Jamarcus Russell contacted by Bengals, according to Ochocinco

[Docile Joint]

Ochocinco claims that the Bengals are bringing in JaMarcus Russell. "I'll see you at minicamp" and then, "Oops, did I just leak that info?"

They signed Pacman Jones. and now Russell..

[DTX3]

LoL.

[Piderman]

He ain't starting thats for sure. I hope he doesn't for the sake of the Bengals.

[wwharton]

I don't see him beating out Carson's little brother either.

[Speedy]

Why do the Bengals never get players where you think "Man, [x player] will fit perfect." It always players with some sort of past/present baggage.

[Howie75]

If this indeed comes to pass I will truly be sorry that Hard Knocks was filmed w/ the Bengals last season. I would LOVE to see the coaching staff attempting to work w/ JaWalrus in an uncensored manner.

[Robens]

That wouldnt happen

[SlimKibbles]

Quote: Originally Posted by Speedy

Why do the Bengals never get players where you think "Man, [x player] will fit perfect." It always players with some sort of past/present baggage.

Someone brought it up in the free agent thread but, like the Raiders of old, the last couple of years the Bengals have been signing castoffs, some that were once 1st or 2nd-round draft picks, at minimum salary with the idea that these guys will redeem themselves. It's an interesting strategy and one that should shock no one who has followed the Bengals since Mike Brown became owner. He has no scouting staff so they just go sign guys that were a high draft pick from a few years ago that didn't pan out. Instead of signing no talent crap like Rod "Toast" Jones back in the 90's, he's signing guys that have proven so far to be nothing but underachieving crap that actually have a name fans know, for better or worse. What it all boils down to is $$$ and getting value. As long as Pacman and whoever else don't destroy the team somehow, Mikey Boy has nothing to lose by signing these guys. The Bengals name has been dragged through the mud so much over the last 5 years because of off-the-field stuff, signing players with troubled pasts isn't a big deal for the team as far as hurting image goes.