Though it can be boring, this is why I generally like the Bengals' method of saving their money to re-sign the guys they've drafted, rather than going big in the FA market every year or so. There is often too much risk in the Risk/Reward ratio.
Look at Michael Johnson. The guy was a stud for Cincinnati as a pass-rush specialist, though he really improved as an all-around DE before he left for Tampa. Then he goes to Tampa for big money, but Tampa gets almost zero return on that investment. Maybe it's because Johnson got paid and didn't work hard; maybe it's because the team around him offered him no help; maybe it's because Mike Zimmer knew how use him and Tampa's coaches didn't.
Regardless, spending huge money on a huge prospect making a huge situation change is very risky, and some teams just can't take those risks. It gets frustrating trying to debate this with other Cincy fans.
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