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Bengals re-sign one Williams, but not the most important one
One Williams has re-signed with the Bengals, but not the most important one.
The Bengals have re-signed safety Roy Williams to a one-year deal, but the team’s most important unsigned player — guard Bobbie Williams — is still twisting in the wind.
I’m all for bringing back Roy. Hopefully he’ll get that forearm taken care of and be able to get back to form. Regardless of his health, I think the Bengals are eyeing USC safety Taylor Mays in the draft, so having a veteran like Roy around can do nothing but help the team.
Top priority now, however, should be getting Bobbie Williams signed. He’s the emotional leader of the offensive line along with Andrew Whitworth. He’s not someone the Bengals can afford to let get away.
Here’s the official word from the Bengals on Roy:
The Bengals have re-signed S Roy Williams, who had become an unrestricted free agent on March 5.
Williams (6-0, 222; Oklahoma) is a ninth-year NFL player, and a five-time Pro Bowl selection with Dallas. He joined the Bengals as a free agent on May 7 of last year. He opened last season as the starting SS and was tied for the team lead in tackles through three games.
But he suffered a forearm injury while playing a key role in Game 3, Sept. 27 vs. Pittsburgh, and due to the injury he played in only one more game. He was placed Nov. 13 on the Reserve/Injured list, ending his season with 30 tackles and three passes defensed.
He has been cleared by the team’s medical staff to participate in all 2010 team activities. He has played in 102 NFL games, and his next start will be the 100th of his career.
“We’re looking for Roy to take up where he left off before the injury,” said Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. “He brings a physical presence. When he hits people, they go down. And he’s a good person, a good veteran presence in our locker room.”
Dallas made Williams the eighth overall selection in the 2002 draft, and Williams earned Pro Bowl berths with the Cowboys every season from 2003-07. He was credited in three seasons with more than 100 tackles. He has 20 career interceptions, including one in postseason play.
Williams is the third unrestricted free agent signed by Cincinnati this year. The Bengals previously re-signed DT Tank Johnson and have signed WR Antonio Bryant from Tampa Bay.
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Comments
By JEFF
March 15, 2010 12:44 PM | Link to this
I am huge Oline guy and i am all for you win in the trenches. But I am not so sold on Bobbie. He is 34 and not exactly peak physical shape. Didnt we already go down this path with Willie Anderson. If he wants to sign for 1-2 years then sure but anything longer I would pass. I rewatched alot of games and Williams was average in pass blocking and he no longer drives people on run plays. Not sure I want the Bengals playing him a ton to come back.
By stevo
March 15, 2010 10:33 PM | Link to this
Jeff, You’re nuts! Bobbie is still a beast and the reason Ced had such a good year. Sign him 2 to 3 years. If after the 2nd he declines, let him go. But he definitely deserves a two year deal.
By MattM
March 18, 2010 7:37 AM | Link to this
I love it. Mar 8 OT Stacy Andrews has agreed to a restructured conract to stay with the Eagles, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. With the new deal, Andrews reportedly will receive his $4.1 million bonus for this year, but that his 2010 base salary will drop from $2.95 million to $1.15 million. Andrews signed a six-year, $38.9 million contract last March, even though he was two months removed from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee. Andrews was ready to play by the start of training camp, but was a major disappointment. Andrews, who was brought in to play either right guard or right tackle, started just two games (at right guard) and played in bits and pieces of eight others, primarily as a blocker on field-goal and point-after attempts.