Odell's 2008 status to be known by mid february?

[jonahdsage]

I don't think you can "depend" on Odell even being a factor next year. You look at him as a UFA who can maybe make your roster. You don't make any plans based on his return. Didn't they learn that lesson last off-season? (whether he's reinstated in Feb or not)

Also why would anyone have any confidence in a guy coming back, who doesn't even bother to keep in any sort of shape? Yeah, real motivated guy, just the kind they need more of here eh?

i don't really think the one mug shot we've seen of odell in the last year is enough to say he weighs 300lbs, is out of shape and has been eating doritos for two years. I'd love to see odell at training camp next year and fight for a spot on the team.

[HoosierCat]

First priority should be Stacey Andrews, then Landon and lastly Madieu.

Arrggghhh. No, no and no!

IF you want to talk about guys currently on the team to re-up, the No. 1 name is Rashad Jeanty. The D became instantly better the moment he got back on the field. Fortunately -- I think -- he's an exclusive rights FA so we can get him back, but the Bengals would be well-served to sweeten the pot a bit to get him nailed down long-term.

No. 2? Dhani freakin' Jones. He walked in off the street and outplayed the field. F**k Landon, give that money to him. I'm sick of listening to "upside" and "development," Landon's been here 4 years and only got a starting job because they cut Simmons. Landon is a No. 4 LB. Get Dhani. Now.

THEN extend Housh. It'll cost. Do it.

Andrews, Landon and Madieu can be replaced. Arguably, Madieu already has. Draft a guard and move Whit to RT. Dhani > Landon. There are better places to spend the money.

Clean out the freakin' garage!

[Kazkal]

If Thurman comes back in February, Landon is gone.

This is one of the most laughable things I have read of late.

Landon is arguably our best best linebacker, and is the certainly the most versatile one. Thurman is a HUGE question mark even if he does get reinstated.

Why? I'm just looking at Mike Brown's perspective. You could have Brooks, Jeanty, and Thurman. Even keeping Jones too. Mikey looks at that knows he's getting some decent LBs and he can save money by not having to resign Landon.

I like Landon, I think he's a solid LB, our most consistent defensive player the past 3 years. I didn't say, or mean, that keeping Thurman over him was a good idea.

Meh Keep em both Landon is suited for WLB let him play it,Odell is a MLB let him play it then move brooks to SLB where he was suited for and need a replacement for pollack.

[ArmyBengal]

Let's start with Odell... I hope he at least gets his chance to get back into the league. I think he got f*cked over to start with and seeing him make his way back on the field to be a productive player would be great. The thing I haven't seen discussed is, do his suspended years count against his contract ?? I don't think they do, which leaves the Bengals a lot of wiggle room in regards to that.

Now, as far as other LB's... I would still like to see Landon come back. He has always been (at least) solid in regards to our LB's and would hate to see yet another drafted player walk away from this team. Dhani ?? Love him and want to see him return as well. Who do I want to see hit the bricks ?? Caleb "I should have been a hairdresser" Miller !!! Get the f*ck out of here !!!

I don't see how Odell wouldn't at least get his shot considering how poor this LB corps has been and all of this could swing in a totally different direction depending on how much money, they in fact have, to go after free agents. I'm not saying they go after Lance Briggs or anyone else, but should they choose that direction, you see what I'm getting at...

WHODEY !!!

[TJJackson]

Ask me on March 1, because he isn't currently on the team.

No No No....contracts expire midnight Mar 1, so he IS still on the team.....let's say you're an average GM (ie substantially more talented than anyone we have here in the Bengals org) and you work for the Bengals. While the rest of us are cheering that Mike Brown is out of the picture, you're already planning your offseason. You have until March 1 to re-sign any UFAs and RFAs. Who are you trying to sign before the free agent period starts, good sir?

the No. 1 name is Rashad Jeanty. The D became instantly better the moment he got back on the field. Fortunately -- I think -- he's an exclusive rights FA so we can get him back, but the Bengals would be well-served to sweeten the pot a bit to get him nailed down long-term.

I don't know that I saw the kind of production you are talking about from Jeanty, but yes, I'd like to have him back as well. Call him my #3. Landon, Dhani, then Jeanty.

No. 2? Dhani freakin' Jones. He walked in off the street and outplayed the field.

90% agreement, cool

F**k Landon, give that money to him. I'm sick of listening to "upside" and "development," Landon's been here 4 years and only got a starting job because they cut Simmons. Landon is a No. 4 LB. Get Dhani. Now.

I don't want to lose this guy's versatility and toughness, frankly.....

THEN extend Housh. It'll cost. Do it.

Not disagreeing that Housh should be rewarded, but I think Kenny Watson is next.

Andrews, Landon and Madieu can be replaced. Arguably, Madieu already has.

Landon stays, and if I wasn't married and ergo had a dollar I controlled, I'd bet the whole buck on this. Madieu? You were great in year one, then got injured, and then were invisible. Seeya. Andrews depends on the price......despite freakish physical qualities he is still a backup quality player and should be paid as such.

Draft a guard and move Whit to RT. Dhani > Landon. There are better places to spend the money.

Whit should definitely be at RT, I've been saying that all season. No slam on Big Willie, it's just a matter of age and injury probability.

[Bobcat Bengal]

Odells kinda always had a chunky looking face can't really judge his weight from a head shot,

I'd love to see him back simply what he did his rookie season but 2 years without the NFL he's fighting a losing battle.

PS,I hope the NFL stops screwing him and just gives him a chance.

IMHO the fire still burns within. Let him take the field at MLB and you'll see it erupt like a forest fire once more. I PRAY to see him take the field again for the Bengals!

lol, man youse guys are in denial.

Have you read Coach Lewis' last interview, or some of his more recent comments?

He's talking about blowing it all to quote OutKast, "SKY HIGH, SKY HIGH"!!

I can't see it.....at all.

[agreen_112]

Getting Odell Thurman back in stripes is already a great step towards the begining of the 2008 season... Whoever that guy is who wears #51 is about to loose it come February.

Landon is tough as nails but he lacks the ability to become an impact brick-wall defender. He can't cover zone or his man for crap either. I'm affraid he's gone if he wants more $ than what he's worth. What is Landon worth in your opinion?

Odell is 24, he'll get back into NFL shape just fine (maybe with a little cycle of HGH/Hormones to get the ball rolling)... I wish him the best in his long battle that's ahead of him for his return to the NFL after sitting for 2 years. ESPN will claim it's the 2008 feel good story of the season, I garuntee it!

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

IF you want to talk about guys currently on the team to re-up, the No. 1 name is Rashad Jeanty. The D became instantly better the moment he got back on the field. Fortunately -- I think -- he's an exclusive rights FA so we can get him back, but the Bengals would be well-served to sweeten the pot a bit to get him nailed down long-term.

No. 2? Dhani freakin' Jones. He walked in off the street and outplayed the field. F**k Landon, give that money to him. I'm sick of listening to "upside" and "development," Landon's been here 4 years and only got a starting job because they cut Simmons. Landon is a No. 4 LB. Get Dhani. Now.

THEN extend Housh. It'll cost. Do it.

Andrews, Landon and Madieu can be replaced. Arguably, Madieu already has. Draft a guard and move Whit to RT. Dhani > Landon. There are better places to spend the money.

Let's not discount Landon. He's pretty good as he is, and you're right, he doesn't have any upside. We know what he is, which is a guy who can play his position pretty well but isn't tremendously athletic. He can play WLB and MLB very capably at a level a shade below what you want from your starters. But given the Bengals' (on) crack medical staff, we need a good, versatile backup. I think he comes cheap because I don't think another team will give him starter money. But yeah, I want to see a lot more of Dhani Jones and Jeanty. Sad that scrap-heap guys end up being our best LBs, but such is life as a Bengals fan.

Oh, and absolutely do NOT extend Housh this year. Never extend a guy after a career year unless he's willing to take a hometown discount. I say this despite the fact that TJ is my favorite player. Don't want to lock up a 30 year old guy long term at what is probably his high-water mark.

As for Stacey Andrews - please, for the love of God, no. If this guy is our future as a starting lineman, we're screwed. And as for Madieu - way too soft to play safety. I'm sick of safeties who make Deion Sanders look like Ronnie Lott.

[BengalPappaw]

Hard to tell from a head shot because odells face has always looked kinda of chunky imo.

I'd love to see him back simply what he did his rookie season but 2 years without the NFL he's fighting a losing battle.

http://www.draftace.com/players2005/odell_thurman.jpg

PS,I hope the NFL stops screwing him and just gives him a chance.

Sorry that I got into this discussion so late.

BUT, one thought came to mind -- steroids make one's face look large.

Maybe Odell has changed his drug of choice to steroids.

Now, here's another wasted opportunity to spent time discussion what Thurman is or is not doing.

IMO I hope he gets his life together and comes back and earns "comeback player of the year" (I don't even know if the NFL has one of these awards.)

[agreen_112]

Hard to tell from a head shot because odells face has always looked kinda of chunky imo.

I'd love to see him back simply what he did his rookie season but 2 years without the NFL he's fighting a losing battle.

http://www.draftace.com/players2005/odell_thurman.jpg

PS,I hope the NFL stops screwing him and just gives him a chance.

Sorry that I got into this discussion so late.

BUT, one thought came to mind -- steroids make one's face look large.

Maybe Odell has changed his drug of choice to steroids.

Now, here's another wasted opportunity to spent time discussion what Thurman is or is not doing.

IMO I hope he gets his life together and comes back and earns "comeback player of the year" (I don't even know if the NFL has one of these awards.)

Your right, if he is taking the sauce I hope he comes back slobberin' at the mouth like a rabid pitbull and is out to just "hurt" people on the playing field. I would love this!

[HoosierCat]

Ask me on March 1, because he isn't currently on the team.

No No No....contracts expire midnight Mar 1, so he IS still on the team....

No, he ain't. My point is that none of "our" FAs are good enough to be the first priority.

Not disagreeing that Housh should be rewarded, but I think Kenny Watson is next.

They re-signed Watson to a 3 year deal last March.

Let's not discount Landon. He's pretty good as he is, and you're right, he doesn't have any upside. We know what he is, which is a guy who can play his position pretty well but isn't tremendously athletic. He can play WLB and MLB very capably at a level a shade below what you want from your starters. But given the Bengals' (on) crack medical staff, we need a good, versatile backup. I think he comes cheap because I don't think another team will give him starter money.

If that's the case, fine, bring him back. I agree with your take on Landon, all I'm saying is that if the FO's top priority is re-upping a utility linebacker, we're screwed.

[TJJackson]

Sheesh, I totally missed the Kenny 3-yr signing.....the news of it I find on Bengals.com is about how he has an undisclosed deal same day Steinbach and Wilkins signed elsewhere. Sorry.

But still, yes, all these UFAs/RFAs are still on the roster and we're the only ones til FA period starts who can sign them. Landon is tough and versatile enough that I think it is well worth talking to him. Dhani also.

Really, tho....you have to look at all the team FAs and find out what the price is. For example - if BRob will sign for vet min, fine, that makes it even easier to let Justin Smith go.....yes, he's a mediocre player, but at least we're paying mediocre money for medicore play, as opposed to star money for mediocre play.

[TJJackson]

if the FO's top priority is re-upping a utility linebacker, we're screwed.

Well, you're sorta missing my point.

Right now, the only folks you can talk contact with (other than street free agents, who can be signed at any time) are your own free-agents-to-be. Let's say your real offseason top priority is a star type defensive player, Lance Briggs or Jared Allen or whoever. Fine. But you can't talk to that guy right now. You're not going to take this opportunity to talk to any of your dozen and a half (or so) FAs? Seriously?

Also, my opinion of Landon is much higher than yours. I see him as an underrated tackling machine - and you seem to denigrate him with the word "utility" while I prefer the term "versatile" which I see as a plus.

[HoosierCat]

Right now, the only folks you can talk contact with (other than street free agents, who can be signed at any time) are your own free-agents-to-be. Let's say your real offseason top priority is a star type defensive player, Lance Briggs or Jared Allen or whoever. Fine. But you can't talk to that guy right now. You're not going to take this opportunity to talk to any of your dozen and a half (or so) FAs? Seriously?

Oh, sure I'll talk to them. That makes it easier to say things like, "clean out your locker" or "good luck with your new CFL/Arena League career." But contract talks? No, I'm not in any particular rush. Why? Because no one is going to be interested in re-signing before they test the market in March -- unless the Bengals drop a top-dollar deal on them, like they did on Geathers last January. And IMHO none of our upcoming FAs are worth that kind of money.

[TJJackson]

Wow.

Just wow.

Good luck find equal or better replacements for all dozen and a half of these guys at similar dollar figures.

anyway....back to the topic, which is Odell.....

[HoosierCat]

Good luck find equal or better replacements for all dozen and a half of these guys at similar dollar figures.

Well, there's where we differ: I don't think it would be difficult to replace guys like Landon, Madieu and Andrews at all.

[BengalszoneBilly]

lol, man youse guys are in denial.

Have you read Coach Lewis' last interview, or some of his more recent comments?

Sure did, but trying to pull any one thing in particular out of his colorful use of adjectives was like trying to nail jello to a tree! Who really knows what in the hell he was actually alluding to?

[generaldreedle]

Odells kinda always had a chunky looking face can't really judge his weight from a head shot,

I'd love to see him back simply what he did his rookie season but 2 years without the NFL he's fighting a losing battle.

PS,I hope the NFL stops screwing him and just gives him a chance.

IMHO the fire still burns within. Let him take the field at MLB and you'll see it erupt like a forest fire once more. I PRAY to see him take the field again for the Bengals!

I could not agree more! Thurman has more than paid his debt to the NFL, he deserves another chance, and if Marvin was smart, he would give Thurman a shot in training camp. Let him and Brooks duel it out for the middle linebacker position.

[TJJackson]

Good luck find equal or better replacements for all dozen and a half of these guys at similar dollar figures.

Well, there's where we differ: I don't think it would be difficult to replace guys like Landon, Madieu and Andrews at all.

Well, I was hoping to take this topic back to Odell, but ok then, you believe suddenly this year the Bengals will be able to attract even average-quality free agents, though that's rarely been the case in the past?

I don't share your....let's call it "confidence"

[HoosierCat]

Well, I was hoping to take this topic back to Odell, but ok then, you believe suddenly this year the Bengals will be able to attract even average-quality free agents, though that's rarely been the case in the past?

Rarely? Try "all the time." Hartwell, Dexter, Myers, Webster, Herring, Burrus, B-rob, Clemons, Hardy, Thornton, the list goes on and on.

[Kirkendall]

I've been a stanch supporter of Odell. The dude got screwed out of "perdition" time that many here and elsewhere will blow his ass up for things that most of you will do tonight.

Now.

If he's not reinstated. The NFLPA is as Bryant Gumbel advertised. Both the pet of the commissioner and an embarrassment to professional sports. If there's an issue that they should take up the arms for, it's Thurman.

Secondly, Thurman should file suit also. Not a legal expert and can't define EXACTLY what to file, but I know you have that option. You can sue for basically anything.

Also, and this could have been said. Take it for a grain of salt or whatever grains you so love. But Thurman's lawyer said he's 240 pounds and is in "great shape."

Either way, Thurman is far above the other linebackers. The dude is great. Reliable? Well, that's the question, isn't it?

[TJJackson]

Well, I was hoping to take this topic back to Odell, but ok then, you believe suddenly this year the Bengals will be able to attract even average-quality free agents, though that's rarely been the case in the past?

Rarely? Try "all the time." Hartwell, Dexter, Myers, Webster, Herring, Burrus, B-rob, Clemons, Hardy, Thornton, the list goes on and on.

Hartwell didn't make it through training camp cuts on a bad defense

Dexter played poorly most of the year, with a few good games toward the end when he remembered this is a contract year

Myers is like 80 years old and also did not start on a poor defense

Webster...Nate Webster? See Perry, Chris

Herring was arguably average. I'll give you this one.

Burris, same. How long was he here?

B-Rob. Was he average? Did he start on a poor defense?

Clemons. Yep, one of our best signings.

Hardy was at the end of his rope

Thornton is average, so Yep. Notably, we had to overpay to get him to come here.

[Spor_tees]

It is very true that it is hard to judge a guy's body based solely on a head shot. Thurman just has a fat head...that is all there is to it. Have any of you guys seen interviews with Brandon Jacobs from the Giants? By the way that guy's head looks you would think he was a defensive lineman, instead he is a RB with breakaway speed.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Good luck find equal or better replacements for all dozen and a half of these guys at similar dollar figures.

Well, there's where we differ: I don't think it would be difficult to replace guys like Landon, Madieu and Andrews at all.

Me neither, but you know, Bengals' fans here tend to over-value current players.

Landon is an ideal 4th or 5th LB - exactly what he was drafted to be. But his #'s due to his PT might price him out. Oh well.

Same with Madeiu - but I would try and re-sign Madeiu for a reasonable cost as well as Landon. Andrews can come or go, no big deal there.

They need to maintain their quality depth and fill holes and weak areas - something they didn't do last off-season when they let Steinbach and Walters go, and didn't sign anyone of note other than Myers.

[AMC]

If Thurman comes back in February, Landon is gone.

?????????????

Wha???????????

Trade Landon for Odell on the roster???????

I want what your smokin'.....