What Dunlap’s Contract Means for Michael Johnson
Dec 30, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end
Michael Johnson(93) reacts with defensive end
Carlos Dunlap(96) during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Ravens 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Well I guess it was a good thing that the Bengals drafted Margus Hunt this year, because I would have to say that this may be the end of Michael Johnson, after this season of course.
Earlier today the Bengals tried to lock up Michael Johnson with a deal probably similar to the one that Carlos Dunlap received, but because his price tag at the moment was 11+ million, why would he back down from that. Dunlap got 6 years and 40 million, topping out around 6.5 million a year. That is nearly half the money that Johnson is getting this season through the franchise tag. By the way, just another reason why they should have signed him instead of Andre “Overweight, No-show, Overrated” Smith.
So, if Johnson does have another good year, he is going to definitely want more than the 6.5 mark that Dunlap got, and then what about, I don’t know, Geno Atkins, A.J. Green, and Andy Dalton. After this season not only will you attempt to talk down Michael Johnson, but now you have to sign and extend you main three. And news flash, Geno is probably going to be a top paid DT, A.J. is probably getting a nice sized contract, and Dalton is getting a decent one.
This is a reason why the Bengals saved money. It is for this moment right now.
So what can we learn from this. The Bengals should have tagged Smith, like I said 2 months ago, sign Johnson instead, like I said 2 months ago, and if Smith decided not to show like he is now, and like I said 2 months ago, you could just not deal with him if he has a bad season, which can happen considering he has only played one full season in his career, you could have gotten rid of him, and signed a better player on defense.
Thank you Mike Brown. You are finally spending money (because the league requires it) and now you have lost you leading sack artist. Just another reason why we NEED a G.M.
Want more Bengals news? Like Stripe Hype on Facebook, or grab our RSS feed.