Off-season looks good

[walzav29]

1. Tennessee 39 $40.85 million

2. San Diego 44 $33.03 million

3. Jacksonville 43 $32.69 million

4. Buffalo 49 $32.05 million

5. New Orleans 39 $31.69 million

6. Cincinnati 48 $31.45 million

I know there are a lot of extra draft picks, because of free-agent losses. We have the Golden Boy. Inching along.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Waiting for Hobsonian treatment where by December 31st the Bengals' will have $2.5 mil left in cap space and no room for any impact FA's again.

BTW - Gotta love those Skins with $20mm over the cap, lol.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Waiting for Hobsonian treatment where by December 31st the Bengals' will have $2.5 mil left in cap space and no room for any impact FA's again.

BTW - Gotta love those Skins with $20mm over the cap, lol.

I love being the anti-Skins fan around here. Talk about mis-managed salary cap. Oh, and the senile coach who still thinks it's 1992.

[sparky151]

Sadly the Redskins do a better job of cap management than the Bengals do. The 20 mil over for the Skins is just on paper and will be overcome without releasing anyone they want to keep. Meanwhile the Bengals won't get good use of their 31 mil available.

[Jet23]

Waiting for Hobsonian treatment where by December 31st the Bengals' will have $2.5 mil left in cap space and no room for any impact FA's again.

BTW - Gotta love those Skins with $20mm over the cap, lol.

Surely whatever cap room is left will need to go towards injury settlements and grievances...

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Waiting for Hobsonian treatment where by December 31st the Bengals' will have $2.5 mil left in cap space and no room for any impact FA's again.

BTW - Gotta love those Skins with $20mm over the cap, lol.

Surely whatever cap room is left will need to go towards injury settlements and grievances...

And with all the injuries this year Hobson will probably have orders to state the Bengals' are on the verge of bankruptcy, so that fans don't expect anything in the off-season again.

As far as I'm concerned the Bengals' shouldn't be on the top 20 of that list for the next 5 years given their track record since the cap was instituted (and yes that includes spending wisely, but also not without some risk)

Otherwise they just aren't trying hard enough - which is most likely the case. While others are out looking for new ways to get better, the Browns and Blackburns are eating at Frisch's and cutting coupons out of the paper, and watching birds on the back porch...after Mike's nightly money bath of course.

[HoosierCat]

Waiting for Hobsonian treatment where by December 31st the Bengals' will have $2.5 mil left in cap space and no room for any impact FA's again.

Yeah, it'll go something like this: knock off $5 million for the rookie pool, $2 million for an injury reserve, another $2 million already spent this year because of all the injuries and Hall hitting his rookie PT incentives, a million or two for RFA tenders, a few million more to pay for across the board raises for all the players under contract...and that $31 is down in the mid- to high-teens already. Then $5 million for Andrews, $3 million for Landon, and $10 million spent tagging Justin Smith again...and we're done.

[TJJackson]

$10 million spent tagging Justin Smith again

Please oh please no

Pay stars as stars, pay average players as average players

Don't pay an average player star money

[HoosierCat]

$10 million spent tagging Justin Smith again

Please oh please no

Pay stars as stars, pay average players as average players

Don't pay an average player star money

Just to be clear, even tho I like Justin much more than many others, I don't want to see him tagged again. But I can see the bengals talking themselves into it. First, who do you replace him with? If there's any elite DEs available in FA this year, Cincy is certainly not going to be their first choice, so to get them we'd almost certainly need to get into a bidding war and "overpay," which as we all know ain't gonna happen.

Could we replace him with some mid-tier DE and get the same production? That's far more possible...but while attractive from a cap viewpoint, doesn't do anything to actually improve the line.

Could we replace him with a high draft pick? Sure, but that kind of locks us in on draft day, and not doing that was part of their thinking in tagging Justin last time around. There's also no assurance we'll get someone worth crap (see Rucker, Frostee). And speaking of the Non-Dairy Dessert, he's been a total nonfactor, and B-rob 's deal is up after three more games. If Justin goes too, that leaves us with Geathers.

Personally, I would let Smith walk, offer B-rob a two-year vet minimum extension (he's a perfectly good backup), look for a tier-two FA a la Duane Clemons in FA, and plan on taking another DE in the first three rounds (probably in the first or second). Hopefully, either Rucker gets his head out of his butt or the new guy comes one.

[cincy9275]

Waiting for Hobsonian treatment where by December 31st the Bengals' will have $2.5 mil left in cap space and no room for any impact FA's again.

Yeah, it'll go something like this: knock off $5 million for the rookie pool, $2 million for an injury reserve, another $2 million already spent this year because of all the injuries and Hall hitting his rookie PT incentives, a million or two for RFA tenders, a few million more to pay for across the board raises for all the players under contract...and that $31 is down in the mid- to high-teens already. Then $5 million for Andrews, $3 million for Landon, and $10 million spent tagging Justin Smith again...and we're done.

Hoosier you are 110% correct, that is exactly what the Bengals will do.

[membengal]

Waiting for Hobsonian treatment where by December 31st the Bengals' will have $2.5 mil left in cap space and no room for any impact FA's again.

Yeah, it'll go something like this: knock off $5 million for the rookie pool, $2 million for an injury reserve, another $2 million already spent this year because of all the injuries and Hall hitting his rookie PT incentives, a million or two for RFA tenders, a few million more to pay for across the board raises for all the players under contract...and that $31 is down in the mid- to high-teens already. Then $5 million for Andrews, $3 million for Landon, and $10 million spent tagging Justin Smith again...and we're done.

Don't forget his cut and paste pre-amble before that:

"Bengals fans look at the $31 million and think that there is plenty of money to be active on the market. But that number is not what it seems. (Insert Hoosier's stuff here). If the Bengals are lucky, they can find a starter at safety. At any rate, do not expect this team to wow fans with free agency, they just don't have the money."

[CJBestInAFC]

Well lets assume that the Bengals will probably have a good shot at a solid Dlieman. Lets say the Bengals win 2 out of their next 3 games, which could very well be 3 games, but lets assume they finish at 7-9. Last year the Falcons were 7-9 and were drafting 8th. So lets assume that the Bengals draft some where between 8-10 spots in this years draft.

Miami is going to have the first pick in this years upcoming draft. They are likely to take a QB with first over all pick.

Matt Ryan would be my choice if I were Miami or Brohm with the first pick in the draft. I don't think they will go after Dorsey when they clearly need a QB.

Second pick could go to NE with the 49ers pick they acquired. Mcfadden looks like a possibility, but they could go after MLB by trading down. Seau is old man, but still plays at a high level, but lets assume they get Mcfadden.

Third pick could be the Falcons who really need to draft a QB to replace Vick. Petrino has a lot of experience with Brohm and I think he would be a good fit for the Falcons.

Next pick could be a defensive player like Dorsey or Chris Long, or Jake Long the OT from Michigan could go in this spot. I would figure these 3 players will probably go between 3-6 spots.

Now the Ravens do need a Qb and could be in the market for a guy like Andre Woodson who could come in and learn behind Boller next year and then take over some time during next season. Boller is signed for next season, so it would be an easy transition at the position.

Now I am at the 8th pick in the draft where the Falcons drafted last season at 7-9 record. Players still available are Sedrick Ellis, James Laurinaitis, Calais Campbell, Dan Connor, Gholston, Keith Rivers, and Kenny Phillips. I think all or most of these players should still be available by the time the Bengals pick. I personally like Campbell if he is still there. He has size and I think he will be a better Justin Smith type player. He will be stout against the run thats for sure. LB is also a possibility because the Bengals are going to be able to draft either #1 or #2 guy at the lb position that is availiable. I also think it is similar to the DE position. The Bengals are going to be able to get either the #2 or #3 rated DE in the draft.

I do think the Bengals should look at DT in the second round. I think if Ellis is gone by the time the Bengals draft they should go after either DE or LB in the first, but there is going to be significant talent there when the Bengals draft.

Players probably going in the top 10 picks.

Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

Jake Long, OT, Michigan

Chris Long, DE, Virginia

Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville

Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

James Laurinaitis, MLB, Ohio State

Calais Campbell, DE, Miami

Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

Dan Connor, LB, Penn State

Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky

[HoosierCat]

Don't forget his cut and paste pre-amble before that:

"Bengals fans look at the $31 million and think that there is plenty of money to be active on the market. But that number is not what it seems. (Insert Hoosier's stuff here). If the Bengals are lucky, they can find a starter at safety. At any rate, do not expect this team to wow fans with free agency, they just don't have the money."

Yup.

[agreen_112]

$10 million spent tagging Justin Smith again

Please oh please no

Pay stars as stars, pay average players as average players

Don't pay an average player star money

Just to be clear, even tho I like Justin much more than many others, I don't want to see him tagged again. But I can see the bengals talking themselves into it. First, who do you replace him with? If there's any elite DEs available in FA this year, Cincy is certainly not going to be their first choice, so to get them we'd almost certainly need to get into a bidding war and "overpay," which as we all know ain't gonna happen.

Could we replace him with some mid-tier DE and get the same production? That's far more possible...but while attractive from a cap viewpoint, doesn't do anything to actually improve the line.

Could we replace him with a high draft pick? Sure, but that kind of locks us in on draft day, and not doing that was part of their thinking in tagging Justin last time around. There's also no assurance we'll get someone worth crap (see Rucker, Frostee). And speaking of the Non-Dairy Dessert, he's been a total nonfactor, and B-rob 's deal is up after three more games. If Justin goes too, that leaves us with Geathers.

Personally, I would let Smith walk, offer B-rob a two-year vet minimum extension (he's a perfectly good backup), look for a tier-two FA a la Duane Clemons in FA, and plan on taking another DE in the first three rounds (probably in the first or second). Hopefully, either Rucker gets his head out of his butt or the new guy comes one.

You let Justin hit the free market. Who is gonna offer him a big contract? He has 2 freaking sacks. I don't think He'll get a big offer from anyone IMHO... Then sign him cheap.

[HoosierCat]

You let Justin hit the free market. Who is gonna offer him a big contract? He has 2 freaking sacks. I don't think He'll get a big offer from anyone IMHO... Then sign him cheap.

I doubt he gets top 5-10 money, but look at what K2 commanded last offseason. Someone will offer him a sizeable deal, simply because the money is there and has to be spent. By no means will he end up available "cheap."

The real question is, at what price point do the Bengals consider keeping him? I think we're all agreed he isn't worth $8-$10 million a year. How about $6 million? $5 million? $4 million? I don't see his price tag falling lower than that.

[duus]

Anyone have a link where these team salary cap numbers for 2008 are listed?

[HoosierCat]

It looks like a Clayton list, only place I found it was on a google Redskins board, where ithe whole list is posted:

1. Tennessee 39 $40.85 million

2. San Diego 44 $33.03 million

3. Jacksonville 43 $32.69 million

4. Buffalo 49 $32.05 million

5. New Orleans 39 $31.69 million

6. Cincinnati 48 $31.45 million

7. San Francisco 48 $30.91 million

8. Cleveland 42 $30.31 million

9. Arizona 34 $30.27 million

10.N.Y. Jets 45 $27.72 million

11.Oakland 40 $25.98 million

12.Tampa Bay 48 $25.90 million

13.Miami 48 $25.56 million

14.N.Y. Giants 49 $24.47 million

15.Detroit 42 $23.50 million

16.Houston 43 $22.91 million

17.Dallas 40 $20.61 million

18.Kansas City 44 $20.27 million

19.Chicago 52 $19.80 million

20.Pittsburgh 43 $18.61 million

21.Green Bay 48 $18.37 million

22.Philadelphia 49 $17.17 million

23.Denver 49 $16.77 million

24.Minnesota 49 $14.88 million

25.New England 41 $10.93 million

26.St. Louis 45 $9.61 million

27.Seattle 44 $9.55 million

28.Indianapolis 48 $8.49 million

29.Carolina 35 $6.05 million

30.Atlanta 52 $5.79 million* Pending a ruling on Vick's signing

bonus and whether or not it will need to be repaid.

31.Baltimore 42 $5.00 million

***32.Washington 45 -$20.72 million***

The Cincy number is about what's been projected, can't speak to the rest.

[duus]

It looks like a Clayton list, only place I found it was on a google Redskins board, where ithe whole list is posted:

6. Cincinnati 48 $31.45 million

8. Cleveland 42 $30.31 million

20.Pittsburgh 43 $18.61 million

31.Baltimore 42 $5.00 million

The Cincy number is about what's been projected, can't speak to the rest.

And the good news is that Pittsburgh is going to be hit with a big giant contract for Benji after this season. I believe he has one year left on his contract, and I am betting he will demand Romo-like money. Just guessing.

[HoTbOy]

So why does this offseason look good, is it the 31.45 mil that we won't spend or a 10 mil DL with 2 sacks who may get tagged again...Or is it our 8-10 spot draft pick...If they want to keep JSmith they should work out something now that pays about 5-6 mil a year otherwise let him walk...

[CJBestInAFC]

Let him walk why do you want another season with a DE getting overpaid and only giving you 2 sacks a year. Remember last year when he got 3 sacks in one game and then only had 1 for the last 15 games of the season. I say no to Justin and I don't want to hear any more of Hobson's crap about how he leads all dlineman in tackles. Duh, well he should considering he never comes off the field and plays all three downs on defense. I think your chances would be pretty good to lead the dline in tackles. It is time to let another team over pay for Justin.

[AMC]

It looks like a Clayton list, only place I found it was on a google Redskins board, where ithe whole list is posted:

6. Cincinnati 48 $31.45 million

8. Cleveland 42 $30.31 million

20.Pittsburgh 43 $18.61 million

31.Baltimore 42 $5.00 million

The Cincy number is about what's been projected, can't speak to the rest.

And the good news is that Pittsburgh is going to be hit with a big giant contract for Benji after this season. I believe he has one year left on his contract, and I am betting he will demand Romo-like money. Just guessing.

Let them. Putting their resources into him would be fine by me.....

[ShulaSteakhouse]

It looks like a Clayton list, only place I found it was on a google Redskins board, where ithe whole list is posted:

6. Cincinnati 48 $31.45 million

8. Cleveland 42 $30.31 million

20.Pittsburgh 43 $18.61 million

31.Baltimore 42 $5.00 million

The Cincy number is about what's been projected, can't speak to the rest.

And the good news is that Pittsburgh is going to be hit with a big giant contract for Benji after this season. I believe he has one year left on his contract, and I am betting he will demand Romo-like money. Just guessing.

Let them. Putting their resources into him would be fine by me.....

Err, why? Do you not think he's a good QB? He's one of the best in the league and has a ring already.

I hate the fact they have him.

[HoosierCat]

Err, why? Do you not think he's a good QB? He's one of the best in the league and has a ring already.

I think the idea is that if Pitt has to drop one of those franchise QB-level deals on Big Jen, they won't have much to do anything else with. Certainly they aren't going to be able to give Faneca what he wants as well.

[AMC]

Err, why? Do you not think he's a good QB? He's one of the best in the league and has a ring already.

I think the idea is that if Pitt has to drop one of those franchise QB-level deals on Big Jen, they won't have much to do anything else with. Certainly they aren't going to be able to give Faneca what he wants as well.

My point exactly....I hope they give him 10 years, $160 million......

[HairOnFire]

Yeah, it'll go something like this: knock off $5 million for the rookie pool....

Well, that's legit, right?

$2 million for an injury reserve....

And again, that's legit. In fact, after this season I have to wonder if guys like you are going to continue mocking the Bengals habit of holding 2-3 million in reserve.

....another $2 million already spent this year because of all the injuries....

Again, not only is the expense legit but this last season makes it clear that the amount held in reserve may be too low.

...and Hall hitting his rookie PT incentives....

And that's not entirelly a bad thing as Hall has gained invaluable experience that has resulted in him improving every week.

....a million or two for RFA tenders, a few million more to pay for across the board raises for all the players under contract...

Again, totally legit and exactly the type of things that will trim the available cap space of all 32 NFL teams.

...and that $31 is down in the mid- to high-teens already.

It is what it is. The fact remains the Bengals currently rank 6th in available cap room, and will probably move up or down only a slot or two in the ranking after all of the adjustments are made.

Then $5 million for Andrews, $3 million for Landon, and $10 million spent tagging Justin Smith again...and we're done.

Ridiculous. Justin will either be signed at a fraction of his current salary or more likely....will simply be allowed to leave.