Options at DE

i was hoping we would snag one of the top D lineman in the draft (im getting over it, nothing against landry) but i dont think we need to make any major moves to get a DE at this point . . . we probaly are not going to the superbowl this year so i would stay put so next year we can have room to make a move if a choice DE is avail next offseason . . .

81forHOF - im in the school of thought that you build a team trying to create a 3-4 year window in which you can make a serious bid for a superbowl but i really think our window will stay open for a few years . . just depends on how well the O line holds up

Tell me if im wrong but something seems funny about this. Justin Smith just signed his franchise tender today with the Bengals. This is what he had to say afterwards

"I'm fired up and ready," Smith said in a press release. "I'm glad we got this done. It's time to get back with my teammates, get in some good offseason work, and make this a great season for the Bengals."

Glad you got what done. You were designated their franchis player before free agency even started which was how long ago. Glad you finally decided to sign your name on a piece of paper. Unless he and his agent are just pussin out on a contract extension maybe he's signin it to make him eligible for a trade. There is this one team that was said to be calling around the league with interest in a veteran defensive end.

Keep what we have and give up no more!

I'd give up a 3rd round pick for this guy is a heartbeat. He had 14 sacks and over 50 tackles in 06. He's also under 30. Come to think of it, I'd give up more than a third this year. He's currently one of the best DE's in football, tough against the run and the pass.

Part of me agrees with you in the worst way but I would rather try to right the sinking ship and stay competitive in future years. the term 'rebuilding' sends chills down my spine.

As for me not being right, can you name one starter on our offensive or defensive lines that won't either be retired or past their prime in 2 years (most are past their prime now). That is a scary thought. Except for our two young defensive tackles we don't even seem to be grooming anyone.

You can patch holes in FA but you can't go out and get a whole team.

Exactly, that is why we need to everything possible to win immediately. Sink or swim, that's the foundation upon which this current team has been built. An extra second or third round pick on a rebuilding team matters less than an impact Dlineman next year, when we are only a few players away from having a legit shot.