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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2010 > September > 08 > Entry
Bengals should reward Lewis, Joseph - now
Now that the Cincinnati Bengals have their team in place for the 2010 NFL season, the next order of business for the organization will be dealing with player and coach contracts.
Owner Mike Brown and his daughter, Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn, will face some tough challenges in terms of contract negotiations. Several key players are in the final year of their contracts, not to mention the team’s top guy and head coach Marvin Lewis.
The collective bargaining agreement for the 2011 season is complicated. This can create a problem when negotiating current deals because the uncertainties of the new agreement.
Let’s take a look at some of the Bengals’ situations and see how things can be resolved in a modest fashion. I’ll start with Lewis, who would be an easy fix.
So far, everything we’re hearing from the organization regarding its coach and contract talks has been flummery. I say, save the empty compliments and reward your coach with a new contract sooner rather than later. Lewis doesn’t fall under the collective bargaining agreement so there’s no real reason not to get a deal done. Unless team executives are uncertain about their coach, who transformed a dysfunctional family into the Huxtables?
The bottom line is Lewis deserves an extension along with more say in the team’s decision-making process. Hey, let the man shop for some of the groceries.
I think the organization has shown Lewis a lack of respect and may take him for granted. The Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time getting a deal in place for Mike Tomlin. I know what some of you are thinking. But you must first have all the components in place to win a Super Bowl. Lewis hasn’t had that until now. He may be more of a bargain now than after the season. I’m saying give Lewis what he wants.
I would be curious to know what Lewis’ value would be on the open market. I guess we may find out.
Next up is cornerback Johnathan Joseph.
With cornerback Darrelle Revis signing a four-year, $46 million deal that includes $32 million guaranteed with the New York Jets, the table may be set for Joseph, the Bengals’ top priority player.
No way am I suggesting that Joseph is going to receive Revis money. However, I do expect him to be in the upper echelon of salaries at his position. The Bengals could be looking at paying anywhere between $30 and $36 million to retain Joseph. Relatively speaking, Joseph will go from eating bologna sandwiches to eating filet mignon. Hold the salt, seed!
Joseph is quickly developing into one of the top corners in the league. He is coming off the best season of his pro career with 58 total tackles, six interceptions and 20 passes defended.
A new contract for Joseph with the Bengals is a no-brainer. It’s just a matter of getting a deal done. There has been dialogue between the two sides since June. Now get it done.
Then there is running back Cedric Benson, who could be the odd man out. Where is his value?
Benson has revitalized his career in Cincinnati and is an integral part of the offense. But he will never get what he’s worth from the Bengals. Despite Benson’s production, the team won’t overpay for an aging running back. Just ask Rudi Johnson.
In their eyes, running backs are a dime a dozen and they’ll find one like they did with Benson. Have you noticed the team’s depth at the position?
The Bengals are primed and ready for the season, but they do have some front office matters to clear up. The last thing the team needs is some dark cloud of contract disputes raining on what appears to be a promising season.
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Comments
By sushi d
September 9, 2010 8:35 AM | Link to this
I think Benson walks. I also think the other front office thing is to retain Mike Zimmer. If they don’t resign Lewis, Zim is the heir apparent and will likely get some head coaching chances in the off season. That might be the reason the Bengals are willing to let Lewis go. Just a thought.
By JS
September 9, 2010 9:38 AM | Link to this
Sushi, while Zimmer might seem the logical and best choice to take over if Lewis leaves, I don’t think the front office looks at him that way. I think they think of offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowsi as heir apparent. Look at how many chances they give that guy.
By truth
September 9, 2010 10:15 AM | Link to this
The biggest front office change they need to take care of is getting rid of Mike Brown and Katie Blackburn. But we all know that is wishful thinking, those parasites will never let the Bengals franchise out of their grasp… a fan can hope though, right?! Who Dey!
By alvin t
September 9, 2010 10:29 AM | Link to this
they should keep everyone they have now as they are finally clicking as a ”’TEAM”’
By Bill Belichick
September 9, 2010 2:59 PM | Link to this
“Owner Mike Brown and his daughter, Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn, will face some tough challenges in terms of contract negotiations. Several key players are in the final year of their contracts, not to mention the team’s top guy and head coach Marvin Lewis.” Typical Brown family behavior is to throw up their hands and let people go. This time, promote Marvin to GM and Mike Zimmer to head coach.