Rudi Released - Perry The Man In Cincy

August 30, 2008 at 1:55 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |

Rudi Released - Perry The Man In Cincy The Cincinnati Bengals continue to make interesting decisions this off-season. After keeping a man who stirred it up more than Bob Marley while demanding a trade and wants to legally change his last name to Ocho Cinco, then cutting and re-signing a freaking criminal (Chris Henry), the franchise cut ties with a man who rushed for 1,300 yards and 12 TDs in three straight seasons.

In a weird way, releasing Rudi Johnson made the most sense of all the Bengals’ off-season moves. Let’s face it, he was horrible last season, and hadn’t shown anything yet this off-season. He’s on the verge of 30 and has symptoms of Shaun Alexander syndrome. You know, lack of explosiveness, the “dropsies”, extreme loss of confidence, and inability to fight off nagging injuries.

For Bengals fans, this move may not make sense, as they’re now looking at a 26 year old kid who hasn’t been able to stay healthy for four of his five seasons in the NFL - to be their featured back. For fantasy owners, however, there is now much more clarity to the Bengals RB situation. Yes, Kenny Watson is there, but make no mistake about it - Chris Perry is the man.

Well, we wish we would have called this one, but we didn’t. At least we haven’t been high on Rudi Johnson since last season, and we definitely have mentioned not to count out former 2004 first round draft pick. Perry is large - at 6′0″, 227 lbs. - explosive, and a great receiver out of the backfield. If he can stay healthy, he’ll be exactly what the Bengals have needed in their backfield.

Chances are, he’s not available in your league, but if he is - go get him NOW! He may not end up being more than a solid flex play in PPR leagues, but he’s a lot more valuable now that he’ll be given a full chance at a lead role. That’s right. You may read elsewhere that Watson will split reps, but that’s not the case. Marvin Lewis knows what Perry can do, and he’ll give him every opportunity to strut his stuff, again, as long as he’s healthy enough.

Owners that have him as an extra, and can get more legit, proven players for him, should look to do so immediately. Why?

This may not exactly be the best year for the Bengals franchise. Their offense is destined to see more downs than ups this season, and Perry carrying the load will be a reason why.

Don’t get it twisted, he has value - serious value. However, he’s not a franchise fantasy player due to this move. If you can move him for a more proven starting WR or RB - do it. If your league is low-balling you, just keep him and hope he is productive enough to help your team - he just may be.

So - what will happen to Rudi? Honestly, not much. With guys like Shaun Alexander, Ron Dayne, Cedric Benson and Travis Henry still unsigned, Rudi may not fit in anywhere. We’re hearing New Orleans is a possibility, and keep an eye on Houston and Detroit as well, but don’t be surprised if Rudi can’t find a home for a while - Cincy may have been his best shot.

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