Bengals hang on to Nelson: The Bengals have agreed to a four-year deal with safety Reggie Nelson, who was one of their unrestricted free agents. The move bolsters a secondary that was one of their main concerns in the offseason. Nelson started every game for the Bengals last season and led the team with four interceptions and added 85 total tackles and 12 passes defensed, both career-highs. (Updated 03/20/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/26/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Nelson might have played big last season to earn a rich new contract, so there could be some issues in trusting him in Fantasy play. If you draft him as a No. 2 DB with a middle- to late-round pick, you should be all right. (Updated 03/20/2012).
05/20/2012 12:37 Got a (Big) Nickel? You'll need one to combat hybrid offenses this fall
The defense was introduced by Bill Belichick, but it's the Patriots offense that's sparking a revival. Pat Kirwan looks at the Big Nickel, where an extra safety is the key, and how your team might need it to thwart new hybrid attacks.
Reggie Nelson cashed in on his contract year in 2011. Now we'll see if he has anything left in the tank for 2012. Nelson re-upped with the Bengals this offseason and remains a starter in their defensive backfield after totaling 85 tackles, two sacks, 12 passes defensed, four interceptions (one returned for a score) and two forced fumbles last season. All of those stats either matched or exceeded personal bests for Nelson except for the interceptions; he had five as a rookie. Nelson has been a gross disappointment in the past, including in his first year with the Bengals in 2010. We wouldn't consider Nelson a reliable Fantasy starter outside of deeper leagues because the risk involved. Don't be shocked to see him regress after getting paid. (Updated 4/19/12)
