Big Payday for Big Willie?

[HoosierCat]

Waddya know, someone finally came out of their stupor over at PBS, according to DDN's Ludwig...

The good: The agent for Pro Bowl offensive tackle Willie Anderson has begun talks with the Bengals about a contract extension that would free up cash under the salary cap to enable the club to add some free agents.

The meeting between Anderson's agent, Terry Bolar, and the Bengals is a positive sign because the club clearly needs more salary cap room in order to flex any muscle in free agency. The team is $14 million under the cap, but at least $12 million is already budgeted, with Johnson's $6.3 million cap hit being the largest portion.

Anderson — who has two years remaining on his six-year, $30.6 million contract — is due to make $3.85 million this year and $4.75 million in 2006. By successfully renegotiating an extension, Anderson would get the long-term security he wants, and the team would get the cap relief it needs.

"I definitely want (an extension), and I'm pushing for it," Anderson said. "I'm willing to lower my salary to free up some money, because we're trying to reach the playoffs. I'm just hoping to get something done that will be a win-win for both sides. I want to win. They want to win.

"I feel like my relationship is great with the Bengals. I definitely don't want to get into anything where there's any arguments or frustration. My thing is I know we need stuff for the team and I'm willing to do that. At the same time, it's also got to bring me something in return."

Darned good news. But this should have been done weeks ago.

[bengalboomer7]

Good, hopefully they get it done quick, but I still don't see them making any major plays at any of the higher priced guys

P.S. I'm salivating right now cause of free agency. At least we get a few days of some big football news

[skyline]

Good move. I think they came out of their stupor at PBS a couple of years ago. I'm not going to complain about it possibly being a few weeks too late.

[schweinhart]

Anderson — who has two years remaining on his six-year, $30.6 million contract — is due to make $3.85 million this year and $4.75 million in 2006.

I don't know what Big Willie's total cap hit would be w/ pro-rate SB and other bonuses but based on the salary figures, I'd say it's at least $5 mill.

If that's the case, a 5 yr new deal w/ $5 mill SB and $1 mill base 2005 salary would free up an extra $3 mill, which sure would be nice

But then again, Pace and Samuels struck major gold this year. Even though those 2 are LTs, maybe the smell of that Big Money is drifting up to Big Willie's nostrils and a new deal is harder to get done.

[bengalboomer7]

I don't think so, Big Willie is like our Tedy Bruschi. He's (hopefully) going to set the example for thes young guys (Rudi, Tj) and Marvin instills his team first concept on our way to the next dynasty

[HoosierCat]

But then again, Pace and Samuels struck major gold this year. Even though those 2 are LTs, maybe the smell of that Big Money is drifting up to Big Willie's nostrils and a new deal is harder to get done.

Don't forget Ogden's big bucks extension, either. Or Willie's comments a few years aback about how he'd move to LT for another million a year. Willie definitely likes his money, he won't come cheap. But somehow, other teams still managed to do these things. Let's see if the Bengals follow suit.

[HoosierCat]

Just to add to earlier comments, here's a look from kffl at the Samuels deal...Mikey has to be sweating

Updating ongoing reports, according to ESPN's Len Pasquarelli, Washington Redskins OT Chris Samuels has agreed to a new seven-year contract worth $46.5 million. The deal includes a $15.75 million signing bonus, the largest in franchise history, and total guarantees of $19 million. The signing bonus is the third-largest ever paid an offensive linemen, trailing on the $18 million in upfront money received by Baltimore Ravens OT Jonathan Ogden two years ago and the $16 million signing bonus awarded Seattle Seahawks OT Walter Jones last week. By signing Samuels to the extension, the Redskins will recoup $3 million-$5 million in salary cap room this year.