HoosierCat Posted April 4, 2005 Report Share Posted April 4, 2005 Hobson says he'll be by PBS at some point this week...Tony Agnone, the agent for Sharper, confirmed Monday that his client is scheduled for a Paul Brown Stadium visit for probably this Wednesday and Thursday. But he is also talking to his former position coach in Baltimore, Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio, as well as Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome. Sharper also plans a visit to Kansas City or Seattle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJBestInAFC Posted April 4, 2005 Report Share Posted April 4, 2005 Wed. and Thurs. he is suppose to visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted April 4, 2005 Report Share Posted April 4, 2005 I said a few weeks ago that I was getting a whole pre-2002-season vibe again, with their lack of pursuit of FAs and emphasis on going to war with what they had. You dismissed that...then promptly made the same comparision after the news of shortened training camp and lighter workouts came up. Uhhhhh, I think my rant about the conditioning program was totally unrelated to my feelings about free agency or what sort of success this team should expect this season. In fact, I'm on record claiming this team will be a playoff team this season.....hardly a familiar vibe for me, ehh? And remember as well that I gave the Bengals a very high FA grade after Rudi was locked up and in the same series of posts made it very clear that I felt the Bengals weren't done in FA due to the high probability that Sharper would eventually be released. Pretty sure I mentioned it in a couple of other threads too. In fact, I've openly dismissed the idea that the Bengals would or should trade for Sharper due to my belief that...after playing a waiting game...they'll have an advantage over other bidding teams. Frankly, if you ignore for a moment the timing of Sharpers release...I admit I chunked that one pretty badly...this thing is playing out exactly as I'd hoped. What remains to be seen is if Sharper will sign with the Bengals, an outcome I've never considered a given. But c'mon, their chances are far better than zero. Switching gears, I'm pretty sure my mom tricked me into eating steamed veggies again by cleverly adding copius amounts of melted cheese over the shoots, leaves, and sticks that were good for me. Once the veggies had become an acceptable habit again...the cheese option disappeared. Oddly, I didn't notice...probably because my cheese fix was now being satisfied elsewhere. So there you go....totally free advice from a non-breeder. Just add cheese. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted April 4, 2005 Report Share Posted April 4, 2005 Some news via Seattle, Sharper planning to visit, agent hopes to have him conduct his "tour" and sign with someone by the end of the week... End of the week? I sorta doubt it. I'm guessing that's a ploy by an agent trying to add a sense of urgency to the negotiations. I'm expecting more of a slow grind right up to the draft, with stops made here...there...and anywhere the trains run. BTW, the article states flatly that the Seahawks are a longshot to land Sharper and points to Jacksonville and Cincy as the favorites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted April 4, 2005 Report Share Posted April 4, 2005 So there you go....totally free advice from a non-breeder. Just add cheese. Tried that but she's not a fan of melted cheese -- won't even go for it on nacho chips -- unless it's the powdered kind on the Kraft mac & cheese dinners (ugh). However, we can usually get her to down a few bites if it's swimming in butter...Regarding sharper, I just don't see any sign that the Bengals are willing to engage in a bidding war this year. Not that they've every really been fans of that in any year, but with so many teams in the mix and many of them (Jax, KC) having larger war chests than us...I just don't see it. I think he'll come to town and say lots of nice things, and I think he'd love to play for Marvin again...but he's 31 and this is likely his last go-round at getting anything more than the league minumum. And I don't think ours will be the best offer on the table. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjakq27 Posted April 4, 2005 Report Share Posted April 4, 2005 Regarding sharper, I just don't see any sign that the Bengals are willing to engage in a bidding war this year. Not that they've every really been fans of that in any year, but with so many teams in the mix and many of them (Jax, KC) having larger war chests than us...I just don't see it. I think he'll come to town and say lots of nice things, and I think he'd love to play for Marvin again...but he's 31 and this is likely his last go-round at getting anything more than the league minumum. And I don't think ours will be the best offer on the table. Sounds like the Warren Sapp-dance we went through last year. If we can't judge his true intentions up front or sense that he is just going to use us I think the Bengals should pass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted April 4, 2005 Report Share Posted April 4, 2005 Sounds like the Warren Sapp-dance we went through last year. If we can't judge his true intentions up front or sense that he is just going to use us I think the Bengals should pass. I know it sounds like a silly question, but how would this team be harmed even if it turned out that it's best offer did little more than drive the price up for other teams? By almost all counts the money needed is available now and offering it to Sharper isn't going to cost this team a chance to sign another free agent, right? We've got nothing cooking on the front burners, let alone those in the back. And if some later tweaking is required after Sharper agrees to terms then so be it. Nothing has to be done beforehand, and all of the moves required to make it happen after an agreement is reached are not only predictable but have been openly discussed for months. Nobody involved has reason to get their feelings hurt, right? Example: Who thinks it was a coincidence that Peter Warrick just popped off about rumors of his possible release? C'mon, as Dave would say....it's just bid-ness. If it were up to me I'd try to do everything possible during their meeting ensuring that Sharper was impressed with the facilities, the community, the up and coming nature of the team, and the leadership role he'd be given. I'd play up the past working relationship with Marvin every chance I got and whenever I sensed a comfort level was reached I'd make my very best offer. And if that doesn't get it done...well...thanks for the fish. Shake hands and call a cab. The only thing a prolonged but unsuccessful bid for Sharper risks is limited to some fan anxiety and frustration, and I'm not about to go there...unless it relates to not making a bid in the first place because of nagging doubts it'll be enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whur CHad At? Posted April 4, 2005 Report Share Posted April 4, 2005 I believe that Sharper would rather play here than anywhere else, maybe baltimore. But he said he wants to play for someone he has already worked with. I think he he will go for a decent price. Warrick knows he is about to be cut. Hardy is on a plane going to St.Louis for the NCAA championship, and which probably means he won't be back. He's Leaving, on a Jet Plane!Don't know if he'll be back again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jditty47 Posted April 4, 2005 Report Share Posted April 4, 2005 hes either going to jax or us. gauranteed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
volcom69 Posted April 4, 2005 Report Share Posted April 4, 2005 Dont the jags already have 3 good starting lbs if sharper goes there wouldnt he be a back up. At least if he comes here he will start so i hope they try real hard to get him now with websters knee not doing so good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjakq27 Posted April 4, 2005 Report Share Posted April 4, 2005 Sounds like the Warren Sapp-dance we went through last year. If we can't judge his true intentions up front or sense that he is just going to use us I think the Bengals should pass.I know it sounds like a silly question, but how would this team be harmed even if it turned out that it's best offer did little more than drive the price up for other teams? By almost all counts the money needed is available now and offering it to Sharper isn't going to cost this team a chance to sign another free agent, right? We've got nothing cooking on the front burners, let alone those in the back. And if some later tweaking is required after Sharper agrees to terms then so be it. Nothing has to be done beforehand, and all of the moves required to make it happen after an agreement is reached are not only predictable but have been openly discussed for months. Nobody involved has reason to get their feelings hurt, right? Example: Who thinks it was a coincidence that Peter Warrick just popped off about rumors of his possible release? C'mon, as Dave would say....it's just bid-ness. If it were up to me I'd try to do everything possible during their meeting ensuring that Sharper was impressed with the facilities, the community, the up and coming nature of the team, and the leadership role he'd be given. I'd play up the past working relationship with Marvin every chance I got and whenever I sensed a comfort level was reached I'd make my very best offer. And if that doesn't get it done...well...thanks for the fish. Shake hands and call a cab. The only thing a prolonged but unsuccessful bid for Sharper risks is limited to some fan anxiety and frustration, and I'm not about to go there...unless it relates to not making a bid in the first place because of nagging doubts it'll be enough. I am just trying to get past the "same old Bengals" routine. "Can't sign the good ones" and "No one wants to play here" is a tired refrain. I just don't want us to get played that's all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 I am just trying to get past the "same old Bengals" routine. "Can't sign the good ones" and "No one wants to play here" is a tired refrain. I just don't want us to get played that's all. If it doesn't happen we can all decide for ourselves if the Bengals got played...or if it simply went down like any other negotiation where no agreement was reached. But I really like the fact that they're already negotiating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walshfan Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 I too would love to see the day when the team signs a truly star quality player.We manage to get the players that have to re prove themselves and players that are second tier.. Just ONCE Id like to see them sign a probowl type player at the peak of his career....Sharper is peaking right now.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whur CHad At? Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 137 tackles last year, 164 the year before, i don't think he is peaking quite yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 Sharper will visit the Hags tomorrow, per the Seattle Times...http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seah...218_hawk06.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whur CHad At? Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 Did he visit us today? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 Dunno...haven't seen anything to that effect...if so I'm sure Hobson will let us all in on the secret after he's left... Anyone else get the feeling the Hags are pretty sweet on Sharper? Looks like they've been really aggressive at getting him to drop by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 Sharper will visit the Hags tomorrow, per the Seattle Times... Darren Sharper was interviewed on the NFL Network yesterday and was asked about where his brother might land. Seattle, Baltimore, and Cincy were all briefly mentioned, but in a bit of a surprise.....Jacksonville wasn't. Not sure if it was just an oversight as the interview was rather fluffy....a disturbing habit of most NFL Network programs. I've become painfully aware that regardless of who is being interviewed they spend a stupid amount of the time discussing what players wear. Anyways, I'm still optimistic, but I wish there was some news coming out of River City. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 FWIW, profootballweekly had this note vis-a-vis Jax & Sharper (posted yesterday)...The Jaguars are doing their homework on former Texans ILB Jamie Sharper, released by Houston last week. With Sharper, MLB Mike Peterson could return to his natural position on the weak side, and Daryl Smith likely would be the other outside linebacker because of his speed. Akin Ayodele, the "Sam" linebacker the last two seasons, might be used at defensive end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
membengal Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 According to .com, Sharper is in Cincy tonite.At least the Bengals are taking a look... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted April 7, 2005 Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 According to .com, Sharper is in Cincy tonite.At least the Bengals are taking a look... You are correct, sir. But -- at the risk of another "wet blanket" comment from Hair -- I'll say it doesn't sound particularly promising...The agent for former Texans linebacker Jamie Sharper confirmed on Wednesday night his client's visit to Cincinnati. Tony Agnone, who has yet to delve into deep negotiations with the Bengals, said Sharper also plans to meet with club officials Thursday at Paul Brown Stadium before joining Agnone in Seattle for a visit with the Seahawks. He's also talking to Jacksonville, Baltimore, and "he has other options," Agnone said.Tho I'm on record as saying they won't get him, I will say that I'm hoping to be proven wrong. C'mon, Mikey. Get your fat butt off your wallet and don't let this guy leave town without a deal.Can I get an amen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted April 7, 2005 Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 According to .com, Sharper is in Cincy tonite. Pretty thin update on an important FA meeeting, wasn't it? That said, I wasn't very happy after eating the crumbs I was fed. "...yet to delve into deep negotiations." Maybe the Bengals are as afraid of being "played" as many fans are, but I think that's a mistake. Take your shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucktkd Posted April 7, 2005 Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 At least he came here first...maybe that's a good sign.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted April 7, 2005 Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 Can I get an amen? Not from me. However, I will offer a hearty Who-Dey....before agreeing with you about the update. Didn't sound like the Bengals were as interested as I'd hoped. Sorry about the wet blanket remark, as it wasn't intended to have a lasting sting. However, I thought you earned it when you put the odds of signing Sharper at zero....after stating earlier that in your eyes the Bengals began free agency with a grade of F. Nothing like trying to dig your way out of a deep hole even before lining up for the race, right? I'm reminded now of the tank driving Donald Sutherland character from the movie Kellys Heroes. "Too many negative waves, man." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted April 7, 2005 Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 Sorry about the wet blanket remark, as it wasn't intended to have a lasting sting. However, I thought you earned it when you put the odds of signing Sharper at zero....after stating earlier that in your eyes the Bengals began free agency with a grade of F. Nothing like trying to dig your way out of a deep hole even before lining up for the race, right? Oh, . I call 'em as I see 'em, that's all -- and lord knows I quit taking anything seriously on internet message boards long ago! (Except bets over booze, that is!)The one thing I did find...notable..about the (as you so accurately put it) thin report was that Sharper is in Cincy while his agent Agone is in Seattle. I'm not quite sure what to read into that. Is Sharper's visit to Cincy a sort of "courtesy call?" Perhaps preliminary conversations indicated their offer was too low to be take seriously but Sharper didn't want to diss a former coach? Are Sharper/Agone trying to get a couple rounds of bidding out of the two teams, with both in place to communicate offers and counter-offers back and forth? Is Agone in Seattle so that the Hags don't feel stiffed because Sharper's inclination is to sign on with Marvin? Hell, I dunno...but it's weird that they're split up like this. My gut instinct is to say that if Sharper is in Cincy and his agent is chatting up the Seahaks, then the visit to Cincy isn't serious...but that's only speculation.It's just...weird. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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