Near miss and a possible Guard

[J24]

(03-12-2025, 12:28 PM)jj22 Wrote: I think they are too comfortable with players that while may be good (Ossai, Hill), can be upgraded.

But their thought seems to be why upgrade them if they can just bring them back and keep status quo. 

In their defense the DT and Edge market were not that robust. 

(03-12-2025, 02:32 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I think it's a cost and trust thing.

They could be afraid to roll the dice on an outside vet who may perform like a Sheldon Rankins or Trae Waynes and not be worth the money.
At least with Hill and Ossai, they know what they are getting.
Plus, they are usually setting a hard budget willing to spend and won't typically pay for the top-cost guys who are more trustworthy to perform.

They over value role players and under value stars. Especially when it comes to non primary positions.

(03-12-2025, 02:32 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: They're not going to pay top dollar for external free agents.

Once the dust settles and the price tags come down because cap space is gone around the league...they'll swoop in.

There not even paying their own players right now (outside of Burrow). 

(03-12-2025, 04:46 PM)jj22 Wrote: Paying "top dollar" for free agents is what got them to the SB and AFCC..... 

Bargain hunting has got them nowhere in the last 30 years.

Not really true (outside of maybe DJ Reader). in 2021 they really didnt spend a whole lot of money on guys like Chidobe , Larry O, Mike Hilton, and Hendrickson. The Bengals have always gone for the for multiple cheap role guys over one elite player.