Bengals to sign kicker Dave Rayner

[JoePong]

I guess Shayne Graham is gone.

Rayner worked out with the bengals and is going to sign.

Didn't kick last year after signing an injury settlement with the redskins that prevented him from signing with another team.

Real strong leg and has hit FGs from 54-55 yards. Has been used as a kickoff specialist too. From what I hear, he has been inconsistent on shorter FGs from under 40 yards, but not sure about that.

[walzav29]

GREAT. I hate Shayne Graham.

Top 5 missed Graham kicks?

#1. The 2 misses vs Jets

#2. The miss vs Pittsburgh in 2006

#3. The miss vs Philly

#4. The miss vs Oak this year

#5. The XP miss vs Denver in 2006. Which was a bad snap, but I'm still blaming him.

[HoosierCat]

Pleasant start to the offseason. Bengals move quickly to shore up two positions of need, WR and K. No complaints here.

[cincyhokie]

Pleasant start to the offseason. Bengals move quickly to shore up two positions of need, WR and K. No complaints here.

Yep. Something they have been criticized for many years, not being proactive. So far this year they have been proactive, with the exception of everyone wanting Brat canned.

I like it.

[HairOnFire]

Ex-Bengal, right?

The flood of workouts and this apparent signing on the very same day Darren Simmons was quoted about still being interested on Opie...(screw dat)...are all the proof I need that Graham, much like the departed Housh, never had any intention of staying in Cincy under any conditions.

I'm guessing Opie won't be missed....even by his fans.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

I think Graham would've stayed if he got paid, like anyone else, including Housh, who came out and said the low-balling insulted him basically, and by the time the offer went up, he made a poor emotional decision and signed with Seattle for slightly more money.

[markymark69]

Whoever the next kicker is not going to be perfect. He will have some flaws. He will miss close kicks, he will miss long kicks. I would like for him to hit some clutch field goals, make extra points and kick the ball to at least the five yard line (if not deeper).

[walzav29]

Whoever the next kicker is not going to be perfect. He will have some flaws. He will miss close kicks, he will miss long kicks. I would like for him to hit some clutch field goals, make extra points and kick the ball to at least the five yard line (if not deeper).

As long has he makes the game winners. Thats the key!

[Dadraftnick]

Cincy Jungle says

Report: Bengals aren't expected to sign Shayne Graham back by Kirkendall on Feb 12, 2010 8:52 PM EST in Contracts 0 comments

More photos » David Kohl - AP

about 1 month ago: Cincinnati Bengals kicker Shayne Graham (17) walks off the field after missing his second field goal in the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the New York Jets, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, in Cincinnati. New York won the game 24-14. (AP Photo/David Kohl)

Browse more photos »

One of thousands of the presumptions we've made since the season came to crashing halt, we suspected that the Bengals weren't likely to bring Shayne Graham back next year. You can almost notch that as a certainty now. Local 12 learned that "the Bengals are parting ways with Shayne Graham." Joe Reedy first speculated that Graham wouldn't return when the Bengals brought in a couple of kickers to try out on Friday. However Reedy notes that Bengals special teams coach Darrin Simmons "did leave the door slightly open over the possibility of a return."

“It’s going to be an ongoing evaluation where we are going to bring some free agents in and see where Shayne falls in comparison to them,” special teams coach Darrin Simmons said. “We’ll also have to see the likelihood of signing a free agent or possibly getting a kicker in the draft and going that route.

Riiight.

One of those kickers that tried out is Dave Rayner, who, if you remember, filled in for an injured Shayne Graham in 2008, converting three extra points and a 26-yard field goal.

As for Graham, 2009 was arguably his worst season. His field goal percentage (82.1) was his worst since converting 72.2% of this kicks with the Carolina Panthers in 2002. Two of his three blocked field goals came in 2009 and extra points, while not completely his fault, were still crazy-nervous.

Hey, Mike Nugent is out there. Just saying. Anyway, if there's a lesson learned here, it's that the Bengals are better off not franchise anyone... ever. Or risk having that player perform at career low levels.

[wpeldios]

I like it, But i would still like to see a little competition.

[BengalPimp]

Are you guys for real? No way this guy is our kicker on opening day....His career avg is 71.2 percent....Just a body at camp until we find a real kicker....

Career Stats more

Season Team Overall FGs PAT Kickoffs

G GS Blk Lng FG Att FGM Pct XP Att XPM Pct Blk KO Avg TB Ret Avg

2008 Cincinnati Bengals 2 0 0 26 1 1 100.0 3 3 100.0 0 6 66.8 1 5 27.0

2007 San Diego Chargers 1 0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 7 63.9 0 7 27.1

2007 Kansas City Chiefs 10 0 1 49 22 15 68.2 14 14 100.0 0 39 68.3 3 34 22.0

2006 Green Bay Packers 16 0 2 54 35 26 74.3 32 31 96.9 0 72 65.1 11 60 22.5

2005 Indianapolis Colts 14 0 0 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 -- 0 82 61.5 1 81 22.3

TOTAL 3 54 59 42 71.2 49 48 98.0 0 206 64.3 16 187 22.6

[Stripes]

Careful with the PRAISE GAWD attitude. Graham will be gone and for good reason, but he still connected on 85ish% of his attempts. Whoever replaces him will almost certainly miss more frequently, just hopefully not in playoff games or clinchers.

[kingwilly]

Ex-Bengal, right?

The flood of workouts and this apparent signing on the very same day Darren Simmons was quoted about still being interested on Opie...(screw dat)...are all the proof I need that Graham, much like the departed Housh, never had any intention of staying in Cincy under any conditions.

I'm guessing Opie won't be missed....even by his fans.

I am pleased with this move. Rayner will do well in Simmons unit.

Buh-bye freckled one. You may be a heck of a nice guy but you simply can't miss kicks like you did.

[HoosierCat]

Are you guys for real? No way this guy is our kicker on opening day....His career avg is 71.2 percent....Just a body at camp until we find a real kicker....

Career Stats more

Season Team Overall FGs PAT Kickoffs

G GS Blk Lng FG Att FGM Pct XP Att XPM Pct Blk KO Avg TB Ret Avg

2008 Cincinnati Bengals 2 0 0 26 1 1 100.0 3 3 100.0 0 6 66.8 1 5 27.0

2007 San Diego Chargers 1 0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 7 63.9 0 7 27.1

2007 Kansas City Chiefs 10 0 1 49 22 15 68.2 14 14 100.0 0 39 68.3 3 34 22.0

2006 Green Bay Packers 16 0 2 54 35 26 74.3 32 31 96.9 0 72 65.1 11 60 22.5

2005 Indianapolis Colts 14 0 0 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 -- 0 82 61.5 1 81 22.3

TOTAL 3 54 59 42 71.2 49 48 98.0 0 206 64.3 16 187 22.6

I wouldn't read much into his percentage. Hell, 71% is better than I would have thought given all the bouncing around he's done.

[HAPPYJAQ]

Are you guys for real? No way this guy is our kicker on opening day....His career avg is 71.2 percent....Just a body at camp until we find a real kicker....

Career Stats more

Season Team Overall FGs PAT Kickoffs

G GS Blk Lng FG Att FGM Pct XP Att XPM Pct Blk KO Avg TB Ret Avg

2008 Cincinnati Bengals 2 0 0 26 1 1 100.0 3 3 100.0 0 6 66.8 1 5 27.0

2007 San Diego Chargers 1 0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 7 63.9 0 7 27.1

2007 Kansas City Chiefs 10 0 1 49 22 15 68.2 14 14 100.0 0 39 68.3 3 34 22.0

2006 Green Bay Packers 16 0 2 54 35 26 74.3 32 31 96.9 0 72 65.1 11 60 22.5

2005 Indianapolis Colts 14 0 0 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 -- 0 82 61.5 1 81 22.3

TOTAL 3 54 59 42 71.2 49 48 98.0 0 206 64.3 16 187 22.6

I wouldn't read much into his percentage. Hell, 71% is better than I would have thought given all the bouncing around he's done.

Good point, and also remember that Shayne himself (as do many of the league's best kickers) had some stints on other teams, too. With kickers, I think it's more about coaching, technique and consistency, than individual talent. Just look at how long guys like Matt Stover have played in the league with a less-than-average skillset for the position. I would've loved to have seen the Bengals take a flyer on Justin Medlock over this guy earlier in the week, but at least we have a guy that's made some NFL kicks. We'll see a rookie K or two in camp, as well.

I was reading earlier than he almost beat out Mason Crosby in GB, who has one of the strongest legs in the league. I think Shayne really struggled in his kickoff distance this year, and if Rayner hits around 75% of his FGs in '10, I think it's an upgrade and the Bengals save about 2 million.

[GoBengals!]

I guess Shayne Graham is gone.

Rayner worked out with the bengals and is going to sign.

Didn't kick last year after signing an injury settlement with the redskins that prevented him from signing with another team.

Real strong leg and has hit FGs from 54-55 yards. Has been used as a kickoff specialist too. From what I hear, he has been inconsistent on shorter FGs from under 40 yards, but not sure about that.

AMEN!!! I loath Shane Graham... Did anyone see the Saints kicker in the Super Bowl? Solid!

Hopefully the Bengals will sign a kicker in the draft (late round). It seems to work out OK with Huber.

[jjakq27]

Good point, and also remember that Shayne himself (as do many of the league's best kickers) had some stints on other teams, too. With kickers, I think it's more about coaching, technique and consistency, than individual talent. Just look at how long guys like Matt Stover have played in the league with a less-than-average skillset for the position. I would've loved to have seen the Bengals take a flyer on Justin Medlock over this guy earlier in the week, but at least we have a guy that's made some NFL kicks. We'll see a rookie K or two in camp, as well.

I was reading earlier than he almost beat out Mason Crosby in GB, who has one of the strongest legs in the league. I think Shayne really struggled in his kickoff distance this year, and if Rayner hits around 75% of his FGs in '10, I think it's an upgrade and the Bengals save about 2 million.

I'd love to see us go after Stover or Vinitieri. The Colts can't keep both.

[redsbengalsbucks]

Good point, and also remember that Shayne himself (as do many of the league's best kickers) had some stints on other teams, too. With kickers, I think it's more about coaching, technique and consistency, than individual talent. Just look at how long guys like Matt Stover have played in the league with a less-than-average skillset for the position. I would've loved to have seen the Bengals take a flyer on Justin Medlock over this guy earlier in the week, but at least we have a guy that's made some NFL kicks. We'll see a rookie K or two in camp, as well.

I was reading earlier than he almost beat out Mason Crosby in GB, who has one of the strongest legs in the league. I think Shayne really struggled in his kickoff distance this year, and if Rayner hits around 75% of his FGs in '10, I think it's an upgrade and the Bengals save about 2 million.

I'd love to see us go after Stover or Vinitieri. The Colts can't keep both.

I dont want either of those players. Both are past thier prime by more than a couple of years, let's look for a youngster that can be made into a long term fix, not a band-aid.

[derekshank]

Good point, and also remember that Shayne himself (as do many of the league's best kickers) had some stints on other teams, too. With kickers, I think it's more about coaching, technique and consistency, than individual talent. Just look at how long guys like Matt Stover have played in the league with a less-than-average skillset for the position. I would've loved to have seen the Bengals take a flyer on Justin Medlock over this guy earlier in the week, but at least we have a guy that's made some NFL kicks. We'll see a rookie K or two in camp, as well.

I was reading earlier than he almost beat out Mason Crosby in GB, who has one of the strongest legs in the league. I think Shayne really struggled in his kickoff distance this year, and if Rayner hits around 75% of his FGs in '10, I think it's an upgrade and the Bengals save about 2 million.

I'd love to see us go after Stover or Vinitieri. The Colts can't keep both.

I dont want either of those players. Both are past thier prime by more than a couple of years, let's look for a youngster that can be made into a long term fix, not a band-aid.

Past their prime? I don't think kickers get there until 50.

Besides... ask the Ravens and Patriots. They both gave up on those guys for younger cheaper versions. Both of them regretted those decisions.

[jjakq27]

Morten Andersen was past his prime for about 10 years but was still an effective kicker until his last year or two.

I suggest them since they are veteran guys that could lend a presence to the team and to someone like Kevin Huber. Five Super Bowls and a ton of playoff games between them can only be a positive thing. I would gladly sacrifice FGs over 45 yards for someone that is reliable on everything else too.

I just wonder if the team would consider carrying a designated kick-off specialist. I noticed several teams used them this year.

[Kazkal]

Ex-Bengal, right?

The flood of workouts and this apparent signing on the very same day Darren Simmons was quoted about still being interested on Opie...(screw dat)...are all the proof I need that Graham, much like the departed Housh, never had any intention of staying in Cincy under any conditions.

I'm guessing Opie won't be missed....even by his fans.

Me thinks simmons just trying to be nice,

[Kazkal]

Are you guys for real? No way this guy is our kicker on opening day....His career avg is 71.2 percent....Just a body at camp until we find a real kicker....

Career Stats more

Season Team Overall FGs PAT Kickoffs

G GS Blk Lng FG Att FGM Pct XP Att XPM Pct Blk KO Avg TB Ret Avg

2008 Cincinnati Bengals 2 0 0 26 1 1 100.0 3 3 100.0 0 6 66.8 1 5 27.0

2007 San Diego Chargers 1 0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 7 63.9 0 7 27.1

2007 Kansas City Chiefs 10 0 1 49 22 15 68.2 14 14 100.0 0 39 68.3 3 34 22.0

2006 Green Bay Packers 16 0 2 54 35 26 74.3 32 31 96.9 0 72 65.1 11 60 22.5

2005 Indianapolis Colts 14 0 0 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 -- 0 82 61.5 1 81 22.3

TOTAL 3 54 59 42 71.2 49 48 98.0 0 206 64.3 16 187 22.6

Wasn't Grahams numbers pretty bad before getting here? I still would prefer draft kicker and getting the guy you want but hey I just wanna see change at kicker like I wanna see change at OC.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

The Bengals have been pretty conservative with FG opportunities regarding Graham (as they were with Breech and Pelphrey regarding their limitations) - if they're just going to keep that trend going, get a new kicker and try to find someone you can live with long term. The "reliable, but not so much outside of 45 yards" types are beloved by Mike Brown, who simply doesn't want to pay a kicker much, but sees the value of consistency there like every other GM/owner. And Brown really would rather pay a long snapper rather than a kick-off specialist, for whatever reason(s), but won't pay both, or pay a lot for a FG kicker who is good, or at least consistent, with both.

I see no reason to pursue Graham's inflated value at this point at all, he's not very good under pressure, has been hurt the last two seasons, and is highly inconsistent on kick-offs.

While he's got competent NFL talent at kicking FG's, and a comparably strong leg, he's proved himself replaceable the last few seasons. He was cut by Carolina for a reason.

Still not real sure why Nugent isn't being considered to compete with Rayner.

[BengalPimp]

Still not real sure why Nugent isn't being considered to compete with Rayner.

Ted Nugent ? The Nuge ? He's 61 years old, granted while playing the guitar, sometimes he would do a high kick....but don't quite know how that translates to the football field.......

Oops, you meant Mike Nugent...The only thing that concerns me about him, is he's only attempted 9 FG's in the last 2 years (0-1) in '08 with Jets, and (2-6) with Tampa Baybefore getting released, then (2-2) after getting picked up by the Cards. He looked terrible in Tampa...But then again....Who doesn't.

[mgi]

Still not real sure why Nugent isn't being considered to compete with Rayner.

Ted Nugent ? The Nuge ? He's 61 years old, granted while playing the guitar, sometimes he would do a high kick....but don't quite know how that translates to the football field.......

Isn't Ted banned from playing in Cincinnati? I think he shot a flaming arrow without a permit...