Bengals Pay Lineman $30M

May 24, 2000 / 7:40 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Willie Anderson on Wednesday became the highest-paid lineman in Cincinnati Bengals history and one of the NFL's wealthiest by signing a six-year contract extension worth $30.6 million.

His coaches and fellow players said it was good for the team to retain Anderson, regarded as one of the best in the NFL at right offensive tackle.

"It means a lot," linebacker Takeo Spikes said. "It makes you want to play hard. It gives you hope that the Bengals want to sign their players and want to win."

Anderson could have become an unrestricted free agent next spring. He will play this season his fifth since he was Cincinnati's first-round draft choice in 1996 out of Auburn at the $1.04 million figure in his original rookie contract. The extension begins in 2001 and runs through 2006.

Anderson said he was pleased his deal could be done well before the season. He said he thinks the team appreciates the leadership role he fills when he speaks out.

"If I said anything, it was for the good of the team," he said. "The Bengals know that."

"To me, he epitomizes what being a team guy is about, just in the way he conducts himself and goes about his business," coach Bruce Coslet said.

Anderson will anchor the line blocking for quarterback Akili Smith.

The six years on Anderson's extension average more than those on the six-year, $30.5 million contract the Philadelphia Eagles gave this spring to tackle Jon Runyan. Anderson's annual average salary will be $5.1 million to Runyan's $5.08 million, but Runyan's total package is larger.

Bengals president Mike Brown said Anderson's signing frees the team to concentrate on trying to reach a long-term contract with running back Corey Dillon. Dillon, a restricted free agent, rushed for 1,000 years each of the past three seasons. He said after the season that he didn't want to play again for the Bengals because he doesn't think the team appreciates him.

Anderson said he hopes the Bengals retain Dillon.

"A team doesn't get their image from a lineman. Teams get images from their superstar players," Anderson said.

Still, Anderson has his backers.

"Willie's the best right tackle in football," Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander said. "I wouldn't trade him for anybody. He's a dominant run-blocker, and last year he didn't give up a sack."

The 6-foot-6, 340-pound Anderson said the deal includes a Pro Bowl incentive a workout bonus and a weight incentive. He will be required to be in Cincinnati for the 14 veteran voluntary practices and to work with a personal trainer near his home in Atlanta.