A guard for us?

[Tony Oday]

A third consecutive excellent NFL season in 2005 earned Bengals left guard Eric Steinbach first-alternate status for the Pro Bowl. Yet he still could be the odd man out on the Bengals' talented and increasingly expensive offensive line. Steinbach, like fellow starters Willie Anderson and Rich Braham, will have his current contract expire after the 2006 season. (Braham will turn 36 in November and continues to defy odds by playing at a high level, but he is expected to retire or sign with another team.) Losing Anderson could be a public relations disaster. Coach Marvin Lewis might be the face and voice and wide receiver Chad Johnson the personality of the team, but Anderson is its soul. Which brings the discussion back to Steinbach: Though agile and an outstanding pulling guard, versatile, able to play left tackle and center, Steinbach is still a guard. Guards do not command the same type of money as tackles. But Steinbach's asking price is believed to be $5.5 million-$5.7 million a year. That amount is closer to tackle money than guard money.

Got this off of the rumors from Fox Sports. I honestly dont know anything about him but the Bengals did have a great O line and we do need guards...however he seems to have been better suited to shermans running game.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I thought the same thing when I read that article, but he'll get big money. Hopefully, by then Colledge, Wells, and Spitz/Coston have solidified their hold on the starting spot and we can go with a cheap alternative for a few years.

[MJZiggy]

But really, how well does an expensive "great pulling guard" fit in our zone blocking scheme? I would be a little surprised if TT showed a whole lot of interest.

[woodbuck27]

# 65 Eric Steinbach Position: G Height: 6-6 Weight: 290
Born: 04/04/1980 College: Iowa NFL Experience: 4

In three seasons dressed for 47 games and started 46 with "the Bengal's".

My take on this player. Given the existing Cap $, or unless he comes in very reasonable on his $ demands, he will not be an option for T2.

Then, my second thought all. If we have money under the CAP then T2 should utilize it, to bring in a OL that ( BEST - has some versatility or a WR that can make plays).

[KYPack]

The big question with this guy is the money.

He is a great athlete and could work in any teams scheme. He would shine in a ZBS. Not only that, he can play center better than anybody we've got right now.

He has improved every year in the league and is potentially a better guard than the sainted Wahle.

The problem is $. if the Bengals don't sign him, it will take Wahle-like money to get him signed.

[Partial]

Not worth it. By the end of the year our oline situation will be resolved.

[woodbuck27]

Not worth it. By the end of the year our oline situation will be resolved.

I'd better take a ride with you.

[red]

Not worth it. By the end of the year our oline situation will be resolved.

yikes, i think i heard the same thing, about the same positions, last year

i hope this years different

[Partial]

Well, lets think about it. The key to oline is experience in my eyes. By the end of this year, they'll draft a few more guys on day two and build the depth. It'll work out well. Guard = least important position on offense

[retailguy]

Well, lets think about it. The key to oline is experience in my eyes. By the end of this year, they'll draft a few more guys on day two and build the depth. It'll work out well. Guard = least important position on offense

No Guard = Turnstile = Dead/Injured Brett Favre. Hmm.

Unimportant?

[Rastak]

I read that Thompson considered Meadows but didn't want to give a 3 year deal like Denver.

[SudsMcBucky]

I agree that $5.5-5.7MM is too much to pay a guard, however, the description of him is EXACTLY what would play into MM's new offense (much like the Falcons.) This should be a run heavy team with the OL needing the ability to move, not the typical road graters on power teams.

[the_idle_threat]

As seen in Atlanta and Denver, this scheme does not require big-money offensive linemen. I agree with Partial that the young guys will step up and this will be a moot point. Spend the $$$ on a skill player.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I think the Oline is in dangerous shape, what will it look like when the inevitable guy or two is lost to injury?

If a vet is available, Thompson must sign him, even if it is conflict with longterm interests.

[the_idle_threat]

Spend a few bucks on a short-term stop-gap to back up at tackle? Sure.

Spend big $$$ for a long-term starter at guard when we already have a bunch of young talented guys, and a scheme that does not require elite players? No.