stockman311

Not a single first rounder has signed with their team and some training camps open in 5 days. Only one pick has signed with the Saints.
Is it just me or does this seem to be a bit odd.
I understand the agents and GM's only have 5 years to work with on contracts as opposed to 6 or 7 the year before because of the collective bargaining agreement, but this is starting to get out of hand.
Is there any chance we have all of our picks in camp by next friday?

saintswhodi

I doubt it. The top picks won't fall in line until Alex Smith signs. Then there will be a domino effect from there. As I understand it, the team seems to be working harder to get Deuce and McKenzie done, which would free up the room necessary to get all the picks in under our allotted rookie pool and salary cap. Verdon should be done, I don't know what the deal is with him and he is a 7th rounder as opposed to Jefferson being a 6th rounder and having a deal done. But I don't expect to see many picks in before camp. Hell, around the league I think I have heard about maybe only one third rounder signing so far, and I think that is the highest player to sign yet. But getting MM and DM done long term will fre emoney for this year.

Euphoria

Yeah... as soon as the top pick signs they will all fall in line... its just to see how much they are going to get based on the top pick. I think they are working on fixing the problem though. One cenerio has them getting set amount depending on what number they are drafted.

FireVenturi

C'mon Alex get ur crap together!

jbutts

part of the problem is the CBA expires in 4 or 5 years. so teams and players can only sign contracts that last that long because of the ramifications of having the CBA expire on a rookie contract. or something that sounds like that.

RockyMountainSaint

Smith signed today.

Big contract. Reportedly 20% more than Rivers' contract last draft.

Conventional thinking is that the 49ers should have worked a contract out with him before the draft as has been done in years past. Last year's draft notwithstanding.

If they had a deal done before draft day they might have saved 10% of salary and bonuses.

As a consequence all teams who picked behind the 49ers (31 teams) may have their pockets' picked also. Traditionally 10% increases for draft picks from the previous year are somewhat traditional. San Fran may have thrown this out of whack this year by not locking up their pick before the draft.

I am not a sportswriter but I did stay a Holiday Inn Express last night.

I'm no one.
Who are you?

Sarsippius

I just heard we signed Fincher...ill look for a confirmation link. Hopefully the rest of the picks fall in order in the next 2 days.

*edit - here you go hot off the press...

http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news...articleid=1507