Friday, May 25, 2001

Bengals re-sign Copeland

The Bengals re-signed DL John Copeland on Thursday, one month after releasing him, to a two-year contract. When the Bengals released Copeland on April 23, two days after they selected Missouri DE Justin Smith in the draft, they hoped to re-sign him for less money. Terms of the deal were not announced.

PFW: What do you think about this signing?

Buchsbaum: While Copeland has never come close to living up to being the fifth-overall pick in the 1993 draft, he has been the Bengals’ best lineman more years than not, since he joined the team. He is a decent NFL defensive end who could also play tackle. He could probably play all four positions for a team. He’s a very solid backup and swingman at the least, and they got him at a reasonable price.

Browns sign OG Tré Johnson

The Browns added another lineman to help their pitiful running game on Thursday by signing former Pro Bowl offensive guard Tré Johnson to a one-year contract.

PFW: What are your thoughts on this signing?

Buchsbaum: If he’s healthy, if he’s in shape and if he can control his weight, he can be a Pro Bowl guard. He’s as dominating a run-blocking guard when he’s at the top of his game as anyone in the game. The problem with Johnson is that he’s generally overweight, out of shape and hurt. He also has a tendency to have concentration lapses in the game and get beaten badly at times. If you grade him, he does things perfectly sometimes and is just totally awesome, but other times he has breakdowns and gives up sacks, pressures and things he should not give up to lesser players.

Patriots sign TE McWilliams

TE Johnny McWilliams, who caught 22 passes for 180 yards and three touchdowns last year for the Vikings, was signed by the Patriots. The six-year veteran had his best year for the Cardinals in 1998, when he caught 26 passes for 284 yards and four touchdowns.

PFW: What do you think about this move by the Patriots?

Buchsbaum: It’s going to be three strikes and you’re out for McWilliams, unless he makes a splash this time. McWilliams is a guy with size, speed, hands, athletic ability and everything else teams are looking for in a tight end. He looks like the prototype guy, and at times he has played very well during his career. But to date, he’s been more of a tease than a consistent producer, and that’s why the Cardinals and Vikings gave up on him. If he ever connects, he could be the Patriots’ answer at tight end, but the odds are stacked against him.

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2000 - 2001 Season