[EmpireWF]

Arguably the best defensive back on the market is negotiating with the San Fran Niners tonight. Reports mention the following numbers are being discussed, anywhere from $8-10 million per year with a monster-sized signing bonus.

This could get done tonight.

[Lefty Noob]

Good call, Empire. The deal was indeed done overnight, with Clements signing an eight-year, $80 million contract with San Francisco. They also signed S Michael Lewis from the Eagles, and just like that, the Niners secondary is vastly improved. Great signings by the 49ers front office.

[Notorious C.L.E.]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Good call, Empire. The deal was indeed done overnight, with Clements signing an eight-year, $80 million contract with San Francisco. They also signed S Michael Lewis from the Eagles, and just like that, the Niners secondary is vastly improved. Great signings by the 49ers front office.

Wow. Cleveland said they would break the bank, but I think San Francisco just broke two or three banks. This makes him the highest paid defensive player in the history of the NFL. He makes $15-20 million more than Champ Bailey, to give you a benchmark. Good talent for the 49ers, but I don't know if it was a good value move.

On the other hand, I am absolutely amazed that Michael Lewis got $10 million guaranteed. He was never that good, made a Pro-Bowl off reputation, and then got benched last year for Sean Considine. Pretty bad signing, in my opinion.

[ealtice]

Originally Posted by Notorious C.L.E.

Wow. Cleveland said they would break the bank, but I think San Francisco just broke two or three banks. This makes him the highest paid defensive player in the history of the NFL. He makes $15-20 million more than Champ Bailey, to give you a benchmark. Good talent for the 49ers, but I don't know if it was a good value move.

On the other hand, I am absolutely amazed that Michael Lewis got $10 million guaranteed. He was never that good, made a Pro-Bowl off reputation, and then got benched last year for Sean Considine. Pretty bad signing, in my opinion.

Let's face it. NFL money never makes any sense, and judging current contracts by past contracts never takes into account the increased money floating around. When Champ Bailey renegotiates his contract, no doubt his salary will rise accordingly.

We'll just have to wait and see how things work out. If Clements really can take the opposition's top receiver out of the game (a la Bailey or Deion Sanders of old), then he will be an outstanding addition. Among other things he'll allow safties to be more aggressive against the run, and also double team secondary receivers. As for Michael Lewis, lets hope he can be a physical presence in the backfield and against the run. Draft choices can now go for WR and DL.