NFL 2010: Five Reasons Why the Bengals Should Sign JaMarcus Russell

The Oakland Raiders recently released quarterback JaMarcus Russell. The former No. 1 overall pick almost certainly will get a second chance. He has all the skills to become a good NFL quarterback.

This article says Russell is the worst No. 1 pick ever. Forget all of that.

ESPN's Adam Schefter claims that the Bengals and others have called Russell, but that "there are no plans for him to be at any minicamps now."

Here is why the Bengals should sign JaMarcus Russell.

Skills

In JaMarcus Russell's last season at LSU, he put up 3,129 yards, a 67.8 percent completion percentage, and 9.15 yards per attempt. He ran a pro-style offense and led the nation in passing efficiency. HIs pro day was considered by many to be the the best pro day ever seen. He was thought to be a very intelligent player who knew game plans inside and out.

The bottom line: This guy is better than any quarterback the Bengals have not named Carson Palmer.

Development

Sometimes quarterbacks take four to five years to develop.

Russell had two.

Quarterbacks develop at different paces. Some catch on right away, while other take some time. Of course, some never do.

Russell performed well this year in minicamp. He was starting to show the effort that is needed to be an NFL quarterback.

He was only cut because he would have been owed $9 million.

Need

The Bengals need a backup behind starter Carson Palmer.

J.T. O'Sullivan was hard to watch in 2009. Jordan Palmer is nothing more than roster fodder.

Russell would be able to learn from Carson Palmer what it takes to succeed.

Bengals owner Mike Brown is well known for taking chances on projects. If the money is right, it makes sense. Russell has made a ton of dough and may sign an incentive-laden deal.

System

It's no secret that Russell struggled last year.

Any young quarterback would have struggled for the 2009 Raiders. They had injuries along the offensive line, and the wide receivers were rookies.

Put Russell on a better team with a better line and receivers and add a little more experience, and things would change.

Insurance

As the Bengals found out in 2008, if Carson Palmer goes down, the team is sunk.

The same thing would happen this year. Anyone that thinks J.T. O'Sullivan or Jordan Palmer can get the Bengals to the playoffs is crazy. Russell would give them a chance to win some games.

There aren't many times when a guy with Russell's skills is available. The Bengals would be wise to take advantage.

More Bengal articles

For more good stuff about the Bengals:

This article looks at Carson Palmer's career and why he hasn't gotten a playoff win.

This article gives five reasons why the Bengals signed Adam "Pacman" Jones.

This article asks some questions about the Bengals draft.

This article wonders whether Marvin Lewis should be signed to an extension.

Don't cost nothin'.