http://www.bengals.com/press/news.as...0&news_id=2912
Boulware: Bengals interested?
Except for Webster, Boulware is a bigger question mark than any on the list. He played in every game for seven years for the Ravens, but Baltimore cut him earlier this week after he missed the last game of the 2003 season and all of last year with knee and toe problems. And Lewis admits there are many obstacles to jump in order for him to become a Bengal.
But Boulware has done in Hall of Fame fashion what the Bengals want to do with No. 1 pick David Pollack. After moving from college defensive end to NFL outside linebacker under Lewis in Baltimore in the late ‘90s, Boulware has rung up the 67.5 sacks of a pure pass rusher. And that does intrigue Lewis, but the money may be prohibitive because the Bengals have just about enough left under their salary cap to sign their draft picks and Braham. Figure about $5 million when you include a reserve for injured players.
“Any player I’ve coached would interest me because, No. 1, I love him to death,” Lewis said. “Second, this guy is a tremendous athlete, a tremendous player. Basically, we drafted David Pollack to fit that spot and do what Peter did for us in Baltimore. But there is still room for a Peter Boulware.”
Lewis says he could find plenty of snaps for Boulware to be a factor, but the Bengals have to decide if those specialty plays on passing downs would be commensurate with the salary he would command.
“We would have to cross a lot of bridges both physically and obviously financially,” Lewis said. “We’re not going to bridge those waters until we would feel very good about making the deal. Because I don’t want people to be disappointed if we choose to go in a different direction or he does.”
It sounds like the Bengals are going to see where the bidding goes, and it just might not flat out fit under their cap right away. Lewis said he won’t schedule a visit unless things are already pretty much in place.
“We’re not going to go that far until it’s something we’re committed to doing and he’s committed to being here,” Lewis said.
Lewis is more confident about the 34-year-old Braham coming back into the fold for his 12th season in what is expected to be a one-year deal.
“Richie has done a tremendous job for our football team,” Lewis said. “With him here, he’ll continue to be the great leader that he is with the toughness he brings.”