Over the next three seasons, Holmes would appear in 42 games (18 starts) and catch 86 passes for 420 yards and nine touchdowns. This past season, Holmes played in all 16 games (1 start) but caught just 14 passes for 201 yards and four scores as Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper got the bulk of the targets.

 

Holmes' best season as a pro came in 2014 when he caught 47 passes for 693 yards and four touchdowns with rookie quarterback Derek Carr throwing him the ball. Holmes has shown some nice promise to this point in his pro career, but not enough that he'd be a sure bet as the No. 2 WR in the Bengals' offense. He's more likely to replace the numbers Sanu was putting up as a WR3.

 

At this point, it's really hard to gauge what kind of offers Holmes will draw in free agency. He's not the best guy out there, but in a very thin marker for receivers, several teams are probably willing to overpay to get him. It's unlikely the Bengals pay more than they think he's worth.

 

Bengals eyeing WR Andre Holmes, per report - Cincy Jungle

Those 2014 stats are not much different than what Marvin Jones did in 2013 and 2015.

Those 2014 stats are not much different than what Marvin Jones did in 2013 and 2015.

 

I don't think Marvin Jones is worth anywhere near 8 million a year.

 

I do hear what you are saying.

If the Bengals sign Holmes and he catches 50 passes for 800 yards and four touchdowns, does everyone agree letting Jones go was ok?

If the Bengals sign Holmes and he catches 50 passes for 800 yards and four touchdowns, does everyone agree letting Jones go was ok?

 

You have to ask @futurecoach

If the Bengals sign Holmes and he catches 50 passes for 800 yards and four touchdowns, does everyone agree letting Jones go was ok?

 

If he could do that then yes. With that said with Marvin Jones he hadn't even hitnhis ceiling yet.

 

You mention it's similar numbers to Jones but it's not. Jones had 18 more catches this year and almost 200 yards more receiving. You all do realize that is a bigger difference than you all think. Especially since Jones was also a third passing option, while Holmes did that as a 2nd option.

 

Not to mention in two years of starting Jones averaged 7 tds a season. Imo talent wise it is a drop. Jones has produced in only two years of getting to start. So most likely Jones best days havent even happened yet.

I will say this again I seriously hope I am dead wrong and that after next season you all could bring up how wrong I was on Jones and how we will miss him more than you all think. So I sure hope you all are right.

To put it this way two years ago when Jones didn't play and Sanu was the number 2 wr. We seen how poorly our pass offense and Dalton looked even on days Green played. Sanu that year had about 60 catches but as we know he wasn't that good of a number 2 wr and had a hard time getting seperation. So a wr may eventually get to 50 catches and 4 tds but it doesn't mean the offense is performing as well. What we do know is the two years Marvin Jones was the number 2 wr, the Bengals were a top 10 passing offense in the NFL. The years he didn't play the the Bengals weren't a great passing offense.

To put it this way two years ago when Jones didn't play and Sanu was the number 2 wr. We seen how poorly our pass offense and Dalton looked even on days Green played. Sanu that year had about 60 catches but as we know he wasn't that good of a number 2 wr and had a hard time getting seperation. So a wr may eventually get to 50 catches and 4 tds but it doesn't mean the offense is performing as well. What we do know is the two years Marvin Jones was the number 2 wr, the Bengals were a top 10 passing offense in the NFL. The years he didn't play the the Bengals weren't a great passing offense.

 

I think it had more to do with missing Eifert than Jones. But missing both just made it worse. I'm not paying Jones 7 or 8 million to be our 3rd option. It makes zero sense.

I think it had more to do with missing Eifert than Jones. But missing both just made it worse. I'm not paying Jones 7 or 8 million to be our 3rd option. It makes zero sense.

 

It makes sense if you have the money and can do it without hurting chances of extending other guys. People have said they trust the Bengals now right? Well the Bengals were willing to pay Jones basically the same amount the Lion's paid him. So obviuosly the front office that we all have learned to trust thought it was a price worth paying.

 

I think people forget he basically only played 2 seasons and is only 25. So he is just now entering his prime. A young talented guy who is in their prime is worth paying as long as it doesnt hurt other things. Which apparently it wouldn't have since the Bengals were willing to pay him that too.

The reality is he'd be a 4th option as best. Balls are going to Green, Eifert, the backs and then the #2 WR.