Reedy: "Bengals, Graham still not close"

First, I would like to apologize to anyone who may read this blog on daily occasion for the lack of new information, but damn(!) it is hard to find things to write about during the off season.

The only thing I have to discuss right now is the Shayne Graham situation. According to the Bengals++Graham+still+not+close">Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy, the Bengals and Graham appear to be heading into the season without a long-term deal in place. As you may remember, Shayne signed his one-year contract at $2.48 million....thanks to the franchise tag.

Now don't get me wrong, I like Shayne Graham....but how is it that a team and a KICKER are "far apart" when it comes to a long-term deal? For me...it's this simple, offer him $2 million a year for four years...$8 million guaranteed, take it or leave it. He is a kicker for God's sake.

Again, I like Graham but how hard is it to replace a kicker? I realize what I am saying...but I'm also aware that Shayne Graham is NO Adam Vinatieri. Shayne has missed so pretty big kicks while in Cincy but certainly not enough to run his ass out of town....hence the four year, $8 million contract I would offer him....no, I take that back...I would even be willing to pay him $10.5 million for four years.

The point is, how can a kicker and his respective organization be "FAR" apart when it comes to a new contract? Is $10-12 million really THAT big of a deal in the NFL....for a four year deal? I guess my question is just how much money is Shayne demanding or how cheap are the Bengals trying to be?

It doesn't really matter...Shayne doesn't appear to have any money problems right now. Do you think he's ever had a car longer that a week or two?