Rashad Jeanty-merged topics

[HairOnFire]

That's a fair point Hair. None of these signings are making the ESPNews ticker... because they aren't glamorous, but it does appear to me that the Bengals aren't wasting time here. Have other teams made this many moves before FA even opens? I'm not really sure... but the Bengals are at least working at improving right now.

As for other signings... what happened to that punter we were looking at? Between him and Jeanty, that's the guy I would have chosen. Any news on whether we might be getting that kid in teh next couple weeks?

I'd say the biggest FA signing so far is Arizona locking up one of it's own free agents before the dance began, Kurt Warner. Beyond that a few other teams have signed players I've never heard of, most to their practice squads.

Last, today is February 15th, the deadline that inally makes the CFL punter a free agent. That said, one of the articles posted earlier made it clear that his Canadian team wants him back, is likely to pay as much or more than any NFL team will bid, and implied that even if Meyers wants to try his luck in the NFL he might not sign with a new team immediately.

Edit: Should read John Ryan instead of Meyers. (Brainfart)

[bucket]

EDMONTON - The Edmonton Eskimos have just absorbed a six-foot-three, 230-pound hit on their defensive line, with Rashad Jeanty bolting the team to chase his NFL dream.

The now former Eskimos defensive end has signed a two-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals and will attempt to switch positions and become a linebacker.

"It feels great. It's an opportunity I've been waiting awhile for," Jeanty said Wednesday.

"I can't wait to report to Cincinnati, meet with the guys and the coaches and do whatever I have to do to make that team.

"It's going to be a challenge, switching positions at the highest level of football, but I'm looking forward to that challenge."

The deadline for signing with an NFL team was looming at the end of day today but Jeanty, 22, actually sealed the deal last Friday, deciding to go with Cincinnati's offer over his hometown Miami Dolphins. Both teams had submitted contract offers, but the Bengals included a nice signing bonus. He also worked out for Dallas, Indianapolis and the New York Jets.

"I know I'm going to have a fair shot in Cincinatti," he said.

Jeanty will receive $240,000 US per season if he makes the NFL roster, which is just above the minimum but a hefty raise over his CFL salary. However, Edmonton retains his rights should he be released by the Bengals and pass through waivers.

"I knew there'd been interest in him for about a year, so I'm not surprised," said Eskimos coach Danny Maciocia.

"We're all pulling for him because he's a good guy, has worked hard and he's deserving."

The Eskimos will open training camp with an eye towards filling Jeanty's position on the defensive line. As a third-year pro last season, Jeanty started on fire and finished with 18 tackles and eight sacks in 12 games before injuries took their toll.

Rookie Charles Alston stepped up admirably in his place, making some key plays down the stretch for the Grey Cup Champions. He registered seven tackles and a sack in the Western Final, then added another two tackles and two sacks in the Grey Cup game. The sack total led the team and he was among team leaders in tackles.

Alston will be the frontrunner for the position heading into camp, along with Antico Dalton, Tim Fleiszer and possibly Cedric Scott, in a position shift from the interior of the defensive line to an end position. The Eskimos are also likely to bring in some other U.S. prospects.

Jeanty is the first Eskimo to jump ship this off-season and the only one to go the NFL route.

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news...c852fd4&k=84803

[Beerfish]

That's a fair point Hair. None of these signings are making the ESPNews ticker... because they aren't glamorous, but it does appear to me that the Bengals aren't wasting time here. Have other teams made this many moves before FA even opens? I'm not really sure... but the Bengals are at least working at improving right now.

As for other signings... what happened to that punter we were looking at? Between him and Jeanty, that's the guy I would have chosen. Any news on whether we might be getting that kid in teh next couple weeks?

You are probably talking about John Ryan from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Rumours here (Canada) were that he was signing with the Packers. Ryan has a monster leg, probably the best pure leg for a punter I've seen up here in Canada. He may have a problem controlling his power though as he didn't do alot of directional punting or pooch punting up here. I'll tell you one thing, his leg is a weapon for pure distance though.

[Spain]

Insurance for Water boy.

[NYBengalfan]

What to expect. I have read about how he played in the CFL and was impressed. Even though the CFL is in no comparison to the NFL, I have liked what he has done with us this preseason so far.

I personally think that he will be a sleeper this season!

[ArmyBengal]

He has added depth to the linebacking corps and done very well for himself. He has just BROUGHT IT when he had to !!!

WHODEY !!!

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Uh he made the team, enough said.

[Kazkal]

Passrush should be solid this year can put him in as a DE on 3rd downs or him as LB and pollack as DE

[walshfan]

If the Bengals jump out on teams early and force opponents to pass more than they want you'll see players like Geathers, Smith, Jeanty, Pollack and even Jackson teeing off... I like it

[rwalling]

If the Bengals jump out on teams early and force opponents to pass more than they want you'll see players like Geathers, Smith, Jeanty, Pollack and even Jackson teeing off... I like it

Great point! I like the 3rd and long package the Bengals show this year SOOO much better than last. Adding Madieu and Joseph significantly improve coverage and Jeanty, Pollack and friends will bring the pressure!

[schweinhart]

If all goes well, Jeanty won't see the field much if at all on D. He's got some skills though and would be serviceable in the short term as Pollack's backup if the need arises. I would expect either Jeanty or Wilkins to get chopped when Odell returns.

[lando griffin]

If all goes well, Jeanty won't see the field much if at all on D. He's got some skills though and would be serviceable in the short term as Pollack's backup if the need arises. I would expect either Jeanty or Wilkins to get chopped when Odell returns.

Really don't see Jeanty leaving anytime soon. He's shown the ability to play from scrimmage as well as special teams. Jeanty was starting all preseason when Pollack was hurt. I'd see Miller leaving before him.

[walzav29]

Who starts? Pollack or Jeanty?

[HoosierCat]

Pollack, according to bengals.com.

[Section 310]

It's guys like Jeanty who make a club. Every team has a roughly equal shot of grabbing contributors in Rounds 1-3 of the draft, but the Bengals have really improved themselves over the last couple of years by getting guys like Tab Perry, Jeremi Johnson, Robert Geathers, Kaesviharn and Jeanty later in the draft or off the scrap heap. (I would have mentioned TJ, but I think he was a LeBeau pick). It is the latter group of players who really make an impact on the team.

[BlainThePain]

He's already becoming one of my favorite players on the team. He's looked great as a rookie and I can't wait to see what he looks like with a couple of seasons under his belt.

[Kazkal]

If all goes well, Jeanty won't see the field much if at all on D. He's got some skills though and would be serviceable in the short term as Pollack's backup if the need arises. I would expect either Jeanty or Wilkins to get chopped when Odell returns.

Really don't see Jeanty leaving anytime soon. He's shown the ability to play from scrimmage as well as special teams. Jeanty was starting all preseason when Pollack was hurt. I'd see Miller leaving before him.

I'd see wilkins leaving before both of them lol

[ArmyBengal]

Jeanty isn't going anywhere !!! This guy has not only shown he can play, but he's young and has experience playing the game. I know it was CFL experience, but he brings far more to the table and isn't your average rookie !!!

WHODEY !!!

[HairOnFire]

One of the trademarks of a highly functioning Marvin Lewis defense is everyone plays, everyone makes plays, and everyone stays fresh. Up to this point we've seen too much of starters being forced to play too many downs due to the lack of depth behind them. I think that changes this season. Guys like Jeanty, Peko, Smith, Joseph, and others are going to get their reps....even if they aren't named starters.

BTW, isn't it funny how when it was first announced most of us thought the Jeanty signing was little more than camp fodder?

[walshfan]

Jeanty shows good pass coverage skills as well as being a good tackler.

I like the kid and NO he isnt going to get cut when Thurman comes back.

[ArmyBengal]

This is something I posted back in January...

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/CFL/Edm...387275-sun.html

I liked this part:

"In talking to NFL teams they realize something very easily - and that is you are talking about a player that has three years of professional football experience at the second-highest level in the world and has been a dominant player," explained Canter.

WHODEY !!!

[Stripes]

BTW, isn't it funny how when it was first announced most of us thought the Jeanty signing was little more than camp fodder?

I'm guilty. Seems like it was a silly assumption to make at the time too... A little early to be grabbing filler material.

[walshfan]

wouldnt it be something if Jeanty takes the job away from Pollack because of his play?

oh the depth

[Kazkal]

BTW, isn't it funny how when it was first announced most of us thought the Jeanty signing was little more than camp fodder?

Lol I remember when all haters were saying that.

[jditty47]

i didnt know who he was prior to camp and come on now...everyone in the world is gonna think he wont make the team just cuz he came from the CFL. he wouldnt make it as a DE. and him at LB wouldnt work on many other teams, but he fits perfectly in our roster because hes a clone of pollack pretty much.