Mitchell returns for another year

[ArmyBengal]

3-21-05, 3:20 p.m.

BY GEOFF HOBSON

With all of their top officials in Hawaii for the NFL meetings, the Bengals aren’t expected to conduct much business this week. But they have reached a one-year deal with safety Anthony Mitchell, according to his agent. The Bengals won’t comment on or confirm a contract until it is signed.

“He played there last year, the coaches like him, and he can play both safety spots,” said George Mavrikes on Monday. “We’ll see how it goes this year, and see if he can get a long-term (deal) next year, hopefully with the Bengals.”

Mitchell, 30, backed up both spots after he signed as a free agent last Oct. 6. Even though he arrived late, he finished third in special teams tackles with 16. He also had a fumble recovery on defense. The Bengals cut one of their veteran safeties, Rogers Beckett, last week.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

uh, who?

Can they sign Reggie Myles now please? Thank you.

[BengalByTheBay]

Good. Mitchell was the gunner opposite Myles and a pretty solid ST'er. Made a couple of really impressive TFL's the last few games. I'm happy to see him back. These guys aren't Chad Johnson, but you notice when somebody's not playing these spots well.

[jrandom42]

uh, who?

Can they sign Reggie Myles now please? Thank you.

Reggie got his tender offer the same time Wilkens and Mitchell did. It's up to him to sign it.

[BengalszoneBilly]

uh, who?

Can they sign Reggie Myles now please? Thank you.

Yea I guess? Does he take care of the towels or something?

[Chucktkd]

I didn't know he was on the team.

[TJJackson]

He's a former Marvin player on Ravens or Redskins, not sure which, has been solid/unspectaculr but is early in his career, also has been good on special teams. a good signing.

[HoTbOy]

Not meaning to change subject, but I was wondering if any of you guys know anything about Khalid Abdullah. I know Marvin liked him on special teams, but I thought they were grooming him to start. Has he healed from the ankle injury????

[Kirkendall]

Not meaning to change subject, but I was wondering if any of you guys know anything about Khalid Abdullah. I know Marvin liked him on special teams, but I thought they were grooming him to start. Has he healed from the ankle injury????

From the last I've heard, injury will be his ultimate future. Whether or not he recovers fully is suspect, and I'm sure with Landon Johnson being drafted last season, Abdullah will be soon let go. I don't see him sticking around at all and he'd probably be better off getting a chance someplace else (he's not really a guy that's going to be groomed for anything more than ST on this team).

And yes, we're waiting on Myles to sign, not the Bengals to sign him.

Mitchell isn't a superb player, but the guy plays a good supporting role. He'll never have the bling bling of today's stars, but he'll most likely always have a team to play for. From a special teams perspective, how many times did anyone notice he not doing his job? That's good for something, eh?

[TJJackson]

Sure, Myles can sign the tender, but I am saying sign him to a longer term contract so we don't chance loosing him to UFA next year.

So I understand Myles has an offer he can sign, and in that sense we are waiting on him. But in the other sense, we are waiting for the Bengals (or another team, wherein we have the right to match) to sign him.

Best for the Bengals to sign him rather than another team, because they other team will try to make it hard for the Bengals to match....

[Kirkendall]

Sure, Myles can sign the tender, but I am saying sign him to a longer term contract so we don't chance loosing him to UFA next year.

So I understand Myles has an offer he can sign, and in that sense we are waiting on him. But in the other sense, we are waiting for the Bengals (or another team, wherein we have the right to match) to sign him.

Best for the Bengals to sign him rather than another team, because they other team will try to make it hard for the Bengals to match....

As much as I like Myles, we have other people we need to sign to long term deals before he -- i.e. offensive lineman.

[jjakq27]

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...2/50321002/1066

Monday, March 21, 2005

Bengals to bring back Mitchell

By Mark Curnutte

Enquirer staff writer

Safety Anthony Mitchell has agreed to terms on a one-year contract to return to the Bengals, his agent said this afternoon.

Mitchell, a five-year veteran who was picked up as a free agent Oct. 5, played in 12 games with Cincinnati in 2004.

He had five tackles on defense and 16 on special teams.

Agent George Mavrikes said that Mitchell received a $25,000 signing bonus and wanted to stay with the Bengals.

“He had other offers out there, but they weren’t justifiable to leave the Bengals,” Mavrikes said.

The Bengals terminated the contract of former starting strong safety Rogers Beckett earlier this month.

“He’s got a shot now,” Mavrikes said of Mitchell. “He’ll play special teams. He’ll play defense. He’s a lot smarter than he was (as a football player) and in better shape. He’s quicker.”

Mitchell, 30, played for Bengals coach Marvin Lewis for two seasons in Baltimore when Lewis was the Ravens’ defensive coordinator.

[TJJackson]

The only other Bengals player from 2004 we need to sign with similar priority to Myles (IMHO) is C Richie Braham.

What other OL are you referring to, if any? Please keep in mind I am not talking about contract extensions (like Willie A and E Steinbach), just guys who are not currently signed.....