Reunion interests Sharper
One of Marvin Lewis high-profile Super Bowl defenders is interested in re-joining him in Cincinnati, but a few things have to happen first.
Linebacker Jamie Sharper, who had 20 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions during the Ravens championship postseason for Lewis in 2000, is on the trading block in Houston and he has told his agent he finds playing for Lewis again intriguing.
But Tony Agnone said Wednesday it doesnt look promising that a trade can be struck with any team.
Were looking into a release, said Agnone, the Baltimore-based agent who has a good relationship with Lewis from his six seasons there as the Ravens defensive coordinator.
Its up to the Texans, and obviously wed like to get Jamie on the market as quickly as possible, Agnone said. He loves Marvin. Hes his guy, his mentor, whatever you want to call him. Jamie would love to be able to sit down and talk with Marvin, but he cant and we cant. Weve been given permission to seek a trade, but not permission to talk.
Agnone wouldnt comment when asked if he had approached the Bengals about a trade, but he indicated they are one of the teams leading Sharpers list.
Sharper, who turns 31 late in the season, has never missed an NFL game in the eight years since Lewis helped draft him in the second round out of Virginia in 1997. He is one season removed from leading the NFL in tackles with 195 and in each of three seasons with the Texans he has had at least 137 tackles.
The 6-3, 240-pound Sharper, who works mainly on the inside, is an athletic ball hawk who would also help the Bengals raise themselves from No. 26 in NFL run defense. Although Houston is moving in a different direction at backer, Sharper is coming off a 137-tackle season in which he returned one of his two fumble recoveries for a touchdown. Hes also got 25 career sacks.
Agnone anticipates Sharper playing on the left, or strong side, if he ended up in Cincinnati, but also said he could play the middle because of his experience playing inside in the Texans 3-4 alignment.
I think the thing he wants to do is to be able to sit down with Marvin, Agnone said. But that cant happen yet and were hoping things move along.
What is not clear yet is if the Bengals have been holding off to make a run like this in free agency, or if they simply dont have the salary cap room to make such a move. There has been some speculation they may be waiting for March 12, when Sharpers brother, safety Darren, is expected to be released by the Packers.
In a bit of a twist, the Bengals keep talking about a long-term deal with the agent for running back Rudi Johnson, a guy that just happens to be friends with the Sharpers. They grew up in Richmond, Va., not far from Johnson in Ettrick, Va.
Also Wednesday, the situation of Dolphins defensive lineman Bryan Robinson looked to be status quo, with the Bengals, Broncos and Cowboys in the picture.