Robert Meachem Would Be Wise to Not Hold Out

blacksaint · 06-24-2007, 03:22 AM

Jun 23rd 2007 8:25PM by Tom Mantzouranis

With the news that the team inked both of this year's fourth-rounders, running back Antonio Pittman and offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod, only one rookie draftee remains unsigned -- first-round receiver Robert Meachem.

Considering the terrible, injury-ridden start to Meachem's tenure with the Saints, a training camp holdout would serve as a death blow to the former Vol's first season -- he won't play. But the circumstances indicate that might be on the horizon. Meachem will be paying close attention to what the Chiefs pay Dwayne Bowe, the 23rd overall pick, this summer. That will set a jumping off point for negotiations with the Saints. If Bowe doesn't sign on-time, Meachem won't, either.

The Saints will want to work something out early because, quite frankly, Meachem's value is really low right now. Seeing as how he's seen about as much field time as Walter Thomas, they could save money. Meachem will want to delay the negotiating process until he can prove that he's worthy of the max price possible, which he'll probably want. But with a return date ominously close to the start of camp, it seems unlikely he'll sign something before getting some leverage back.

The best thing for everyone is for Meachem to swallow his pride, realize he hasn't earned a thing yet, and get a deal done before camp no matter what. We'll see if that turns out to be the case, but I doubt it.

"Man I was thinking the same thing, this kid better start ignoring his agents advise, get smart and sign, I think if he's not in camp on time, he might not play for the entire season."

06-24-2007, 03:22 AM	#1
blacksaint DARE TO ENTER Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Home Sweet Home, NEW ORLEANS, La. Posts: 1,154	Robert Meachem Would Be Wise to Not Hold Out Jun 23rd 2007 8:25PM by Tom Mantzouranis With the news that the team inked both of this year's fourth-rounders, running back Antonio Pittman and offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod, only one rookie draftee remains unsigned -- first-round receiver Robert Meachem. Considering the terrible, injury-ridden start to Meachem's tenure with the Saints, a training camp holdout would serve as a death blow to the former Vol's first season -- he won't play. But the circumstances indicate that might be on the horizon. Meachem will be paying close attention to what the Chiefs pay Dwayne Bowe, the 23rd overall pick, this summer. That will set a jumping off point for negotiations with the Saints. If Bowe doesn't sign on-time, Meachem won't, either. The Saints will want to work something out early because, quite frankly, Meachem's value is really low right now. Seeing as how he's seen about as much field time as Walter Thomas, they could save money. Meachem will want to delay the negotiating process until he can prove that he's worthy of the max price possible, which he'll probably want. But with a return date ominously close to the start of camp, it seems unlikely he'll sign something before getting some leverage back. The best thing for everyone is for Meachem to swallow his pride, realize he hasn't earned a thing yet, and get a deal done before camp no matter what. We'll see if that turns out to be the case, but I doubt it. "Man I was thinking the same thing, this kid better start ignoring his agents advise, get smart and sign, I think if he's not in camp on time, he might not play for the entire season."
	saint4life (504)