Magus Relmyn
04-10-2004, 06:58 AM
Denver, Cincy swap picks and CB O'Neal
NFL.com wire reports
CINCINNATI (April 9, 2004) -- The Cincinnati Bengals obtained talented but erratic cornerback Deltha O'Neal from the Denver Broncos in a trade that also involved a swap of first-round draft picks.
The trade gives Denver Cincinnati's first-round pick, No. 17 overall, in return for the 24th slot. Cincinnati also received the Broncos' fourth-round pick.
The Bengals had been looking to draft a cornerback. But the three best -- DeAngelo Hall of Virginia Tech, Dunta Robinson of South Carolina and Chris Gamble or Ohio State -- are likely to be gone by the 17th pick.
O'Neal, Denver's first-round pick in 2000 and a Pro Bowler in 2001, gives the Bengals a potential starting cornerback to pair with Tory James, another ex-Bronco.
O'Neal, benched last year after being beaten five times for touchdowns early in the season, also will get the opportunity to return punts and kickoffs. In his four seasons, O'Neal had 128 punt returns for a 10.4-yard average and two touchdowns, but also botched a free kick against New England last season that cost the Broncos a game.
"His ability to return kicks is a part of why he's here," coach Marvin Lewis said.
O'Neal signed a five-year contract with Cincinnati to run through the 2008 season. He had been entering the final season of his contract with the Broncos.
He has 15 career interceptions in 61 games, including 36 starts. He had nine interceptions in his Pro Bowl season.
O'Neal conceded that Denver coach Mike Shanahan had given up on him.
"I probably was having a terrible season," he replied when he was asked about that. "It's just business. Mike Shanahan and I were always friends. I'm moving on."
Since Cincinnati's season finale on Dec. 28, 10 members of the 53-man roster are no longer with the team. That includes cornerbacks Jeff Burris and Artrell Hawkins, whose contracts were terminated.
The Bengals have explored a trade of disgruntled running back Corey Dillon, who was replaced as a starter last season by Rudi Johnson.
Lewis also has promoted Carson Palmer, the Bengals' No. 1 draft pick last year, to the starter at quarterback for this fall.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
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I suppose this is a good pickup for Cincinnati.
Just what they need; another lethal kick returner. :eek:
NFL.com wire reports
CINCINNATI (April 9, 2004) -- The Cincinnati Bengals obtained talented but erratic cornerback Deltha O'Neal from the Denver Broncos in a trade that also involved a swap of first-round draft picks.
The trade gives Denver Cincinnati's first-round pick, No. 17 overall, in return for the 24th slot. Cincinnati also received the Broncos' fourth-round pick.
The Bengals had been looking to draft a cornerback. But the three best -- DeAngelo Hall of Virginia Tech, Dunta Robinson of South Carolina and Chris Gamble or Ohio State -- are likely to be gone by the 17th pick.
O'Neal, Denver's first-round pick in 2000 and a Pro Bowler in 2001, gives the Bengals a potential starting cornerback to pair with Tory James, another ex-Bronco.
O'Neal, benched last year after being beaten five times for touchdowns early in the season, also will get the opportunity to return punts and kickoffs. In his four seasons, O'Neal had 128 punt returns for a 10.4-yard average and two touchdowns, but also botched a free kick against New England last season that cost the Broncos a game.
"His ability to return kicks is a part of why he's here," coach Marvin Lewis said.
O'Neal signed a five-year contract with Cincinnati to run through the 2008 season. He had been entering the final season of his contract with the Broncos.
He has 15 career interceptions in 61 games, including 36 starts. He had nine interceptions in his Pro Bowl season.
O'Neal conceded that Denver coach Mike Shanahan had given up on him.
"I probably was having a terrible season," he replied when he was asked about that. "It's just business. Mike Shanahan and I were always friends. I'm moving on."
Since Cincinnati's season finale on Dec. 28, 10 members of the 53-man roster are no longer with the team. That includes cornerbacks Jeff Burris and Artrell Hawkins, whose contracts were terminated.
The Bengals have explored a trade of disgruntled running back Corey Dillon, who was replaced as a starter last season by Rudi Johnson.
Lewis also has promoted Carson Palmer, the Bengals' No. 1 draft pick last year, to the starter at quarterback for this fall.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I suppose this is a good pickup for Cincinnati.
Just what they need; another lethal kick returner. :eek: