Hey Joe, me love you long long time?

[HairOnFire]

Updated: June 15, 2010, 2:41 PM ET

Joseph optimistic about contract talks

By James Walker

ESPN.com

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals have quietly opened negotiations with one of their biggest pending free agents of 2011.

Cincinnati has reached out to starting cornerback Johnathan Joseph and his representation in an effort to reach a long-term extension. According to Joseph, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, the Bengals have made two proposals in the past week.

Joseph, 26, is one of the NFL's top young cornerbacks and could be a hot commodity next offseason if he becomes an unrestricted free agent. He recorded 69 tackles and six interceptions for Cincinnati's fourth-ranked defense in 2009.

"It shows positive signs," Joseph said of the negotiations. "It's one of those things that hopefully we can get it done. But if not, I'm here for the rest of this season and I'm focused on this season. I'm not that worried about it, but it's one of those things you'd like to get behind you."

Joseph is encouraged but knows there are no guarantees. Good cornerbacks are worth a lot of money in the NFL and large extensions have been difficult to hammer out due to the uncapped year. The "30-percent rule," in particular, is affecting a lot of players and adding difficulty to contract talks. Joseph said Tuesday that's also a hurdle in his negotiations.

The Bengals won the AFC North last year and have a solid tandem of young cornerbacks with Joseph and Leon Hall. But in order to keep this pair together beyond this season, the Bengals and Joseph first have to reach a long-term deal.

Joseph has participated with the Bengals this offseason in both voluntary and mandatory workouts.

"The main thing is to stay healthy and be positive about it," Joseph said. "I'm not going to cause a distraction or anything. I want to be here and working with the rest of the guys."

[BengalPimp]

When I first read the title Hair, I thought you were professing your love for JoePong.....

[Ickey44]

When I first read the title Hair, I thought you were professing your love for JoePong.....

Haha, me too.

[BengalPimp]

Updated: June 15, 2010, 2:41 PM ET

Cincinnati has reached out to starting cornerback Johnathan Joseph and his representation in an effort to reach a long-term extension. According to Joseph, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, the Bengals have made two proposals in the past week.

The good news is they have made 2 proposals in the past week....The bad news is they were both obviously rejected.

[Kazkal]

Good news I wonder if it's something Lewis wanted done before He resigned,Otherwise I just pictured them letting Jjoe go without even talking to him if it was up to Mr Brown.

The good news is they have made 2 proposals in the past week....The bad news is they were both obviously rejected.

Bengal-Pimpin' Ain't Easy

More good News is he isn't offended from said Proposals and missing camp time,Also that he's intelligent enough that contract isn't going be simple because 30% rule and fact he's playing the biggest money position on Defense...I wonder how big the first offer was if it was Patrick Willis Money or lower.

[ArmyBengal]

I like JJoe and want him here. He's above average, but I can't see the Bengals giving him a contract that puts him at the top end of CB's. He had some injury issues early on and not to be a dick, but he hasn't made a pro bowl either. If they are only going to keep one of them, I would prefer Hall be that one. I could easily see the use of the tag for one or the other if something can't get done.

Anyway around, I'm glad they are working on this now, JJoe isn't being a pain in the ass, and it's not a distraction to the team. All good things...

[Kazkal]

I like JJoe and want him here. He's above average, but I can't see the Bengals giving him a contract that puts him at the top end of CB's. He had some injury issues early on and not to be a dick, but he hasn't made a pro bowl either. If they are only going to keep one of them, I would prefer Hall be that one. I could easily see the use of the tag for one or the other if something can't get done.

Well because of the 30% rule I can't see him getting a contract that puts him in top 5,Though 7-10 area I think would be more fair...But one Perks now if you Extend him is you can try get Hall for the same price?(Say they would accept Willis deal which was 50 million? you get both of them for 100 million which one of them alone will probably make in free agency....But it's all speculation and can't really judge until signs a deal somewhere.

If they are only going to keep one of them, I would prefer Hall be that one.

Sure Coaching Staff feels the same way being Zimmer did call Hall the best Defensive Player in the NFL...Hopefully though it's a sign that teams long term Plans are to keep both of them.

[bwillycuse]

Get it done. But don't let it be ridiculous.

Good news that they are talking. Glad JJoe doesn't have a big head like Revis.

Since when did cornerbacks make more than quarterbacks. 15 million for a CB is way too much. I agree with Kaz - 7-10 million range is respectable and responsible. Anything more just cripples the team in other areas. (assuming salary cap and all that)

[HoosierCat]

Get it done. But don't let it be ridiculous.

No choice. If the Bengals don't go ridiculous, someone else will. Snyderbrenner, Dead Al, Jerruh, the list goes on. You know, all those guys who are allegedly smarter than Mikey.

It is what it is. If they want J Joe, they will have to break the bank. If not, back to the draft.

That's what happens when you actually hit in the first round.

[Kazkal]

Well Jjoe doesn't have cleanest bill of health so it's bit of a risk for him to wait one more year to,so hopefully find common ground.