Bengals release CB Ratiliff.

[houstonsportsfan09]

The Bengals released Keiwan(?) Ratliff. I know hes a player known around the league, or most people know who he is if they hear his name. I dont want to bring him up only for that reason, but maybe hes worth a look? I dont know though, he may not help, but then again, who couldnt help out our secondary?

[misterpc]

The Bengals secondary is worse than the Texans. If he wasnt good enough to help them, I dont think we should touch him.

[houstonsportsfan09]

Oh yeah that is true. Cincinnatti has one of the worst defenses. Just like New Orleans, thats partialy why they are struggling.

[misterpc]

One player doesn't make or break a defense. I'm assuming Ratliff was released because the Bengals were ignorant and drafted CBs (Joseph and Hall) in 06 and 07. I still think Ratliff is a good CB and an even better returner. I know we have Wynn as a PR if Jones isn't there, but it couldn't hurt to bring him and work him out and see if he impresses the coaches. Besides, Bennett's got durability issues dating back to USC so it might be a good idea.

They didnt release him because of the draft, they released him after the Bengals defense got beat up on by the Clevland Browns. They decided to cut him and sign a free agent cornerback to take his spot on the roster. That makes me very skeptical of him. He lost his spot on a terrible defense to a free agent CB that no other team wanted (including us).

You could be right, and he might be worth a look. I'd take a look at ex-Bengal Tory James before Ratliff, but I suppose it wouldnt hurt to take a flyer on the guy.

[houstonsportsfan09]

Exactly, I don't see the harm in it. Maybe he plays better than we expect. Who knows?

I think Tory James will be on our FA radar at season's end. He's real impressive, and it's kind of funny to me that he's not getting PT in New England. Asante's having an OKAY year.

I dont know if you know or not, but James got cut by NE and is a FA. If you did though, why not take a look at him now or why wait til seasons end.

[misterpc]

I would take a flyer on Ratliff before James. James is 34 years old, Ratliff is 25.

James is a proven cornerback, Ratliff is the exact opposite of proven. James would be a one year deal as a stop gap while Bennet develops, or until we can sign/draft a permanent solution. Ratliff would at best be 5th on the depth chart if we signed him, he would not do anything to improve the CB situation. James could compete for Faggins spot this year. Also as a former probowler and 10+ year vet he would provide valuable leadership to our secondary.

[Gamehorn]

Can Ratliff play WR? Just kidding...

I remember watching him in college at Florida, and in his senior year he was so good that I joked that he should win the Heisman... I just think that the Bengals can't coach DBs...