Bengals Could Take Advantage of Holdouts

The number of high profile holdouts seems unusually high this year.  Not sure if that's actually the case but it certainly feels that way.  The Bengal might as well try to see if they can exploit it (spoiler alert:  they won't).  If you're anything like me, you spend more time worrying about what could go wrong rather than focusing on what could go right.  Because worrying about what could go right is pointless.

I thought the offensive line, more than any other factor, would likely be the one that submarined the year in 2009.  Well, that was almost entirely wrong. But I wonder if perhaps that call didn't come a year early.  We have the same personnel as last year, Andre Smith still cannot be counted on, so all we can fall back on is the "continuity" argument.  Hey, our individually average at best line played together for a year, so maybe that will make them collectively above average this year.

I would prefer to not rely on that argument this year when all the other pieces seem to be in place.  And a lockout looms in 2011.

LT Marcus McNeill and LG Logan Mankins both are holding out for better contracts and would seem to be open to a trade.  Either one could easily find a home on our line and would be an instant upgrade in talent.  The question is what kind of trade would make it work.  Perhaps a future number 1 pick would do it for either of those players.  Maybe less.  Maybe more.  Maybe just offer them Fat Ass and his team friendly contract instead.

Speaking of Andre Smith, his agent Alvin Keels also represents McNeill.  And as we all learned last year, he is terrible at being an agent.  So Katie can probably jedi mind fuck him again during the ultimate contract negotiations.  It's a win-win, folks. 

And joking aside, even if it is Keels expertly negotiating the worst possible deal for his client, the new contract for either player would still be quite expensive.  But as I noted here, it's not like we're busting up against the salary cap or Mike Brown is running the team at breakeven profitability.  The money is available.

The Bengals went out and got some guys this offseason, but they did not do so by spending much money.  If they really want to go all out for their fans, like they probably believe they already have, they would explore trade possibilities for one of these guys.

Comments

[blesterov]

I am not going to hit the panic button with the O-line until the 3rd pre-season game. For some reason, Marvin doesn't prepare for the opposing team's stunts and blitz packages until the third week so the offense has always looked like hell in the first two preseason games with him as coach. I don't understand his logic on this one.

However, I agree with your point 100%, if they are committed to winning this year since 2011 is not looking to good, they should go after one of those two guys and get them in here to upgrade the OL ASAP. As long as the Cook is the center it would not be a huge disruption to the OL's communication.

[The truth]

If only it were as easy to trade as it us in madden. You're forgetting the factor that those players team probably don't want to trade those players or else they would have been traded long ago. Yes the bengaks could overspend and offer a trade that no one could say no to, but then you just mortgaged the future for a guybthat may or may not help you out.

[TheCarlPickensClause]

Mankins makes sense because the Left Guard position on this team is in flux right now. If you sign McNeill, you'd have to kick Whit to LG. That's a VERY good idea on PAPER, but would it work? I'm on record saying that I think Whit is a better LG than LT. If this was mid-May or early June, I'd say spring for a trade for McNeill and make this happen. The problem is that Whit is the anchor and these guys have been practicing and playing together for a while now. Bringing in McNeill could be a gamble--he hasn't been practicing and you're bringing in a guy at arguable the second most important position on the team who isn't familiar with the offense. So, while it sounds good in theory, it could work against them. I doubt they'll go after one of those guys. I wouldn't mind them going after Chester Pitts (Left Guard) if he's still available in free agency. He's a proven, solid veteran and would be an upgrade at that position.

[Sleeping With Bieniemy]

@Claus - you've outlined the two ways either player works (either Whit stays at LT or we move him back to LG) and both are fine with me.

@the truth - obviously executing a trade is much harder in reality than on paper. the point of the post is just to say 1) it would be nice if the Bengals would entertain the notion (they won't) and 2) don't fool yourself into thinking they really went all out this offseason.

[The truth]

I actually would be pissed if the bengals entertained the notion. Whit may not be a top 5 LT bit he is a good LT. Not only would they have to give up at least a 1 and a 3 if not more they would have to give McNeil top dollar. If a guy is holding out for hs current team do you really think he'll take less here?

Also why mess with chemistry after one preseason game. Overescting

[blesterov]

After watching the game again last night, it really was not as bad as I remembered. They were able to move the ball at will when Dallas didn't blitz and stunt, and TO was able to get open whenever he wanted even against their Pro Bowl CB. We'll see if they look any better in week 2 of the preseason. I am betting that they will not look that great again this week.

I would love to see them make a move for either of these guys to upgrade the OL, but Bien is right, but realistically it is not going to happen.

[Neutered Bengal]

It's only been one preseason game but I can understand the anxiety regarding the OL especially if one of them gets injured. I do like the trade idea because of the extra cap space we got. If we even got one of those guys that would vastly improve our line. My biggest concern on the line is the RT position (or whatever position Roland plays) most of the game it seemed like Carson was getting pressure from the front side but I could be wrong.