Raiders’ Williams Is Taking a Chance on Success

Harvey Williams surprised his critics when he rushed for nearly 1,000 yards in his first season with the Raiders after three frustrating seasons in Kansas City.

Then he surprised some of his supporters when he re-signed a week ago for only one year at $550,000, plus incentive bonuses.

Some said Williams sold himself short, but the 27-year-old tailback disagrees.

The incentive bonuses, Williams said, involving both team and individual goals, could allow him to more than double the $550,000.

That’s assuming, of course, Williams doesn’t get injured.

Williams, who didn’t break into the Raiders’ starting lineup until their seventh game, met last week with new Coach Mike White and top offensive assistant Joe Bugel. “They told me I’ll be the starter from Day 1,” Williams said.

Meanwhile, Williams’ agent, Jordan Woy, was trying to put together a multiyear deal.

Finally, Woy told Bruce Allen, the Raiders’ director of football operations, “We need to get this done or cut the cord. If we agree to disagree, we’ll move in a different direction.”

Finally, it was agreed to cut the deal to one year, put in a lower salary, which would help the Raiders in terms of the salary cap, but add the incentive bonuses.

Having rushed for 983 yards last season, is Williams determined to finally top 1,000 in 1995? “If I don’t get hurt, I’ll get 2,000,” he predicted. “To me, I already got 1,000 and (because he didn’t start for six games) I did it in half the time.”