Cynics might say that the Bengals winning a few games at the end of the season doesn't mean a thing. After all, Cincinnati has been down this road before and it hasn't helped build momentum for the next season. But several Bengals players coming up on free agency say that if the team finishes strong, it might sway them to return to Cincinnati. Cincinnati will have nine unrestricted free agents at season's end, including Jones and four other starters.
Players look forward to the day when they have options.
Most will go where the money is, although some will turn down a higher salary in favor of landing with a winning organization. But Jones is not alone in his thinking that the Bengals finally might be rounding into shape. It's the worst-kept secret in the Cincinnati locker room that Blake will bolt after the season. The Bengals have made no attempt to re-sign him and likely will pick up a veteran to back up Smith next year. We invested a tremendous amount of money in Akili, and it's very difficult to keep two potential starting quarterbacks on the team.