Cincinnati Bengals

This Nov. 29, 2009 file photo shows Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn during the second half of their NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati.

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Bengals.com is reporting that free agent OG Richie Incognito is visiting with the team today.

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For four games last season, Roy Williams was able to show how much he was able to add to the Bengals defense. After signing a one-year deal to return, the strong safety is hoping to show it over the entire season.
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When it came to finding a second wide receiver to complement Chad Ochocinco, the top target all along was Antonio Bryant.

Despite Ochocinco's public campaign to bring Terrell Owens to Cincinnati, Bryant's four-year deal provides the Bengals with a variety of options going forward.

For one, it gives the Bengals a deep threat that they were lacking, especially during the second half of last season when Chris Henry was lost for the year. The Bengals had only 12 pass plays last year that went for 25 yards or more.

It also gives them a possible future No. 1 receiver. Ochocinco is entering an option year in 2011 and he is entering his 10th season this year. Bryant was the top receiver in San Francisco and Tampa Bay, so it would be a role that he would adapt to.

Does...
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The Bengals at guard is kind of tricky. Will they sign Bobbie Williams back? The latest report is that both Williams and the Bengals were in a "holding pattern". They reportedly expressed interest in guard Chester Pitts; supposedly to move along negotiations with Williams, as nothing more has been said of Pitts. Yet, Williams hasn't signed and one has to wonder how impatient the Bengals will get.

Nate Livings and Evan Mathis man left guard while there's a possibility that the Bengals could eye Idaho guard Mike Iupati during next month's NFL draft. But to be honest, I don't see that right now.

Mike Berardino of the Sun Sentinel writes that the Bengals are one of three teams that could make a play on guard Richie Incognito; otherwise known as being voted the NFL's dirtiest player by his NFL peers.

Incognito is 6 feet 3 and 324 pounds. He spent the bulk of his rookie year on injured reserve after suffering a major knee injury at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2005, and he missed the final 12 games in 2007 following surgery to repair a dislocated right kneecap.

Talent isn't the issue with Incognito. The only thing holding him back, it seems, is his temper.

I like him already.

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Good morning and happy Monday everyone, if there is such a thing!  I hope everyone's work week starts off as well as can be expected on a cold, blustery Monday morning. 

Yesterday ProFootballTalk.com listed the seven franchises that not only would currently fall below the $107 million floor that was in place for last season's salary cap, but in fact fall in with a player payroll that doesn't break the nine figure mark.  Is anyone surprised that our Bengals made that list? 


James Walker opines that WR Terrell Owens is unlikely to wind up wearing Orange and Black.  Further down the page in his weekend mailbag, the question is posed to him about the Bengals' Tight End situation.  He says that the Bengals remaining pat with their current stable of TE's would be a mistake, that they are in a position to win and to win now and should take advantage of that by solidifying any TE question marks. 

Episode 3 of Real Football Talk with Cincy Jungle aired yesterday evening at 5:30.  I discussed a multitude of subjects ranging from Antonio Bryant to Tank Johnson and Roy Williams, even touching on why I think the team's best interest may be to draft Mike Iupati in the first round of the draft next month.  Head on over to the show page here to stream or download all three episodes.  This upcoming Sunday I'll host CNati.com's own Scott Priestle to talk about any moves that have been made or moves that will be made by this weekend.  The podcast is now also searchable via iTunes either by doing a search for "Real Football Talk" (my first two episodes are the #9 and #10 hits for that search) or by my name, Craig Conrad.  Listen, enjoy, give feedback.  

Joe Reedy (who was a guest on last week's show) gives his current Bengals Free Agency scorecard.   

It's from a couple of days ago, but here's a good read by Scott Priestle at CNati.com about how Carson Palmer helped to bring Antonio Bryant to Cincinnati. 

All in all it was a pretty quiet weekend for the Bengals, save the signing of Roy Williams.  Most of the activity you'll read about happened mid to late last week, but don't let that stop you from reading, clicking and commenting. 

Oh, and listening.  Go and listen to the podcast. 

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Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski spent four seasons (1995-1998) with Seattle as the Seahawks' offensive coordinator. In three of those four seasons, Bratkowski's scoring offense ranked inside the top-ten -- including 1997 when Warren Moon led a passing offense that ranked first in the NFL.

As I was examining Bob Bratkowski's career as an offensive coordinator, I was interested in something: what tight end was the most productive? How productive have tight ends been in general? Three times in a Bob Bratkowski offense has a tight end recorded more than 30 receptions. Three times in a Bob Bratkowski offense has a tight end recorded more than 300 yards receiving. Seattle's Christian Fauria had the most productive season as a tight end in 1998, recording 37 receptions and 377 yards receiving. Reggie Kelly's 31 receptions in 2008 is the only time a Bengals tight end recorded 30 receptions or more in a season during Bratkowski's entire reign as the Bengals offensive coordinator. Of the four most productive tight ends in a Bob Bratkowski NFL offense, Matt Schobel's stint was the most productive, scoring nine times with a 22.5-reception-per-season average.

tight ends	Seasons	Receptions	Yards	TDs
Matt Schobel	4	22.5	234.5	9
Carlestar Crumpler*	4	21.5	231.25	3
Christian Fauria*	4	20.5	220.5	4
Reggie Kelly	6	19.2	154.7	3
* Most productive tight ends with Bratkowski as the offensive coordinator in Seattle.

With Bratkowski's history of tight end usage in the past, does it make sense for the Bengals to address tight end with their first pick in the NFL Draft? Or even their first three picks? It goes without saying that the Bengals do need someone. Ideally, someone that can block and that's smart enough to break into a hot route, knowing where the first down marker is when quarterback Carson Palmer needs to get rid of the football on third down. It would also be nice if the Bengals used the tight end to open up lanes for guys like Andre Caldwell to thrive underneath. Yes, it would be nice if the Bengals used a tight end to run the seam and pick up over ten yards on a beautifully crafted over-the-shoulder reception. These things are glorious. These things are what the Bengals were used to doing back in the glory days with guys like Dan Ross, Bob Trumpy and Rodney Holman.

Historically speaking, that's not the reality in a Bob Bratkowski offense. Tight ends are blockers. Tight ends go into routes every once in a while, but rarely find themselves in a position to make a play. One could make the argument that Bratkowski just hasn't had a tight end talented enough to incorporate into the passing offense. And that could be true. But I also find it interesting that in the 13 seasons that Bratkowski has been an NFL offensive coordinator, neither the Seahawks or the Bengals made it a point to acquire someone better.

Taking into consideration that historical reality applies here more than the fantasy of acquiring a super-stud tight end being the team's third leading receiver, is it worth it for the Bengals to draft a tight end in the early rounds only not to use him as a receiving tight end in a Bob Bratkowski offense?

tight end production as the Seahawks offensive coordinator.

Season	tight end	Receptions	Yards	TDs
1995	Carlester Crumpler	23	254	1
	Christian Fauria	17	181	1
1996	Carlester Crumpler	26	258	0
	Christian Fauria	18	214	1
	Ronnie Williams	5	25	1
1997	Carlester Crumpler	31	361	1
	Christian Fauria	10	110	0
	Deems May	2	21	0
1998	Christian Fauria	37	377	2
	Carlester Crumpler	6	52	1
	Deems May	3	7	1

tight end production as the Bengals offensive coordinator.

Season	tight end	Receptions	Yards	TDs
2001	Tony McGee	14	148	1
	Marco Battaglia	13	118	0
	Kirk McMullen	2	15	0
2002	Matt Schobel	27	212	2
	Tony Stewart	1	6	0
2003	Matt Schobel	24	332	2
	Tony Stewart	21	212	0
	Reggie Kelly	13	81	1
2004	Matt Schobel	21	201	4
	Reggie Kelly	15	85	0
	Tony Stewart	10	48	1
2005	Matt Schobel	18	193	1
	Reggie Kelly	15	90	1
	Tony Stewart	4	26	0
2006	Reggie Kelly	21	254	1
	Tony Stewart	14	120	1
2007	Reggie Kelly	20	211	0
	Daniel Coats	12	122	0
2008	Reggie Kelly	31	207	0
	Ben Utecht	16	123	0
	Daniel Coats	2	19	0
	Nate Lawrie	2	11	0
2009	J.P. Foschi	27	260	2
	Daniel Coats	16	150	0

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We've talked about in the past. But I honestly believe that the Bengals have one of the league's best cornerback duos in Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph .

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With the signing of Antonio Bryant the Bengals can now focus on re-signing most of their own unrestricted free agents. The top priority would appear to be offensive guard Bobbie Williams, but it appears as if the two sides are not near an agreement. OFFSEASON STRATEGY The Bengals still need to address some depth problems with most of the roster. The only areas that appear set are linebacker and cornerback. It appears as if most of the moves will be completed by the time the team begins its offseason conditioning program on March 29. TEAM NEEDS 1. Offensive guard: A unit that is lacking a lot of depth and experience, especially on the left side. They are looking to bring in Chester Pitts, who would make a nice fit with Bobbie Williams. 2. Kicker: Dave Rayner was signed before free agency began, but they need to bring in another leg to compete during training camp or someone who is a little more proven. Rayner has only one season of experience. 3. Safety: Injuries to Roy Williams and Chris Crocker decimated the unit. Getting another physical safety who is also solid in pass coverage is a key need. MEDICAL WATCH: No updates. FRANCHISE PLAYER: None. TRANSITION PLAYER: None. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS --K Shayne Graham received the franchise tag last year, but that is unlikely to happen again this year with the tag for kickers and punters being $2.814 million. He also has a penchant for not making pressure kicks. --FB Jeremi Johnson was the starter for the entire season, but the Bengals also signed Fui Vakapuna during the year. If he can continue to keep his weight down, Johnson might be back. --TE Reggie Kelly missed all of last season with an Achilles injury, and his loss was noticeable as the Bengals struggled at the position all year. He would like to remain in Cincinnati. --OG Bobbie Williams was one of the leaders and reasons why the offensive line improved greatly this season. With a lack of depth at guard he is a top priority to re-sign. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers) --TE J.P. Foschi (not tendered as RFA) moved into the starting lineup midway through the season and had two touchdown catches. --TE Matt Sherry (not tendered as ERFA) spent last season on injured reserve. RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (*indicates restricted because of uncapped year) --*LB Abdul Hodge (tendered at $1.176M with third-round pick as compensation) was a key contributor on special teams. --*LB Rashad Jeanty (tendered at $1.176M with no compensation) started one game at outside linebacker and is a valued backup due to his experience. He was also one of the leading tacklers on special teams. --*LB Brandon Johnson (tendered at $1.759M with second-round pick as compensation) started three games when Keith Rivers was injured and was seventh on the team in tackles. --CB David Jones (tendered at $1.101M with fifth-round pick as compensation) played some at third corner last year and is used a lot in nickel situations. --*OG Evan Mathis (tendered at $1.226M with third-round pick as compensation) started seven games at left guard and split time with Nate Livings. --*DE/DT Frostee Rucker (tendered at $1.176M with third-round pick as compensation) is liked because of his versatility on the line, but he hasn't lived up to his potential due to injuries. EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS --C Kyle Cook (tendered at $470,000) started all 16 games at center and gave the line someone who can make decisive line calls. --S Kyries Hebert (tendered at $470,000) was the special-teams captain but hardly plays safety. --OG Nate Livings (tendered at $470,000) started nine games at left guard and split time with Evan Mathis. --QB Jordan Palmer (tendered at $470,000) has third string locked down, but the team might draft a quarterback in the middle to late rounds. --OT Dennis Roland (tendered at $470,000) started 11 games at right tackle and also lined up some at tight end. PLAYERS RE-SIGNED --TE Dan Coats: Not tendered as RFA); terms unknown. --DT Tank Johnson: UFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown. --S Roy Williams: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown. PLAYERS ACQUIRED --WR Antonio Bryant: UFA Buccaneers; $28M/4 yrs. --WR Chris Davis has signed with Cincinnati, the team announced. Terms were not disclosed. --WR Matt Jones: FA; $700,000/1 yr. --PK Dave Rayner: FA; 2 yrs, terms unknown. PLAYERS LOST --WR Laveranues Coles (released). --RB Larry Johnson: UFA Redskins; 3 yrs, $3.5M (up to $12M with incentives). --*DT Shaun Smith: Not tendered as RFA/Chiefs; 1 yr, terms unknown.


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--Even though it appeared as if Tank Johnson was going to be visiting other teams, the Bengals agreed to terms with the veteran defensive tackle on a four-year deal. Johnson's first priority was to remain in Cincinnati. "I think we became close as the process started to get going. That's where my heart was," said Johnson of the Bengals. --After being down to two tight ends with only one game of experience, the Bengals decided to re-sign tight end Dan Coats, who started 11 games last season, catching 16 passes for 150 yards, but it was his drops (seven) that were more memorable. --The Bengals had two representatives at the Ed Block Courage Award banquet. Offensive guard Bobbie Williams was the team's recipient and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer received the assistant coach of the year award. --In a change from past years, when they did their mandatory minicamp Thursday through Saturday, the Bengals will do a Tuesday through Thursday minicamp (June 15-17). --While the NFL schedule will not be announced for another month, it looks as if the Bengals will be on the road for opening weekend since the Reds are at home. QUOTE TO NOTE: "He's a blue-collar guy who can make the tough and acrobatic catch. He's not an extremely flamboyant guy and that will surprise you guys." -- Agent Lamont Smith on Antonio Bryant.


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When it came to finding a second wide receiver to complement Chad Ochocinco, the top target all along was Antonio Bryant. Despite Ochocinco's public campaign to bring Terrell Owens to Cincinnati, Bryant's four-year deal provides the Bengals with a variety of options going forward. For one, it gives the Bengals a deep threat that they were lacking, especially during the second half of last season when Chris Henry was lost for the year. The Bengals had only 12 pass plays last year that went for 25 yards or more. It also gives them a possible future No. 1 receiver. Ochocinco is entering an option year in 2011 and he is entering his 10th season this year. Bryant was the top receiver in San Francisco and Tampa Bay, so it would be a role that he would adapt to. Does this mean the Bengals should be done addressing their receiving problems? Not hardly. Matt Jones can be a pretty good addition, but he still has a lot to prove. Jerome Simpson needs to make major progress this year. Quan Cosby showed late in the season that he could be a fourth receiver, but he is more valuable as a returner. With quality receivers to be had in the second and third rounds, the Bengals could draft one. Outside of Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant, there are no other receivers that are a true first-round lock. Ochocinco was still holding out some hope that the Bengals could add both Bryant and Owens. "Hey, why wouldn't there be?" said Ochocinco when asked if there was room for both. "Let's load it up, you know! We can get back to that firepower offense we were back in '05 and '06, when we were throwing it all over the place. Even though that's not the makeup of our team right now, I think it can help. Period." Bryant's agent, Lamont Smith, said that Ochocinco and Bryant know each other since they are Miami natives and that both should be able to feed off each other. "I think it is a good match. It is one where one guy is a bit outgoing that makes for compatibility," Smith said.


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Safety Roy Williams agreed to a one-year deal to stay with the Cincinnati Bengals.


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CINCINNATI, Ohio - Safety Roy Williams has agreed to a one-year deal to stay with the Cincinnati Bengals.
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Barring a drastic turnaround in 2010, Mike Vick is just a career backup.


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Safety Roy Williams agreed to a one-year deal to stay with the Cincinnati Bengals. Williams signed with the Bengals as a free agent from Dallas last year and was the starting strong safety when the season began. He suffered a forearm injury in the third game of the season and never fully healed, limiting him to one more game.
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With the signing of Antonio Bryant the Bengals can now focus on re-signing most of their own unrestricted free agents. The top priority would appear to be offensive guard Bobbie Williams, but it appears as if the two sides are not near an agreement. OFFSEASON STRATEGY The Bengals still need to address some depth problems with most of the roster. The only areas that appear set are linebacker and cornerback. It appears as if most of the moves will be completed by the time the team begins its offseason conditioning program on March 29. TEAM NEEDS 1. Offensive guard: A unit that is lacking a lot of depth and experience, especially on the left side. They are looking to bring in Chester Pitts, who would make a nice fit with Bobbie Williams. 2. Kicker: Dave Rayner was signed before free agency began, but they need to bring in another leg to compete during training camp or someone who is a little more proven. Rayner has only one season of experience. 3. Safety: Injuries to Roy Williams and Chris Crocker decimated the unit. Getting another physical safety who is also solid in pass coverage is a key need. MEDICAL WATCH: No updates. FRANCHISE PLAYER: None. TRANSITION PLAYER: None. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS --K Shayne Graham received the franchise tag last year, but that is unlikely to happen again this year with the tag for kickers and punters being $2.814 million. He also has a penchant for not making pressure kicks. --FB Jeremi Johnson was the starter for the entire season, but the Bengals also signed Fui Vakapuna during the year. If he can continue to keep his weight down, Johnson might be back. --TE Reggie Kelly missed all of last season with an Achilles injury, and his loss was noticeable as the Bengals struggled at the position all year. He would like to remain in Cincinnati. --OG Bobbie Williams was one of the leaders and reasons why the offensive line improved greatly this season. With a lack of depth at guard he is a top priority to re-sign. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers) --TE J.P. Foschi (not tendered as RFA) moved into the starting lineup midway through the season and had two touchdown catches. --TE Matt Sherry (not tendered as ERFA) spent last season on injured reserve. RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (*indicates restricted because of uncapped year) --*LB Abdul Hodge (tendered at $1.176M with third-round pick as compensation) was a key contributor on special teams. --*LB Rashad Jeanty (tendered at $1.176M with no compensation) started one game at outside linebacker and is a valued backup due to his experience. He was also one of the leading tacklers on special teams. --*LB Brandon Johnson (tendered at $1.759M with second-round pick as compensation) started three games when Keith Rivers was injured and was seventh on the team in tackles. --CB David Jones (tendered at $1.101M with fifth-round pick as compensation) played some at third corner last year and is used a lot in nickel situations. --*OG Evan Mathis (tendered at $1.226M with third-round pick as compensation) started seven games at left guard and split time with Nate Livings. --*DE/DT Frostee Rucker (tendered at $1.176M with third-round pick as compensation) is liked because of his versatility on the line, but he hasn't lived up to his potential due to injuries. EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS --C Kyle Cook (tendered at $470,000) started all 16 games at center and gave the line someone who can make decisive line calls. --S Kyries Hebert (tendered at $470,000) was the special-teams captain but hardly plays safety. --OG Nate Livings (tendered at $470,000) started nine games at left guard and split time with Evan Mathis. --QB Jordan Palmer (tendered at $470,000) has third string locked down, but the team might draft a quarterback in the middle to late rounds. --OT Dennis Roland (tendered at $470,000) started 11 games at right tackle and also lined up some at tight end. PLAYERS RE-SIGNED --TE Dan Coats: Not tendered as RFA); terms unknown. --DT Tank Johnson: UFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown. --S Roy Williams: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown. PLAYERS ACQUIRED --WR Antonio Bryant: UFA Buccaneers; $28M/4 yrs. --WR Chris Davis has signed with Cincinnati, the team announced. Terms were not disclosed. --WR Matt Jones: FA; $700,000/1 yr. --PK Dave Rayner: FA; 2 yrs, terms unknown. PLAYERS LOST --WR Laveranues Coles (released). --RB Larry Johnson: UFA Redskins; 3 yrs, $3.5M (up to $12M with incentives). --*DT Shaun Smith: Not tendered as RFA/Chiefs; 1 yr, terms unknown.


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There remains a small chance of Terrell Owens signing with the Bengals, but many things will have to happen in order for that to become reality.

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Buffalo Bills guard Richie Incognito was voted the NFL's Dirtiest Player last year by the folks who know...
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It became clear Sunday that the New York Jets are thinking about making a run at finding the right package to...
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Golden Tate will help an NFL team win, by whatever means.


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