Sam Adams a Bengal; Officially Signed

[HairOnFire]

The less he plays the more expensive his contract will be? I thought the extra million in incentives he has for this year is primarily based on playing time. So the less he plays the less his contract is right??

Yeah, I guess I should have said the less he plays the more expensive his contract will "seem" to be. It's funny how leaving out a single word changes the intent, ehh?

My point boils down to this. I think even 3 million per season for a part-time player with endurance issues is probably too much money, and if he plays less than anticipated it will "seem" like an even worse deal than it does today.

[Kazkal]

ted wash is 38 and still has alittle gas left in him so hopfully will atleast be able get 2 years out of adams

[jjakq27]

True story....yesterday I was at my daughter's track meet and LB coach Rickey Hundley was there with his daughter. They were in the same event and we were standing next to each other. I asked him if big Sam had signed yet and he said no, that he was supposed to sign today (Sunday) pending the outcome of the physical and that he was scheduled to begin working out with the team on Monday. He didn't have much more to say other than he thinks he is "just another piece of the puzzle." Hopefully the physical went OK.

Right place, right time for a little insider info.

Doesn't sound like it's likely to cross Hunley's path again, but if it happens, I for one would be real interested to hear what he has to say about Chris Gocong from Cal Poly. Hunley led the LB drills for Gocong at his Pro Day, so he should have a formed opinion about Gocong as both a LB and DE.

If I see him again, I will try to remember. I asked him some inane question about David Pollack, leading up to the big question about whether the boys are going with a 4-3 or a 3-4 but he had enough of me! Seriously, we got interrupted by someone in his group and we were done.

He was very pleasant but seemed more focused on his daughter for some reason....

[Whur CHad At?]

Ok, I've not been a big Sam Adams fan. But, I must say I really liked his attitude when he said he was now on Bengals' time, and would be here all week, whatever Marvin wants him to do, he will do.

I like the fact that his reason for signing here was clear, Marvin Lewis.

I've officially changed my mind. I like this signing.

No you can't change your mind. You ripped this guy out of your mind before. Now you have changed...? Bandwaggoner

[ArmyBengal]

I wonder how big Sam feels about playing with Arrington... Wait a minute, does big Sam have the super-secret squirrel clearance necessary to know Arrington is on the team yet ?? All that G-14 classified information can wreak havoc on the chemistry of a team, I hope they figure that out soon.

Anyway, this is nothing but good in my mind. I don't care if he has one sack the whole year, as long as he eats up the space and keeps the blockers off of our LB's. Him being in the rotation is a good thing !!!

WHODEY !!!

[Jeffro35744]

It's official...Adams signed, sealed and delivered

The Bengals today signed DT Sam Adams, an unrestricted free agent from Buffalo, to a three-year contract.

Adams (6-4, 335) is a 13th-year NFL player in 2006. He has earned three Pro Bowl selections in the last six years. He was the No. 8 overall pick in the 1994 draft by Seattle, and played six seasons for the Seahawks before signing as an unrestricted free agent with Baltimore in 2000. He earned his first Pro Bowl berth while starting every game for the Super Bowl champion Ravens, and played one more season in Baltimore before going on to play one season in Oakland (2002) and the last three in Buffalo. His other two Pro Bowl seasons were in 2001 for Baltimore and '04 for Buffalo.

Adams was a Pro Bowl alternate for Buffalo last season, starting the first eight games before an ankle injury limited him to six games with one start in the season's second half. He has missed only six games in his last six seasons. He has 179 career games played with 150 starts (regular season), and has 436 tackles with 42 sacks.

"We're excited to have Sam join the Bengals," said head coach Marvin Lewis, who was Adams' defensive coordinator at Baltimore. "His abilities, both physically and mentally, will upgrade our defensive unit."

Per Lance

We have our Fatty in the middle!

[Whur CHad At?]

Yes, this is really old news. Nice to hear it again though

[HoosierCat]

My point boils down to this. I think even 3 million per season for a part-time player with endurance issues is probably too much money,

Well, hang on for a sec, I haven't seen anything that says it's a $3 million per season contract. What I've seen is that it will pay Sam a bit more than $3 million in 2006, with an opportunity to ring the $4 million bell if he hits certain incentives.

I interpret that $3 million-ish year one figure to the combination of his salary plus a signing bonus. Minimum salary for a zillion-year vet like Sam is in the $1 million neighborhood, which would put the SB at a bit more than $2 million.

That's basically what they gave Robinson last year: $900k salary and $2.2 million bonus = $3.2 million in year one.

My guess is Sam's deal will turn out a lot like B-Rob's. Three years, $6-7 million total, with a couple million in incentives that may push it to $9 million or so -- but that only happens if he kicks butt, in which case he'll deserve every penny.

My biggest concern over Sam is simply that he isn''t really what we need. His greatest successes have come with another big, good DT next to him. Alone, he has struggled. In short, Adams isn't a force in and of himself, but more of a force multiplier. And unfortunately, the Bengals have precious little force on the d-line for him to work with. Ten times zero is still zip. Now, get a Bunkley or a Watson or a Wright in the first couple rounds (heck, I'll take a Harris or Wroten or Mahelona) and the Bengals just might find themselves cooking with propane...

[Kazkal]

My point boils down to this. I think even 3 million per season for a part-time player with endurance issues is probably too much money,

Well, hang on for a sec, I haven't seen anything that says it's a $3 million per season contract. What I've seen is that it will pay Sam a bit more than $3 million in 2006, with an opportunity to ring the $4 million bell if he hits certain incentives.

I interpret that $3 million-ish year one figure to the combination of his salary plus a signing bonus. Minimum salary for a zillion-year vet like Sam is in the $1 million neighborhood, which would put the SB at a bit more than $2 million.

That's basically what they gave Robinson last year: $900k salary and $2.2 million bonus = $3.2 million in year one.

My guess is Sam's deal will turn out a lot like B-Rob's. Three years, $6-7 million total, with a couple million in incentives that may push it to $9 million or so -- but that only happens if he kicks butt, in which case he'll deserve every penny.

My biggest concern over Sam is simply that he isn''t really what we need. His greatest successes have come with another big, good DT next to him. Alone, he has struggled. In short, Adams isn't a force in and of himself, but more of a force multiplier. And unfortunately, the Bengals have precious little force on the d-line for him to work with. Ten times zero is still zip. Now, get a Bunkley or a Watson or a Wright in the first couple rounds (heck, I'll take a Harris or Wroten or Mahelona) and the Bengals just might find themselves cooking with propane...

mybe marvin sees that and drafts gabe ?

[HoosierCat]

mybe marvin sees that and drafts gabe ?

Go ahead...make my day!

Anyhow...some contract speculation from Geoff...

Adams, scheduled to meet the media Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Paul Brown Stadium, figures to have a front-loaded contract netting him $3.5 million this year and it could be worth as much as $4 million with incentives in 2006.

Sounds like Hobson and me are betting along similar lines, contract structure-wise. Would mean that this year's cap hit for Sam is in the $1.8 million-ish range. Very do-able.

[wookie]

I think with the signing they have a pretty good rotation with Adams, B.Rob,S.Smith,Thornton, and Fanene...still would love to see Bunkley as a Bengal but I'd rather they take a TE or DB with the 1st pick.

They really did an adequate job in the middle last year...I said it a few days ago and I just read it from a Bresnahan quote, the Bengals didn't get hurt in the middle a lot last year most of the damage was done on the outside.

That said I've almost convinced myself that the Bengals should get Arrington in town.

[HoosierCat]

I think with the signing they have a pretty good rotation with Adams, B.Rob,S.Smith,Thornton, and Fanene...still would love to see Bunkley as a Bengal but I'd rather they take a TE or DB with the 1st pick.

Fine by me as long as they take a DT in the second! What I see is that pick, Adams, and Smith being "just" DTs, while Robinson and Thornton move into the "swing" DT/DE roles vacated by Carl Plowed and Duane Clemons (Fanene does spot duty at DT as needed). B-Rob played DE for years with da Bears and Thornton played some DE with the Titans. Askew goes buh-bye.

That said I've almost convinced myself that the Bengals should get Arrington in town.

Damn easy to talk yourself into LaVar, ain't it?

[wookie]

I think with the signing they have a pretty good rotation with Adams, B.Rob,S.Smith,Thornton, and Fanene...still would love to see Bunkley as a Bengal but I'd rather they take a TE or DB with the 1st pick.

Fine by me as long as they take a DT in the second! What I see is that pick, Adams, and Smith being "just" DTs, while Robinson and Thornton move into the "swing" DT/DE roles vacated by Carl Plowed and Duane Clemons (Fanene does spot duty at DT as needed). B-Rob played DE for years with da Bears and Thornton played some DE with the Titans. Askew goes buh-bye.

That said I've almost convinced myself that the Bengals should get Arrington in town.

Damn easy to talk yourself into LaVar, ain't it?

Yes it is.

The thing is, now that they have added Adams and Jackson I find myself wanting them to keep adding defensive FA's. I see the D improving drastically with those 2 coming in, and M. Williams coming back from injury and I want more!!

[HairOnFire]

My guess is Sam's deal will turn out a lot like B-Rob's. Three years, $6-7 million total, with a couple million in incentives that may push it to $9 million or so -- but that only happens if he kicks butt, in which case he'll deserve every penny.

My biggest concern over Sam is simply that he isn''t really what we need. His greatest successes have come with another big, good DT next to him. Alone, he has struggled. In short, Adams isn't a force in and of himself, but more of a force multiplier. And unfortunately, the Bengals have precious little force on the d-line for him to work with. Ten times zero is still zip. Now, get a Bunkley or a Watson or a Wright in the first couple rounds (heck, I'll take a Harris or Wroten or Mahelona) and the Bengals just might find themselves cooking with propane...

So you're betting on a deal that pays 3.5 the 1st year, and 2.5 to 3 for the last two? Well, I hope you're right about Adams coming that cheaply because it isn't lost on me that almost everyone who is arguing that Adams is the answer to our prayers is also making the point that the Bengals need to use a very high draft pick on yet another DT.

Frankly, if I'm about to use a 1st round pick on a DT I'm spending my FA money on another position.

[scott91575]

I would bet big money that this contract is front loaded. Next year the Bengals have tons of cap space. After the OL and Chad sign the future salary cap will get hit. Luckily with front loaded contracts like Rudi, TJ, and Sam the current contracts will not hurt the future cap. Good strategy. You get guys to sign for smaller overall $, but give them what they crave, gauranteed money. As long as they are not total busts in the first year or two it is a great strategy.

If I recall correctly the only backloaded contract is Palmer's. With his type of money there is really no other way to go. Use up the cap while you have it, and only backload HUGE contracts.

[HoosierCat]

So you're betting on a deal that pays 3.5 the 1st year, and 2.5 to 3 for the last two? Well, I hope you're right about Adams coming that cheaply because it isn't lost on me that almost everyone who is arguing that Adams is the answer to our prayers is also making the point that the Bengals need to use a very high draft pick on yet another DT.

Frankly, if I'm about to use a 1st round pick on a DT I'm spending my FA money on another position.

I think it's increasingly unlikely they'll go DT in the first. The second is another matter; I think that's where they pull the trigger. Mahelona, Dvorchek, or perhaps Harris or Wroten if they fall.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Frankly, if I'm about to use a 1st round pick on a DT I'm spending my FA money on another position.

When you have only one defensive tackle worth spit, you spend your free agent money there AND you look to the draft. Same goes with the safety position. We spent money on Dexter, and we need to draft another guy too.

[HairOnFire]

I think it's increasingly unlikely they'll go DT in the first. The second is another matter; I think that's where they pull the trigger.

So in your opinion the signing of Adams allows the Bengals to delay the selection of a new DT for 32 spots? Sheesh, I guess 3.5 million doesn't buy much anymore.

[schweinhart]

Hopefully, John McCargo is still there when the Bengals pick in the 2nd. They don't just need another body at DT but instead need a DT who can make a real dent with penetration. Dvoracek and Wroten can do that too. Just hard to believe Marvin will take either given their problems off the field.

Safety wise, the Bengals probably do draft one. Hopefully it's later rather than earlier. There's no shortage of safeties and the Bengals should have no problem finding even street free agents to fill a backup void if it came to that. Of course, re-signing Anthony Mitchell did nothing to help the safety situation. Dex Jack should prove better than the Kim Herring signing panned out.

There should be a slew of safeties still available starting the 4th. The Bengals were interested in Joke Onyenegecha and he doesn't look like he'll cut it as a corner. Other who should be there for the picking in the 5th and later should be Dawan Landry, Dwayne Slay, maybe Eric Smith, Nate Salley, Trevis Coley, Jahmile Addae and Charlie Peprah who looks like he's got pigeonholed as a safety but still offers something at CB despite his straightline speed.

[HoosierCat]

So in your opinion the signing of Adams allows the Bengals to delay the selection of a new DT for 32 spots? Sheesh, I guess 3.5 million doesn't buy much anymore.

No, it doesn't. Hell, it cost them $3.2 million for Bryan "18 tackles" Robinson last offseason. And that's a big part of the reason why I continue to view the team's spending habits dimly. They would be better served, IMHO, to pile up all their dough and shove it at one top-caliber impact guy (like, say, LaVar) instead of parceling it out to a bunch of lower-tier types who almost never turn out to make a difference.

As for DT in the first, my thinking has less to do with Adams' signing and more that I think it is likely that BPA at 24 will be a CB, DE or TE. OTOH, 31 picks later (Bengals move up one spot in the rotation) it looks a lot like DT will be BPA, unless there is a really, really, really big run on them early in the second.

[ArmyBengal]

I think it was Bengals.com that had the article stating the Bengals would be looking at DT later rather than earlier, but I think the position will get a big look within the first 2 rounds and 3rd at the latest. Adams signing will not prevent drafting another DT, just like Jackson will not prevent another Safety...

WHODEY !!!

[Stripes]

I think it was Bengals.com that had the article stating the Bengals would be looking at DT later rather than earlier, but I think the position will get a big look within the first 2 rounds and 3rd at the latest. Adams signing will not prevent drafting another DT, just like Jackson will not prevent another Safety...

WHODEY !!!

At least I hope not.

With Jackson signed, safety can wait until the second day in my mind. With the large number of highly touted DT prospects that look to be falling out of round one, there should be someone available in the second worth our pick. I still think Watson would be a good choice in the first.

[ArmyBengal]

Adams and Arrington are coming cheap! How do I know? Well ask your self if your a FA and you can go back to a team that you like the coach that is poised for a superbowl you going to sign! I have told you guys the pàrdigm has shifted. Now FAs take less to play for us and use teams like the dolphins to jackup the price! Catch up!

Care to rethink this statement ?? Or are we all still a bunch of chumps ??

WHODEY !!!

[wookie]

I think it was Bengals.com that had the article stating the Bengals would be looking at DT later rather than earlier, but I think the position will get a big look within the first 2 rounds and 3rd at the latest. Adams signing will not prevent drafting another DT, just like Jackson will not prevent another Safety...

WHODEY !!!

At least I hope not.

With Jackson signed, safety can wait until the second day in my mind. With the large number of highly touted DT prospects that look to be falling out of round one, there should be someone available in the second worth our pick. I still think Watson would be a good choice in the first.

I wouldn't wait until the 2nd day to take a Safety. If Cromartie isn't available then Whitner and Bullocks might still be there and each have the speed and skill to play Safety or NB. Either of those athletes add depth to a position that was rocked by injury last season.

God Forbid anything happens to Williams or Jackson this year and we have to try and find Ohalete to resign him.

[ArmyBengal]

Safety is DEEEEEP and I would have NO issues whatsoever waiting until the 4th to grab one up, but once again, anything defensive will be ok by me... DE, CB, DT, Safety, and I guess LB (but that should be last IMO)...

WHODEY !!!