Briggs/Samuel: No long term deals (1 Viewer)

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

The clock is ticking for Bears linebacker Lance Briggs, Cornerback Asante Samuel (and other Franchise Tagged free agents), who have until 3 p.m. Monday to sign a long-term contract extension.

If no deal is completed -- and little progress has been evident since last year -- NFL rules stipulate that the only deal they can sign is the franchise-tag tender offer for 2007.

One possible compromise: They agree to sign and play this season in exchange for their team's promise not to apply the franchise tag again next year.

Otherwise, they have threatened to sit out the first 10 games, since no long-term deal is allowed after 3 p.m. Monday.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I'm curious as to how many have actually followed through with their threats to sit out. I know there are a few, but the only one I can think of right now is McCardell.

I don't think Briggs misses time, but Samuel might.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

I'm curious as to how many have actually followed through with their threats to sit out. I know there are a few, but the only one I can think of right now is McCardell. I don't think Briggs misses time, but Samuel might.

I think Briggs is more likely to sit out, and I don't expect a long term deal to be completed in either case.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I'm curious as to how many have actually followed through with their threats to sit out. I know there are a few, but the only one I can think of right now is McCardell. I don't think Briggs misses time, but Samuel might.

I think Briggs is more likely to sit out, and I don't expect a long term deal to be completed in either case.

Briggs doesn't have anything to gain by sitting out. The Bears aren't going to sign him long term no matter what he does. All sitting out will do for Briggs is cost him a few million.

 

[David Yudkin]

The deadline is actually 4 pm Eastern time today.

 

[bostonfred]

The deadline is actually 4 pm Eastern time today.

Makes sense since Grid lives in Chicago, and thinks the wolrd revolves around him.

 

[KellysHeroes]

I feel Briggs sits.... and Samuel plays... he knows theres a ring coming if he plays.

 

[David Yudkin]

They discussed this at length on the late night New England tv sports talk shows. It appears that Samuel thinks that the Pats are so close to winning this year that that is a factor in him potentially signing. PFT, however, is now saying that the two sides are nowhere near close, are not even talking, and the Pats intend to franchise him again in 2008--all of which goes against numerous other sources stating otherwise.

 

[Boston]

The latest update on Samuel:

http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/...ticleid=1011515

Looks like the sides are talking but from all accounts they have a pretty big gap to close. My guess is Samuel would definetly come back if the Pats promise not to franchise him in 08 although I'm not sure if they would agree to this (even though I don't think they will franchise him again). There has been some scuttlebutt recently that Samuel will report either for camp or after a short holdout because he realizes his best bet to eventually cash in is if he has another big season. Also, outside of a trade I'm not sure what a holdout would accomplish since after today the two sides won't be able to sign a long term deal until after the season.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

The deadline is actually 4 pm Eastern time today.

Makes sense since Grid lives in Chicago, and thinks the wolrd revolves around him.

Damn straight. The world does too!

 

[Buckna]

I feel Briggs sits.... and Samuel plays... he knows theres a ring coming if he plays.

Samuel already has 2 rings. His main motivation will be "what is the best way for me to get Nate Clements type money?" IMHO, the answer to that question is play out the season and prove that his 10 INT's last year weren't just a fluke and that he isn't just a 1 year wonder.

 

[twitch]

I feel Briggs sits.... and Samuel plays... he knows theres a ring coming if he plays.

Samuel already has 2 rings. His main motivation will be "what is the best way for me to get Nate Clements type money?" IMHO, the answer to that question is play out the season and prove that his 10 INT's last year weren't just a fluke and that he isn't just a 1 year wonder.

Samuel holding out makes no sense from any angle. He wont make any money during the holdout. He'd likely risk being benched whenever he came back. He'll not get into the kindof shape he needs to reach to max his contributions, which like you say, will in turn affect his appeal to teams looking at him next year. I dont think he'll hold out longer than a week or 2 of the preseason, if he does at all.

 

[sholditch]

Briggs holding out really doesn't either. The biggest question currently affecting his future payday, likely with another club unfortunately, is whether or not he is a system guy. Four things can happen:

He sits and his replacement comes in and plays well, and the "system guy" tag carries more weight with other teams

He sits and his replacement comes in and plays poorly, and teams are left to wonder whether Briggs is that good or his replacement is that bad.

He plays and puts together another pro-bowl season, and the system-guy question remains unanswered, but he has yet another season of top production to make it seem like less of a concern.

He plays and gets hurt, game over, Briggs loses.

Briggs is not injury-prone, and I think the third option will serve his interests the best, though it does carry more risk.

 

[faulkfan]

The latest update on Samuel:

http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/...ticleid=1011515

Looks like the sides are talking but from all accounts they have a pretty big gap to close. My guess is Samuel would definetly come back if the Pats promise not to franchise him in 08 although I'm not sure if they would agree to this (even though I don't think they will franchise him again). There has been some scuttlebutt recently that Samuel will report either for camp or after a short holdout because he realizes his best bet to eventually cash in is if he has another big season. Also, outside of a trade I'm not sure what a holdout would accomplish since after today the two sides won't be able to sign a long term deal until after the season.

That is a big deal.Briggs wants out of Chicago and is hoping that threatening to hold out will force their hand. He handled the situation very poorly by going to the media and looking like a malcontent at what seemed like the very first indication of negotiation impasse. Sitting out will eventually hurt him because if I'm not mistaken the Bears can just keep on franchising him.

 

[Sweet Love]

I'm curious as to how many have actually followed through with their threats to sit out. I know there are a few, but the only one I can think of right now is McCardell. I don't think Briggs misses time, but Samuel might.

Didn't Joey Galloway sit out the first 10 games when he was in Seattle to get out of his contract? I am just not sure whether he was franchised or not.

 

[hephner]

The latest update on Samuel:

http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/...ticleid=1011515

Looks like the sides are talking but from all accounts they have a pretty big gap to close. My guess is Samuel would definetly come back if the Pats promise not to franchise him in 08 although I'm not sure if they would agree to this (even though I don't think they will franchise him again). There has been some scuttlebutt recently that Samuel will report either for camp or after a short holdout because he realizes his best bet to eventually cash in is if he has another big season. Also, outside of a trade I'm not sure what a holdout would accomplish since after today the two sides won't be able to sign a long term deal until after the season.

That is a big deal.Briggs wants out of Chicago and is hoping that threatening to hold out will force their hand. He handled the situation very poorly by going to the media and looking like a malcontent at what seemed like the very first indication of negotiation impasse. Sitting out will eventually hurt him because if I'm not mistaken the Bears can just keep on franchising him.

I don't see anyway Briggs gets traded. The Bears have said as much, and they would have tried to work something through with the Washington proposal if they were really interested in dealing him.Plus the Bears have two capable LBs with a lot of potential as insurance for the Briggs situation (see below). Obviously they're not pro-bowlers, but it certainly helps the Bears position on this. If Briggs sits out the first 10 games, he'll be forfeiting $4.25 million. He'd be foolish to give that up.

-- Briggs' Agent Blinks First, But... --

Fri Jul 6, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com

The Chicago Tribune reports agent Drew Rosenhaus blinked first in the staredown between the bears and franchised LB Lance Briggs and that bodes well for the Bears, who so far have handled the impasse intelligently. It also suggests Rosenhaus understands that the Bears maintain the leverage and are prepared to enter the season with promising fill-ins LB Jamar Williams and LB Michael Okwo at outside linebacker. Love him or hate him, this is why players hire Rosenhaus: He's creative. He also likes to get paid, and maybe he has begun to realize that won't happen if Briggs continues down the path of stubbornness. Briggs apparently has told friends he is prepared to sit out the first 10 games of the season rather than sign a one-year, $7.2 million contract as the Bears' designated franchise player.

 

[Warpig]

2:11 pm here in the central time zone.

:crickets:

:(

 

[GroveDiesel]

Very interesting that one guy has said that he is Samuel's agent and that they are close to a deal but isn't licensed by the NFLPA and now another guy, who IS licensed by the NFLPA said late last night that they weren't that close to a deal.

My question is, is who is this Toby guy and why is he saying things that don't appear to be rooted in fact? Is he Samuel's marketing agent but not a guy that is authorized to negotiate NFL contracts? If so, why is he running his mouth off about whether or not a deal is getting done? Wouldn't that actually hinder the guys that are ACTUALLY trying to work out a deal?

 

[David Yudkin]

No deal: Deadline passes on Samuel talks

Sides were never close; holdout could be next step

By Mike Reiss, Globe Staff | July 16, 2007

The Patriots and cornerback Asante Samuel have not reached an 11th-hour contract agreement today, according to a source directly involved in the negotiation.

Today marked the deadline for franchise players to sign contract extensions. Samuel can only play for the $7.79 million tender if he decides to report to the Patriots.

In June, Samuel said he planned on holding out until the 10th week of the season.

The gap between the sides was significant, which essentially halted the progress of any negotiations. While Samuel's agent, Alonzo Shavers, noted that the sides had recent discussions, they weren't fruitful and never reached the point in which specific contract language was being discussed.

Samuel's camp had been focusing on the first three years of a contract, and was seeking around $30 million. The first three years of any deal are considered key, because players are generally guaranteed they will earn the money even though NFL contracts aren't guaranteed.

Meanwhile, the Patriots' most recent offer would have paid Samuel an average of about $6 million per season, with approximately $13 million in bonuses.

With the sides so far apart, the talks never reached a point in which a deal was close.

 

[Warpig]

No deal: Deadline passes on Samuel talksSides were never close; holdout could be next stepBy Mike Reiss, Globe Staff | July 16, 2007The Patriots and cornerback Asante Samuel have not reached an 11th-hour contract agreement today, according to a source directly involved in the negotiation.Today marked the deadline for franchise players to sign contract extensions. Samuel can only play for the $7.79 million tender if he decides to report to the Patriots.In June, Samuel said he planned on holding out until the 10th week of the season.The gap between the sides was significant, which essentially halted the progress of any negotiations. While Samuel's agent, Alonzo Shavers, noted that the sides had recent discussions, they weren't fruitful and never reached the point in which specific contract language was being discussed.Samuel's camp had been focusing on the first three years of a contract, and was seeking around $30 million. The first three years of any deal are considered key, because players are generally guaranteed they will earn the money even though NFL contracts aren't guaranteed.Meanwhile, the Patriots' most recent offer would have paid Samuel an average of about $6 million per season, with approximately $13 million in bonuses.With the sides so far apart, the talks never reached a point in which a deal was close.

Any updates on Briggs?kwoowner:

 

[David Yudkin]

Lance Briggs - LB - Bears

Franchise players Lance Briggs and Asante Samuel failed to reach long-term agreements with their teams before Monday's 4PM ET deadline.

They can now only play under the one-year franchise tender. For Samuel, it is worth $7.79 million. Briggs can make $7.206 million if he signs. Jul. 16 - 4:29 p.m. ET

 

[jcjets]

Samuel's camp had been focusing on the first three years of a contract, and was seeking around $30 million. The first three years of any deal are considered key, because players are generally guaranteed they will earn the money even though NFL contracts aren't guaranteed.

Meanwhile, the Patriots' most recent offer would have paid Samuel an average of about $6 million per season, with approximately $13 million in bonuses.

With the sides so far apart, the talks never reached a point in which a deal was close.

Maybe I 'm missing the point, but a $13 mil bonus and $6 mil a year in the first three years is $31 mil. Was the deal for 6 years and 31 million of it in the last year and every other year worth 1 million thus averaging to 6 mil a year? We need more details.

Oh well, I can only hope he holds out until week 10 then signs with the Jets next year

 

[Buckna]

Samuel's camp had been focusing on the first three years of a contract, and was seeking around $30 million. The first three years of any deal are considered key, because players are generally guaranteed they will earn the money even though NFL contracts aren't guaranteed.

Meanwhile, the Patriots' most recent offer would have paid Samuel an average of about $6 million per season, with approximately $13 million in bonuses.

With the sides so far apart, the talks never reached a point in which a deal was close.

Maybe I 'm missing the point, but a $13 mil bonus and $6 mil a year in the first three years is $31 mil. Was the deal for 6 years and 31 million of it in the last year and every other year worth 1 million thus averaging to 6 mil a year? We need more details.

Oh well, I can only hope he holds out until week 10 then signs with the Jets next year

The term average could be very misleading. Offering $36M total over 6 years = 6M avg. But what if it's 13M bonus, salaries of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7? Then it's only $19M over the first 3 years. Also $13M in bonuses might be split between signing and roster bonuses spread out over a few years (or even performance bonuses that may or may not be reached.) All kinds of possibilities here, so I agree, more details needed.

 

[David Yudkin]

Samuel's camp had been focusing on the first three years of a contract, and was seeking around $30 million. The first three years of any deal are considered key, because players are generally guaranteed they will earn the money even though NFL contracts aren't guaranteed.

Meanwhile, the Patriots' most recent offer would have paid Samuel an average of about $6 million per season, with approximately $13 million in bonuses.

With the sides so far apart, the talks never reached a point in which a deal was close.

Maybe I 'm missing the point, but a $13 mil bonus and $6 mil a year in the first three years is $31 mil. Was the deal for 6 years and 31 million of it in the last year and every other year worth 1 million thus averaging to 6 mil a year? We need more details.

Oh well, I can only hope he holds out until week 10 then signs with the Jets next year

The bonus would be part of the AVERAGE yearly salary.So Asante wanted $10 million per year INCLUDING bonuses while the Pats offered $6 million per year INCLUDING bonuses.

 

[Chop_Block]

No deal: Deadline passes on Samuel talksSides were never close; holdout could be next stepBy Mike Reiss, Globe Staff | July 16, 2007The Patriots and cornerback Asante Samuel have not reached an 11th-hour contract agreement today, according to a source directly involved in the negotiation.Today marked the deadline for franchise players to sign contract extensions. Samuel can only play for the $7.79 million tender if he decides to report to the Patriots.In June, Samuel said he planned on holding out until the 10th week of the season.The gap between the sides was significant, which essentially halted the progress of any negotiations. While Samuel's agent, Alonzo Shavers, noted that the sides had recent discussions, they weren't fruitful and never reached the point in which specific contract language was being discussed.Samuel's camp had been focusing on the first three years of a contract, and was seeking around $30 million. The first three years of any deal are considered key, because players are generally guaranteed they will earn the money even though NFL contracts aren't guaranteed.Meanwhile, the Patriots' most recent offer would have paid Samuel an average of about $6 million per season, with approximately $13 million in bonuses.With the sides so far apart, the talks never reached a point in which a deal was close.

Looks like I'll get him in the dynasty auction then. Cheap too. Nobody will touch him this early if they think he'll hold out.But at the value I'm looking at, and for a couple years, I think one year on my bench won't kill me.Assuming he DOES hold out.

 

[The Moz]

Word is BB told Samuel - If you hold out for TC your our for the season. Pretty much - if you don't wanna be here then - #### off ! I think they are depending way to heavily on Merriweather being game ready.

Samuel is a top 5 CB - he already has 2 rings so winning another this year isn't the same motivation as it might be to another player. He almost definitley holds out - Reports week 10 only to ride bench and not be activated.

Can Hobbs and Merriweather hold down the CB postions ??? Like having a Rolls Royce ( NE Dline ) next to a Bentley ( NE LB corps ) - then putting both next to a Honda Accord ( NE's DB's ) ! Harrtison is OLD ( still maybe has 1 more year in him , Wilson is injujred alot and not as great , Hobbs is decent but nowhere near a top CB , Merriweather a rookie ).

New England needs to either Trade him for value at CB or Promise to not Franchise him next season IF that will get him to camp. All NE has done to get another ring - to turn around and basically throw away their best DB

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Briggs ' base salary last season was $725,000 while Samuel made about $500,000. Neither one has the wherewithal to pass on more than $7 million at this time in their careers. They should take the money AND show up to camp on time to ensure they are in the best possible playing shape when the games roll around. I would certainly do so if I were Samuel - his numbers all took a big jump up last season, though 7 of his 10 picks came against Vince Young, Grossman, and Harrington. If he had just 5 or 6 picks, would he be looking for such a big deal? Maybe not. The Pats have cobbled together patchwork secondaries before, and I'm sure they're ready to do it again.

As for Briggs, he needs to understand how much money he would be forfeiting by sitting out until Week 10 (or whenever he needs to report). He's 26 years old (turns 27 during the season) which means this is one of his prime earning years. Will he earn more than $7 million a season when he's 31 or 32? Doubtful - he's got to make as much as he can right now. Report in shape, have another very good season, make more money than he has in his entire career, and then get a huge deal from someone else. Beats the alternatives put forth earlier in this thread.

 

[Exile]

Word is BB told Samuel - If you hold out for TC your our for the season. Pretty much - if you don't wanna be here then - #### off !

Whose word? Where did you hear that?

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I'm curious as to how many have actually followed through with their threats to sit out. I know there are a few, but the only one I can think of right now is McCardell. I don't think Briggs misses time, but Samuel might.

Didn't Joey Galloway sit out the first 10 games when he was in Seattle to get out of his contract? I am just not sure whether he was franchised or not.

He was under contract and he was holding out. He did hold out for a bunch of the season though - you're correct there.

 

[Englishteacher]

was going to post this earlier but didn't have time......

what do you guys think of the Bears and Pats trading these two players? Briggs to NE and Samuels to Chicago? The logic I saw was NE has an aging LB corps and a system that probably puts more emphasis on the LB core (3-4 defense) than the CB position. Chicago plays a 4-3 which emphasizes the CB position more (although the Tampa 2 scheme emphasizes more zone than man cover) than the LB position. They're a little thin at CB and have a starter or two who could move to safety where the loss of Mike Brown hurt last year.

Both teams' backs are against the wall in terms of finding money for everyone with some big money players on each squad but I thought maybe it would fit.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

was going to post this earlier but didn't have time......what do you guys think of the Bears and Pats trading these two players? Briggs to NE and Samuels to Chicago? The logic I saw was NE has an aging LB corps and a system that probably puts more emphasis on the LB core (3-4 defense) than the CB position. Chicago plays a 4-3 which emphasizes the CB position more (although the Tampa 2 scheme emphasizes more zone than man cover) than the LB position. They're a little thin at CB and have a starter or two who could move to safety where the loss of Mike Brown hurt last year.Both teams' backs are against the wall in terms of finding money for everyone with some big money players on each squad but I thought maybe it would fit.

The Bears just signed Nathan Vasher to a big deal and are working on one with Tillman. Plus they signed Ricky Manning prior to last season, so they wouldn't want to bring Samuel on board.