panel Posted May 31, 2003 Share Posted May 31, 2003 Bengals sign QB Matthews to one-year deal http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=bengalsmatthews&prov=st&type=lgns May 31, 2003 CINCINNATI (Ticker) - The Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday signed quarterback Shane Matthews in a move that perhaps could signal the end for Akili Smith. Matthews started seven games for the Washington Redskins last season and was signed as a free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March. However, after drafting quarterback Chris Simms in April, the Bucs waived Matthews. Ironically, the Bengals selected Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Carson Palmer with the first pick in the draft, but plan to keep Jon Kitna as the starter and wanted an experienced backup. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is familiar with Matthews, who started seven games for the Redskins last season when Lewis was the team's defensive coordinator. "Shane is an experienced NFL quarterback who has proven he can win games," Lewis said. "He has impressed me particularly as a very competitive guy. He can provide an element of stability to our football team." Matthews, 32, was juggled with Danny Wuerffel and rookie Patrick Ramsey at the quarterback spot by Redskins coach Steve Spurrier and threw for 1,251 yards and 11 touchdowns with nine interceptions for a 72.6 rating. A 10-year veteran, Matthews spent seven seasons with the Chicago Bears and two with the Carolina Panthers before reuniting with his college coach Spurrier in the nation's capital. He has passed for 4,712 yards and 30 touchdowns with 27 interceptions for a rating of 74.4. Smith, the third overall pick in the 1999 draft after quarterbacks Tim Couch and Donovan McNabb, never lived up to his billing with the Bengals and may be waived in June for salary cap purposes. Updated on Saturday, May 31, 2003 1:18 pm EDT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RP81 Posted June 1, 2003 Share Posted June 1, 2003 Cincy were having a good offseason up until yesterday..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlinginSammy HOF '63 Posted June 1, 2003 Share Posted June 1, 2003 I don't understand it. He wanted to be a starter so he leaves and goes to Cin. where he'll once again be a backup. He would've been a good backup here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phat Hog Posted June 1, 2003 Share Posted June 1, 2003 An OK #2-#3 spot backup, but hopfully Marvin isn't looknig at this as a long term deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NavyDave Posted June 1, 2003 Share Posted June 1, 2003 Smith is a Strong arm mobile QB who might be able to salvage his carrer in the CFL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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