Nick Fairley and the Bengals Being “Fairley” Certain

Sep 21, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback

(12) is sacked by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) during the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

At first, it seemed in the bag.  Highly coveted defensive tackle, Nick Fairley, makes a pronounced visit to Paul Brown Stadium, and the consensus beamed that he would be signing with the Cincinnati Bengals that same day.  Eyebrows started to rise when Head Coach Marvin Lewis was spotted at the Louisville Pro Day rather than meeting with the key Detroit free agent.  Then outside interests started to creep in via social media, first from the Patriots camp and then later from the Rams.  Consciousness steadied as Fairley was then seen milling around the locker room as media spoke with guard Clint Boling on his new contract deal.  However, when news broke that former Bengals defensive end, Michael Johnson, had been cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the engagement between Fairley and the Queen City Cats abruptly seemed to run out of steam.

As the frenzy continues, the Bengals seem to remain intent on shoring up their defensive line through free agency, but as of this morning, the Bengals are no closer to achieving their goal as they were at this time yesterday.  One may recall the tested adage; a Bengal in the hand is worth two in the bush.  While the striped masses clamor, incensed with expectations that do not match the Bengals historical free agency trends, the real question is not about yesterday, but rather about what is best for the Bengals going forward?