Saturday, May 08, 1999
Bengals, Sawyer agree to 3-year deal
BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
After intensive lobbying by his coaches to management, veteran Bengals cornerback Corey Sawyer agreed Friday to re-sign with the club for three more years.
Sawyer, coming off season-ending knee surgery, must pass Monday's physical before making it official.
The move gives the Ben gals badly needed experience at a position where they started rookie Charles Fisher and second-year man Artrell Hawkins at last week's mini-camp.
But they may not be done trying to get help for Fisher and Hawkins.
Veteran corner Cris Dishman, 33, will be at Spinney Field on Monday. Bengals President Mike Brown and coach Bruce Coslet wouldn't rule out signing him after he takes a physical and works out.
“We've solidified our position. Could we find somebody else to improve it? Yes, but right now we feel better about where we are,” Brown said. “Corey gives us the veteran cornerback our coaches feel is required.”
The 5-foot-11, 177-pound Sawyer, 27, has played 60 games the past five years, including 12 starts.
Some in the Bengals organization think he's too small and too slow to be a top-flight corner, , but coaches appreciate his knack for making plays.
He has 11 interceptions and 53 pass-defenses during his career. He was also responsible for one of the Bengals' three victories last season when he intercepted Detroit quarterback Scott Mitchell in overtime and went 58 yards for a touchdown.
“I know Bruce wanted me back, and that puts a big smile on my face ,” Sawyer said.
Coslet won't say whether Sawyer will get the nod at left corner over Fisher.
“I'm not giving anybody a job,” Coslet said. “We like Corey, and it's a good acquisition. I want the flexibility to go with a veteran if it gets tough. We'll see what happens.”
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