It's official: Levi Jones released by Bengals today...
 

Bengals cut Levi Jones
GEOFF HOBSON

Posted May 6, 2009

Jones was a first-round draft pick of the Bengals in 2002. (Bengals photo)

Updated: 12:40 p.m.

The much anticipated release of Levi Jones became reality Wednesday, another step in what looks to be the installation of first-rounder Andre Smith at left tackle.

Jones had the job since the second month of his NFL career, which began when he was the 10th pick in the 2002 draft. He started 89 games and emerged as one of the top left tackles in the game during a 2005 season he was voted a Pro Bowl second alternate. But knee and leg problems limited him to 31 games in the last three seasons and he played in only the first 10 last season when he suffered a leg injury against the Eagles.

Since there is no salary cap next season in the NFL, the Bengals assume what is left of Jones' pro-rated signing bonus in this year's cap. Since he was scheduled to make in excess of $3 million this season, that figures to be about a $500,000 hit.

The 6-5, 307-pound Jones, 29, had requested a trade before the 2008 NFL Draft, and the club told his agent this past March that it would either trade him or cut him. When the Bengals couldn't get any takers for a deal they decided to make the move three days after Smith made his Bengals debut on the practice field at left tackle.

As the Bengals attempt to shore up an offensive line that allowed 51 sacks last year, right guard Bobbie Williams and left guard Andrew Whitworth are the only members of the 2008 Opening Day line still on the roster with center Eric Ghiaciuc and right tackle Stacy Andrews departing via free agency.

There are now just two Bengals who were here when head coach Marvin Lewis arrived in 2003: Long snapper Brad St. Louis and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco.

"The Bengals made Levi the 10th pick in the draft and then made him one of the highest paid tackles in the league," said agent Kenny Zuckerman, who negotiated the six-year extension with $16.3 million in guarantees and $21 million in the first three years before the 2006 season. "He definitely appreciates what the Bengals did for him and now he's looking to continue his career elsewhere."

Jones had some public disagreements with the training staff and coaches as they grappled with his injuries and for the last couple of years he chose to work out in his native Arizona at Athletes' Performance Institute in Tempe.

What is probably the highlight of his Bengals career involved injury. In one of the toughest feats ever in franchise history, he played six days after arthroscopic knee surgery down the playoff stretch in December 2003.

Injury also played a part in his last Bengals appearance. He had to take himself out of the Eagles game because Trent Cole saw he could exploit Jones's physical problems. No one ever got into the specifics of the injury, but Zuckerman said Jones has had a good offseason and is healthy.

"We're not going to rush it," said Zuckerman of a new team.

The Bengals had to turn to rookie Anthony Collins to replace Jones in the last six games when Whitworth suffered an ankle injury in the same game and also missed the rest of the season. If Smith stays at left tackle, then Whitworth most likely stays at left guard while Collins, a fourth-round pick out of Kansas last year, appears to get the shot at right tackle.

http://www.bengals.com/news/article-...d-010172613abc

here we go...

RT.

To the ship.

That's the only option for him. He probably wouldn't want to come here because of it. He wouldn't make nearly as much money. Someone, somewhere will probably take a chance on this guy to protect their QB.

You should be playing RT, actually.

Get your ass out there.

Let's see what he's got left. :popcorn:

So how much casino cash are you going to give the first poster to suggest that we should bring him in and convert him to a blocking TE? Fullback? ;) :)

IF he would be willing to play RT and get paid RT money. I doubt it though.

Bring him in for a look.

Get this guy on a plane KCI-bound...

Get him here yesterday.....

A lion by days end???

****, I'd come cheap. You're not the first person to tell me that, actually. SOMEBODY GET ME PIOLI'S NUMBER STAT!!!

I'm all about giving him RT money.

I doubt Pioli is, though.

Get this guy on a plane KCI-bound... so he can connect to a different airline and keep on trucking to OAK.

That's what you meant... right?

Absolutely not.
I don't think he has a current 40 time on record.

We won't be doing anything with this guy until the market is set. If teams are willing to give him a shot at LT (and considering the dearth of talent in the NFL, I'm sure more than a few will) we have zero shot at getting him.

Exactly.

I think the market is fairly set at this point.
It's the third wave of Free Agency.
Teams have had 3 months to answer offensive line problems.
AND the draft is over.

I'm sure a couple teams might be interested, but I'd have to think his options are limited at this point. You don't leave your LT up in the air for 3 months of the off-season. RT maybe...

If the bengals OLine is so bad, and he was willing to play RT, why didn't they keep him?

He wouldn't be the first guy to take a paycut from anyone but his original team. Players do that shit all the time.

Teams always settle for what they have in the off-chance that a potential upgrade comes along later. It's going to depend on how many teams view him as an UPGRADE at LT.

They also have Andre Smith and Anthony Collins. No point in keeping someone who isn't going to start...and doesn't want to take a paycut.

is this where I say "print 'em?"

thisand this

We should seriously bring him in and move Albert over to RT, or even better to his natural, all-pro position, LG.
Posted via Mobile Device

I tend to agree.
I'm guessing there will be 5-6 teams vying for his services.

When I hear the name Levi Jones, the only thing that comes to mind is JA whipping his ass.

We are 30 million dollars under the cap. We should be one of those teams.

Why? He's not better than Brandon Albert and would likely want to be paid MORE.

Antifreeze.

I agree.

Last time I checked, we're not in the market for a left tackle.

We're not going to be in on Jones until the market is set. If teams are offering him LT jobs, at LT money, we're not in the running. Nor SHOULD we be.

:shake:Last time I checked, I never suggested he PLAY Left Tackle.
Put him on the right side.

Sarcasm.
Posted via Mobile Device

Bullshit. You were udderly serious.

Suggesting that we get involved right this instant is the same as suggesting he play left tackle. Because there's going to be teams calling TODAY that want him to play LT. If we want him to play RT, we'll have to wait for things to play out and hope he doesn't get any LT offers...

being he was a first round pick someone is dumb enough to think that still has value. I doubt he will take RT money, and DET and OAK will pay. OAK is just dumb enough to pay him LT money and put him at RT.
He kinda fits the mold there.

We sure as sh*t could use him.

I don't mind paying him like a LT to play RT, we have the money. People act like Albert is going to become the highest paid LT in history not matter what we do anyways.

The Chiefs stand to lose exactly nothing by making a phonecall to gauge Levi Jones' interest.

He may well get LT offers from a couple franchises, but at this point in the game I doubt seriously he'll have 10 teams standing in line for his services.

Most of them have already addressed the LT spot.

I'm merely suggesting that we put our names in the hat and see what happens.

Udderly?

http://www.thorndalefarms.com/udder2.JPG

Now you've made my attempt at humor totally moooooooooooot.

You may not mind, but I'm guessing Pioli will. They're not just going to throw money at people, especially when it's fairly obvious they don't think we need a RT nearly as much as people around here do.

Until he's gone around the NFL and determined there's no market for him as a LT, he won't be sniffing anywhere near KC.

I don't see the harm in putting our names out there, either. I just don't think it's realistic to expect that we will.

I've always been known to milk a good joke.

You never read any of my replies to drafting Monroe did you?

Udder nonsense.

What's the over/udder on you thinking I'm serious about your seriousness? Seriously...

I love all the talk of "LT" money. I think this is a myth. Good players make big bucks no matter what position they play. I think Alan Fanica and Steve Hutchison make more than some LT's in the league.

The market for Levi is note going to be set due to the position he plays, its going to be set by what teams think he can contribute.

Here is the deal Pace got from the Bears. I don't think Levi is going to get this kind of money, and knowing that he might be a good option for us at RT.

$1 million signing bonus
$3.4 million roster bonus
$250,000 workout bonus
$1.35 million base salary

Total: $6 million
Cap number: $5,333,333

2010

$250,000 workout bonus
$3.75 million base salary

Total: $4 million
Cap number: $4,333,333

2011

$250,000 workout bonus
$4.75 million base salary

Total: $5 million
Cap number: $5,333,333

Mooooooooooooove along folks. Nothing to see here.

I've seen that commercial. What is Luv? Baby don't hurt me. Don't hurt me. No mo.

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I think you knead to moooooove on.

If we could get him for 5, it would be worth it, imo.
Posted via Mobile Device

So the Bengals release Levi Jones and sign...Roy Williams? Seriously?

It's not solely about money. It's also about ego and pride. He's not going to come here to play RT if other teams want him to play LT.

This isn't Madden.

Of course you are.

It's in your DNA

There's a site that gives sacks allowed for O-Lineman, among other stats.

Anyone know how to find it?

I agree, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't see if he's interested in what we may have to offer. I'm no fool, if someone gives him a starting LT gig with similar $$$ to what we would offer him to play RT, he's going to go play LT.

Pace took less money to play for the bears because they were giving him that LT job. The ravens offered more money to play RT

Mr. Milknuts?

http://hosted.stats.com/fb/findplaye...on&position=95



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<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"> <td colspan="10">Career Offensive Line Stats</td> </tr><tr class="shsColTtlRow"><td style="width: 9%;">Year</td> <td style="width: 9%;">Team</td> <td style="width: 9%;">G</td> <td style="width: 9%;">GS</td> <td style="width: 9%;">Pen</td> <td style="width: 9%;">Yds</td> <td style="width: 10%;">False Start</td> <td style="width: 9%;">Holding</td> <td style="width: 9%;">Sacks Allwd</td> <td style="width: 9%;">Yds</td> </tr><tr class="shsRow0Row"><td class="shsNamD">2002</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin</td> <td class="shsNumD">16</td> <td class="shsNumD">14</td> <td class="shsNumD">6</td> <td class="shsNumD">37</td> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNumD">8.00</td> <td class="shsNumD">49.50</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"><td class="shsNamD">2003</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin</td> <td class="shsNumD">16</td> <td class="shsNumD">16</td> <td class="shsNumD">7</td> <td class="shsNumD">53</td> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNumD">12.00</td> <td class="shsNumD">93.50</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"><td class="shsNamD">2004</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin</td> <td class="shsNumD">16</td> <td class="shsNumD">16</td> <td class="shsNumD">7</td> <td class="shsNumD">35</td> <td class="shsNumD">7</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">8.50</td> <td class="shsNumD">54.50</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"><td class="shsNamD">2005</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin</td> <td class="shsNumD">15</td> <td class="shsNumD">15</td> <td class="shsNumD">6</td> <td class="shsNumD">41</td> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNumD">5.00</td> <td class="shsNumD">22.00</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"><td class="shsNamD">2006</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin</td> <td class="shsNumD">6</td> <td class="shsNumD">5</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">1.00</td> <td class="shsNumD">7.00</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"><td class="shsNamD">2007</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin</td> <td class="shsNumD">15</td> <td class="shsNumD">13</td> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> <td class="shsNumD">20</td> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">4.00</td> <td class="shsNumD">28.00</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"><td class="shsNamD">2008</td> <td class="shsNamD">Cin</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNumD">15</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">5.50</td> <td class="shsNumD">28.50</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"><td colspan="2" class="shsNamD">Totals</td> <td class="shsNumD">94</td> <td class="shsNumD">89</td> <td class="shsNumD">33</td> <td class="shsNumD">201</td> <td class="shsNumD">26</td> <td class="shsNumD">6</td> <td class="shsNumD">44.00</td> <td class="shsNumD">283.00</td> </tr></tbody></table>


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Mods.

We need a name change.

<table style="" http:="" hosted.stats.com="" images="" content_background.gif="" target="_blank"><tbody><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="left" valign="top"><table class="shsTable shsPlayerTable" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="shsTable shsPlayerTable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>http://hosted.stats.com/fb/graphics/...s/nfl_5112.jpg <!-- TEAMLOGO TEAMLOGO --> </td> <td style="vertical-align: middle;"> <table class="shsTable shsPlayerTable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr class="shsPlayerName"><td>Damion McIntosh | 77 | T</td></tr> <tr class="shsTeamName"><td>Kansas City Chiefs</td></tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td> <table class="shsTable shsPlayerTable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr class="shsPlayerInfo"> <td class="shsNamD" style="width: 40%;"> Height: 6-4 </td> <td class="shsNamD" style="width: 60%;"> Born: 3/25/1977 </td> </tr> <tr class="shsPlayerInfo"> <td class="shsNamD"> Weight: 328 </td> <td class="shsNamD">Birthplace: Kingston, Jamaica </td> </tr> <tr class="shsPlayerInfo"> <td class="shsNamD"> Exp: 10 years </td> <td class="shsNamD"> College: Kansas State </td> </tr> <tr class="shsPlayerInfo"> <td class="shsNamD" colspan="2"> Draft: 21 Chargers (2000), 3rd round</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!--TITLE PLAYER: Damion McIntosh-->
<table class="shsTable shsGriddedTable" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="shsTableTtlRow"> <td colspan="10">Career Offensive Line Stats</td> </tr><tr class="shsColTtlRow"><td style="width: 9%;">Year</td> <td style="width: 9%;">Team</td> <td style="width: 9%;">G</td> <td style="width: 9%;">GS</td> <td style="width: 9%;">Pen</td> <td style="width: 9%;">Yds</td> <td style="width: 10%;">False Start</td> <td style="width: 9%;">Holding</td> <td style="width: 9%;">Sacks Allwd</td> <td style="width: 9%;">Yds</td> </tr><tr class="shsRow0Row"><td class="shsNamD">2000</td> <td class="shsNamD">SD</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">0.00</td> <td class="shsNumD">0.00</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"><td class="shsNamD">2001</td> <td class="shsNamD">SD</td> <td class="shsNumD">15</td> <td class="shsNumD">14</td> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> <td class="shsNumD">20</td> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">2.50</td> <td class="shsNumD">17.00</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"><td class="shsNamD">2002</td> <td class="shsNamD">SD</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> <td class="shsNumD">6</td> <td class="shsNumD">50</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">1.00</td> <td class="shsNumD">20.00</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"><td class="shsNamD">2003</td> <td class="shsNamD">SD</td> <td class="shsNumD">13</td> <td class="shsNumD">13</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> <td class="shsNumD">55</td> <td class="shsNumD">6</td> <td class="shsNumD">2</td> <td class="shsNumD">6.00</td> <td class="shsNumD">52.00</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"><td class="shsNamD">2004</td> <td class="shsNamD">Mia</td> <td class="shsNumD">14</td> <td class="shsNumD">14</td> <td class="shsNumD">10</td> <td class="shsNumD">50</td> <td class="shsNumD">9</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">9.00</td> <td class="shsNumD">46.00</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"><td class="shsNamD">2005</td> <td class="shsNamD">Mia</td> <td class="shsNumD">16</td> <td class="shsNumD">16</td> <td class="shsNumD">5</td> <td class="shsNumD">30</td> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNumD">4.00</td> <td class="shsNumD">35.00</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"><td class="shsNamD">2006</td> <td class="shsNamD">Mia</td> <td class="shsNumD">13</td> <td class="shsNumD">13</td> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> <td class="shsNumD">25</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNumD">1</td> <td class="shsNumD">5.50</td> <td class="shsNumD">36.50</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow1Row"><td class="shsNamD">2007</td> <td class="shsNamD">KC</td> <td class="shsNumD">15</td> <td class="shsNumD">15</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNumD">15</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">7.50</td> <td class="shsNumD">65.50</td> </tr> <tr class="shsRow0Row"><td class="shsNamD">2008</td> <td class="shsNamD">KC</td> <td class="shsNumD">16</td> <td class="shsNumD">16</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNumD">15</td> <td class="shsNumD">3</td> <td class="shsNumD">0</td> <td class="shsNumD">7.00</td> <td class="shsNumD">56.00</td> </tr> <tr class="shsColTtlRow"><td colspan="2" class="shsNamD">Totals</td> <td class="shsNumD">115</td> <td class="shsNumD">111</td> <td class="shsNumD">44</td> <td class="shsNumD">260</td> <td class="shsNumD">35</td> <td class="shsNumD">4</td> <td class="shsNumD">42.50</td> <td class="shsNumD">328.00</td> </tr></tbody></table>


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Thanks, Mr. Krabs.

Now can someone tell me how I bookmark this?

Right Click somewhere on page that isn't active(link or picture etc) and then Bookmark this page

We threw our names in the Larry Foote hat when it was clear to everyone he would sign with Detroit.

Why wouldn't we do the same with Jones?

The Broncos are reportedly showing interest in free agent OT Levi Jones.
Jones might have a hard time passing a physical coming off extensive leg surgery, but a team will pass him if they want him bad enough. There are already a "handful" of clubs discussing signing the former Pro Bowl alternate.

Larry Foote fit the scheme AND the profile.

Levi Jones really doesn't.

I think Jones would fit in nicely and make this a GOOD Offensive Line.

They're so CUTE at this age.

Jones had somewhat of a questionable work ethic. I don't think he's the kind of guy Pioli and Co. want.

I can't recall his work ethic being questioned prior to just recently.
I could be wrong though.

He was a Bengal. It's inherent.

Bengal fans are talking about it now. They don't understand why they would let Jones go if they're going to replace him with a guy that has pretty much the same issues Jones did.