AJ Green's counterpart

[cincyhokie]

Personally, I'd like the team to part ways with Caldwell and Simpson. Bring in Meachem from NO. Keep Whalen and Hawkins on the roster and see what Binns can do on the active roster.

Green, Meachem, Shipley, Whalen, Hawkins, Binns. Use the draft picks this year to solidify the defense and O-line.

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A.J. Green was the first NFL rookie receiver to go over 1,000 yards in five seasons and the first to make the Pro Bowl in eight. Now begins the task of finding a receiver to team with him.

In what is becoming a standard offseason search, the Bengals will assess their needs for a No. 2 receiver. Ever since T.J. Houshmandzadeh departed after the 2008 season, the Bengals have been looking for a consistent pairing. In 2009-10, they went the high-priced free-agent route with Laveranues Coles, Antonio Bryant and Terrell Owens.

After Jerome Simpson’s late-season emergence in 2010, the task shifted to finding a franchise and game-changing receiver to take the place of Chad Ochocinco. They did that with Green, then traded Ochocinco to New England. With Green and Simpson as the starters, the Bengals had a duo that could stretch the field. Green was tied for the league lead in catches over 35 yards with 11 but Simpson struggled.

[walzav29]

I say at a reasonable price bring Simpson back. 4th year should do it. He's very close, and having an entire offseason to learn this offense will help tremendously.

[cincyhokie]

Simpson and Caldwell have been here long enough. Time to take it to the next level. Dalton, Green, Gruden. There will be some interest from some solid FA WR's. Tired of settling for what we've been used to. We've seen it already.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Justin Blackmon from Oklahoma State wouldn't break my heart.

[cincyhokie]

Justin Blackmon from Oklahoma State wouldn't break my heart.

Hell yeah it wouldn't. I just don't think that even if the Bengals traded their top 3 picks they could get in the range to draft him. He'll be gone by #2 or #3, IMO.

[HoosierCat]

I'm a big fan of spending a high draft pick on a WR this April.

I would love love love to see them sign Meachem.

I would not object to bringing back Jerome. I don't expect he will generate a ton of interest in FA so he shouldn't be expensive.

Green, Meachem, Simpson, Shipley, Whalen, Hawkins works for me.

[cincyhokie]

I'm a big fan of spending a high draft pick on a WR this April.

I would love love love to see them sign Meachem.

I would not object to bringing back Jerome. I don't expect he will generate a ton of interest in FA so he shouldn't be expensive.

Green, Meachem, Simpson, Shipley, Whalen, Hawkins works for me.

Yeah, I could see them keeping Simpson or getting a draft pick. I'd be more in favor of getting the draft pick. Getting Meachem would be my top priority.

[HoosierCat]

Ah, let me correct myself, I meant to say I'm NOT a big fan of spending a high pick on a wideout. Kind of an important word to leave out, I guess. At the least I would rather not see a WR until the 3rd.

[cHaD711Johnson]

Brandon Lloyd would be NICE.

If not, Devier Posey in the 3rd or 4th round is what I'd like to see.

[cincyhokie]

Llyod would be awesome. But apparently he wants to follow McDaniels to NE and with Chad leaving it's a perfect spot for him to go.

[Globetrotter]

I dont get hte disdain for Simpson. We invested 3 years in his development and then he blossomed last year. Let the dude grow.

[cincyhokie]

I dont get hte disdain for Simpson. We invested 3 years in his development and then he blossomed last year. Let the dude grow.

His contract is up and he's inconsistent. I'd be ok with getting him a small contract as a #4 but not anything more. When you can get one of the talented FA's out there to improve the team, you have to do that.

[volcom69]

If your going to draft a WR then i like Alshon Jeffery from SC! I dont think they will go for another WR in the draft at least not in the 1st or 2nd round. I do like your guys pick of Meachum and bringing back Simpson im ok with that as well. With Shipley and Hawk, i also like Whalen and would like him here as well.

Big free agent market this year for WR,this is the year to go after somebody good!

[HoosierCat]

I agree that Simpson had consistency issues this year, but at the end of the day 50 catches, 700+ yards and 4 TDs isn't bad. Based on yards Simpson ranked 38th, in the same range as guys like Deion Branch and Nate Burleson. I'm not sold on giving up on him yet.

Of course, there's still the pot thing that has to work itself out...

[combatbengal]

Simpson drops to many balls!! Tate has to go as well!! We need DB's in the draft!! We'll also need a RB becasue Benson will be gone too.

[cincyhokie]

I agree that Simpson had consistency issues this year, but at the end of the day 50 catches, 700+ yards and 4 TDs isn't bad. Based on yards Simpson ranked 38th, in the same range as guys like Deion Branch and Nate Burleson. I'm not sold on giving up on him yet.

Of course, there's still the pot thing that has to work itself out...

That's the problem. At the end of the day. Because some days are really really productive and inflate your stats. Then you go and play the Steelers and don't catch one ball in 2 games. We need better.

[cHaD711Johnson]

I dont get hte disdain for Simpson. We invested 3 years in his development and then he blossomed last year. Let the dude grow.

When did Simpson blossom? I don't think that I was present for that. He's shown flashes, but next year we can't afford flashes if we want this team to take the next step.

[Globetrotter]

Simpson was pretty good this year and made some great plays. Now if the rumors are true and he was running the wrong routes and angrying Andy then let him go by all means. Talent wise he is a stud and could be a superstar.

[HoosierCat]

So just to make sure I've got this straight: after spending 3 years on the roster and barely getting to play (because he was initially drafted in the 2nd round as insurance against Chad actually holding out in '08, but he didn't so we just got more of Chad's poor play while Rome rotted) Simpson comes into this season like everyone else: no offseason, totally new offense to learn, and suddenly is expected to be a major contributor.

So after playing in more games, catching more balls and scoring more TDs in one year than all the previous 3 combined, he should walk and the Bengals should spend another high draft pick on a wideout. Or a crap load of $$$ in FA. Or both.

Just checking.

[cincyhokie]

So just to make sure I've got this straight: after spending 3 years on the roster and barely getting to play (because he was initially drafted in the 2nd round as insurance against Chad actually holding out in '08, but he didn't so we just got more of Chad's poor play while Rome rotted) Simpson comes into this season like everyone else: no offseason, totally new offense to learn, and suddenly is expected to be a major contributor.

So after playing in more games, catching more balls and scoring more TDs in one year than all the previous 3 combined, he should walk and the Bengals should spend another high draft pick on a wideout. Or a crap load of $$$ in FA. Or both.

Just checking.

Not a huge fan of players that disappear against better teams. Not saying the Bengals shouldn't bring him back under any circumstances but there's proven talent out there to take this team to the next level. If they go draft pick with that, I'd be much less ok. However, I don't know how deep the class is.

[HoosierCat]

Not a huge fan of players that disappear against better teams.

I understand. In fact I remember making the same argument about TKO some year back. I just think Jerome's NFL resume is pretty thin and Im not quite ready to cut bait on him. To be sure, he's not my first fishing pole choice, either. But when I look at the list of positions that need fixing, WR is down a ways on the list, and I can think of a lot of players I would be more upset to see on the opening day roster than Simpson.

[skyline]

I'm fine with Simpson, especially since I think he'll come at a reasonable price. Yes, he needs to be more consistent, but he's a serviceable #2 that still has some upside left. Also, he's an excellent blocker from what I've seen. Even when he's not catching the ball, he's still contributing.

Sure, I'd love a new addition, but I think our draft picks/free agency dollars are better spent elsewhere. Especially after getting Shipley back, I think our receivers are pretty low on the priority list.

[cincyhokie]

I also don't like the fact that Simpson was not able to step up when AJ was getting double teamed at times. Remember how AJ's numbers went WAY down the last half of the year? It wasn't because of his shoulder.

Sure, we can roll the dice with Simpson again but getting a proven WR that can open up Green even more should be a priority. Also, we should wait and see what the market looks like before we imagine that someone like Meachem will cost an arm and a leg.

[HoosierCat]

I also don't like the fact that Simpson was not able to step up when AJ was getting double teamed at times. Remember how AJ's numbers went WAY down the last half of the year? It wasn't because of his shoulder.

I'm not convinced of that. I didn't think Green looked the same after the injury.

[Stripes]

I like Simpson as a backup to the outside starters. I think there's a place for him on this roster, but I would like to see the Bengals pursue a new number two. I'd prefer a free agent over a draft pick, but we have enough picks that I wouldn't be totally bothered by it (just please not in the first round).

outside:

Green

?????

Simpson

inside/special teams:

Shipley

Hawkins

Whalen or ?????