JT, When do you think the Bengals will get serious about signing the first pick? Is it still way to early and we need to have 2-4 signed first?
From Gnunley
Gnunley, I think they have been in touch with Andre Smith’s agent. That’s a guess, but with the recent change of agents, I would think Alvin Keels(Andre’s agent) would at least make a courtesy call to Troy and Katie Blackburn to get the ball rolling. I expect this contract negotiation to go down to the wire. Jets QB Mark Sanchez’s contract at the #5 spot was a huge boost over what Chiefs DT Glen Dorsey got last year at #5. And you best believe that Alvin Keels is going to argue that OT Andre Smith is just important to the Bengals success as Sanchez is to the Jets. Throw in the fact that number one picks in the past have held out for a good amount of time, I would say that Andre could be heading that way. Now could the Bengals surprise everyone and get this done before training camp? They could. But I don’t see them jumping out on a limb and giving Andre a deal without first seeing what some of the other OT’s get that were drafted in the top 10. If it were up to me, I would get it done. This guy needs to be in camp. He needs to get work in pads and work at RT when camp gets going. It would be bad to HAVE to throw him in the game after a long holdout and have Andre protecting your $100 million investment, QB Carson Palmer. It would be even worse to sign Andre to a $50 million dollar deal after a long holdout and have him holding a clipboard for a few games because he is not ready. Get it done now. That would be bet for the whole team. The good thing is, it’s mid June, we have a month left. Enjoy the summer, there will be enough drama come late July haha
JT
10 Responses to Mailbag: Holdout?
Patmo
June 11th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
If Smith is going to help this team,he’d better be in camp on time. He has to know the offense cold if he’s going to be productive. Any delay will be a setback. I hope that Andre is doing his classwork like a true pro.
John
June 11th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
JT what do you think about a rookie wage scale?? I agree that players should be paid, but at the same time I have trouble seeing 1st round QB picks getting paid more money before they ever take a snap than a vet QB who just played in the superbowl.
Doug
June 11th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
It’s a business first, to compound the matter the Browns are not only the negotiators, they are also the owners. The money they can save, is money they keep for all intensive purposes for themselves. Throw in the fact that we may not have a salary cap or floor next year, small market Cincinnati Bengals ownership will likely scratch and claw for their best deal regardless of this season’s impact on the field. I think this could be the one big negative of the early season. The truly sad part is it could torpedo an otherwise promising season if the offensive line isn’t clicking.
JJ
June 12th, 2009 at 11:22 am
If I had to make a bet, I would say Anthony Collins or Scott Kooistra will be the starting RT come week one.
Ryan Ford
June 12th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Here’s my question… When does it come to a point where it stops? Every year players get slotted from the previous year. Every year player agents are out to get more money for their client than the player selected at the same position in the draft the previous year. I completely understand that it’s the agent’s job to get the best deal for his client. But at what point do the owners step up and say..”This is getting out of hand!”… “We can’t keep going down this road?”…
What are your thoughts JT on the rookie salary cap? I like the idea, and I would think that the other veterans around the league would like it as well. Just doesn’t make sense to keep throwing all this money at unproven talent! I’d be interested in your take.
JT
June 13th, 2009 at 1:20 am
I think there should be a cap. But I also believe that the teams wouldnt give that money to veteran players either. They would rather give it to young than old
JT
June 13th, 2009 at 1:21 am
True. But its either to the rookies or in the owners pockets. There are teams with $20 million in cap space right now. Think that money is gonna go to veteran players?
Ryan Ford
June 13th, 2009 at 6:50 am
Very good point. It just mind boggles me though… Matthew Stafford gets $41 million in guaranteed money. Sanchez get $28 million up front. I will never blame the players for taking the money, nor the agents for getting them the deals. I just think there is a flaw in the system somewhere. Where exactly that flaw is, I don’t know?
JT
June 13th, 2009 at 6:55 am
yes. i think its only flawed because it keep gettting higher. but I’m for the young guys getting paid. It’s only a handful of guys getting crazy jack
Patmo
June 13th, 2009 at 11:49 am
A rookie signing CAP and shorter contracts might be the answer . A short term contract would insure an owner against catastrophic losses incurred by bad picks and injuries . It would insure the players against bad contracts and give producers an opportunity to get more,higher paying,multiple contracts. The only people hurt are the agents who wouldn’t make as much on the initial contract. Granted there are holes in this argument from both sides but costs are out of control and are in bad need of discipline.
How this would effect the proven,productive pros would be unclear but would be a topic for negotiation . It’s obvious(to me at least) that proven talent has a shorter shelf life because of cost.
To change the system however would require cooperation from both the union and management. Is that possible ? Yes, but it’s unlikely .Until that time,we see higher ticket prices with minimum wage players substituting for proven talent .
If both sides don’t use some common sense,the NFL will look just like GM in a few years. You can’t keep increasing costs and passing it on to the customer with stagnant product value which translates to wins and losses. Parity has been the lifeblood of the NFL. Because of rising costs,parity is not acceptable to the fan/consumer anymore .For the rising price of a ticket the product has to improve or it offers less value. If the game loses attendance, it loses interest. If it loses interest , TV revenues and product sales will decline . If this happens,the costs(expenses) will rise and revenue will decline . Imo,if changes aren’t made soon,the NFL game is on the threshold of decline .That’s sad because it has become America’s favorite sport .It’s in the hands of the players ,owners ,union and commishioner. I hope they get reasonably cooperative and resolve their issues.