Wednesday, March 07, 2001
Bengals made biggest offer to Grbac
On other side, Washington's agent feels insulted
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Yes, the Bengals opted for younger (and cheaper) Tony Williams over Pro Bowler Ted Washington at defensive tackle. But the bigger news on Day 5 of NFL free agency was how seriously Mike Brown went after Elvis Grbac.
The Bengals offered Grbac millions of dollars more than the five-year, $30 million deal he signed with the Baltimore Ravens, his agent said.
“They did everything right. They are obviously trying to correct the perception that's been given them,” agent Jim Steiner said of the Bengals' reputation for lowballing free agents and not spending big money on big-name free agents.
The Bengals “made two offers, one more traditionally structured and the other very creative,” Steiner said.
“Elvis gave up several million dollars to get the opportunity to play in a Super Bowl,” Steiner said. “Cincinnati is a work in progress. In Baltimore, the opportunity to get to the Super Bowl is today and now.”
At the same time, Washington's agent said the Bengals' offer of less than $4 million over two years was an insult, comparing Brown to the owner of a thoroughbred horse who's content to be in the Kentucky Derby but won't do what it takes to win the race.
“It's strictly business with them, the bottom line,” Wright said.
Washington, 32, was looking for a 3-4 year deal similar to the $5 million annually defensive tackle John Randle received from the Seahawks.
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Bengals made biggest offer to Grbac