Heels20X6 Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 BILLS UP ANTE FOR IZZY - OFFER SHEET INCLUDES $1.8M BONUS FOR FORMER BISON 2006/03/21 You'd think someone who played nine-man football at Kinsmen Stadium in Brandon would be bouncing off the walls after being guaranteed $1.8-million US to play in the NFL. If Israel Idonije is feeling it, he's not showing it. The man from humble football beginnings in the Wheat City is still being his same old humble self, even after signing a reported four-year $8.2-million offer sheet with the Buffalo Bills over the weekend. Buffalo's contract proposal came with a $1.8-million signing bonus, which means even if Idonije's current team, the Chicago Bears, matches it by Monday's deadline, the former University of Manitoba Bisons defensive tackleis getting that cash no matter what. "It's good. I'm happy," Idonije said yesterday after a workout at Charleswood's Pro Fitness Training. "It guarantees my family's security, and I'm not really a lavish person, so I'll be smart with that money and put it towork, and I'm going to continue living how I've been living." His unbelievable story just keeps getting more unbelievable, but Idonije has his feet planted firmly on the ground. BLESSED "I've been very blessed," said Idonije, who only started playing football with Brandon's Vincent Massey Vikings nine-man squad when he was in Grade 12. "It's been a great journey so far. To whom much is given, much is expected. "Regardless of where I am, in Chicago or Buffalo, they're giving me a whole lot, so my focus is ... I want to play to the level beyond what they've paid me. That's what I'm focusing on, and that's what I'm ready to do." The 25-year-old has spent the last two seasons as a backup defensive lineman and special teamer with the Bears, and now he's a restricted free agent. Buffalo's contract offer works out to $2.05 million a season, and the Chicago Tribune reported that the Bears had offered him the league minimum of $712,000 per year. The Bears have until Monday to match the Bills' offer and keep him. If they don't, Idonije will be shuffling off to Buffalo. OBVIOUSLY A BIG FA The Bills' new defensive co-ordinator is Perry Fewell, who was the Bears'secondary coach last season. So it's obvious Fewell is a big fan of Idonije who isn't really sure where he's headed. "I'm 50-50 right now," he said. "(The Bears) might match it, they might not. I know they like me there, and I know I like it in Chicago. "We'll see what happens." Chicago's defence was one of the best in the NFL last season, and Idonije said the personnel on the D-line isn't expected to change at all. Buffalo, on the other hand, is starting over after a dismal 2005 campaign. "Buffalo's a great situation," he said. "They use the same defence we do in Chicago, and I have an opportunity to go in there and ... they're not guaranteeing me a starting spot, but I have an opportunity to go in there and earn a starting position. "Nothing's guaranteed, but I have a great opportunity there. I've playedthe defence for two years, and it's a great situation for me." Regardless of where he ends up, Idonije, who made approximately $230,000 the past two seasons, is about to be set for life. You won't see him blowinghis nose with $100 bills, though. "I'm going to buy my parents a few things, and I bought a house in Winnipeg I'm going to furnish and take care of," he said. "Apart from thateverything's going to be invested." Besides, NFL money isn't guaranteed, and Idonije knows it. That's why he's working out like there's no tomorrow and has dropped his weight to a lean mean 263 pounds on his 6-foot-7 frame. "It's a whole lot of money, and I'm excited," he said. "But now that business is done, so let's get back to work." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heels20X6 Posted March 21, 2006 Author Share Posted March 21, 2006 Sorry about the length. No link guys, it was scanned from a local newspaper in Winnipeg, Canada. I worked with him for 4 years while in university making $6.50 Canadian (which is like $1.05 US) an hour...and now he's looking at some serious coin.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUFFALOTONE Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Sorry about the length. No link guys, it was scanned from a local newspaper in Winnipeg, Canada.I worked with him for 4 years while in university making $6.50 Canadian (which is like $1.05 US) an hour...and now he's looking at some serious coin.... 637641[/snapback] If this guy can be a jason taylor type threat than I am all for signing him. Even though I despise Taylor, he does produce. We can use an outside rush guy like this. But at 263 and 6'7, there is no way he can play tackle. Sounds more like a Simeon Rice too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFanForever19 Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 NOOOOOO!!!!!! He obviously doesn't have a high motor! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortured Soul Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Lenny P has a piece today where he says he's really 290. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C.Biscuit97 Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Great article thanks. As much as some people bemoan Levy for signing high character guys, I love it. This guy sounds grounded and has his head on straight. Plus you can NEVER have too many linemen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lurker Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Lenny P has a piece today where he says he's really 290. 637655[/snapback] I'd bet that local story is more up to date than Lenny's. Besides, NFL money isn't guaranteed, and Idonije knows it. That's why he's working out like there's no tomorrow and has dropped his weight to a lean, mean 263 pounds on his 6-foot-7 frame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heels20X6 Posted March 21, 2006 Author Share Posted March 21, 2006 Great article thanks. As much as some people bemoan Levy for signing high character guys, I love it. This guy sounds grounded and has his head on straight. Plus you can NEVER have too many linemen. 637657[/snapback] He's definately a character guy. When most guys on University football were out partying on the weekends, he'd be working Saturday mornings at 7 am with me at the University's day care. And in the summers he worked every year for a kids camp. He knew in his 3rd year that he was NFL bound and yet was the nicest guy to anyone who met him. He'll be a great addition. The one thing the article doesn't mention is that he only started playing football at 18. Think of all he's learned to playing at this level at 25. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffaloed in Pa Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 If this guy can be a jason taylor type threat than I am all for signing him. Even though I despise Taylor, he does produce. We can use an outside rush guy like this. But at 263 and 6'7, there is no way he can play tackle. Sounds more like a Simeon Rice too. 637652[/snapback] Exactly what I was Thinking.Too damn small at DT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Fong Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 So if they're so high on this guy why not just throw in a draft pick or two to sweeten the deal for Chicago not to match? Or would that circumvent some arcane NFL rule that they selectively enforce? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt in KC Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 So if they're so high on this guy why not just throw in a draft pick or two to sweeten the deal for Chicago not to match? Or would that circumvent some arcane NFL rule that they selectively enforce? 638046[/snapback] You mean let Idonije make the draft selection instead of the Bills? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Fong Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 You mean let Idonije make the draft selection instead of the Bills? 638056[/snapback] What the hell are you talking about? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt in KC Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 What the hell are you talking about? 638435[/snapback] Actually, what are you talking about? I was trying to make sense of your "why not just throw in a draft pick or two to sweeten the deal " proposition. The Bills are dealing with the player, not the Bears. Who would be offering who a draft pick or two? I don't get it. Maybe you're being sarcastic and saying the Bills are throwing away money and a draft pick if the Bears don't match? Though the Bears aren't entitled to a compensitory pick. Sorry, no comprende! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Fong Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 The Bills are dealing with the player, not the Bears. 638564[/snapback] Ummm no they're dealing with the BEARS now. He has signed the sheet and now the Bears have a chance to either match it or let him walk and get compensation. What I'm saying is if you threw in a third or fourth rounder that might encourage them NOT to match the offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billsjunkie Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 Ummm no they're dealing with the BEARS now. He has signed the sheet and now the Bears have a chance to either match it or let him walk and get compensation. What I'm saying is if you threw in a third or fourth rounder that might encourage them NOT to match the offer. 638769[/snapback] They will not get compensation because he was undrafted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Fong Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 They will not get compensation because he was undrafted. 638799[/snapback] OK, well even more reason to throw something into the pot. I'm not saying he's WORTH it. I've never seen him play. Just if they're so high on the guy couldn't they just step up and make it happen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billsjunkie Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 OK, well even more reason to throw something into the pot. I'm not saying he's WORTH it. I've never seen him play. Just if they're so high on the guy couldn't they just step up and make it happen? 638801[/snapback] I dont think you can throw a draft pick in because its not a trade. He is a RFA. I think that would violate the rules. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apuszczalowski Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 The reason they do not require a draft pick as compensation is not because he was undrafted, but because the offer chicago gave him was one of the lowest offers they could. The draft choice is depndent on a scale of what offer his original team gave him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nobody Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 I guess the Bills could try to trade for him once the Bears match the offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apuszczalowski Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 What are the rules regarding a possible trade for a RFA Can it be done?, Does it break a rule in the CBA? What if Buffalo were to say to Chicago, he signed our offer, if you are willing to let him go, we will send you a pick as compensation even though the deal does not require it. Like with Wells, could the Bills have said to Arizona, instead of teh 6th that we are required to send you, would you not match the offer if we sent you a 3rd? (not saying they should Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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