ssmitty

Bush talks 'proceeding on a normal course'
But Saints GM, Bush's agent mum about contract details
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
By Mike Triplett
The Saints' contract talks with tailback Reggie Bush are "proceeding on a normal course," according to General Manager Mickey Loomis.

But, with only two of the NFL's 32 first-round draft picks having signed contracts, the "normal course" almost certainly will take the negotiations into next week, if not longer.

Neither Loomis nor Bush's agent, Joel Segal, would comment on details of the negotiations. But history and common sense dictate that Bush won't be in Jackson, Miss., when the Saints report for training camp Thursday evening.


Last year, seven first-round draft picks had agreed to contracts heading into the first full weekend of NFL training camps. The top five picks in the draft signed on July 26, Aug. 15, Aug. 11, Aug. 29 and July 29, respectively.

A report on Yahoo.com last week cited a league source as saying Bush has toyed with the idea of sitting out the entire season if his contract demands are not met, but that scenario seems unlikely.

Bush, who has already secured several million dollars in national endorsement deals, could risk damaging his popularity if he skips the entire season. And he has already been putting down roots in New Orleans, both through his charity work and the purchase of a $1.8 million riverfront condo downtown.

Still, the Saints certainly won't get off cheaply. Bush was almost universally rated as the No. 1 prospect in April's draft before the Houston Texans made the surprising decision to take defensive end Mario Williams instead. So Bush likely will seek a deal that approaches Williams' six-year, $54 million contract, with a reported $26.5 million in guaranteed money over the first two years.

The Saints have agreed to contracts with four of their eight draft picks so far. They still need to work out deals with Bush, second-round pick Roman Harper, fourth-rounder Jahri Evans and sixth-rounder Mike Hass.

http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index...320.xml&coll=1

LongTimeFan

I said all along that Bush will sign, I still say he will just might take a couple of weeks more to get it done.

jrmllb

I dont think they are having problems about money as everyone talks about...I think they are having length of contract issues...As much as I would like it I dont see Bush signing annthing over four years like Williiams did...

SaintFanInATLHELL

I think that's an unreasonable demand. Anything less than 5 years on this contract will be a salary cap albatross. Reggie still needs to earn his way out of the contract. 6 years with 1 voidable with reasonable goals (i.e. 1200 yards, 50 catches, 15 TDs or somewhere in that ballpark).

SFIAH