BlackJesus

I think AJ is by far the most important to re-sign of the two. In fact, I'd extend him now, and then I'd make Boyd play out this season and prove it again, as Ross may flourish under this new system as well, and become the WR2. Boyd played great last season and was a 3rd and 4th down machine, but I think he may want a salary that is larger than what he's proven he's worth. As a general rule, I'd say only go over 10 mill a year for proven Pro Bowl type talent. Plus Ross already is making top 10 pick salary, so how much of a % can one team devote just to the WR position if they pay AJ, Boyd, and Ross (for at least the next 2-3 seasons)?

The helmets should never be changed. They are the best in all of football (pro, college, etc). But the uniforms should be adjusted with even more emphasis on stripes. I wish the NFL would make an exception that the Bengals instead of white and black -- can have orange jerseys and pants (with black stripes on them) for both home and away games (essentially not having a white or black jersey) --- since those are the colors of an actual tiger and would match the helmet which is orange with black stripes. This way the Bengals would play in the same uniform for both home and away (just have 2 sets of the same one). I would also have the pants fully striped, not a band along the side ...

I oddly feel like the Bengals might be the front runner at this point. Bengals have 22 million in cap room, vs Carolina with only 9 ... and those are the next two most interested.

My prediction would be 7-9 All sizzle ... no steak.

Adam 'Pacman' Jones retiring after 12 seasons By Herbie Teope Published: May 24, 2019 at 12:33 p.m. Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones has called it a career. Jones used social media Thursday to announce his retirement in an Instagram story, which now consists of Jones posting congratulatory messages on his career. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo has since confirmed Jones has retired. Jones entered the league in 2005 as a first-round pick out of West Virginia with the Tennessee Titans and became an immediate contributor on defense and special teams, starting 28 games over his first two seasons in Tennessee. He went on to play for Titans, Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos in 12 seasons, earning an All-Pro selection in 2014 as a returner and making the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2015 while with the Bengals. Despite his talent, Jones was also known for off-field incidents, including a well-documented offseason occurrence in 2007 at Las Vegas gentleman's club during NBA All-Star Weekend. Jones received a suspension for the entire 2007 season, and then did not play in 2009. Jones, who played in seven games for the Broncos in 2018, finishes his playing career appearing in 146 games with 104 starts, totaling 522 tackles, 17 interceptions and 97 passes defensed. As a specialist, Jones amassed 1,944 yards and five touchdowns on 192 punt returns and 3,232 yards on 125 kickoff returns. Jones released the following statement through his longtime agent Peter Schaffer: "How do I start my next chapter? Well, I start by first turning the page and closing out one of the most thrilling chapters of my life. A chapter that started as just a dream from a kid from Boat Rock. A dream that became a reality with the blessings of God Almighty, hard work, the dedication to not give up and a village of prayer warriors surrounding me. "I stand tall and proud as I announce that this beautiful life-changing ride that I have been on in the National Football League has come to an end, I'm officially hanging my cleats up, with no regrets! "How can I not be proud, 13 years in the game man, hell, I sometimes can't believe it, but it's real. I will forever be grateful for having the opportunity to do what I love for so many years. We climbed through the mud to get here, we broke barriers, we cried, we laughed, we broke cycles, we broke records, we fell, but got the f--- back up, we lost some and double down and won the rest, we did what they said couldn't be done, and I say we because with my family, my supporters and my Almighty, we built this chapter of the story together. "I will forever love this game, and it's a blessing to know the game loved me, real s---. I appreciate and thank everyone who played a role in my career. Every organization and coach I was blessed to play for, I am forever grateful for the opportunities and memories. My teammates, my brothers, I thank you, we had an absolute ball. It was a honor to take the field with you all, we left our stain out there together. To every coach that played a part in molding me into the athlete that I am, you'll never be forgotten. Coach Allen, Coach Gibby, Coach Fisher, Zim, Hugh, PG it was a honor to play for some of the best to do it. "Prime Time, thank you for your love and knowledge, brother. Jerry Jones, thank you for teaching me the business side of this game. Dave, my brother, you know what it is for life. "Coach Lewis and Mr. Brown there will never be enough words to express how much love I got for you guys. Each of you got to know the real me, you allowed me to be me, on my good days and bad, you had my back. You all showed me and my family, that love and loyalty does exist in this business. I wasn't just a number, people don't understand how much that means to a player and a person. It meant the world to me! "Peter, my friend, my brother, we are locked in for life. We worked our ass off man. We showed the game what a powerful partnership and friendship looks like! We got it done our way! I thank you for all, Schaffer! "Baby, my Tish, I hope you know how much I love you and thank God for you every day. You've been my rock, my partner through all, you have kept me lifted when times got hard as hell, through every injury, every lost and victory, you have kept our family centered with peace and always with a smile when doing it all, thank you baby for your strength and unconditional love! "Mama, those genetics is a monster baby! Thank you for those strong ass legs and quick ass feet you gave me baby! You gave up your dream to have me and passed the baton to me, I hope I made you proud. I love you Mama! "Zaniyah, Triniti and Jr, thank you for cheering Daddy on, thank you for understanding on the days Daddy couldn't be there, you all are my world, and now it's time for me to pass the baton and cheer you on, cause y'all up next, no cap! "To my city, Cincinnati, I love you, they say home is where the heart is, you will forever have my heart. Thank you for all the love & support! "And to all my fans, I totally love you all for life! Y'all filled the stands, wrote the letters, stood in lines, cried for me and with me, celebrated and embraced the victories with me, y'all stayed down with your boy and I am forever grateful for the love. "I left my blood, sweat and tears out on that field, and it was amazing! I hope you all enjoyed the show. Blessed, humbled, thankful and content, that's a great way to end a remarkable chapter!" http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001031882/article/adam-pacman-jones-retiring-after-12-seasons

Perhaps. At that time he was probably the best or 2nd best WR in the NFL, younger, and no injuries ... now he is older, been injured more, and a top 5 WR ... but not usually universally seen as being in the top 3. The highest salaries on a yearly basis for WR 1. Odell Beckham Jr.: $18 million 2. Antonio Brown: $17 million 3. Mike Evans: $16.5 million 4. DeAndre Hopkins: $16.2 million 5. Brandin Cooks: $16.2 million 6. Sammy Watkins: $16 million 7. Jarvis Landry: $15.98 million 8. A.J. Green: $15 million I mean I wouldn't be against giving him 17 a year or maybe even 18 (which would make him the highest paid in the NFL), but I think all things considered 15-16 is more market value.

McCoy and Atkins would give the Bengals the best interior D line in the NFL. I'd throw the bank at him. He'd instantly be the 3rd best player on the team after AJ & Geno.

The big hurdle is going to be AJ's contract. As he will be 31 to start the Season ... but has at least 4 good years left in him. So I'd give AJ a 4 year 60 million extension (15 per).

Since he's in the last year of a deal and not making much, the Bengals have a good deal of leverage. Because of that I'd favor going for more upfront money but less of a yearly rate. Also with an age of 24, I'd favor a 6 year deal - as 4 is too short. So something along the lines of 6 year 48 million (8 per, rather than 10). He could of course turn that down ... but one torn ACL this season and he puts everything in jeopardy.

Marvin Lewis on proposed race: Ross 'not a circus act' by Jeremy Bergman NFL.com Published: May 5, 2017 Marvin Lewis is calling the race early. The Bengals coach quickly put the kibosh on a proposed 40-yard dash-off between his first-round pick John Ross and Cincinnati Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton, telling Cincinnati reporters Friday, "John is not a circus act." Shame. Hamilton first suggested the race between the 40-yard dash champion and himself, saying that the two could test each other's speed "for a charity event" or something of the kind. Ross responded Friday, saying he's up to it, but not right now. "It would be awesome to do that and we could probably work out something later," Ross told ESPN's Katherine Terrell on Friday. "Right now I'm just focused on being a Bengal. I don't know what the future holds, but if he wants to do something for the community later or for charity, that would be awesome. Right now I'm just focused on being a football player." Double shame. We're sure Lewis and Ross are objectively in the right here, choosing to prevent the first-round wideout from potentially aggravating an injury rather than racing a Red. But where's the fun in that? On top of supporting charities, a 40-yard dash between Mr. 4.22 and baseball's best base-stealer would promote a very worthy cause: Keeping us football die-hards entertained during the pigskin-poor summer doldrums. Do it for the fans. That's charitable enough. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000806800/article/marvin-lewis-on-proposed-race-ross-not-a-circus-act

Round 1, No. 9 overall: John Ross, WR, Washington by Katherine Terrell ESPN Staff Writer My take: The Bengals had a chance to take a number of defenders still on the board, including pass-rushers Jonathan Allen and Derek Barnett, and linebacker Reuben Foster. Coach Marvin Lewis said no team wanted to trade up when Cincinnati was on the clock, so obviously John Ross was valued enough to take at No. 9. His selection might seem a little high considering who was available, but speed at receiver was one of Cincinnati's bigger needs -- Ross ran a record 4.22 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. The Bengals relied heavily on star receiver A.J. Green through the first half of the season but had few people able to step up in his place when Green went down toward the end. The Bengals needed a pass-rusher, but they also needed to give their offense a boost one way or another. Medical concerns? The 5-foot-11, 188-pound Ross is going to have to prove his durability after a series of knee injuries during his career. Ross tore his ACL and had a meniscus injury in 2015. He also tore his labrum last season and played through that before undergoing surgery in the offseason. The Bengals might have to limit how they use him because of his injury history, but with Green, Tyler Eifert, Tyler Boyd and Brandon LaFell, they might be able to get a little creative. The next kick returner: Bengals wide receiver Alex Erickson can probably be forgiven if he's a little worried. Erickson beat out longtime kick returner Brandon Tate to take the sixth wide receiver spot and showed promise there, leading the NFL with 810 kickoff return yards. But Ross was a superstar kickoff returner in college, returning four for touchdowns in his career. Ross' presence could make it more difficult to justify keeping Erickson unless they start using him more as a receiver. What's next: The Bengals aren't necessarily done with the offensive side of the ball. Running back Joe Mixon could still be in play if he's on the board in the second round, and the Bengals haven't been shy about showing their interests at that position. Defensively, they're still looking for a pass-rusher after their sack totals waned last season. With 11 total picks, it will be a long draft weekend for the Bengals and a chance to address a number of needs. http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/236178/cincinnati-bengals-2017-draft-picks-analysis-for-every-selection

Speaking of Jerseys, I wonder if he will have Ross III on the back like in college? And if so, will he be called JR3 ? We already have WJ3. The Bengals like their thirds apparently.

He actually wore #1 at Washington, so this jersey is accurate. A shame the NFL won't let WR wear single digits.

NFL.com gave the pick of Ross an A- grade Video --> http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000803403/Instant-Draft-

Someone needs to contact the Bengals marketing team and have PBS set up a special where following a John Ross touchdown, all beers in the stadium are $ 4.22 for the rest of the game.

Random John Ross Thoughts - Since he is the fastest player ever recorded in the NFL, he better be a 99 speed on Madden, because if he is not, then who the fuck has proven they are faster. - Since he returned 4 kickoffs for TDs at Washington, I hope the Bengals make him one of the 2 starting KR. Too often the Bengals are like the kid on Christmas who gets brand new skates and keeps them in the box for a year out of fear they will scuff them up. Start him week 1, if he gets hurt so be it, most Bengals rookies red shirt year 1 anyway. - I hope the offense utilizes lots of screens, quick passes, reverses etc. As I am genuinely concerned that the OL won’t be able to block long enough for deep passes to Ross or that Andy will underthrow his foot speed. I’d use Ross in the way the Stealers use Brown, just 5 yard slants and let him take it to the house. - If Ross didn’t have the injury history and was 3 inches taller at 6’2, then running a 4.22 would likely have made him the #1 or 2 overall pick. However, he’s 5’11 and has 2 knee and a shoulder injury in past. If those don’t return then the Bengals got value. If he goes Chris Perry, then once again the Bengals medical staff is sub-par and a liability. We’ll see. - Although I didn’t want Ross, I feel like the National media was underwhelmed by the choice party because it was the Bengals that made it. Had he been drafted by the Giants or Cowboys etc, all we would be hearing about for a day or two was how they added 4.22 speed and now have the fastest player on the planet yada yada. He’d have endorsement deals lined up with food delivery services and be the pitch man for several companies in his big market. Yet, the Bengals make the pick and they are in a rush to talk about the next player taken. At least they didn't go to a commercial this year though.

Andy better learn how to throw the ball out farther ... because he already underthrows AJ Green!

John Ross' 40 vs Tom Brady lol

Get to know John Ross (NFL doesn't allow embedding of the video) --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7tNFro4xZk

CBS Sports hated the pick ...

Would be interesting to read some draft mags or write ups printed before the combine on Ross, and see where they had him slotted.