The Buffalo Bills announced Monday that Richie Incognito has officially signed his contract after agreeing in principle over the weekend.
The contract -- one year in length, per NFL Media's Jeff Darlington -- has come under scrutiny after the guard was given yet another chance at an NFL career. The infamous bullying scandal involving former Miami Dolphins teammate Jonathan Martin in 2013 -- which kept Incognito out of the NFL for more than a year -- was the most recent of his missteps.
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However, in a statement Monday new Bills owner Terry Pegula said after he, wife Kim and the rest of the team's brass met with Incognito his organization believes the player is in a better place.
"I personally met with Richie, along with Doug Whaley, Rex Ryan and Kim regarding an opportunity to earn a spot on the Buffalo Bills roster," Pegula said. "Obviously, we all discussed Richie's past experience in the NCAA and NFL. We are convinced that Richie is prepared to move forward and has and will continue to take the necessary steps to improve himself as a person and a teammate. Following discussion with the rest of the coaching staff, we as an organization will provide him with the opportunity to do so."
It's an interesting roster move for an owner so early in his tenure, as it's one that will undoubtedly come with much scrutiny, especially outside Buffalo.
The Bills clearly believe that Ryan and team leaders can handle Incognito's personality, that the guard has learned from his past mistakes and that he can provide an upgrade on the field.
On paper it all sounds like the start of a redemption story. However, neither life nor football plays out on paper.
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