The Bengals made their first notable off season move Wednesday by re-signing Robert Geathers to a six year deal that will make him the highest paid player on defense. Geathers had a break-out year in 2006 by posting a team high 10.5 sacks, the first Bengals to accomplish that feat in 14 years, and he is only 23. In time he has the potential to develop into one of the league's most dominant pass rushers; which is an area where the Bengals are lacking.
The Colts game this year is a direct indication of the need for a consistent pass rusher like Geathers. Colts QB Peyton Manning was able to drop back without pressure and take underneath dump offs to backs and tight ends to move the chains. Most quarterbacks can pick apart a defense with out having to worry about the rush, especially a quarterback like the two time MVP Manning. Geather's fellow defensive linemen and potential free agent, Justin Smith has not lived up to be the sack master the Bengals drafted him to be. Smith started the season with a bang, recording 3 sacks in the regular season opener at Kansas City. Following that game he only recorded 4.5 more the rest of the season. Smith looks to be demanding money granted to an end that has reached the 10+ sack plateau all though he has never reached it. The team will look to re-sign him sometime this off season but I feel that the deal ultimately will not be reached and he ends up in another uniform next year because his price tag is too high. The Bengals will most likely look for another pass rushing end to compliment Geathers in free agency and the draft this year.
This move is encouraging to me because it shows that the Bengals are going to keep around the good players who perform well on and off the field. Geathers is a leader in the locker room and a model citizen off it and I'm glad to see the club recognizing him for being a team-first player.
I will address the other key free agents and the reason why the Bengals should look for a new backup running back in another post coming soon.
The draft post is next I swear!
The Colts game this year is a direct indication of the need for a consistent pass rusher like Geathers. Colts QB Peyton Manning was able to drop back without pressure and take underneath dump offs to backs and tight ends to move the chains. Most quarterbacks can pick apart a defense with out having to worry about the rush, especially a quarterback like the two time MVP Manning. Geather's fellow defensive linemen and potential free agent, Justin Smith has not lived up to be the sack master the Bengals drafted him to be. Smith started the season with a bang, recording 3 sacks in the regular season opener at Kansas City. Following that game he only recorded 4.5 more the rest of the season. Smith looks to be demanding money granted to an end that has reached the 10+ sack plateau all though he has never reached it. The team will look to re-sign him sometime this off season but I feel that the deal ultimately will not be reached and he ends up in another uniform next year because his price tag is too high. The Bengals will most likely look for another pass rushing end to compliment Geathers in free agency and the draft this year.
This move is encouraging to me because it shows that the Bengals are going to keep around the good players who perform well on and off the field. Geathers is a leader in the locker room and a model citizen off it and I'm glad to see the club recognizing him for being a team-first player.
I will address the other key free agents and the reason why the Bengals should look for a new backup running back in another post coming soon.
The draft post is next I swear!
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