Thursday, January 06, 2000Anderson looking for long-term deal
'I'll come back . . . just pay me.'
BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Willie Anderson, emerging as one of the NFL's top tackles, said Wednesday he wants to sign a long-term deal with the Bengals before next season.
Willie Anderson
NFL.com profileThat comes after Pro Bowl running back Corey Dillon said he wants out of Cincinnati, and wide receiver Carl Pickens tried to get out by ripping coach Bruce Coslet.
“I'll be here. I'll come back,” Anderson said.
“Come to my people during the offseason. We've got something new started. New stadium, fresh start ... I've been through a 3-13 and a 4-12 and guys are saying they want to come back. I'll come back if they just pay me what everyone and I know I'm worth.”
Anderson, who makes $1.5 million per year heading into the last season of his rookie deal, is going to command some serious coin. He wasn't voted to the Pro Bowl, but Sports Illustrated's Paul Zimmerman has indicated he'll make Anderson one of his two All-Pro tackles.
Anderson often said this season he didn't expect to get recognized because good offensive linemen on teams with bad records don't get noticed. But “Dr. Z” gave him a lift.
“In my mind, I'm one of the top guys in the league,” Anderson said. “Just to get notoriety, it's kind of good. I was happy for Corey with the Pro Bowl thing. Now people are going to be watching Corey and see who's blocking for him.”
It should help his wallet. Jacksonville left tackle Tony Boselli, the consensus pick, makes about $6 to $7 million. The Bengals, who will try to re-sign left tackle Rod Jones this offseason, might not be able to move quickly on Anderson because of the salary cap.
Anderson wants a deal before the season starts because he's seen what the frustration of losing does to players heading into their contract years and how the issue bubbles all season. He doesn't want to find himself popping off.
Bengals President Mike Brown wouldn't say if he'll make an early run at Anderson, but said, “Willie's one of our best players. He's a positive guy and to hear him say those things pleases me. I think most of the players feel like Willie, but when one or two guys step out, it becomes news.”
Anderson has some concerns about next season, mainly rookie quarterback Akili Smith. He hopes the coaches sit down with Smith and let him know exactly what he's getting himself into.
“I hope he understands this. I don't know if he does or not,” Anderson said. “He can either make or break this whole damn thing. In two or three years, if he's good, you'll see us on top. If not you'll see us struggle.
“In some ways he is, but in a lot ways has a lot growing up to do,” said Anderson of Smith's maturity. “He's a great guy. I love him to death. But they've got to let him know how big this is.”
The 6-foot-6, 335-pound Anderson said the sprained ankle that kept him out of the season's last game is responding well and he should be back working out in another month.
“It's what the MRI showed,” Anderson said. “Sprained ligaments on both sides and a sprained Achilles. Three weeks it should be fine.”
INJURY UPDATE: Jones undergoes arthroscopic surgery Friday on his right knee to repair a small cartilage tear.
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