2006 Free Agency & Draft

[Kinsm]

TIGHT ENDS:

I realize I'm one of a very small group of Bengals fans on this site, but I do respect others opinions and would like some input from everyone on this matter.

The Bengals have glaring needs at FS and DT; those should be considered their primary needs and will most likely be found in the upcoming draft. The Bengals aren't a team willing to get into bidding wars, so I don't see FA as an answer for young starting caliber players.

The Bengals are currently estimated to be at around 81 million for the cap (including Palmers raise). Leaving 21 mill free, but they'll need to secure at least 5 mill of that to put towards the draft and any bonuses players may recieve this upcoming year. In addition to that they also would like to renegotiate Houshy and Rudi to longer contracts, eating further into that free amount with the signing bonuses. Furthermore, the Bengals aren't a team that will run at the cap, probably at least 5 million below it. So I can't see them spending more than 6 to 8 million this offseason on FA's.

Their secondary needs are an experienced backup quarterback (I've heard they're targeting Maddox, McCown, and Rattay), DE, and a receiving TE. These are the needs that will most likely be found through FA. I've heard speculation that their currently looking at 10 FA TE's to pursue....7-UFA's: Putzier, Baker, Schobel, Rivers, Shea, M. Campbell, Royal and 3-RFA's: Hilton, Shiancoe, Wrighster.

***Keep in mind that if they offer a RFA they have no gurantee of signing him (if they do they have to give up a draft pick) and Putzier the #1 FA TE will likely command a contract around $650,000 with a 1 mill signing bonus, but it could be larger considering the tremendous need for TE's in the nfl today.

The Bengals currently only have one TE on their roster, Kelly who is more of a blocking TE...he's also only signed for one more year.

So I have a question for all of you: Should the Bengals enter the draft with only Kelly on their roster and hope that they can get a TE in the 2nd or 3rd round that will be able to contribute right away (I don't see any way they spend their 1st pick on a TE) or should they sign one in FA and forget about finding one in the draft?

My personal opinion is to sign a FA like Baker, Royal, or Schobel, and take the chances with drafting one in the 3rd round, and if there isn't one then no big deal!

Please vote in the poll and/or leave comments.

[cubuffsman78]

3rd round could be a good spot for TE's still....with their late 3rd round pick, the Bengals could get a couple of good TEs like David Thomas or Tony Scheffler.

[Kinsm]

Originally Posted by cubuffsman78 3rd round could be a good spot for TE's still....with their late 3rd round pick, the Bengals could get a couple of good TEs like David Thomas or Tony Scheffler.

That's very true, in fact I like Scheffler alot. But do you think this team could afford to go into this season with an unproven TE like Scheffler and Kelly. They'd still have to sign a FA TE in my opinion.

I must say I like that idea cubby, signing Scheffler with their 3rd pick or if Klopfenstein miracously fell anywhere near theam in the 3rd trade up a little for him. And then sign Royal, Baker, or Schobel.