Thursday, April 13, 2000
Jets interested in Pickens
Bengals may be able to deal surly stars
BY Neil Schmidt
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The NFL's annual high-stakes poker game is picking up pace. Now Carl Pickens has joined Corey Dillon as a potential card the Bengals could deal in the draft.
Two outside trades Wednesday each set up scenarios for Cincinnati to deal its disenchanted duo. More trades, perhaps here and elsewhere, seem certain.
“There are 11 trades already, and I think that's the most ever,” draft guru Jerry Jones said. “This can get crazy now. The Jets can do anything will all their picks.”
The Jets' deal Wednesday that sent wideout Keyshawn Johnson to Tampa Bay for two first-round picks now gives New York four choices between the 13th and 27th in that round — the most first-rounders ever for one team.
Because of the high cost of paying four first-rounders, and New York's need for Johnson's replacement, they have inquired about Pickens. The Newark (N.J.) Star-Ledger reported the Jets called the Bengals and told them not to make a move involving Pickens without checking with them first.
That news follows word Tuesday that Baltimore offered to trade two picks for Dillon: the 15th choice in the first round and an undetermined later-round pick.
The Ravens traded that No.15 pick and a second-round pick (No.45) Wednesday for Denver's first-round
selection at No.10. Baltimore now may have more attractive bait for the Bengals.
If Cincinnati trades its Pro Bowl running back, it would need to draft his replacement. Of the top four backs in the draft — Virginia's Thomas Jones, Alabama's Shaun Alexander, Tennessee's Jamal Lewis and Wisconsin's Ron Dayne — it's possible all would be picked before No.15.
But if Baltimore offers the 10th pick for Dillon, the Bengals could feel more assured they'd get a back they like. Alexander — a Boone County High grad — is a favorite, and most experts say the first team that is targeting him is the New York Giants.
Who pick 11th.
“I like the Bengals' scenario if they make that deal,” said Richard Katz, Alexander's agent. “Now they would (have) the No.4 and No.10 picks and could probably have Shaun if they want him.
“Nothing against Dillon, but I think people get tired of the (negativity). Moving into a new stadium, getting two guys in the top 10, that's pretty strong.”
The Bengals denied comment on possible trades.
“At this point in the year, we talk about things all the time,” Bengals coach Bruce Coslet said. “Until a deal is done, there is no deal.”
The Bengals make no secret of their desire to dump Pickens. The eight-year pro is the team's all-time leading receiver but has declining trade value. Other teams know of his attitude problems, and some are more inclined to draft from among a pool of strong receivers this weekend than trade for Pickens.
Dillon, a restricted free agent, has demanded a trade. If not, he threatens to sit out all but the final six games of the season — the minimum to reach free agency — then bolt.
Asked if having Pickens and Dillon back this fall would mean problems, Coslet said: “Not so much Corey. But we're going to reach an understanding with Carl if he decides to come back.
“People will say, "Why don't you trade Pickens?' We've never, ever been offered anything for Pickens. Ever.”
Now people are calling. The Bengals are listening.
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