The forgotten problem
The Cincinnati Bengals have a bigger problem on their hands than the whole Chad Johnson saga. That is to get TJ Houshmanzadeh signed to a contract extension before he becomes a free agent after this season.
There have been on serious contract talks between the team and TJ’s agent, Kennard McGuire. That is really puzzling considering his worth to the Bengals.
TJ caught 112 passes for 1,143 total yards with 12 touchdowns.
However, we are talking about the Bengals, and cheap is owner Mike Brown’s middle name. So, it would not be surprising in the end they let TJ walk.
So, what happens from here. Even with numbers that are expected to be down, thanks to an emphasis on the run this year, TJ will get hit with the franchise tag.
After that it is anyone’s guess, but by that time it is either pay him what he wants, or let him walk.
The thing is the Bengals will be giving a hefty contract to rookie linebacker Keith Rivers, who was taken with the ninth pick in this years past draft. That means a big pay day for him, and less for TJ.
How much can Rivers expect to get? More than the tenth pick, which was linebacker Jerod Mayo, by the New England Patriots.
Mayo received a contract worth $18.9 million, with $13.8 of it in guarantees and bonuses. That means that Rivers can expect $15 to $20 million dollars.
Another example of why there needs to be a rookie cap in the National Football League. Simply, so that teams can give the money to players that really deserve it.