NFL: The Show | GM D.Geezy's Cincinnati Bengals Franchise

[Deegeezy]

Editor's Note: With the off-season set to commence, I'd like to take this time to remind readers of the Official Franchise Off-Season Rules which can be found by visiting this link: Official Franchise Rule Book.

Here are the main highlights of the off-season player transaction activity rules:

Off-Season Player Transaction Rules

- Only three players' whose contracts have expired and/or are due an extension can be re-signed or extended prior to the free agency signing period per League Year*. Every player that is re-signed or extended must have a contract that pays them the average of the top 10 highest paid players at their respective position; Otherwise, one free agency day must be skipped at the beginning of the unrestricted free agent signing period for each one that does not get a top 10 contract.

- The franchise tag may be used on one of the three re-sign-able players in lieu of signing them to a long-term contract however the tag cannot be used twice on the same player.​

- The free agency signing period is the only time that the team can sign a player from another team that would represent an upgrade to the active roster at a specific position (based on overall rating). Once this signing period ends, in-season free agency rules begin with one caveat; Any Bengals' unrestricted free agent from the previous season can be signed any time team between the draft and the first preseason game. After the first preseason game, this caveat to the in-season free agency rules ceases.

- A maximum of two players can be cut between the end of the regular season all the way through the end of the free agent signing period (unless more is necessary in order to get under the salary cap or in the case of a player being replaced by a draft pick). This should eliminate the opportunity to unfairly upgrade the depth chart in a fashion that the CPU is not capable of doing. Every team has weaknesses and this should ensure the Bengals will always have some.

- Once the free agency signing period begins, only one offer can be made per free agency day. In addition to this, one free agency day must be skipped for every player that gets signed to the Bengals active roster, this includes Bengals' free agents.

- There are no rules regarding who can and cannot be signed. However a strong emphasis will be placed on keeping things as realistic as possible with the thought in mind that Cincinnati typically isn't a prime free agent destination in real life.

Trade Rules

- A maximum of two trades per League Year* is allowed. This includes trades involving only draft picks. Only one trade will be allowed in this franchise's first league year (which in relation to real life, is already in progress).

- If one or both allotted trades are not used in a given League Year, they may roll over to the following season however the rolled-over trade(s) can only be used in a trade involving only draft picks.​

- Trades involving only draft picks must at least conform with this NFL trade value chart: http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/Value-Chart.php

- Any "draft pick only" trade that does not conform with the above chart must result in a trade favoring the CPU (based on said chart).

- There are no strict rules on trade terms involving players but like free agent signings, a strong emphasis will be placed on keeping things as realistic as possible.



.

 

[Deegeezy]

Ouch tough, tough loss to end the season..Gotta have a good offseason this year, get a few more pieces to puzzle in place and make a run at it next year. You really don't want to start off the process with a headache which is looks like Mr. Hall is giving you.

How is Ocho doing? I noticed he didn't tweet after the game..hopefully all is well!

Man I had plans to re-sign Hall but he isn't taking any offer I am making to him. The guy is trying to be paid as if he is Deion.

Ocho will be back in full force this season.

I like the Gray hiring..with the team moving to a 4-3 does this put Gholston's future in jeopardy?

Good question...Will be answered soon!

yea the gray hiring was real nice

Thanks man. I was either going to go with him or Dick Jauron. In the end, I decided my DBs needed the ratings boost more and Gray will do that.

Hm, two good coaching changes.

Can't wait to see how my Steelers do in this draft.

Can't wait for the draft...My favorite part of the off-season by far.

 

[Deegeezy]

Weekly Clips



Bengals | P Huber re-signed
Tue, 28 Feb 2011 7:11:49 -0700
ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed P Kevin Huber(89) to a 4-year $6.1 million contract. The deal makes him one of the top 10 highest paid punters in the NFL. Huber was #3 in the NFL with a 45.0 average and #3 in the NFL with a 38.4 net average. Huber, who doubles as a kickoff specialist, kicked off 95 times and had a league-high 38 touchbacks in 2011.


___________________________

Bengals | DE Johnson re-signed
Tue, 28 Feb 2011 7:11:49 -0700
ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed starting DE Michael Johnson (85) to a whopping 6-year $67.65 million contract which makes him one of the top 10 highest paid defensive ends in the NFL. The deal includes just under $20 million in guaranteed money. Johnson, going into his fourth season in 2012, had 79 tackles and just 3 sacks last season however his 44 tackles for losses was tops in the NFL in 2011. The team is banking on Johnson becoming an elite pass rusher as they make the shift from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense this upcoming season. "Michael is a young, up and coming player in our league and we did not want to let him get away. He has great speed (86) and is one of the best run defenders I have ever seen," said Bengals G.M. D.Geezy. "I think within a year or two, he'll be mentioned in the same breath as guys like Dwight Freeney and Jared Allen."


___________________________



Bengals | PK Graham re-signed
Tue, 28 Feb 2011 7:11:49 -0700
ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed PK Shayne Graham (86) to a 2-year $5.2 million contract. Graham made 23 of 27 field goals last season.


___________________________

.

 

[cheese2121]

I like the Johnson resigning. I think he will be a cornerstone of your defense for years to come. It looks like Leon might want his walking papers though...i had the same problem in my franchise with my offensive guard this offseason...sometimes guys just don't want to resign

 

[Deegeezy]

Weekly Clips



Bengals | RB Harrison released
Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:15:49 -0700
Unable to come to terms on a re-structured contract, ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have released RB Jerome Harrison (72) from the team. The move trims $2.9 million off the team's payroll. The team may still re-sign Harrison at a reduced pay rate. Harrison, signed during the 2010 off-season, rushed for 425 yards in 2010 but his production fell off following the emergence of second year RB C.J. Spiller, finishing the 2011 season with just 85 rushing yards on 38 carries.


___________________________



Bengals | WR Curtis released
Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:15:49 -0700
Unable to come to terms on a re-structured contract, ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have released WR Kevin Curtis (69) from the team. The move trims $3.6 million off the team's payroll. The team may still re-sign Curtis at a reduced pay rate. Curtis, brought over in a trade last season with Philadelphia, struggled in his first year in Cincinnati, catching only 26 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns in head coach Mike Martz's pass-happy system.


___________________________



Bengals | Salary Cap
Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:15:49 -0700
Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that going into the 2012 free agent signing period the Cincinnati Bengals are approximately $21.2 million under the NFL salary cap, which is set for $166.8 million in 2012. The unrestricted free agency signing period begins on Wednesday.


___________________________




Bengals | Six players to enter free agency
Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:15:49 -0700
Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Cincinnati Bengals will allow the following players to enter unrestricted free agency: RB Bernard Scott (77), WR Shaun McDonald (67), TE Chase Coffman (79), C Jonathan Luigs (76), RG Andrew Whitworth (73), and CB Leon Hall (83). The bolded players were starters in 2011.


___________________________




.

 

[Deegeezy]

Just caught up. What a heart breaker. Great season though. I am sure you will only get better next year as you have a young team. Can't wait for the draft to see how you upgrade. I am sure defense will be a big priority for you.

Yeah it looks like free agency will be spent mostly on re-signing some of my own free agents. I may have enough to make one splash move, but I have to be careful because we don't have a ton of money to spend and we have 14 roster spots to fill.

I like the Johnson resigning. I think he will be a cornerstone of your defense for years to come. It looks like Leon might want his walking papers though...i had the same problem in my franchise with my offensive guard this offseason...sometimes guys just don't want to resign

Yeah I have to let Leon walk. He wants too much money, and I don't think he is "shut down" enough to warrant a big pay day. Sure he catches a ton of INTs, but he also gets burned a lot. He only has 85 speed and it showed. Plus I'll never forgive him for blowing the Colts playoff game.

play vernon gholston at DT, he was born to lay there in your new scheme. looks like halls on his way out.

Not sure what I am going to do at DT. That may be a need I fill in the draft. I may move one or two of my 3-4 "5-technique" defensive ends to defensive tackle.

 

[Deegeezy]

Tuesday February 28, 2012​

By Steve Wyche | NFL Network

A LOOK AT SOME OF THE TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS​

On the eve of the 2012 NFL unrestricted free agent signing period, which is set to begin at the stroke of midnight tonight, NFL Network's Steve Wyche breaks down some of the top free agents available this off-season.

-------------------------------​

Top 10 Free Agents Available

1.MLB Jon Beason (95)

2.RB Thomas Jones (89)

3.RB Larry Johnson (87)

4.OT Jamon Meredith (84)

5.CB Asher Allen (84)

6.WR Juaquin Iglesias (83)

7.SS Jim Leonhard (83)

8.WR Louis Murphy (83)

9.CB Lardarius Webb (83)

10.CB Leon Hall (83)

Top Free Agents Available - By Position

Top 5 Quarterbacks

1.Nate Davis (78), 49ers
2.Brady Quinn (77), Browns
3.Chad Henne (73), Dolphins
4.Alex Smith (73), Chargers
5.Vince Young (70), Titans

Top 5 Running backs

1.Thomas Jones (89), Jets
2.Larry Johnson (87), Chiefs
3.Arian Foster (77), Packers
4.Bernard Scott (77), Bengals
5.Laurence Maroney (75), Bears

Top 10 Wide Receivers

1.Juaquin Iglesias (83), Bears
2.Derrick Williams (83), Lions
3.Louis Murphy (83), Raiders
4.Jarett Dillard (82), Jaguars
5.Deon Butler (81), Seahawks
6.Austin Collie (80), Colts
7.Mike Thomas (79), Jaguars
8.Ramses Barden (78), Giants
9.Buster Davis (78), Chargers
10.Jordy Nelson (77), Packers

Top 5 Tight Ends

1.Chase Coffman (79), Bengals
2.Shawn Nelson (79), Bills
3.Gary Barnidge (78), Jets
4.Jacob Tamme (77), Colts
5.Kris Wilson (77), Chargers

Top 5 Offensive Linemen

1.T Jamon Meredith (84), Packers
2.T Troy Kropog (81), Titans
3.G Randy Thomas (81), Redskins
4.T Herman Johnson (80), Cardinals
5.G Mackenzy Bernadeau (80), Panthers

Top 5 Defensive Linemen

1.DE Quentin Groves (79), Jaguars
2.DE Lawrence Sidbury (79), Falcons
3.DE Phillip Merling (78), Dolphins
4.DT Kyle Williams (77), Bills
5.DT Ronald Fields (77), Raiders

Top 5 Linebackers

1.MLB Jon Beason (95), Panthers
2.OLB Anthony Spencer (81), Cowboys
3.OLB Jarret Johnson (81), Ravens
4.MLB David Harris (78), Giants
5.OLB Marcus Freeman (76), Bears

Top 10 Defensive Backs

1.CB Asher Allen (84), Vikings
2.CB Lardarius Webb (83), Ravens
3.SS Jim Leonhard (83), Jets
4.CB Leon Hall (83), Bengals
5.CB D.J. Moore (82), Bears
6.CB Joe Burnett (81), Steelers
7.CB Jabari Greer (80), Saints
8.CB Cary Harris (79), Bills
9.CB Coye Francies (79), Jets
10.CB Jonathan Joseph (77), Jets

Top 5 Specialists

1.P Matt McBriar (95), Cowboys
2.P Pat McAfee (83), Colts
3.PK David Buehler (79), Broncos
4.PK Jay Feely (78), Jets
5.PK Jeff Reed (75), Panthers

 

[Deegeezy]

Weekly Clips

Bengals | Hall unable to agree to terms
Tue, 28 Feb 2011 21:11:49 -0700
ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have ceased negotiations with CB Leon Hall and will allow the Pro Bowler to hit the free agency market tonight at midnight. The team would still like to re-sign Hall, but the 5-year veteran is looking for a contract that will pay him in the top 5 salaries for cornerbacks.


___________________________


.

 

[Berowsk]

This is such an amazing chise. Keep up the good work.

 

[Deegeezy]

Weekly Clips



Bengals | WR Nelson to visit
Wed, 29 Feb 2012 5:33:49 -0700
Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have scheduled a visit with Packers free agent WR Jordy Nelson (77) later this week.


___________________________


.

 

[GoChargers]

God damn those Patriots.. My poor Chargers - made the playoffs with a 10-6 record only to have Rivers break his thumb in week 17, lose to the Steelers 20-17 in the wildcard.

Great season, you can't be too disappointed. Would've been an absolute heart breaker vs the Colts though. You'll get 'em

 

[Deegeezy]

This is such an amazing chise. Keep up the good work.

Agreed

http://www.virtualsportsnetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45374

Congrats on WFF

Congrats on WFF and thanks for the love! :applause:

:flowers:

Appreciate the kind words guys. Glad you are enjoying my chise and thanks for picking me for WFF!

God damn those Patriots.. My poor Chargers - made the playoffs with a 10-6 record only to have Rivers break his thumb in week 17, lose to the Steelers 20-17 in the wildcard.

Great season, you can't be too disappointed. Would've been an absolute heart breaker vs the Colts though. You'll get 'em

That Colts game was most definitely an emotional roller coaster. I thought I had it in the bag then Reggie Wayne torches us. That's one play that I will never forget.

 

[Deegeezy]

Wednesday, February 29 2012​

RB Larry Johnson at his introductory press conference

BENGALS AGREE TO TERMS WITH RB LARRY JOHNSON ON OPENING DAY OF FREE AGENCY
Veteran running back inks 2-year deal, will provide Bengals with strong one-two punch in the backfield | Controversial back hopes to put past behind him
​

By Jason La Confora, NFL Network

The unrestricted free agent signing period began officially at midnight Wednesday morning and the Bengals have made a big splash on opening day, inking Chiefs RB Larry Johnson (87). The deal is reportedly a one-year contract with a team-option for a second year however financial terms were not disclosed at the early morning press conference. Johnson, heading into his 10th season in the league, ran for 1,058 yards last year with the Chiefs. He is expected to be the team's primary back-up to electric RB C.J. Spiller.

"We came to the conclusion after evaluating last year's film that we needed to do a better job of finishing games," said Bengals G.M. D.Geezy.

"We really struggled moving the ball in short yardage situations as well as in late game, clock-milking situations. Larry will give us a strong power-runner that will help us grind out those first downs late in games."

Johnson, at 6-1 230 pounds doesn't fit the prototype for a runner in Mike Martz's offense however the Bengals' third year head coach is not against a change in philosophy.

"I think it is important as a coach to be able to learn and adjust as time goes by," said Martz.

"This season, I think we'd like to see more offensive balance. This will help us out in terms of time of possession which in turn will only help the defense. Larry is going to be a major part of our offense."

"I'd like to see Larry get between 10-15 carries per game and I'd like to see C.J. Spiller get 25-30 touches per game, both in the pass game and run game."

Johnson's career has been filled with much controversy.

He was benched for three games in 2008 by former Chiefs coach Herm Edwards for violating team rules, and the NFL added a game to his suspension. He later was sentenced to two years' probation after pleading guilty to disturbing the peace at a Kansas City nightspot. In 2009, Johnson challenged the competence of coach Todd Haley.

Still though, Johnson believes his reputation as a bad guy is unwarranted and wanted to make one thing clear at his press conference.

“The whole cancer in the locker room thing,” Johnson said.

“I never broke up a team or a locker room or anything like that. I’ve been a locker-room player guy first. All the younger guys used to come up to me and sit by my locker. I used to organize my locker to sit where the rookies were so I could talk to them more than a lot of the veteran guys. There are certain things I’ve done in the locker room that most media people or most coaches don’t really see.”

"I think the change of scenery will do wonders for me and allow me to re-establish myself. I can't wait to work with Carson (Palmer), C.J., Chad (Ochocinco), and all the other great players on this team and prove to others that I am not the man they think I am."



.

 

[Deegeezy]

Weekly Clips

Broncos | MLB Beason signed
Wed, 29 Feb 2012 7:11:49 -0700
ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that the Denver Broncos have signed Panthers free agent MLB Jon Beason to a 6-year $53 million which includes $21 million in guaranteed money.


___________________________



Bengals | TE Coffman re-signed
Wed, 29 Feb 2012 7:11:49 -0700
Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed TE Chase Coffman to a 5-year $10 million contract which includes $3.5 million in bonuses. Coffman had 30 receptions for 426 yards and 5 touchdowns last season.


___________________________



.

 

[cheese2121]

I love the larry johnson signing...your running game is going to be deadly. You always have hester as well. That's quite the three headed monster. I was also happy to see Coffman back on the team. I think he is going to be a solid TE for years to come. The Broncos should have a heck of a linebacking corp between Beason and D.J. Williams. That defense is going to be tough. Looks like you could use some help at wide receiver. I like bringing in Jordy Nelson for a visit. Can't wait to see what you do with the rest of the offseason. Good luck!

 

[RyanLeaf16]

Not shocked to see Harrison on his way out. I thought he would be more of an impact player for you, but, once Spiller seperated himself from the pack, Harrison kind of just faded away.

I also like the hiring of Jerry Gray. Moving back to a 4-3 defense may help Johnson blossom into a pass-rushing monster. It should for what you are paying him lol.

Hopefully you can come to terms with Hall - he would be a big loss in the secondary. Especially with the way some of those games ended, the secondary was torched at times.

Finally, I like the signing of LJ. Especially as the power/short-yardage 'back. He should be able to grind out the tough yards for you. He's got a pretty high STR rating for a running back (if I remember correctly).

Let me know if you want another draft write-up! Looking forward to more off-season happenings!

 

[Deegeezy]

I love the larry johnson signing...your running game is going to be deadly. You always have hester as well. That's quite the three headed monster. I was also happy to see Coffman back on the team. I think he is going to be a solid TE for years to come. The Broncos should have a heck of a linebacking corp between Beason and D.J. Williams. That defense is going to be tough. Looks like you could use some help at wide receiver. I like bringing in Jordy Nelson for a visit. Can't wait to see what you do with the rest of the offseason. Good luck!

I definitely cannot wait to use the three headed monster. We're still going to have the Mike Martz philosophy, but we're going to reel it in just a little and try to be more balanced to help the defense.

Denver's D definitely just got a big boost. We play them this upcoming season at Denver so it should be a interesting contest.

Not shocked to see Harrison on his way out. I thought he would be more of an impact player for you, but, once Spiller seperated himself from the pack, Harrison kind of just faded away.

I also like the hiring of Jerry Gray. Moving back to a 4-3 defense may help Johnson blossom into a pass-rushing monster. It should for what you are paying him lol.

Hopefully you can come to terms with Hall - he would be a big loss in the secondary. Especially with the way some of those games ended, the secondary was torched at times.

Finally, I like the signing of LJ. Especially as the power/short-yardage 'back. He should be able to grind out the tough yards for you. He's got a pretty high STR rating for a running back (if I remember correctly).

Let me know if you want another draft write-up! Looking forward to more off-season happenings!

The ship has sailed on Hall. He is not taking any offer I give him so it looks like he is set to go elsewhere. Last I saw, the Chiefs and Steelers were going back and forth for his services. He was good at getting INTs but he did get burned a lot and the image of Reggie Wayne running right past him is still fresh on my mind. His 85 speed left a lot to be desired so I'm going to go with the much faster Zackary Bowman and Javier Arenas in a preseason competition for the job.

LJ's STR, Stiff Arm, and Truck ratings are all in the high 90s. I can't wait to see how that translates to the field.

I definitely would enjoy another draft write-up. I'm going to probably move this off-season along more quicker than usual so expect the draft stuff to be up very soon.

Great offseason thus far, especially picking up LJ. I would have tried to sign a Asher Allen or a cheaper corner with that cap space, but maybe you felt the resources were better spent with LJ

Congrats on WFF.

I decided that the drop off from an 83 rated corner to a high-70's corner like the ones I have such as Zackary Bowman (78) and Javier Arenas (77) is minimal. I also came to the conclusion that effective cornerback play is a rarity in this game so it is not worth paying through the roof for a corner.

What I want to do to improve the defense is rather than spend a ton of big money on that side of the ball, I want to do a better job of "coaching" and playing a complimentary offensive game that will help the defense (less passing, more ball control). Larry will help us sustain drives and eat up clock. I also think being more balanced will help cut down on the high number of turnovers we've been victimized by.

 

[Deegeezy]

Weekly Clips

Bengals | WR Nelson signed
Fri, 2 Mar 2012 7:11:49 -0700
ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have signed Packers free agent WR Jordy Nelson (77) to a 5-year $18.5 million contract. Nelson, who caught a career-high 41 passes last season, is expected to compete with WR Michael Floyd (76) for a starting position opposite WR Chad Ochocinco (89). "Jordy is a guy we had on our radar very early in this process and we feel like we've upgraded at receiver tremendously with his acquisition," said Bengals head coach Mike Martz. "The competition at that position will be interesting to watch this preseason."


___________________________



Bengals | More visits scheduled
Fri, 2 Mar 2012 7:11:49 -0700
Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have scheduled free agent visits with Bills free agent DT Kyle Williams (77), Chiefs free agent DT Keyunta Dawson (72), and Vikings free agent TE David Thomas (71).


___________________________




.

 

[Deegeezy]

Weekly Clips



Bengals | Pair re-signed
Sun, 4 Mar 2012 7:11:49 -0700
ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed free agent wide receivers Shaun McDonald (67) and Kevin Curtis (69) to one-year contracts. Both deals are believed to be for the veteran minimal.


___________________________



Bengals | TE Thomas signed
Sun, 4 Mar 2012 7:11:49 -0700
Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have signed free agent TE David Thomas (71) to a 3-year contract worth $2.76 million. The versatile tight end is expected to compete for a job as the team's #2 tight end behind returning starter Chase Coffman (79).


___________________________



Jaguars | WR Collie signed
Sun, 4 Mar 2012 7:11:49 -0700
Jason La Confora of the NFL Network reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed Colts free agent WR Austin Collie (80) to a 5-year $22 million contract.


___________________________




.

 

[cheese2121]

did you or the jaguars sign Collie?