is going to re-negoitate his contract for less so that the team can re-sign Briggs. Let's see if overpriced Peyton does the same to try and hold Freeny, guess he can decide between making commercials.

I like Thomas from the Ravens, any chance to steal a Baltimore D player and have him help us burn them twice in the regular season works for me

[BlainThePain]

I'd like to see us do the same and stay away from big name free agents.

[delhole]

Well DE Bryan Thomas is out of the picture:

News: Jets Defensive End Bryan Thomas' five-year contract extension can be worth up to $25 million and includes $9 million in guarantees.

Impact: Thomas may have gotten more money over the life of the contract had he tested the free agent waters this offseason, but the guaranteed dollars likely reeled him in. A former first-round pick, Thomas had been considered somewhat of a disappointment prior to this season.

and apparently the Redskins are already going after Adalius Thomas:

News: FoxSports.com's John Czarnecki reports the Redskins are eyeing Ravens outside linebacker Adalius Thomas, an impending free agent.

Impact: Daniel Snyder probably is, but Washington already has its version of Thomas in Marcus Washington, who's locked up long term. Thomas is a player that would fit on most teams but lacks a position on the Redskins.

I think Briggs is way out of our range but it sounds like he has no plans of staying in Chicago:

News: After turning down a $30 million offer from the Bears earlier this season, LB Lance Briggs is set to make significantly more than that as a free agent this offseason.

Impact: The Bears may decide to use their franchise tag on Briggs, locking him up for around $7.5 million in 2007. ''Franchise tag to me means franchise player,'' Briggs said. ''I'm not really ready to start thinking about that.''

I really think Bengals will have a shot at Clements. He's from ohio, played at Ohio St., but rumor is he will be wanting Champ Bailey type money($63 mill over 7 years). He's a shutdown corner but he's not on Champs level by any means.

The CB draft class isn't looking to deep either so bengals will have to use a 1st or 2nd round pick to get quality/instant impact guy, like we need. I like CB Marcus McCauley out of Fresno St. He's a definite 1st rounder but due to sub-par play in his senior year he will slip down to late-1st rd (right where we'll be) to MAYBE even early 2nd. But if we don't get a TE and/or keep our DL intact in free agency those positions are top priority. If we resign James I say Joseph moves to #1 on the depth chart and James #2 and Deltha can go take acceleration training all off-season unless he'll already be rehabing for all the whiplash he's suffered this season

[Kazkal]

The CB draft class isn't looking to deep either

I like the class if Revis and Cason enter

[HairOnFire]

I really think Bengals will have a shot at Clements. He's from ohio, played at Ohio St., but rumor is he will be wanting Champ Bailey type money($63 mill over 7 years). He's a shutdown corner but he's not on Champs level by any means.

That's way too much coin to pay for an average CB, which is all Clements has ever been. So how about Asante Samuel? He's still young, 25 or 26, and he's been a solid player on solid defenses.

[delhole]

The CB draft class isn't looking to deep either

I like the class if Revis and Cason enter

If they are both drop down to the Bengals, Cason has my vote. But I still like McCauley over both of them, the guys got the total package.

[delhole]

I really think Bengals will have a shot at Clements. He's from ohio, played at Ohio St., but rumor is he will be wanting Champ Bailey type money($63 mill over 7 years). He's a shutdown corner but he's not on Champs level by any means.

That's way too much coin to pay for an average CB, which is all Clements has ever been. So how about Asante Samuel? He's still young, 25 or 26, and he's been a solid player on solid defenses.

I like Samuel and he definatly wouldn't be asking for $60 mill but with the breakout season he's having his asking price will be high. I'd rather take a chance on a CB in the 1st round of the draft than use cap money on Samuel, I just don't think he'd be that much of a step up. He's solid but not a playmaker(don't be fooled by his 8 INT's, 3 of them came off Grossman ) plus chances are he'll resign to New England, they got that loyalty thing going on .

[Kazkal]

News: Jets Defensive End Bryan Thomas' five-year contract extension can be worth up to $25 million and includes $9 million in guarantees.

Impact: Thomas may have gotten more money over the life of the contract had he tested the free agent waters this offseason, but the guaranteed dollars likely reeled him in. A former first-round pick, Thomas had been considered somewhat of a disappointment prior to this season.

Good...I rather give justin 32-34 million then that guy 25

[Bengalhead]

And what is your reasoning for Geathers being better? Smith is stronger, always leads the defensive line in tackles, and is relentless. Geathers is a situational pass rush guy.

Four primary reasons not to sign Smith at the money he'll demand: 1. He's too inconsistent as a pass rusher. 2. He doesn't maintain his gaps. 3. He doesn't maintain his gaps 4. He doesn't maintain his gaps. I'd like to see Geathers play more downs too but he's much more bang for the buck than JS. I like JS's motor but it gets him into trouble because he overpursues and leaves his side of the field wide open to cut backs and end arounds/reverses, etc.

[ArmyBengal]

And what is your reasoning for Geathers being better? Smith is stronger, always leads the defensive line in tackles, and is relentless. Geathers is a situational pass rush guy.

Four primary reasons not to sign Smith at the money he'll demand: 1. He's too inconsistent as a pass rusher. 2. He doesn't maintain his gaps. 3. He doesn't maintain his gaps 4. He doesn't maintain his gaps. I'd like to see Geathers play more downs too but he's much more bang for the buck than JS. I like JS's motor but it gets him into trouble because he overpursues and leaves his side of the field wide open to cut backs and end arounds/reverses, etc.

Not to mention in a contract year you would think he would be lights out and you never hear the guys name mentioned when talking about the upper tier DE's in the league. I can't see giving him the big coin when he's just to inconsistent. Money needs to be spent on the defense BADLY, but not in a blind attempt...

WHODEY !!!

[HoTbOy]

I am all for a NClements signing, if he is an average CB like someone said then the one we have now don't even rate on a scale, because he is way better than what we have...I'm not counting JJoseph, he played good for a rookie...I'd even take ASamuel...JSmith can be let go, as he is too inconsistent and doesn't generate a decent pass rush, overpursues...I definately want a pass rushing DE and a solid CB...

[Bengalhead]

I really think Bengals will have a shot at Clements. He's from ohio, played at Ohio St., but rumor is he will be wanting Champ Bailey type money($63 mill over 7 years). He's a shutdown corner but he's not on Champs level by any means.

That's way too much coin to pay for an average CB, which is all Clements has ever been. So how about Asante Samuel? He's still young, 25 or 26, and he's been a solid player on solid defenses.

I REALLY like Samuel and think he would be an ideal choice for the Stripes. He's one of those guys that always seems to find the ball. I still would like to see us get a top tier CB in the draft.

[cincy90]

OK, I guess Marvin was kidding when he said that J Smith is one of the finest DE's in the NFL. The staff must have something against Geathers. For some reason the coaches continue to start an unreliable DE over an unbelievable playmaker.

Folks, why do you think we will sign a big free agent? It hasn't happened yet, and there are far less holes to fill this year than in years past. We'll sign our own guys, get a couple solid vets, and concentrate on the draft.

[HairOnFire]

I really think Bengals will have a shot at Clements. He's from ohio, played at Ohio St., but rumor is he will be wanting Champ Bailey type money($63 mill over 7 years). He's a shutdown corner but he's not on Champs level by any means.

That's way too much coin to pay for an average CB, which is all Clements has ever been. So how about Asante Samuel? He's still young, 25 or 26, and he's been a solid player on solid defenses.

I like Samuel and he definatly wouldn't be asking for $60 mill but with the breakout season he's having his asking price will be high. I'd rather take a chance on a CB in the 1st round of the draft than use cap money on Samuel, I just don't think he'd be that much of a step up. He's solid but not a playmaker(don't be fooled by his 8 INT's, 3 of them came off Grossman ) plus chances are he'll resign to New England, they got that loyalty thing going on .

The asking price for any starting CB available in FA is going to be high. We've learned that, right? But IMHO you can't seriously argue that the Bengals are better served making a play for the more coveted and higher priced Nate Clements and then turn around and say that Asante Samuel's asking lower market price is going to be too rich.

Asante Samuel may not have the reputation and name recognition that Nate Clements has, but his current situation isn't much different than the one we witnessed several years ago when the Bengals signed Ashley Ambrose. That being, a still young 2nd or 3rd tier free agent just coming into his own who had played for a team that may have to address other salary cap issues first.

But all things considered it seems like the type of deal that fits the Bengals profile far better than the one that would have them chasing Nate Clements.

I'm just saying...

[Kazkal]

Justin is horrible.thats why 4 years that marvin has been here he never replaced him benched him or talked bad of him...Justin isen't the best pass rushing end but I'd still take him over Dwight the sack master...

Ya I know some will call me crazy but dwight is part reason colts run defense is so horrible...if we want undersized DE to pass rusher we probbley can get jsutin hickman in rnd 4 or 5

[coupdayta]

I know he's getting a little old, but Adalius Thomas is still one of the best playmakers in the NFL. Personally, I'd take him over Lance Briggs. I'd love for the Bengals to sign him if they could. He would provide instant upgrade/leadership at LB and our gain would be the Ravens' loss. That said, I haven't read anything about his attitude on staying with the Ravens. Does anyone know whether he is looking to leave or not? If we could sign him to a 4-5 year deal, that would be phenomenal.