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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > December > 27 > Entry
Franchise tag for T.J. a last-case scenario; as for a GM, you’ve got to be kiddin’
MY SLEEPER PICK FOR
THE ‘FRANCHISE TAG’
IS SHAYNE GRAHAM
NO POSSIBLE WAY WILL
MIKE BROWN HIRE A GM
The absolute last thing the Cincinnati Bengals want to do is tag wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh with the “franchise player” designation in 2009 because, at a one-time cost between $8-10 million, it’s a salary-cap killer.
The franchise tag is also the last thing Houshmandzadeh wants because it provides no signing bonus and no security of a long-term deal.
Graham
Houshmandzadeh
All indications are the Bengals and Houshmandzadeh will attempt to work on a three- or four-year contract
His current deal expires after the season and he becomes an unrestricted free agent in the spring.
But the tag remains a viable option that the club will use only if it’s forced to.
This much is clear: The team is determined not to let Houshmandzadeh get away on the open market because he’s too valuable.
Houshmandzadeh (92 catches, 904 yards, 4 TDs) is a smooth route-runner with deceptive speed, a fearless receiver who makes tough catches in traffic and absorbs hits that would put other receivers — such as Chad Ocho Cinco — in the hospital.
T.J. is the most productive, reliable, dependable and valuable player on the team. Pound for pound, he’s also the toughest. He’s a chain-mover and pass-catching machine who turns third downs into first downs. He’s also quarterback Carson Palmer’s go-to guy; his security blanket.
My sleeper pick for the franchise tag: Placekicker Shayne Graham.
At about a $3 million price tag, the most accurate field-goal kicker in club history comes a lot cheaper.
TALKIN’ ABOUT A GM …
Please, pretty please, don’t make me laugh — uncontrollably.
Once again, ProFootballTalk.com is throwing a plate of spaghetti against the wall, wondering if any of it will stick.
Mueller
The mere mention of Randy Mueller comin’ to The Nati as Bengals general manager is great sports-talk-radio fuel and fodder. It’s also crazy, preposterous and insane.
There isn’t a Bengals fan on planet Earth that wouldn’t love to see it happen.
It makes too much sense. That’s why it won’t happen.
Why won’t it happen? Because Bengals owner/president Mike Brown feels threatened by anyone outside the secret society of his family.
Nobody, but noooobody, not named Mike Brown, Katie Blackburn or Troy Blackburn will be given full control over the Bengals roster as long as Mike Brown is alive.
Period. End of story.
When Katie & Troy take over sole control of the franchise, they’ll be forced to hire a GM. But will they? Even that’s up for debate.
Things could get worse before they get better when Mike’s gone.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/12/22/project-mayhem-a-success/
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Brian
December 27, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Rats, Chick. Now you’ve gone and depressed me about the future of the franchise.By photoman
December 27, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
For MB to hire a GM would be the same as MB firing himself, or hiring someone he can control, which would be the same as having MB and paying a GM too. We will have to see MB completely gone in order to see a GM in this organization. All that stat about TJ, and he seems too expensive to me to be on a non-playoff football team. TJH will probably help keep the fans in the stands, which is what MB wants to do anyway.By Chick Ludwig
December 27, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Brian: In all honesty, the Bengals have a chance to be good next year. Playoff good. What am I drinking? Cotton Club less-sweet Ginger Ale … with French Vanilla-flavored coffee on the side. And I’ve got a premium stogie ready for when I walk out of PBS on Sunday night. Cheers, ChickBy ShockMonkey
December 28, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
One with a half a brain would think if you’ve only had one winning season in 18-years, you might consider changing the infrastructure. Let someone qualified make the on-field business decisions. Hiring a GM offers a wonderful possiblility Clown can actually make more $$$$ because we might WIN! What a concept. However, it makes too much sense so it’ll never happen.By psychostats
December 28, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
The GM rumor has a lot of normally cynical people thinking very naively. Talk about being blinded by hope! I’d thank Chick for being The Voice of Reason, if not for the fact he turned around and said the Bengals might be good next year. Good Grief.