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Post by theref on Mar 3, 2007 10:38:08 GMT
SAN FRANCISCO (March 2, 2007) -- The San Francisco 49ers signed cornerback Nate Clements and safety Michael Lewis, making two bold moves in the opening hours of free agency.
Clements, the star cornerback from the Buffalo Bills, agreed to an eight-year, $80 million contract. The six-year veteran was considered one of the top prizes in free agency, and the 49ers rewarded him accordingly with what's believed to be one of the richest contracts for a defensive back in NFL history.
Terms of the deal were confirmed by a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because contract terms aren't usually released by NFL teams.
The 49ers have more than $30 million in cap room to spend on free agents, and a good chunk of it immediately went to Clements, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who spent his first six NFL seasons with Buffalo. He became a free agent after completing a one-year contract, saying he hoped to better Champ Bailey's seven-year, $63 million deal with Denver in 2004.
Lewis, a safety from Philadelphia, will become an immediate starter in the 49ers' inconsistent defensive secondary alongside Clements, coach Mike Nolan said. Lewis started in the Pro Bowl following the Eagles' trip to the Super Bowl in the 2004 season, but was expected to leave town after losing his starting job in Philadelphia last season.
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Post by 7is7 on Mar 3, 2007 12:34:26 GMT
Clements is good, but not THAT good. I think they over-spent for him.
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Post by dave on Mar 3, 2007 14:36:30 GMT
Not only overspent.........but Waaaaaaay overspent
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Post by 7is7 on Mar 3, 2007 16:17:09 GMT
For that money they must be expecting him to turn into the best CB the league has ever seen. I really do not understand this one :s He is potentially a top 10 CB in the NFL I'd say. But who are we to judge? The 49ers must think they are onto something really, really good here. So perhaps it will pay off for them. Lets just see.
.... how much you betting he gets injured in pre-season?
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