Possible target for Bengals: OG Chester Pitts

[Fan from afar]

According to Cincy Jungle, the Bengals, along with a few other teams are interested in Houston offensive guard, free agent Chester Pitts. Pitts has been a relatively healthy, reliable lineman and may be valued as a replacement for FA Williams...http://www.cincyjungle.com/

Thoughts?

[NJ29]

Apparently they're showing some interest in Chester Pitts.

From KFFL...

Bengals | Interested in Pitts

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:22:43 -0800

Aaron Wilson, of the National Football Post, reports the Cincinnati Bengals are showing interest in unrestricted free-agent OG Chester Pitts (Texans), according to a source.

I don't really know if the guy's any good or not, but if he is, it's the type of signing I like.

Let the speculation begin.

[derekshank]

I'm good with it. According to scout.com he's the only unrestricted FA who is an actual upgrade over Bobbie.

Stephen Neal is solid too, and I brought him up in another thread... but I'd be happy with this move.

[JoePong]

That would be a good move for the bengals I think. Chester Pitts had started every game for the texans for 7 straight seasons until he injured his MCL two games into last season. He started out playing LT his first couple seasons, but has been their starting LG since then (although he played some LT in 2005 as well).

Pretty big guy...6'4 320+ lbs, and supposed to be pretty athletic. Seems to fit the profile of what the bengals like.

He would be an upgrade over the Livings/Mathis revolving door at LG. And I imagine with his ability to play LT as well, he would probably upgrade the pass protection for Palmer. Add him to go along with Andre Smith replacing the Collins/Roland revolving door, and we would be improved up front I think.

[HAPPYJAQ]

I think it would be a replacement for Bobbie, although he played both sides in Houston.

He'll always be remembered as the guy that played in the band in college and was bagging groceries before being discoverd by Ephraim Salaam and invited to try out for the football team.

Could be a nice addition, though.

[COB]

Is everyone going to keep ignoring the elephant in the room, specifically that this guy's name is Chester Pitts?

[TJJackson]

I think we call that the 500 pound gorilla, not the elephant

[JoePong]

I think it would be a replacement for Bobbie, although he played both sides in Houston.

He'll always be remembered as the guy that played in the band in college and was bagging groceries before being discoverd by Ephraim Salaam and invited to try out for the football team.

Could be a nice addition, though.

I don't think he ever played on the right side. He played every game at either LT or LG.

[ct_bengal]

Is everyone going to keep ignoring the elephant in the room, specifically that this guy's name is Chester Pitts?

double pitts to chesty he nailed it......

[NJ29]

Another report has TE Chris Baker, formerly of the Patriots and Jets, visiting here.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Not so high on Baker, just another mediocre fill-in type. That said, not sure where else they get an experienced blocker from.

I would hope someone like Pitts takes the left side and they just re-sign Williams for another year or two and groom or draft a replacement, although we know how the mid-round o-line never turn into much of anything here under Alexander.

Due to Alexander's poor record of player development, I would prefer a proven, experienced guard any ways, unless they can draft a 1st day guy who will pay dividends immediately regardless of a lack of coaching up, like Whitworth or Steinbach.

[Stripes]

Pro Bowl lineman drafted in the mid rounds are certainly commonplace elsewhere.