Stacy Andrews tagged by Cincy (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

Have to say I didn't see this one coming:

OT Stacy Andrews franchised by Cincinnati

I know a lot of local reports said Justin Smith was going to be tagged again; and while I understand Cincy needs defensive improvement, I'm not sure paying Smith 120% of what he made last year (as a tagged player) made ANY sense; the guy is pretty one dimensional to be paid among the very best defensive lineman.

But I figured Cincy would forgo the tag instead of using it on Andrews. While I realize Andrews started 14 games this year; it wasn't long ago that Andrews was viewed as a decent backup tackle and now Cincy is committing to him for big dollars. Also, as an Eagles fan, it's fascinating to see Shawn "Big Cat" Andrews' brother getting tagged and making considerably more than Big Cat, who is an All Pro lineman with a better pedigree.

Cincy fans, emotions on this decision? I guess they had the room and don't want to lose a young tackle who played well. Cincy only gave up 17 sacks this year, and it stands to reason Andrews can get better from here given his age and relative inexperience.

 

[bshipper]

It is actually a good move. The most important thing is to keep Carson from getting sacked, and Andrews can play G or T for them. With Willie's status unknown, Andrews is either going to start at RT or RG. Having an OL of Levi Jones, Andrew Whitworth, Eric Ghiachiuc, Stacy Andrews, Willie Anderson is pretty nice. Hopefully they can get the running game established better in '08 if they can stay healthy.

I actually was hoping they could have signed him long term, but he was a hot prospect and probably knew he could get a big deal in FA. I was hoping they would use the tag on Madieu Williams for just over $4M. Without Madieu, they will be starting 2 second year guys at S next year.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I think most fans expected this move. Lewis said someone was getting tagged last week, but I must have missed the local reports that suggested it would be Smith again. He's an underrated run defender, but has been a well below average pass rusher for years. It'll be hard to replace his energy if they stay in a 4-3, but he wasn't worth tagging again. When he's signed, people are going to be by his contract -- but it'll be near market value.

The Bengals invested plenty of time and effort coaching Andrews up. He's been a solid guard and tackle and he still has upside. Part of not tagging Eric Steinbach was probably knowing this day would come. And there's probably little question that the tag is meant to be a precursor to a long term deal.

The Bengals haven't sunk major dollars into the safety position in years. Dexter Jackson's 4 year, 7.5mil deal has been about their limit. Williams is a different animal -- he's a well-respected member of the locker room and community and brings a lot of versatility to the secondary -- but unless they find a way to get him relatively cheaply, he's probably going the way of Darryl Williams, Sam Shade, Kevin Kaesviharn, etal.

The most intriguing part of this is the lingering uncertainty around the 3-4 front. Without Smith on the roster, it would become a much easier (though not necessarily more likely) transition.