Free Agency Thread

[PalmerToCJ]

Another good quote, so true:

"Kelly was one of the most under-rated and underappreciated players - at least by many in the media and most fans - on the Bengals' high-scoring offense. His selflessness allowed many of his stat-driven teammates to pad their numbers."

Shaun Smith was signed to an offer sheet by the Browns. I really hope we match that offer. He is one of our better DTs in my opinion and should get more playing time. Our run defense improved drastically when he replaced Brian Robinson in the lineup in 2005 (4.6 ypc to 3.8 ypc), but he saw limited time last season. He is young and a very good run defender that we need on this team. If we have to replace him, that is just one more area to address during the draft with the limited picks we have. It would cost a lot more to replace him than to just match the offer, if it is at all reasonable.

[rickscott]

I like him too but it appears that with the money crunch and his play lessening as last year wore on, they won't match. They like Peko, also Fanene can play DT along with Thornton, Adams and sometimes Robinson. Apparently Cleve offered in the range of 1.5-2 mil per yr and last year we let Kevin Walter go so they may let him leave too. They may lose KK today as well.

This basically comes down to choosing between Smith and Thornton. If they cut Thornton, they will have plenty of money to re-sign Smith. Smith is much younger, and could be more productive. Thornton is weak against the run and does not provide much of a pass rush. Peko will surely replace him in the starting lineup, so he really doesn't add much. Also, what Thornton does can be replaced by Robinson and Fanene, whereas Smith is the only real backup at NT. If Adams were to go down or be ineffective, we would be back to where we were a few years ago with two small DTs.

[PalmerToCJ]

I don't criticize the FO much anymore but to let Shaun Smith go would be a mistake. He's got future starter potential and I really don't see how Thornton outplays him. If we're losing KK no way we should let Smith go too.

[themaninblack]

let thornton go! please!