Notable Free Agents: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR; Stacy Andrews, OT; Shayne Graham, K (franchised); Eric Ghiaciuc, C; Cedric Benson, RB; Brandon Johnson, LB; Chris Crocker, FS.
Projected 2009 Cap Space: $22,000,000
Draft Order: 6
Top Needs: Depending on what players the Bengals choose to re-sign, the team needs to make major additions to the offensive line and could use a boost at defensive end. Running back and wide receiver will be two positions owner/GM Mike Brown looks at as well.
Offseason Outlook: Cap-wise, the Bungles aren’t in bad shape but they’ve got major question marks heading into the offseason.
The team decided not to use a franchise tag on wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who more than likely will jet as soon as he officially becomes a free agent at the end of the month. And considering Cincy decided to franchise kicker Shayne Graham, there’s a good possibility they’ll lose running back Cedric Benson this offseason, too.
You can already see the wheels turning in Mike Brown’s head. If he’s unable to re-sign Housh and Benson, he might look to draft one of the skill positions with the sixth overall pick, which would be a mistake. Adding a dynamic receiving prospect like Michael Crabtree or a big back like Chris “Beanie” Wells won’t get you very far if the offensive line remains a mess.
Don’t get it twisted – Crabtree and Wells are outstanding prospects and if Brown decides to go with either one come April, he would be adding a solid piece to the Bengals’ offense. But if Brown does go that route in the draft, then he’ll need to address the offensive line woes this offseason, mainly re-signing free agent tackle Stacy Andrews and addressing the center position in the second or third round. Andrews had ACL, MCL surgery in January, but reports state that he’s ahead of schedule and should be ready to play by preseason.
Anthony Collins is an adequate backup for Andrews if he isn’t ready by the start of the season. But the Bengals have a major issue at left tackle, where Levi Jones has been a major bust. The team reportedly won’t take a cap hit by releasing Jones, but they have to address the position one way or another. That’s why taking one of the top offensive tackle prospects — Eugene Monroe, Jason Smith, Andre Smith, Michael Oher — with the sixth overall pick would serve the Bengals better than going with either Crabtree (who might not be available anyway) or Wells.
You build a team from the inside out and the Bengals have major holes at left tackle and center. If they re-sign Andrews, draft one of the top tackle prospects and then address the center position either in the second or third round, it would go a long way in improving their overall offense. Then the team can add another wide receiver (if Housh departs) and/or running back (if Benson isn’t re-signed) later in the draft after the needs along the offensive line are addressed.
Defensively, getting a healthy Jonathan Joseph and Keith Rivers back in the mix will go a long way in helping coordinator Mike Zimmer construct a successful defense. Making contract offers to restricted free agent linebackers Rashad Jeanty and Brandon Johnson are a must, so then the Bengals could concentrate on upgrading the defensive line and possibly even the middle linebacker spot, where Dhani Jones is adequate but getting long in the tooth.
Even if they do lose Housh this offseason, the Bengals could still be in good shape as long as Brown makes sound decisions, which is a huge question mark. He needs to concentrate on the offensive line and resigning guys like Andrews, Benson, Jeanty and Johnson, and not panic by trying to go all out in replacing Housh.
