The Bengals won't be the boldest travelers on the free-agency highway, they're merely proceeding with the flow of traffic.
But unlike other clubs, they'll have some ability to accelerate, which could help them secure the
linebacker, cornerback or offensive lineman they need.
''It's going to be a really slow approach for us,'' said Jim Lippincott, the Bengals' director of pro personnel and scouting. ''We're not going to run out there and do something famous on the first day or two.''
This denied Cincinnati coveted linebacker Chad Brown, who signed with Seattle late Friday. But though the Bengals probably won't sign anybody this weekend as free-agency season begins,
they've positioned themselves better than most:
With most teams at or above the $41.45 million salary cap, deals are expected to be made at a painstaking rate as clubs try to manipulate payrolls by cutting players or restructuring contracts.
Cincinnati General Manager Mike Brown estimated the NFL's 30 teams have $60 million available for free-agent spending, and that's only if every club reached its cap limit.
While other teams struggle just to make an offer, the Bengals, who are believed to have between $3 million and $4 million under the cap, can shop without having to slash their roster first. Though they won't spend freely, they can bargain freely, enabling them to obtain a suitable player at what they consider a fair price.
''You cannot overspend on anybody,'' Lippincott said.
The Bengals' measured pace could assist them in some cases and will hamper them in others.
For example, running back Garrison Hearst's anticipated crawl toward a contract might improve Cincinnati's long odds to retain him. Pat Dye Jr., Hearst's agent, declined to state Friday how many teams have expressed interest in his client.
But one agent familiar with Hearst's situation said several teams would pursue the unrestricted free agent only if they couldn't sign their own running backs first.
''I think it'll be a fairly deliberate
process,'' Dye said. ''There are a lot of pieces to this puzzle.''
As for the Bengals' interest in Hearst, who should command a raise from his $2.06 million 1996 salary, Dye said, ''It was duly noted.''
Another free agent the Bengals can forget is cornerback Ray Buchanan, whom Indianapolis designated as a ''transition'' player, which ensures Buchanan of a contract worth at least $2.787 million for one year.
Previous stories
BENGALS HAVE CAP ROOM FOR FREE AGENTS Feb. 15, 1997
BENGALS WON'T CHASE TOP FREE AGENTS Feb. 14, 1997
