As mentioned over on the ESPN AFC West blog and in Kevin Acee's S.D. Union Tribune article, Ryan Mathews is eager to get into camp and start working. He has been driving home the point that he wants to sign as quickly as possible.Great.
Love to hear that.
But I have a hard time believing it is going to be that easy.
Here is a reason to be optimistic: (From Kevin Acee's article) "The player expected to take over for LaDainian Tomlinson as the team’s primary ball carrier has demonstrated in several conversations since the Chargers moved up 16 spots to select him 12th overall that he might be the type to sign on time. And his agent, Frank Bauer, is one of the rare agents Smith speaks to personally. According to several who were present, Smith and Bauer engaged in a lengthy conversation at Fresno State’s Pro Day this spring."
Here is reason to be pessimistic: (Again, from Acee's article) "First-rounders are always the last to sign, because of the money and more complicated contracts involved. With a possible lockout looming in 2011, the signings at the top of the draft could take even longer. If a new collective bargaining agreement is not reached, the suspicion is that the owners will lock out players on the first day of the new league year, at the beginning of March. At issue for all new contracts, including those of rookies, is when certain bonuses would be due. If, for instance, a player signs a deal with a bonus due March 15, 2011, he would not get that bonus if a lockout has already commenced."
Across the entire league, not a single first round draft pick has signed with his team. And only one 2nd round pick has been signed (Some bloke with the Jets). And we are about a week away from most teams opening up their training camps. The truth is, the water surrounding contract negotiations is murky. No one is ready to jump in cause they can't see how deep or shallow it is. I doubt we will see a lot of first round picks signing contracts anytime soon. The uncertainty of a new CBA is making owners and GM's proceed with very cautious steps.
(Kevin Acee's full article: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jul/19/mathews-earnest-but-pragmatic/)
At least you break down the articles unlike BW who just posts up the links lol. Usually first round signings are a domino effect starting from the 1st pick (but seems like Dez might be the first to sign). I would though like to see Mathews on the field when they hold the open camps.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like DES Bryant might hold out because he wants to make the money if the spot he thought he would go in one thing I like is it looks like most of our rookies seem to be guys that actually care about playing football and not just making as much money as they can so I believe the aft west will sign all of their rookies before training camp
ReplyDeleteJefffree... Dude, I'm sure any one of us could do a better job if we had the same media access and team outlets that Bill Williamson does. It's not that hard... unless you got a triple-cheeseburger in front of you with a pile of onion rings... Then I would understand. Your fingers are too greasy to type on the keyboard! LOL
ReplyDeleteHaha yeah. I dont get how BW has such a fun and easy job and still can't pull off a decent blog. Definitely we got some rookies that will be exciting to watch. I know all the focus is on Mathews, but I want to see what Butler and Stuckey can do for the defense. IMO chargers midfield coverage and tackling has never been the same since donnie edwards left. And autumnwind_3505, I'm pretty sure it's spelled DEZ. But I do agree with you that he would probably want more money just like crabtree last year (both are neion deon pupils).
ReplyDeleteits always been a head scratcher how guys like b.w. get the job they do !?? mama always said theys called booty kissers !! we have seen the trend over the last few years , and i have too agree to a point ! rbs absorb a huge amount of punishment thus they have less shelf life than other players , with that in mind i see mathews looking for elete back money right up front rather than have too hold out later . i sure hope he and his agent are somewhat reasonable !
ReplyDeleteYea it is Dez for some reason my ipad auto corrected it and put it in caps
ReplyDeleteHey Dino... if you ever get a chance a good blog you can write about is how undrafted FAs have been a gold mine for the AFC West. Well not sure about the whole of AFC West but I can name 6 players on the top of my head that were UFAs and playing it big for the Bolts.
ReplyDeleteJefffree... Great idea! Send me your email address and I can invite you to be an author. That way you can create posts anytime you want about any topic. Would love to get your thoughts included here. nick@nickmikesell.com
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