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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 > 2009 > June > 04 > Entry
Don’t count on Ellis signing with Bengals
BENGALS DRAFTED MICHAEL JOHNSON;
THEY DON’T REALLY NEED EX-COWBOY
There’s a lot of speculation going around that former Dallas Cowboys’ defensive end/outside linebacker Greg Ellis is on the Bengals’ radar and could wind up signing with Cincinnati.
But I’ve spoken to enough people in the know — and that includes the Bengals front office — to feel confident that it’s not going to happen.
Ellis, a 12th-year veteran who turns 34 in August, has been a fine player over the years for the Cowboys. But I firmly believe he’s past his prime.
He has 77 career sacks, and only one double-digit sack season — 12.5 in 2007 when he replaced Chicago’s Lance Briggs on the NFC’s Pro Bowl roster.
Several factors are working against Ellis landing in The Nati.
Where are you going to play him?
The 6-foot-6, 262 pounder is an outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme, not a pass-rushing defensive end in the Bengals’ 4-3 alignment.
How much are you going to pay him?
Cap room is tough to come by this time of year for every NFL team. The Bengals signed unrestricted free agents Laveranues Coles, Tank Johnson, Cedric Benson and Roy Williams in the offseason. And the signing of 11 rookie draft picks will proceed at a snail’s pace until mid-July.
Who are you going to cut?
When you add a guy, you must cut a guy. And the Bengals’ defense already has more than enough linemen and linebackers on the roster.
Ellis is only on the Bengals’ radar because his agenda-driven agent, James Williams, placed him there. It’s easy to see why. Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer coordinated Dallas’ defense from 2000-06.
The truth is Cincinnati grabbed its version of Ellis when it plucked Georgia Tech’s 6-7, 266-pound defensive end Michael Johnson in the third round of the April draft.
Young and hungry beats old and weary every time.
Permalink | Comments (16) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By whaty0uwant
June 4, 2009 10:54 PM | Link to this
so, I am guessing this is just what you think, nice yellow journalism, just like the rest of the ddn, “Bengals not interested” what freaking source moron, you? how stupid, I don’t care if they sign him or not, but don’t say you know they aren’t interestedBy TechGuy
June 4, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this
It’s simple math, moron you. The Bengals already have more DE’s than they need. Why sign another one… and an old one at that. The Bengals have a documented history of being allergic to guys over 30.By TouchdownTroy
June 4, 2009 11:55 PM | Link to this
They do not need somebody thats past his prime, why do that when they already have Odom, Rucker, Fanene, Geathers, M. Johnson! NO MORE!By hmhhana
June 5, 2009 4:06 AM | Link to this
I guess Odom, Rucker, Fanene, Geathers, M. Johnson did have more sacks than Ellis(8) last season. The last time I checked, Johnson has not even played in NFL yet, and none of Bengals players (DE or not) got even half of what Ellis got. The most got 3 sacks.By NotSoFastMyFriend
June 5, 2009 8:13 AM | Link to this
Chickster are you running outta matterial? Wasnt this just in Big C’s column just yesterday? Anyways,get your facts strait,Geathers has not produced the last 2 yrs cause of injuries,Ellis on the other hand,well,when he was cut,he was on the 1st string ron OTA’s,and where yes Johnson may be learning,wouldnt you want a Greg Ellis as your mentor? Look what Kitna done with Palmer…Think About It.By NotSoFastMyFriend
June 5, 2009 8:14 AM | Link to this
Chickster are you running outta matterial? Wasnt this just in Big C’s column just yesterday? Anyways,get your facts strait,Geathers has not produced the last 2 yrs cause of injuries,Ellis on the other hand,well,when he was cut,he was on the 1st string ron OTA’s,and where yes Johnson may be learning,wouldnt you want a Greg Ellis as your mentor? Look what Kitna done with Palmer…Think About It.By Trent
June 5, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this
First of all, I like how Chick emphasizes in the headline that the Bengals aren’t interested, then contradicts himself by stating in the post that Ellis is on their radar. And whatever happened to competition bringing the best out of your players? Greg Ellis, as a 12 yr veteran on a one-year deal, is better than Frostee Rucker in his contract year. Also, the cap hit on Ellis would be the vet minimum, so that’s not shouldn’t be anything to worry about.By fan_from_afar
June 5, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this
Ellis had 12.5 sacks in 2007, and 8 sacks in 2008. Let’s assume that his numbers continue to slip and he only gets 5 sacks in 2009. That would still make him the sack leader provided everyone else plays as they did a year ago. Doesn’t that at least warrant a look at the guy? Say what you will about an improved secondary/linebacking corps. allowing the guys up front to produce more sacks. I didn’t feel that the guys behind the line were all that bad last year, and yet the D-Line was pathetic. Chick makes a good point about aging players doing nothing more than collecting paychecks in the twighlight of their careers. But the biggest problem areas this team had last year were O-Line and D-Line. And I wouldn’t just write off anybody who could help either one right now. I’m happy with most of the moves management has made so far this off-season, which is an unusual feeling =), but you must face the fact that both lines are still highly suspect. And the D-Line is probably the riskiest group this team has right now. If we could get Ellis for a reasonable price, and ALL he does is pressure Geathers and Odom to produce, then wouldn’t he be worth it? It would seem arrogant - and ignorant - to assume our D-Line doesn’t need the help of a proven producer. If the price isn’t right, then yeah, forget him. But if Ellis wants to come play for a team that could contend this year under the direction of a guy he knows and respects - and for a reasonable price - then why not???By The Operative
June 5, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this
I think it’s hilarious that Chick thinks Ellis is only a 3-4 OLB when he spent 10 years of his career as a pass rushing 4-3 DE.By DFWJC
June 5, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this
I’m just wondering on how many levels one article can be wrong. Let’s see: “Ellis is a 3-4 lineback not a 4-3 DE” uh, dead wrong. He PREFERS playing DE. Next “The Bengals drafted Michael Johnson”. That is a good reason to ADD a guy like Ellis for a couple of years to help bring Johnson along. Next”Ellis is washed up”. Not even close. In the last 6 games he had 5 sacks…to the entire Bengal team’s total of 6. I could go on, but I’m embarrassed for you.By Don
June 5, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this
I’d leave it up to Zimmer. If he thinks he is worth bring in then bring him in.By tommac
June 5, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this
Rucker has done NOTHING so far, as well as Fanene.. And until Johnson proves it, its not a given.. he did fall to the third round for a reason..the GiantsBy tommac
June 5, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this
The Giants showed you can never have enough pass rushers and if you can sign him to a one year deal go for it..By tommac
June 5, 2009 10:40 AM | Link to this
The Giants showed you can never have enough pass rushers and if you can sign him to a one year deal go for it..By Brian
June 5, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this
I’ll take experience and SAVVY over Young and hungry (cough, cough, unproven, cough) ANYDAY, thank you very much. It’s all about competition and quality depth and LEADERSHIP.By Bob
June 8, 2009 8:12 AM | Link to this
Its all about pain. No im not talking about injury pain im talking about forceful hitting pain. You go to other NFL cities and during the season they all talk about how soft the Bengals are toward game day with us. The Bengals dont wanna wrap up they want to throw themselves at people. This is a direct indictment on the coaching. This started with Lewis and the last defensive coodinator. If this doesnt change this season Lewis has to go. He is in charge. He has to brunt the responsibility. When we get the Cincinnati “Marys” off our shoulders and hit and inflict pain then we will be a viable team. If we cant get there I will draw a roadmap for you. Take I-71 to I-70 to Pittsburgh. If one of our players would have done what Hines Ward did to our player pain would have been swift the “old school way” immediately and without exception. NUFF SAID !!!