sam adams deal

[kayaker0678]

bengals | Contract update: S. Adams

Tue, 4 Apr 2006 22:15:11 -0700

Chick Ludwig, of the Dayton Daily News, reports agent Angelo Wright said the three-year contract signed by DT Sam Adams with the Cincinnati Bengals is worth $7.5 million. The deal is front-loaded so Adams could earn up to $4 million in 2006 if he reaches certain playing time and performance levels.

[derekshank]

You do realize that if he reaches the $4 mill, he will have been worth every penny. Also... $7.5 mill is only 2.5 per year over a 3 year contract. We'll have him dirt cheap the last two years of his contract. Not a bad contract at all.

[Spor_tees]

Only problem with this is that if he plays good the first two years, is he going to sit out the last one asking to have his contract redone because it is too cheap? I hope not, and by what I heard he said about telling Marvin "Just offer me a deal that is cheap but won't make me look stupid," then maybe by having a front loaded contract it doesn't make him look stupid.

[membengal]

Unreal, the bitching is unending around here and across Bengals land when they don't step up and pay to get people here, and now there is bitching when they do step up and pay to get people here.

Is this team better today than it was two days ago? I think it is. At that point, the money is worth it. Good lord.

[ArmyBengal]

That is REALLY off !!! Look at the contract dude... We pay him more when he's starting off and if his play declines, so does his pay. If he doesn't reach playing incentives, he doesn't get paid. His last two years are cheap as hell for a more than solid space eater that is VERY knowledgable of the leverage game at the line of scrimmage...

Get a grip and find something more worth while to b*tch about !!!

WHODEY !!!

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

I like this contract. One of my reasons I didn't like the idea of signing him is because I expected to have to fork over a lot more cash than this to get Adams...

WELCOME TO CINCINNATI BEER BELLY!

[HoosierCat]

We'll have him dirt cheap the last two years of his contract.

We have him dirt-cheap, period. Sheesh, the rest of the league must think Sam is seriously washed up if no one stepped in to top this itty-bitty contract. Here's hoping they're wrong!

[semiotter]

I dont care what they are paying him. He is one of the best DTs in the game and now he is wearing stripes. Now with him and other FAs we got the way Marvin and the gang have been drafting man we are looking good!!!!!!!!!

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

I like this contract. One of my reasons I didn't like the idea of signing him is because I expected to have to fork over a lot more cash than this to get Adams...

WELCOME TO CINCINNATI BEER BELLY!

Seriously. I was in favor of getting him before I realized how good a deal we got, now I'm totally excited.

I just want people to pause and realize what happened here. A former pro-bowler with some decent miles in the tank (probably) took a deal that is BELOW MARKET value to play in....Cincinnati. For the Bengals. I swear to God, I never thought I'd live to see that and I'm not yet 30.

I haven't seen him play a snap but I absolutely love his attitude.

[HairOnFire]

Look, I'm trying to come around on this one, but it isn't a below market deal. And the reason that's true is because it was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that there wasn't really a market for Adams.

I'll argue that for weeks the Bengals were in a position where they could have had Adams at any time, just by improving there own offer slightly, but no deal happened because the Bengals steadfastly refused to bid against themselves. And without other teams driving the price up why should they? But after reading the comments Fat Sam made about instructing his agent to get a deal close enough that he didn't look stupid I'm guessing that Adams finally accepted his own reality and lowered his demands big time in exchange for the Bengals slightly improving their winning bid. Thus, we now have a deal, and the sounds of much rejoicing can now be heard across the hinterland. Who-Dey.

However, I still believe that Adams is going to be overpaid by roughly 1 million bucks for his first season in stripes even if he doesn't collect a single dime in incentives. To be perfectly fair, I think everything will even up if he plays all three years of his contract at a high level, but right now I've got plenty of doubts that will happen.

[bengalboomer7]

It's still an upgrade, no matter how you break it down.

Plus, i think the draft will make this signing even better, because when we draft a defensive lineman on day one (which I believe to be just short of a fact) We won't have to throw him in the fire. Fanene gets another year to mature, and maybe if he's still around Askew too.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Look, I'm trying to come around on this one, but it isn't a below market deal. And the reason that's true is because it was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that there wasn't really a market for Adams.

I'll argue that for weeks the Bengals were in a position where they could have had Adams at any time, just by improving there own offer slightly, but no deal happened because the Bengals steadfastly refused to bid against themselves. And without other teams driving the price up why should they? But after reading the comments Fat Sam made about instructing his agent to get a deal close enough that he didn't look stupid I'm guessing that Adams finally accepted his own reality and lowered his demands big time in exchange for the Bengals slightly improving their winning bid. Thus, we now have a deal, and the sounds of much rejoicing can now be heard across the hinterland. Who-Dey.

However, I still believe that Adams is going to be overpaid by roughly 1 million bucks for his first season in stripes even if he doesn't collect a single dime in incentives. To be perfectly fair, I think everything will even up if he plays all three years of his contract at a high level, but right now I've got plenty of doubts that will happen.

You're not considering the possibility that other teams didn't bid because Adams basically said flat-out that he wanted to come to the Bengals. I don't know that it's about him accepting reality - I don't know that he really tried to go anywhere else. And if you're one of the 30 other teams out there, are you going to waste your time and keep money put aside trying to negotiate with a guy who's basically made up his mind? As far as I know, he didn't get any offers, even lowballs, which you'd figure some team would have tried if he had put himself out there as available. I mean, early on, he told the Bengals to give him enough not to look like a fool, and that's not the sign of a guy trying to make himself look available.

We've also seen other guys who as old and not as good as Adams sign for more, so I'd say his value is a bit higher. I think he's worth $3-3.5M/yr, and we just got him for $2.5M/yr and a short deal to boot. I mean come on, $7.5M, 3 years, with minimal incentives, coming off a huge jump in the salary cap? That's a good deal.

[kayaker0678]

I hate front loaded contracts. for the reason of asking for more money just because he went over a quota. I like back loaded so we could cut our losses if he ends up being a bust. I dont get excited over a speech. He maybe be able to talk the talk but my three year old sister can do that. I want him to walk the walk.

[GROIIIDayton]

Teams that contacted Adams...

Cincinnati

Baltimore

Cleveland

Miami

Tampa Bay

I'm not saying that is a lot of teams, but that shows there was a market.

I also think there could have been other teams that just were not interrested enough.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

I hate front loaded contracts. for the reason of asking for more money just because he went over a quota. I like back loaded so we could cut our losses if he ends up being a bust. I dont get excited over a speech. He maybe be able to talk the talk but my three year old sister can do that. I want him to walk the walk.

Can she stop the run? If so, let's sign her and cut Thronton.

[HoosierCat]

You're not considering the possibility that other teams didn't bid because Adams basically said flat-out that he wanted to come to the Bengals. I don't know that it's about him accepting reality - I don't know that he really tried to go anywhere else. And if you're one of the 30 other teams out there, are you going to waste your time and keep money put aside trying to negotiate with a guy who's basically made up his mind?

Oh, c'mon, Sam was shopping himself like a $2 hooker at a bus stop. In fact, I think his agent made a comparision along those lines . He went to Miami on a visit, then when he didn't get any other calls, declared he wasn't conducting visits this year (even tho he'd been to Miami) and via his agent issued proclamations that he was deciding between a number of teams, including the Bengals and Dolphins. The Bengals declined to chase the bait, saying only that they'd get around to Sam (maybe) after they finished with the backup QB issue. After which we heard, several times, alleged warnings from Adams' agent that it was getting later and later and that pretty girl at the bus stop wasn't going to wait all night. Except no one picked "her" up...night after night after night. So finally he has his agent work up a small deal with Cincy "in principle," key details of which immediately leak in an apparent last-ditch attempt to get some team to ride in with, oh, say at least a $3 million/year deal. No dice. So, he takes what's on the table. It's likely to be the best offer he'll get, and $3.7 million is a nice consolation prize, eh?

Like I said before, let's just hope the other 31 teams were all mistaken in letting Cincy snap Sam up.

[HairOnFire]

You're not considering the possibility that other teams didn't bid because Adams basically said flat-out that he wanted to come to the Bengals.

Well, let's say I considered that possibility and rejected it out of hand.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

You're not considering the possibility that other teams didn't bid because Adams basically said flat-out that he wanted to come to the Bengals. I don't know that it's about him accepting reality - I don't know that he really tried to go anywhere else. And if you're one of the 30 other teams out there, are you going to waste your time and keep money put aside trying to negotiate with a guy who's basically made up his mind?

Oh, c'mon, Sam was shopping himself like a $2 hooker at a bus stop. In fact, I think his agent made a comparision along those lines . He went to Miami on a visit, then when he didn't get any other calls, declared he wasn't conducting visits this year (even tho he'd been to Miami) and via his agent issued proclamations that he was deciding between a number of teams, including the Bengals and Dolphins. The Bengals declined to chase the bait, saying only that they'd get around to Sam (maybe) after they finished with the backup QB issue. After which we heard, several times, alleged warnings from Adams' agent that it was getting later and later and that pretty girl at the bus stop wasn't going to wait all night. Except no one picked "her" up...night after night after night. So finally he has his agent work up a small deal with Cincy "in principle," key details of which immediately leak in an apparent last-ditch attempt to get some team to ride in with, oh, say at least a $3 million/year deal. No dice. So, he takes what's on the table. It's likely to be the best offer he'll get, and $3.7 million is a nice consolation prize, eh?

Like I said before, let's just hope the other 31 teams were all mistaken in letting Cincy snap Sam up.

Ouch, that's the kind of news that doesn't make it out here to DC. OK then, logically, what the hell's wrong with the guy? He's not old for a DT, 2.5M/yr (average) really isn't all that much for someone of his ability. It's less than we're paying Thornton, and I can't imagine Sam's not an upgrade over him. He didn't have great stats last year but this was in Buffalo, but they seem completely incompetent. Do the other 31 teams know something we don't or vice versa?

[HairOnFire]

Oh, c'mon, Sam was shopping himself like a $2 hooker at a bus stop. In fact, I think his agent made a comparision along those lines . He went to Miami on a visit, then when he didn't get any other calls, declared he wasn't conducting visits this year (even tho he'd been to Miami) and via his agent issued proclamations that he was deciding between a number of teams, including the Bengals and Dolphins. The Bengals declined to chase the bait, saying only that they'd get around to Sam (maybe) after they finished with the backup QB issue. After which we heard, several times, alleged warnings from Adams' agent that it was getting later and later and that pretty girl at the bus stop wasn't going to wait all night. Except no one picked "her" up...night after night after night. So finally he has his agent work up a small deal with Cincy "in principle," key details of which immediately leak in an apparent last-ditch attempt to get some team to ride in with, oh, say at least a $3 million/year deal. No dice. So, he takes what's on the table.

We're in total agreement until the very end. I'm betting there was nothing hinky related to the agreement in principle...just minor details that needed to be worked out. Those types of things happen all the time, including this years examples of Jon Kitna and Matt Schobel having their deals announced several days prior to their actual signing.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Oh, c'mon, Sam was shopping himself like a $2 hooker at a bus stop. In fact, I think his agent made a comparision along those lines . He went to Miami on a visit, then when he didn't get any other calls, declared he wasn't conducting visits this year (even tho he'd been to Miami) and via his agent issued proclamations that he was deciding between a number of teams, including the Bengals and Dolphins. The Bengals declined to chase the bait, saying only that they'd get around to Sam (maybe) after they finished with the backup QB issue. After which we heard, several times, alleged warnings from Adams' agent that it was getting later and later and that pretty girl at the bus stop wasn't going to wait all night. Except no one picked "her" up...night after night after night. So finally he has his agent work up a small deal with Cincy "in principle," key details of which immediately leak in an apparent last-ditch attempt to get some team to ride in with, oh, say at least a $3 million/year deal. No dice. So, he takes what's on the table.

We're in total agreement until the very end. I'm betting there was nothing hinky related to the agreement in principle...just minor details that needed to be worked out. Those types of things happen all the time, including this years examples of Jon Kitna and Matt Schobel having their deals announced several days prior to their actual signing.

In Sam's case, I believe "details"=="Making sure he can spend 2 minutes on a stairclimber without keeling over." I thought they were just waiting on a physical?

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

We will never know how much of the Sam wants to shop himself was Sam's AGENT (please note it was never Sam nor any other TEAM saying Sam was looking at other teams) or reality.

I see this as the first time a major free agent decided he wanted to come here, and was willing to come cheap. It reminds me more of the Griffey signing. Lets hope he plays more games than Griffey before ending his seasons with us.

MAYBE Sam couldn't get another offer. MAYBE he didn't really want one, and the Bengals knew it because he told them. MAYBE Sam's agent was TRYING to get a bigger deal but Sam wasn't helping because he said Cincy or bust.

WE WILL NEVER KNOW.

[HoosierCat]

We're in total agreement until the very end. I'm betting there was nothing hinky related to the agreement in principle...just minor details that needed to be worked out. Those types of things happen all the time, including this years examples of Jon Kitna and Matt Schobel having their deals announced several days prior to their actual signing.

These things do indeed happen, but given Sam's well-established mercenary history, I'm simply not inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt.

[HairOnFire]

I see this as the first time a major free agent decided he wanted to come here, and was willing to come cheap.

And there lies the principle source of our disagreement. While I can applaud the signing to a point...and I most certainly do...I simply don't consider Sam Adams a major free agent. And because that's true I tend to look at the money he's being paid a little differently than most. That said, I'm only talking about these things because they're things being discussed in reaction to the signing. Months from now very little of this will matter, and all I'll care about is how Adams plays.

[Tasher]

Unreal, the bitching is unending around here and across Bengals land when they don't step up and pay to get people here, and now there is bitching when they do step up and pay to get people here.

Is this team better today than it was two days ago? I think it is. At that point, the money is worth it. Good lord.

I Grandpa Simpson's words...

"Aw, BITCH, BITCH, BITCH!"

[HairOnFire]

We're in total agreement until the very end. I'm betting there was nothing hinky related to the agreement in principle...just minor details that needed to be worked out. Those types of things happen all the time, including this years examples of Jon Kitna and Matt Schobel having their deals announced several days prior to their actual signing.

These things do indeed happen, but given Sam's well-established mercenary history, I'm simply not inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt.

I think that's a little goofy, but fair enough. I can't forget that it's Sam's well-established mercany history that leads me to believe that he never told other teams that he was only interested in becoming a Bengal. He's always chased top dollar, including when he turned down the Bengals in favor of the Bills a few years ago.

BTW, I'm pretty sure that the Bengals best offer back then was something in the 2.5 million dollar range.