So, if you won't listen to me...how about Marvin?

[HairOnFire]

Lewis talks free agency

BY MARK CURNUTTE

In his first comments made to the local media since the opening of veteran free agency Friday, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis reminded the team’s fans that 2007 free agency, in essence, started for the team last year.

Having heard that some fans are frustrated with what they perceive as the Bengals’ lack of activity since Friday, Lewis pointed to the hefty contract extensions signed in July and August by bookend offensive tackle Levi Jones and Willie Anderson – as well as the new deal reached with starting right guard Bobbie Williams in April.

“I mean, they (fans) realize we signed three or four of our players during the season,” Lewis said of the three contracts for offensive line starters. “Heaven forbid if we had to try to sign those guys now.”

The salary cap has ballooned to $109 million for 2007. The Bengals moved ahead of time to secure left tackle Jones through 2012, right tackle Anderson through 2011 and Williams through 2009.

“We have big numbers on a couple of them,” Lewis told The Enquirer Tuesday night.

Jones’ deal is worth more than $40 million, with $21 million being paid in the first three years. Jones missed only one game in his first four seasons but played in just six games in 2006.

Anderson’s deal, at the time it was signed Aug. 31, was the biggest for an NFL right tackle at $32 million. He extended to 112 his consecutive starts streak.

Williams’ deal was worth $10.5 million, about $2.65 million a year, less than the $5.2 million a season that left guard Eric Steinbach needed to stay in Cincinnati.

Steinbach signed a seven-year deal last week with the Browns that averages to more than $7 million a season.

Lewis said the Bengals organization was intent on keeping its salary structure intact by not paying guards as much as tackles.

“We have the money allocated here the way we want to,” he said. “We continue not to waste in dead money.’

“Dead money” is bonus money still being absorbed on the salary cap for players no longer with a team. The Bengals have less than $100,000 in dead money on the books for 2007.

“Our fans should be excited by that,” Lewis said. “The guys we spend our money on are on the field playing for us.”

The Bengals have re-signed one of their own unrestricted free agents, running back Kenny Watson, who fills a vital role as a reliable third-down back and special teams player.

“Where we are at running back, it was important to get Kenny back,” Lewis said in reference to the ongoing injury problems of Chris Perry, who will not be ready for the start of the offseason strength and conditioning program April 2. “Kenny wanted to be here, and he accepted a lower deal to stay.”

Earlier in the offseason, the Bengals re-signed potential unrestricted free agents in offensive lineman Scott Kooistra and quarterback Doug Johnson. Both players are backups, but Kooistra has played well when given the opportunity.

The Bengals also announced Feb. 15 that they had used their franchise tag on defensive end Justin Smith, guaranteeing him a one-year salary of $8.64 million – equal to the average of the top five salaries at his position. The Bengals are trying to work out a long-term deal to keep Smith. He extended in 2006 to 91 his streak of consecutive games started and played 1,042 defensive snaps, 97.7 percent of all plays on defense.

On Tuesday night, UFA tight end Reggie Kelly said he had agreed to terms on a three-year deal to stay with the Bengals. The money was lower than what he would have received with the Falcons, Cardinals or Raiders.

Though the Bengals have not officially announced Kelly’s contract because it had not yet been signed this morning, Kelly – like Watson – is highly regarded within the organization and among coaches for leading by example. They are considered consummate professionals.

Kelly becomes the ninth of 11 offensive starters re-signed to a longer contract since March 2005. Only Steinbach (Browns) and former starting center Rich Braham (retirement) have not been brought back.

The offense ranked eighth in scoring and ninth in total yards in the league for 2006.

Quarterback Carson Palmer had lobbied for the team to re-sign both Kelly and Watson.

The Bengals essentially invested the salary cap space – some $3.4 million – gained in terminating the contract of nine-year veteran linebacker Brian Simmons last week to retain Kelly. Simmons signed a three-year deal Tuesday with the Saints.

In dealing with free agents the wants to retain, Lewis said, “All I ask them is to come to me and let me know when they’re ready (to talk contract).”

Lewis said the Bengals are still trying to work out deals to re-sign UFA tight end Tony Stewart (Kelly’s backup and a valuable special teams player), and backup safeties Kevin Kaesviharn and Anthony Mitchell.

Kaesviharn has visited Arizona and New Orleans, and reports say the Giants, Seattle and Tampa Bay might be interested, too. Backup UFA quarterback Anthony Wright is in Denver today to visit with the Broncos.

“Those guys are out there circulating a little bit, so it’s now (after the Watson and Kelly deals) going to be a little harder to get something done,” Lewis said.

The Bengals will draft at Nos. 18 and 50 overall on the first day of the draft, April 28.

Both picks figure to go toward defensive players who can help the team immediately, similar to the contribution the Bengals received from first-round cornerback Johnathan Joseph last year.

Though the 8-8 season was a disappointment and the team failed to repeat its 2005 playoff berth, Lewis remains optimistic that the Bengals are on the upswing.

“We still have a lot of middle-experience players and young players,” he said. “That’s what you’re trying to do – is make sure you keep as many good players as possible and make all snaps count, getting the guys on the field.”

[Kirkendall]

“Our fans should be excited by that,” Lewis said. “The guys we spend our money on are on the field playing for us.”

Ummm, yea, I hope. God I love Marvin.

[CarsonPalmer9]

In Marvin I trust!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CantStop85]

“Our fans should be excited by that,” Lewis said. “The guys we spend our money on are on the field playing for us.”

Like Odell Thurman, right?

[Stripes]

Marvin is such a homer.

[schweinhart]

Sounds like a gameplan.

Now if some of the jacklegs can keep from getting busted, everything will work out fine.

[cincy9275]

“Our fans should be excited by that,” Lewis said. “The guys we spend our money on are on the field playing for us.”

Ummm, yea, I hope. God I love Marvin.

yea and the same guys that only managed 1 winning season . my confidence in this team went from superbowl aspirations to hope we have a winning season. all we have done it lost 2 top o-lineman lost best lb on the team lost a s/t ace. i mean all we have done it lose players this off-season. then to have marv hobson tell us how we have all we need to win. bulls**t how about all we have in our front 7 is 1 only 1 starter. that is justin think about it the rest are roll players and backups and our back 4 we only have 3 guys that are average or better no depth what so ever. this defense is is serious trouble looks to be the worst group yet. as for guy likes odell brooks aj oneil can't rely on these guys they could help or they could be the same ol drunk stealing, test missing, pot heads. can't trust guys like that. then pollack to me he is done i don't look for him to be back at all if he did come back would he be even close to before? we better get lucky in the draft and get 2or 3 studs on defense or it going to be a long year. we have the guns on offense to score with anyone. the defense is very lacking and our record reflects that 3 8-8 seasons over the last 4. hell a new coach some kind of a improvement is all i am asking. what marvin going to do clap his hands and are players are going to gain talent and our schemes are going to be brilliant. no we are talent depleted and and lack quality coaching on defense . until you fix that they are going to continue to struggle. i will allways support them and hope i am wrong but we'll see.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

In Marvin I trust!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is so tired.

[cincy9275]

In Marvin I trust!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is so tired.

i hear ya.

[HairOnFire]

In Marvin I trust!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is so tired.

i hear ya.

Get a room.

[Kirkendall]

“Our fans should be excited by that,” Lewis said. “The guys we spend our money on are on the field playing for us.”

Ummm, yea, I hope. God I love Marvin.

yea and the same guys that only managed 1 winning season . my confidence in this team went from superbowl aspirations to hope we have a winning season. all we have done it lost 2 top o-lineman lost best lb on the team lost a s/t ace. i mean all we have done it lose players this off-season. then to have marv hobson tell us how we have all we need to win. bulls**t how about all we have in our front 7 is 1 only 1 starter. that is justin think about it the rest are roll players and backups and our back 4 we only have 3 guys that are average or better no depth what so ever. this defense is is serious trouble looks to be the worst group yet. as for guy likes odell brooks aj oneil can't rely on these guys they could help or they could be the same ol drunk stealing, test missing, pot heads. can't trust guys like that. then pollack to me he is done i don't look for him to be back at all if he did come back would he be even close to before? we better get lucky in the draft and get 2or 3 studs on defense or it going to be a long year. we have the guns on offense to score with anyone. the defense is very lacking and our record reflects that 3 8-8 seasons over the last 4. hell a new coach some kind of a improvement is all i am asking. what marvin going to do clap his hands and are players are going to gain talent and our schemes are going to be brilliant. no we are talent depleted and and lack quality coaching on defense . until you fix that they are going to continue to struggle. i will allways support them and hope i am wrong but we'll see.

They will bro... consider.

1. Palmer admitted he wasn't 100%.

2. Rudi didn't have a complementary back.

3. T.J., Tab Perry and Henry missed games.

4. Only Steinbach and Willie started every game for the line.

5. Two starting linebackers missed the season.

6. Tory James sucked as sucked can suck.

7. Deltha O'Neal couldn't give two s**ts about football.

8. Dexter Jackson and Brian Simmons missed playing time.

9. Shayne Graham and Kyle Larson rewrote the book on choke-job.

10. Injury, injury, injury. I know it's a tired excuse, but it does tend to hurt a team over time.

11. Distractions.

If you guys want to add to the list, go for it. My only point is that the bounces were totally going against us all season whereas we got the rolls in 2005.

[Stripes]

1. Palmer admitted he wasn't 100%.

2. Rudi didn't have a complementary back.

3. T.J., Tab Perry and Henry missed games.

4. Only Steinbach and Willie started every game for the line.

5. Two starting linebackers missed the season.

6. Tory James sucked as sucked can suck.

7. Deltha O'Neal couldn't give two s**ts about football.

8. Dexter Jackson and Brian Simmons missed playing time.

9. Shayne Graham and Kyle Larson rewrote the book on choke-job.

10. Injury, injury, injury. I know it's a tired excuse, but it does tend to hurt a team over time.

11. Distractions.

12. Mike Brown doesn't care about fielding a winning team and Marvin is his lapdog!!!!!!111111

[redsbengalsbucks]

1. Palmer admitted he wasn't 100%.

2. Rudi didn't have a complementary back.

3. T.J., Tab Perry and Henry missed games.

4. Only Steinbach and Willie started every game for the line.

5. Two starting linebackers missed the season.

6. Tory James sucked as sucked can suck.

7. Deltha O'Neal couldn't give two s**ts about football.

8. Dexter Jackson and Brian Simmons missed playing time.

9. Shayne Graham and Kyle Larson rewrote the book on choke-job.

10. Injury, injury, injury. I know it's a tired excuse, but it does tend to hurt a team over time.

11. Distractions.

12. Mike Brown doesn't care about fielding a winning team and Marvin is his lapdog!!!!!!111111

13. the officials stole a game/sack against Tampa Bay.

[Kirkendall]

We're up to 13. I say we try to reach 100.

[Kazkal]

I don't know about you guys but I'm excited and looking forward to next season, "happy dance" bring on the draft.

[CarsonCity]

I don't know about you guys but I'm excited and looking forward to next season, "happy dance" bring on the draft.

But haven't you read? The Bengals haven't spent 80 billion dollars on free agency. They'll be lucky to go 6-10 next year. They have the worst defense the NFL has ever seen. I don't care if they gave up less points than 13 teams last season, they are horrible because mike brown is a penny pincher and wants to lose. Nevermind that if 2 or 3 fluke plays go their way last year, they're 11-5 against the toughest schedule in the NFL. Nevermind that Marvin has proven he'll acquire top talent through the draft. Nevermind we'll have Carson Palmer 100%, giving us arguably the best QB in the NFL. Nevermind all of that. The Bengals haven't grossly overpaid average talent in free agency, so they must be bad next year.

I really hope all these people pissing and moaning come back to eat their words next year. The Bengals will win, and win a lot. But until then, I guess we'll have to live with this doom and gloom.

[BengalszoneBilly]

I don't know about you guys but I'm excited and looking forward to next season, "happy dance" bring on the draft.

Hmmm...the last time the Bengals drafting made me want to do a "Happy Dance" was in 2003 when Carson Palmer was selected. It went south for me real quick in 2004 after I heard the 1st pick and wanted to shoot myself in the freakin' head right then and there! It's been "so-so" in my estimate ever since... definite room for improvement. Here's hoping for the best out of this years upcoming crap shoot, also known as the NFL Draft!

[HoosierCat]

Having heard that some fans are frustrated with what they perceive as the Bengals’ lack of activity since Friday, Lewis pointed to the hefty contract extensions signed in July and August by bookend offensive tackle Levi Jones and Willie Anderson – as well as the new deal reached with starting right guard Bobbie Williams in April.

“I mean, they (fans) realize we signed three or four of our players during the season,” Lewis said of the three contracts for offensive line starters. “Heaven forbid if we had to try to sign those guys now.”

OK, just for future reference, if we are going to enshrine the principle that a contract extension actually counts as a FA signing in the year the player in question would have become a (presumably unrestricted) FA, this means that Robert Geathers' recent exension doesn't count this year, but is actually an example of the Bengals already kicking a$$ in FA in 2008?

And the Bengals have already scored an A in FA for 2009 because they extended Carson back in 2005 (an extension that we then praised as part of the '06 FA period, I think, but anyhow...) because Carson would have been a FA in 09?

And Chad's '03 extension was actually an example of good work by the Bengals in the FA 2005 period since he would have been a FA if they hadn't extended him?

[Stripes]

OK, just for future reference, if we are going to enshrine the principle that a contract extension actually counts as a FA signing in the year the player in question would have become a (presumably unrestricted) FA, this means that Robert Geathers' recent exension doesn't count this year, but is actually an example of the Bengals already kicking a$$ in FA in 2008?

And the Bengals have already scored an A in FA for 2009 because they extended Carson back in 2005 (an extension that we then praised as part of the '06 FA period, I think, but anyhow...) because Carson would have been a FA in 09?

And Chad's '03 extension was actually an example of good work by the Bengals in the FA 2005 period since he would have been a FA if they hadn't extended him?

That's all up to the individual, but I'd argue any moves made in the present that affect the Bengals cap situation in the present should be considered along with FA decisions when evaluating the job they've done in the present. For example, I think the year 2008 was automatically rendered irrelevant in this discussion when Geathers was extended beyond it this offseason.

[HoosierCat]

That's all up to the individual, but I'd argue any moves made in the present that affect the Bengals cap situation in the present should be considered along with FA decisions when evaluating the job they've done in the present.

I tend to agree -- any moves made in year X generally ought to be considered part of year's X's activities. I'm not knocking the Willie/Levi/Bobby extensions, they were good moves -- but to claim they ought to be considered 2007 moves strikes me as a bit of misdirection.

[jjakq27]

I don't know about you guys but I'm excited and looking forward to next season, "happy dance" bring on the draft.

But haven't you read? The Bengals haven't spent 80 billion dollars on free agency. They'll be lucky to go 6-10 next year. They have the worst defense the NFL has ever seen. I don't care if they gave up less points than 13 teams last season, they are horrible because mike brown is a penny pincher and wants to lose. Nevermind that if 2 or 3 fluke plays go their way last year, they're 11-5 against the toughest schedule in the NFL. Nevermind that Marvin has proven he'll acquire top talent through the draft. Nevermind we'll have Carson Palmer 100%, giving us arguably the best QB in the NFL. Nevermind all of that. The Bengals haven't grossly overpaid average talent in free agency, so they must be bad next year.

I really hope all these people pissing and moaning come back to eat their words next year. The Bengals will win, and win a lot. But until then, I guess we'll have to live with this doom and gloom.

I hope they move to LA.

[The PatternMaster]

That's all up to the individual, but I'd argue any moves made in the present that affect the Bengals cap situation in the present should be considered along with FA decisions when evaluating the job they've done in the present.

I tend to agree -- any moves made in year X generally ought to be considered part of year's X's activities. I'm not knocking the Willie/Levi/Bobby extensions, they were good moves -- but to claim they ought to be considered 2007 moves strikes me as a bit of misdirection.

I think the reason they are counted as 2007 moves because they directly affect the 2007 cap, the deals these guys signed go into effect in 2007 so that is why they are counting they as if they were FA who they signed off the street.

Honestly I can't see why people are upset that Bengals aren't throwing away boat loads of money in FA, there's only 2 guys I think could come in and upgrade the defense and they both got 10 mil per year contracts so they got over paid. Also everybody is so down on the defense but if they can play consistant they have the to be great, does everyone forget that 4 game stretch when they were shutting teams out and set a record? We have the horses, we need a few infusions of talent at certain postions like lb, cb, and s and we will be set. If we can get coachable guys who will stick the scheme our defense will be fine, imo...

I could understand if people wanted a new long snapper after brad st louis choked in Denver or even bringing in some competition for Shayne as he as missed a few high pressure field goals, but to put all of the blame on the defense is wrong.

[HoosierCat]

I think the reason they are counted as 2007 moves because they directly affect the 2007 cap, the deals these guys signed go into effect in 2007 so that is why they are counting they as if they were FA who they signed off the street.

Honestly I can't see why people are upset that Bengals aren't throwing away boat loads of money in FA,

The deals went into effect in '06. Remember the stories about how they were using the "new" cap money (when the cap went up after the new CBA) for extensions and not Lavar?

As for those boat loads of money, you can argue that they actually did throw some around in re-signing Geathers and franchising Justin. But they're bleeding veteran talent, key backups and special teamers, and their own history strongly suggests it will take more than a few draft picks to replace them.

[Spain]

Post deleted. Nobody in this thread or this Bengals forum cares what the status is with your jersey.

Please stop bringing up in here, or someone is bound to suspend you. It'll come when it comes.

Edited March 14, 2007 by TDB

[Bobcat Bengal]

Post deleted. Nobody in this thread or this Bengals forum cares what the status is with your jersey.

Please stop bringing up in here, or someone is bound to suspend you. It'll come when it comes.

rofl