Bengals Cutting Jones is Foolish
The Cincinnati Bengals the long awaited move of cutting offensive tackle Levi Jones. Cutting Jones was simply foolish.
The Cincinnati Bengals already lost two starter to free agency in offensive tackle Stacy Andrews, as he joined his brother Shawn with the Philadelphia Eagles, and center Eric Ghiaciuc to the Kansas City Cheifs.
Now, with cutting Levi Jones the Bengals offensive line is seeming in shambles as they have a rookie starting at left tackle in Andre Smith, a fourth round pick from the 2008 National Football League Draft in Anthony Collins starting at right tackle, and a undrafted free agent from 2007 starting at center.
It would have been one thing if Jones was asking for more money, but that is not the case. Prior to the 2006 season Jones signed a six year $40 million contract extension.
Jones was cut, because of his history of back and knee problems as he has only been available for 31 of 48 games after signing his contract extension.
The move by the Bengals was one of the stupidest things to do talent wise, and money wise long term.
New right tackle Anthony Collins was selected in the fourth round of the 2008 draft, which means his contract runs through the 2011 season. So, if Collins starts all 16 games and earn some awards for his performance, then they will have a hold out on their hand.
Base salary for Jones in 2010 would have been most likely around the five million dollar range as teams put guaranteed money in the beginning years of contracts.
In regards to a contract extension not only would they have to pay a base salary equal to Jones they would also have to pay Collins guaranteed money that equal to that. That is due to the contracts signed this offseason by Carolina Panthers tackle Jordan Gross and Philadelphia Eagles Jason Peters.
So, what would have been the smart move? That would have been keeping Jones at left tackle and playing rookie Andre Smith at right. Then if Jones went down with an injury they could move Smith over to left and insert Collins at right.
However, the general manager of the Bengals is owner Mike Brown. Brown took over the team in 1991 and since he has taken over the Bengals they are 101–186–1 with only one playoff appearance.
Nice going Brown you continue to cement your legacy as one of the most dumbest owner of all time.