02-20-2017, 12:09 AM
(02-15-2017, 09:55 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: Although I agree that Reggie was a better choice in 2016, that would leave up with an older, high-dollar option at Safety with the play sure to drop off. Williams no doubt struggled in his new role early in the year, but improved throughout the season. I feel confident going with Williams and Iloka moving forward. I actually think with Derron Smith and Fej as the backups, it is a position of strength.
And much like Marvin Jones, Reggie was offered near what the Raiders paid him, but he wanted to move on.
Perhaps that was an unspoken message we should have put more stock in to going in to this season. Why did these players move on when the money was similar? I sure don't think Oakland and Detroit are nicer places to live (no offense). But, honestly, was it a message that they were tired of the crap from guys like Burfict and Jones? And maybe Marv to some extent?
Who knows. Burfict is still the cornerstone of this defense, but Jones has given the Bengals a perfect out to get out of his contract. His play dropped off tremendously. He has been given too many chances. With the public display of his lack of authority (and a terrible one at that) he needs to be gone. Sign Dre K and release Adam. Keeping Adam until he is signed is the only logical excuse for waiting.
From my understanding, although the money was similar for the salaries in 2016, the Raiders offered a 2 year deal and the Bengals only offered a 1 year deal on Nelson. Additionally the Raiders offered Reggie better incentives on top of the deal, and his 2017 roster bonus became fully guaranteed if he played 65% of the snaps. Something that wasn't guaranteed as easily in Cincy with the contract given to Williams, even if the Bengals did match the 2 yrs offered by Oakland. They should have extended him before FA in my opinion. But that would have likely meant losing Williams.
