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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2009 > October > 16 > Entry
John Busing: A Bengal who got away
Houston Texans strong safety John Busing will be on familiar ground when he takes the field at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday. The ex-Bengal returns to Cincinnati for the first time since his departure this offseason.
After the 2008 season, Busing became a restricted free agent but was not tendered an offer by the Bengals, making him an unrestricted free agent.
“It’s crazy not being in the Southwest Ohio area after being there for seven years,” Busing said in a recent phone interview. “We tried to sign back with Cincinnati, but things just didn’t work out.”
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Bengals offered Busing a 1-year advantageous deal later on, but pulled the offer off the table without informing representatives of a timetable for negotiations.
Busing spent four years playing outside linebacker for the Miami RedHawks before signing with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He was moved to strong safety, placed on the practice squad, and never given much opportunity to see the field except on special-teams. When the team failed to retain Busing, the Texans signed him.
Now here’s something I find very interesting. Busing could barely find his way off the practice squad in Cincinnati, but goes to the Texans and becomes a contributor. Haven’t we heard this story before with wide receiver Kevin Walter? It’s like deja vu.
According to reports, Texans head coach Gary Kubiak put Busing on a list of players to keep an eye on in training camp. The safety didn’t disappoint. Busing was outstanding on special teams and playing safety. He preformed so well during the preseason that he earned a spot on the team’s 53-man roster. The coaching staff is said to be quite fond of the player.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity the Texans gave me to compete and earn a spot on the 53-man roster,’ Busing said. “Kevin (Walter) has been killing it down here since he left Cincinnati. Hopefully, I can have some of the success that he’s experienced.”
The 6-foot-2, 218-pound Busing has already achieved some things in Texas that escaped him in Cincy. One being a chance to compete. Busing has played in all five games for the Texans, making one start. He started in place of Dominique Barber in the game against Jacksonville and recorded five tackles.
Busing won’t be in the starting lineup against the Bengals but will play special teams and could see some action on defense.
I believe the Bengals coaching staff got caught in the hype of safety Corey Lynch and failed to realize the development of Busing. I find it interesting that the Bengals have developed two players only to have them move on to Houston and have success.
During our conversation Busing was careful not to give his former teammates any locker room material. So he closed with these words:
“After spending three seasons in Cincinnati it’s going to be strange walking into PBS as a visitor,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing my old teammates, coaches and competing against them. I wish the best for those guys.”
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Jacob
October 16, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this
As a Bengal and RedHawk fan, I felt bad for Busing because I knew he would never get a chance to compete for a job while with the Bengals. Duke Tobin loved him coming out of college but doesn’t call the shots in Cincy. I’m very happy for John. The Texans got themselves a good player and person!
By brutus
October 16, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this
Kevin Walter was great while he was here. I’ll never understand why he wasn’t re-signed. Tough loss…
By Mad Dog
October 16, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this
That’s the Bengals M.O. They develop players and let them get away by being cheap. Busing was a better player than Lynch’s candy @ss!
By Tony
October 16, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this
Maybe Busing was better than Lynch, but regardless Lynch only made it to the practice squad and was signed away as well, so either way we probably lose Busing because he would not have made the team ahead of R. Williams, Crocker, or Ndukwe.
By diappointed
October 17, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this
It’s a shame, just think how good the Bengals would be if they had this guy on the practice squad…they would be 4 and 1 and in first place.I think they should trade Cedric Benson to the Texans for him…just think how good the practice squad would be with this great talent on it.
By richardo
October 18, 2009 5:28 PM | Link to this
Busing is a former Redhawk (aka Redskin) enough said..too bad Bengals!