Mark Curnutte

Readers have plenty of ideas and questions about upgrading the Bengals - especially on defense - before the start of the 2004 season.

Question from Charlie in Bardstown, Ky.: When is Coach Lewis planning to act on Corey Dillon and whether or not he will be around next year; and re-signing Rudi Johnson?

And do you think the Bengals have the salary cap room to bring in a Warren Sapp or a Pro Bowl type cornerback?

Will Corey Dillon be part of the Bengals' plans for next year? (Gary Landers photo)

Answer: A resolution to the Dillon situation might not occur until after June 1. If Dillon is released after that date, the Bengals can absorb the remaining $4.2 million on their salary cap in 2004 and 2005. Any move before June 1 that dismisses Dillon would force the team to take the entire hit in 2004.

Lewis isn't talking about Dillon, beyond saying that Dillon is bound by contract to the team for two more years. Still, most indications are Dillon won't be with the Bengals when they open training camp. One of those signs is Lewis' statement that re-signing Johnson - a restricted free agent - is a top offseason priority.

As for the Bengals' salary cap situation, they are in good shape to go after an A-list free agent or two. The Bengals have some flexibility, and Dillon figures into that equation.

Q, from Bob in Delhi Township: Any thoughts about picking up a killer middle linebacker? Saw Hardy make a lot of bad decisions this year.

A: Lewis has talked of the need for players to perform better in the defense and for some possible adjustments to the scheme. Just last week defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier was talking about moving Hardy outside, which would open the middle for a run-stopper.

Q, from Cody in West Virginia: Is it true that Ahmed Plummer was quoted as saying he would prefer to play for the Bengals?

A: In an interview with Cincinnati reporters before the Bengals-49ers game in December, Plummer - a product of Wyoming High School near Cincinnati - said he wouldn't mind coming home to play for Lewis. Still, the 49ers are expected to make an offer to him. Plummer would be an upgrade for the Bengals but is not in the league with Washington's Champ Bailey.

Q, from Chandler in Louisville: I am a member of a large Bengal contingency here in Louisville, and my question is this: It is hard to critique Lewis because he has done a monumental job in Bengal nation. However, why is stopping the run not the major free agent priority. Lewis keeps mentioning a cornerback. I think a need for a big run stopping/run clogging tackle is the strongest need.

As a beat writer, Mark, what do you think should be their priority for next year?

A: Lewis consistently says a defense stops the run with 11 players - not just the front four or front seven. He is not unaware of the problem with the run defense and is probably more upset about it than you.

The Bengals need help just about everywhere on defense, which also should benefit from a second season in the Lewis-Frazier system. And their biggest need on offense is depth on the line.

Q, from Doug in Atlanta (formerly of Anderson Township): I don't understand the nuances of compensation picks for lost free agents. Will the Bengals get a high compensation pick for the loss of Takeo Spikes?

A: The Bengals will get no compensation for Spikes. The Bengals, after designating Spikes as their transition player, had the opportunity to match the offer sheet Spikes signed in Buffalo in March. The Bengals chose not to match, effectively making Spikes a Bill.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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