USN Bengal Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Alexander to visit By GEOFF HOBSON May 1, 2008 Updated: 1:15 p.m. The agent for Shaun Alexander said Thursday that his client is scheduled to visit the Bengals on Monday, but Jim Steiner stressed the visit is "very preliminary." "Shaun wants to get an idea how the Bengals would use him and I'm sure the Bengals would like to talk to him," Steiner said. "But there is interest on both sides." The Bengals, who usually only keep three tailbacks, have a lot to figure out, as does Alexander. If Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry are healthy, what to do they do with Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey if they sign Alexander? Alexander, who turns 31 after the last preseason game, isn't the same back that led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl a few years ago and any deal would be contingent on a physical. He broke his wrist in last season's opener and after he twisted his knee and ankle in Week 9 he finished with 716 yards rushing on 3.5 per carry. He became the eighth player in history to rush for 100 career touchdowns in the season finale. His strengths are that he's a solid guy, adds another dimension in the passing game with terrific hands, has had tremendous production in the past, and his wrist is apparently healed. Plus, he's still The Man around these parts. Alexander, a Florence, Ky. native, set records of 3,166 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns at Boone County High School. And Johnson is also coming off an injury plagued season, Perry hasn't played in a game since November of 2006, and Kenny Irons isn't ready to work out in May and June. The Bengals don't have much to give Alexander because of their salary cap situation, and he also has to figure out how he wants to get paid after years as one of the top paid backs in the league. If the Bengals are going to make a move, it would probably be before on-field voluntary workouts start May 13. FREE AGENT CALL: The Bengals have yet to announce their list of college free agents, but the most intriguing signing looks to be Alabama cornerback Simeon Castille after he logged 12 interceptions as a two-year starter. An Alabama newspaper reported the signing of the 6-0, 195-pound Castille after the Bengals apparently mulled taking him as early as the fourth round and maybe he'll end up as a guy that can play both corner and safety. Ourlads Scouting Services, which projected him going to Buffalo as a free safety with the eighth pick in the fifth round, gave him a grade of 6.75 (out of 10), fifth-highest of the free safeties. He probably went undrafted after he was timed at 4.71 seconds in the 40-yard dash and there could be a position switch involved, but he does get favorable reviews for his versatility. With the Bengals dogged by bad tackling the past couple of seasons, Castille also gets good reviews for being a good run defender. "A strong run support player," Ourlads says. "Has fluid hips and good athletic ability to cover a slot receiver. Can stick his foot in the ground and drive on the ball ... a good athlete that makes plays. Top end speed is only real down side." [url="http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=6768"]http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=6768[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBandJoeyV Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Like I said in another thread, sign Alexander for as cheap as you can get him, if he doesnt sign for cheap then just say no. But if we do sign him, keep Rudi Alexander and Perry with Irons on the pup, and if they think Dorsey is good enough as a ST player then keep him as well. I dont think Watson is that good, and hopefully Rudi or Alexander would be able to return to form and we would have two solid guys that could carry the load along with two speedy guys that could get touches as well. Then if Irons comes back after getting PUPed then cut dorsey, or if perry is hurt again let him take his spot, or whatever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhoDeyThink Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 I'm a little surprised. He would be injured during camp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turningpoint Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 I'd honestly consider cutting rudi or trading rudi for a 2009 pick and look into signing alexander if he can be had for less. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jungletiger Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 As much as I HATE giving any iota of praise to the enemy... I have to say, our Division is one of if not the toughest in the league. I have to ask, can he take the punishment the AFCN puts on itself? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phatcat Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 [quote name='turningpoint' post='661849' date='May 1 2008, 02:06 PM']I'd honestly consider cutting rudi or trading rudi for a 2009 pick and look into signing alexander if he can be had for less.[/quote] This is my thoughts. I am not big on Alexander but if he impresses during a workout, they need to compare it to Rudi. I truly believe Watson and Irons are the locks at RB - with Irons going to pup. Then it comes down to Perry vs. Rudi if Alexander is signed. DeDe is a long shot / insurance policy. My 2 cents, FWIW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumble In the Jungle Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 have a two headed monster in Rudi and Alexander, hell even 3 headed monster adding watson! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claptonrocks Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 [quote name='Rumble In the Jungle' post='661981' date='May 1 2008, 05:38 PM']have a two headed monster in Rudi and Alexander, hell even 3 headed monster adding watson![/quote] Two Headed Monster in Alexander and Johnson? Or ballet partners... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|Bengal Migration| Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 [quote name='claptonrocks' post='661982' date='May 2 2008, 08:40 AM']Two Headed Monster in Alexander and Johnson? [b]Or ballet partners...[/b][/quote] It's funny 'cause it's true! I have no faith in the running game for 08. Rudi and Perry are huge question marks, Irons contributing this season is unlikely, and unless DeDe learned how to block listening to hypnotherapy during the offseason, still won't be able to play much on O. This is a potential recipe for disaster. I think you have to take a look at Alexander, but given his recent history, I have little in the way of hopes for him either. I know the talk if of a return to a power running game, but between the lack of healthy/able RBs and the OC who doesn't seem to understand the concept of a power run game, I am skeptical until I see reason to feel otherwise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-GoBengals- Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 perhaps a sideshow pony to ensure asses are in seats? hometown guy, somewhat nfl big name guy..? seems worthless as far as production tho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|Bengal Migration| Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 [quote name='GoBengals' post='662062' date='May 2 2008, 11:47 AM'][b]perhaps a sideshow pony to ensure asses are in seats? [/b] hometown guy, somewhat nfl big name guy..? seems worthless as far as production tho.[/quote] Isn't there still a waiting list for season tix? They'd sell a shit load of jerseys I'd imagine, though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-GoBengals- Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 [quote name='KangarWhoDey' post='662063' date='May 1 2008, 09:51 PM']Isn't there still a waiting list for season tix? They'd sell a shit load of jerseys I'd imagine, though...[/quote] just cause the tickets are sold doesnt mean the seats are filled... if we are 5-9 come week 15 not a lot if gonna have people watching.. but "alexander listed to start sunday vs the cheifs" might get a few thousand locals in there buying beer and food and as you mentioned.. tons of jerseys.. cause lets face it.. more than half of bengals fans probably dont know he sucks.. and would each that shit up... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojorules Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 He's old and beat up (on paper). He was the NFL MVP in 2005. He's local. No running backs taken in the draft. This caught my eye during my sports page ritual at the beginning of the work day. Seattle had to pay out the ass for his guaranteed money severance when they cut him. Thus, he'll take a pay cut ala Moss. This is a friggin icon of 2000s football and he's local , to boot. Whadaya think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cricket Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 [quote name='jojorules' post='662069' date='May 1 2008, 09:56 PM']He's old and beat up (on paper). He was the NFL MVP in 2005. He's local. No running backs taken in the draft. This caught my eye during my sports page ritual at the beginning of the work day. Seattle had to pay out the ass for his guaranteed money severance when they cut him. Thus, he'll take a pay cut ala Moss. This is a friggin icon of 2000s football and he's local , to boot. Whadaya think?[/quote] I think that you didn't bother to look to see if there was already an Alexander thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojorules Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 [quote name='Cricket' post='662071' date='May 1 2008, 08:57 PM']I think that you didn't bother to look to see if there was already an Alexander thread.[/quote] Sorry, my boy has the friggin stomach flu and I've been workin about 25 hrs a day lately. I'm a little exhausted and out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshua Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 Vet minimum. Sign him for one year to see how he does. He could pull a Jamaal and do really well, though I doubt it. Rudi+Alexander+Watson would be three good backs to have in on a rotation. Hell, we could put a different RB in on each play in that scenario and produce. At least it would keep the running game fresh and we wouldn't have to worry about any single back taking a shit load of carries. I'd do anything that will help us pound the ball and control the clock to keep our D fresh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|Bengal Migration| Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 [quote name='GoBengals' post='662066' date='May 2 2008, 11:53 AM']just cause the tickets are sold doesnt mean the seats are filled... if we are 5-9 come week 15 not a lot if gonna have people watching.. but "alexander listed to start sunday vs the cheifs" might get a few thousand locals in there buying beer and food and as you mentioned.. tons of jerseys.. cause lets face it.. more than half of bengals fans probably dont know he sucks.. and would each that shit up...[/quote] gotcha... though by week 15 they will have had a chance to see him 6-7 times already, and the thill will likely be gone. And we'd know for sure by then if he was a bust or not... But I agree with the last point for sure. Those who get their Bengals info from the Chickster and Curdouche are bound to be fucking ignorant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojorules Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 [quote name='joshua' post='662076' date='May 1 2008, 09:02 PM']Vet minimum. Sign him for one year to see how he does. He could pull a Jamaal and do really well, though I doubt it. Rudi+Alexander+Watson would be three good backs to have in on a rotation. Hell, we could put a different RB in on each play in that scenario and produce. At least it would keep the running game fresh and we wouldn't have to worry about any single back taking a shit load of carries. I'd do anything that will help us pound the ball and control the clock to keep our D fresh.[/quote] They've made some good pick-ups this year (Utecht, Odom, Odell reinstated, Rivers in the draft). It would be nice to see a reversal of the anti-balls shithole offseason manuevering that was early 2007. Other than that magical secondary draft last year, they didn't do shit in the offseason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DontPushMe Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 [quote name='turningpoint' post='661849' date='May 1 2008, 01:06 PM']I'd honestly consider cutting rudi or trading rudi for a 2009 pick and look into signing alexander if he can be had for less.[/quote] Definitly. Theres no reason to have alexander and rudi on the roster at this time. Both are at least a season past their prime. If the coaches feel like alexander has more left in the tank, pick him up and ship rudi out, if not keep rudi. Not taking salaries into account, this may suprise many of you, but id prefer rudi. Factor in salarys, like if Alexander would sign for $1M for a year, then i guess id prefer shaun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-GoBengals- Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 [quote name='DontPushMe' post='662094' date='May 1 2008, 10:22 PM']Definitly. Theres no reason to have alexander and rudi on the roster at this time. Both are at least a season past their prime. If the coaches feel like alexander has more left in the tank, pick him up and ship rudi out, if not keep rudi. Not taking salaries into account, this may suprise many of you, but id prefer rudi. Factor in salarys, like if Alexander would sign for $1M for a year, then i guess id prefer shaun.[/quote] veteran minimum is more than $1 mil per year, and the cap hit we would take for rudi makes alexander more expensive.. unless alexander pays us to play here, it will cost more to dump rudi and sign alexander... i dont think rudi is going anywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|Bunghole| Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 [quote name='GoBengals' post='662095' date='May 1 2008, 09:26 PM']veteran minimum is more than $1 mil per year, and the cap hit we would take for rudi makes alexander more expensive.. unless alexander pays us to play here, it will cost more to dump rudi and sign alexander... i dont think rudi is going anywhere.[/quote] If, IF the Bengals staff feels that Shaun can add to the productivity at RB and if, IF he can stay healthy as a member of a rotation, and if, IF he can be had at a reasonable price, then sign his ass and get him in here. I do think that we'll have a HUGE decision to make regarding Perry if we in fact sign Alexander. We cannot keep only three RB's if their names are Rudi, Shaun and Chris. Too many recent injuries to rely on that plan. So then we have to decide what to do with Perry, Irons on the PuP to stat the year, Watson and Dorsey. I suppose it's a good problem to have in a sense, but all these recent injuries and the age of the two "premier" backs in Johnson and Alexander certainly gives one pause. We have a glut of RB's compunded by uncertainty due to injuries. I don't relish the job of deciding who goes and who gets cut from this position group. I actually think that due to whom we already have, Alexander just won't fit. But whatever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bengals1181 Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 [quote name='GoBengals' post='662095' date='May 1 2008, 09:26 PM']veteran minimum is more than $1 mil per year, [b]and the cap hit we would take for rudi makes alexander more ex[/b]pensive.. unless alexander pays us to play here, it will cost more to dump rudi and sign alexander... i dont think rudi is going anywhere.[/quote] uhh we save almost $3million by cutting Rudi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scharm Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 When Andre Caldwell's name popped up at 97 you knew the inquiry into Shaun Alexander was coming. It's amazing how many people can mark Odell in their starting line ups despite his problems, yet a former MVP can't have 2 bad years without being done. Ridiculous. Gaurantee the signing of Alexander turns some heads in the AFC North. Getting more production from your backfield protects you from a no-show by Chad. What better gamble is there than Shaun Alexander at this point? Get it done. A 1400 yard back is closer than many think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bengals1181 Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 [quote name='scharm' post='662112' date='May 1 2008, 10:36 PM']When Andre Caldwell's name popped up at 97 you knew the inquiry into Shaun Alexander was coming. It's amazing how many people can mark Odell in their starting line ups despite his problems, yet a former MVP can't have 2 bad years without being done. Ridiculous. Gaurantee the signing of Alexander turns some heads in the AFC North. [b]Getting more production from your backfield protects you from a no-show by Chad. [/b]What better gamble is there than Shaun Alexander at this point? Get it done. A 1400 yard back is closer than many think.[/quote] Definately agree on the bolded part. Nothing would lessen the sting of a Chad no-show more than fixing the running game. That's why I thought that, if we were going to trade Chad, we HAD to get one of the top 4 backs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DontPushMe Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 I think we made a mistake not drafting chauncey washington, i know our coaches liked him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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