Steve NcNair will NOT be released (1 Viewer)

[Big Score]

So who wrote that diesel? Dan Pompei

TSN does have a few average-to-above-average writers, but how Dan Pompei has a job is beyond me. He writes two kind of articles: blatantly obvious and purely for shock value.

Whats the problem here?

I'll let you figure it out.

Obviously I missed it.

Yeah, I'd say that's blatantly obvious.

 

[wannabee]

Titans | Arbitrator issues McNair ruling

Published Wed May 31 3:45:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) The Associated Press an arbitrator ruled Wednesday, May 31, that the Tennessee Titans cannot keep QB Steve McNair from working out on their property as long as he has a contract with the team. General Counsel Richard Berthelsen called it a victory for the NFL Players Association and McNair. McNair is under contract for the 2006 season and due a salary of $9 million.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Titans | Arbitrator issues McNair ruling

Published Wed May 31 3:45:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) The Associated Press an arbitrator ruled Wednesday, May 31, that the Tennessee Titans cannot keep QB Steve McNair from working out on their property as long as he has a contract with the team. General Counsel Richard Berthelsen called it a victory for the NFL Players Association and McNair. McNair is under contract for the 2006 season and due a salary of $9 million.

So does McNair now go into the facility, and then "trip" down the stairs.

 

[JaxBill]

Titans | Arbitrator issues McNair ruling

Published Wed May 31 3:45:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) The Associated Press an arbitrator ruled Wednesday, May 31, that the Tennessee Titans cannot keep QB Steve McNair from working out on their property as long as he has a contract with the team. General Counsel Richard Berthelsen called it a victory for the NFL Players Association and McNair. McNair is under contract for the 2006 season and due a salary of $9 million.

So does McNair now go into the facility, and then "trip" down the stairs.

or do the Titans release him before he gets a chance?

 

[Warpig]

Titans | Arbitrator issues McNair ruling

Published Wed May 31 3:45:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) The Associated Press an arbitrator ruled Wednesday, May 31, that the Tennessee Titans cannot keep QB Steve McNair from working out on their property as long as he has a contract with the team. General Counsel Richard Berthelsen called it a victory for the NFL Players Association and McNair. McNair is under contract for the 2006 season and due a salary of $9 million.

So does McNair now go into the facility, and then "trip" down the stairs.

or do the Titans release him before he gets a chance?

They're (the Titans) hosed either way. If he falls down the stairs and breaks a leg, they're on the hook to him for his salary. If they cut him, they still take a big hit...not all of the salary, but a large chunk. He can't come back and play because the bridge has been burned. Hopefully he goes to Baltimore and does well for a couple more years.

 

[Mungo Burrows]

Titans | Arbitrator issues McNair ruling

Published Wed May 31 3:45:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) The Associated Press an arbitrator ruled Wednesday, May 31, that the Tennessee Titans cannot keep QB Steve McNair from working out on their property as long as he has a contract with the team. General Counsel Richard Berthelsen called it a victory for the NFL Players Association and McNair. McNair is under contract for the 2006 season and due a salary of $9 million.

So does McNair now go into the facility, and then "trip" down the stairs.

or do the Titans release him before he gets a chance?

Floyd, it's your move.

 

[aposulli]

Just found this story on ESPN... does anyone think this will speed the proccess of McNair to Baltimore?

Seems the Ravens have all the leverage in this situation... was it a 5th rounder they offered?

 

[Mungo Burrows]

Just found this story on ESPN... does anyone think this will speed the proccess of McNair to Baltimore?

Seems the Ravens have all the leverage in this situation... was it a 5th rounder they offered?

not any more

 

[T Man]

Titans | Arbitrator issues McNair ruling

Published Wed May 31 3:45:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) The Associated Press an arbitrator ruled Wednesday, May 31, that the Tennessee Titans cannot keep QB Steve McNair from working out on their property as long as he has a contract with the team. General Counsel Richard Berthelsen called it a victory for the NFL Players Association and McNair. McNair is under contract for the 2006 season and due a salary of $9 million.

So does McNair now go into the facility, and then "trip" down the stairs.

According to PFT - yeah, I know PFT - the Titans are liable for the salary only if they are "directing" his activites. Thus, though they have to let him use the facilities to train, they do not have to "direct his activities". Not sure if I totally buy it, but they could just let him come in and not participate in any reindeer games.

This still needs to get resolved. Unless Baltimore decides they want him in there before training camp (ala Miami and Harrington), I see the Titans cutting him the day they sign VY.

 

[Ozymandias]

Other than the fact of practice, it doesn't change very much. Yes, he's a risk for injury, but that's not a biggie. They can buy insurance on that. It still comes down to whether the Ravens are willing to wait it out.

 

[Big Score]

Other than the fact of practice, it doesn't change very much. Yes, he's a risk for injury, but that's not a biggie. They can buy insurance on that. It still comes down to whether the Ravens are willing to wait it out.

Am I reading this right Ozymandias. Teams can buy insurance for a cap hits?

 

[helix]

Other than the fact of practice, it doesn't change very much. Yes, he's a risk for injury, but that's not a biggie.  They can buy insurance on that.  It still comes down to whether the Ravens are willing to wait it out.

Do you really want a guy around your practice facility that is going through this mess with the organization? Talk about dividing the locker room out of the gate. His presence alone will be a huge distraction on the team. I don't think this has ever been about injury risk. Like Ozy stated, that can be insured. What a mess. It is like a popular guy in the office that has been fired, but still goes to work everyday for a couple of months. I have seen it and it destroys moral. Note to Titans: let this one go.

 

[diesel7982]

A) Need - Everything I read all winter discussed BAL bringing in a vet QB to push Boller, NOT REPLACE Boller so I don't think the franchise felt they had to replace Boller. If they had planned on Boller starting week #1 in '06 then their need at the position hasn't changed since early this winter.

I don't think anyone has legitimately bought into this.  Sounds like coachspeak in the event the Ravens were not able to find a replacement for Boller

B) Competion - Only other team I've heard that has any serious interest is MIA, before they signed Culpepper and traded for Harrington. I don't think they are in competition for McNairs services any longer. I would have guessed OAK would show some interest, but they seem comfortable with Brooks as their starter in '06.

Not sure what the point is here.  Are you saying the Titans don't have leverage because of the lack of competition?  I've never maintained that this was the source of their leverage

The biggest disagreement we have is what value McNair has to the BAL franchise if he misses a month of practice this summer. We're not talking about a Mike Martz offense here, we are talking about managing the offense for a power running game led by J.Lewis and M.Anderson on a team that is going to win with defense. Even if McNair isn't ready to start for BAL until week#3 of the regular season he's certainly a good deal considering what they are going to have to give up to get him..... nothing.

Yeah, this is our huge disagreement.  You are SEVERELY underestimating how long it takes to develop timing with WRs that you have never thrown to(obviously with the exception of Mason), and learn an entire offensive playbook full of new terminology. 

Im not sure where you are getting this idea that the Ravens do not throw.  Last year they had 562 passing attempts, well above the league average.  They have a nice group of WRs, and a Pro Bowl TE.  They will be throwing the ball quite a bit.  If the only thing needed was to turn around and hand off, they wouldnt be entertaining bringing in McNair. 

Im not sure I agree with you about the Ravens looking to win with defense either.  They were poor at times last year, and have at best broken even in their offseason gains/losses on that side of the ball. 

Finally, the idea that they will have to give up "nothing" for a QB that will not start until week 3(I would guess closer to week 8 til he'll be more effective than Boller) is a bit shortsided.  The Ravens will be paying McNair an $11million bonus to sign.  Too often on this board, people vastly underrate the effect that money has on a decision in the NFL.  Does Ozzie Newsome really think Art Modell will pay $11mil out of pocket for a 33 yr old QB who might not be ready to play until halfway through the year?  And if hes not ready until halfway through the year, will that be worth is for a team that will likely start rebuilding if they arent a playoff team this year? 

BTW I don't think any TEN QB's are going to have a QB rating as high as Boller had last season. The team that needs McNair the most is TEN, they simply can't afford him.

TEN might need McNair, but they've already burnt that bridge.  While Jeff Fisher might be trying his best to mend fences, Bud Adams has made this decision pretty clear.  McNair will not be back.

Edit to add: Sorry if Im coming across as unfriendly. I am really enjoying this discussion.

Meh, no worries. Just boils down to;1) I think BAL is more comfortable starting Boller than you do(I'm the last Boller believer left on the planet).

2) I think McNair is capable of learning an offense faster than you do.

3) I think the BAL defense is better than you do(they finished in the top 10 last season with all the injuries they had).

4) Because of my belief their defense is better than you think it is, imo the quality of play at QB isn't as big a deciding factor as to whether BAL has a successful season or not.

We do agree on the fact Modell won't like the idea of paying McNair $11mil for playing less than a full season, but I honestly believe that figure is a bit inflated since there is no competition for his services on the open market. Coupled with the fact I expect McNair being on the field sooner than you do I don't think the $ is such a big issue to BAL. Unless they went out and signed Ty Law it would just be wasted salary cap space for BAL anyway at this point.

Something that I might add to the discussion is a huge factor working against TEN at this point is time and they are the ones actually being punished by this slow arbitration process. They may win the arbitration ruling but until McNair gets his ruling I don't think there's anyway BAL will give up anything for him and as early May turns into late May turns into early June the compelling reason for BAL to offer anything in the way of compensation for McNair dwindles.

No hard feelings either way. Interesting to see how all this turns out.... and who was closer to being correct.

So assuming that the PFT rumor of a completed deal for a FOURTH rounder is true, what do we think was the cause of Baltimore paying the Titans' price?

 

[Big Score]

So assuming that the PFT rumor of a completed deal for a FOURTH rounder is true, what do we think was the cause of Baltimore paying the Titans' price?

Lest not discuss something based on an assumption that a PFT rumor might be true.How about we wait until credible confirmation?

 

[diesel7982]

So assuming that the PFT rumor of a completed deal for a FOURTH rounder is true, what do we think was the cause of Baltimore paying the Titans' price?

Lest not discuss something based on an assumption that a PFT rumor might be true.How about we wait until credible confirmation?

Not getting into this argument today.

 

[Big Score]

So assuming that the PFT rumor of a completed deal for a FOURTH rounder is true, what do we think was the cause of Baltimore paying the Titans' price?

Lest not discuss something based on an assumption that a PFT rumor might be true.How about we wait until credible confirmation?

Not getting into this argument today.

Bad choice of words.How about we wait until there's multiple confirmations?

Does that work?

 

[Warpig]

So assuming that the PFT rumor of a completed deal for a FOURTH rounder is true, what do we think was the cause of Baltimore paying the Titans' price?

Lest not discuss something based on an assumption that a PFT rumor might be true.How about we wait until credible confirmation?

Not getting into this argument today.

Bad choice of words.How about we wait until there's multiple confirmations?

Does that work?

Looks like a done deal. Here's the comment that is on the Titan's website (titansonline.com)Titans statement regarding Steve McNair

STATEMENT FROM THE TENNESSEE TITANS

“We have granted permission to Baltimore to give Steve McNair a physical, which we expect to take place in the next 24 hours. Upon passing a physical, final trade terms will be agreed upon.”

Here's a link to the story on the Ravens site:

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article.jsp?id=10276

 

[diesel7982]

A) Need - Everything I read all winter discussed BAL bringing in a vet QB to push Boller, NOT REPLACE Boller so I don't think the franchise felt they had to replace Boller. If they had planned on Boller starting week #1 in '06 then their need at the position hasn't changed since early this winter.

I don't think anyone has legitimately bought into this.  Sounds like coachspeak in the event the Ravens were not able to find a replacement for Boller

B) Competion - Only other team I've heard that has any serious interest is MIA, before they signed Culpepper and traded for Harrington. I don't think they are in competition for McNairs services any longer. I would have guessed OAK would show some interest, but they seem comfortable with Brooks as their starter in '06.

Not sure what the point is here.  Are you saying the Titans don't have leverage because of the lack of competition?  I've never maintained that this was the source of their leverage

The biggest disagreement we have is what value McNair has to the BAL franchise if he misses a month of practice this summer. We're not talking about a Mike Martz offense here, we are talking about managing the offense for a power running game led by J.Lewis and M.Anderson on a team that is going to win with defense. Even if McNair isn't ready to start for BAL until week#3 of the regular season he's certainly a good deal considering what they are going to have to give up to get him..... nothing.

Yeah, this is our huge disagreement.  You are SEVERELY underestimating how long it takes to develop timing with WRs that you have never thrown to(obviously with the exception of Mason), and learn an entire offensive playbook full of new terminology. 

Im not sure where you are getting this idea that the Ravens do not throw.  Last year they had 562 passing attempts, well above the league average.  They have a nice group of WRs, and a Pro Bowl TE.  They will be throwing the ball quite a bit.  If the only thing needed was to turn around and hand off, they wouldnt be entertaining bringing in McNair. 

Im not sure I agree with you about the Ravens looking to win with defense either.  They were poor at times last year, and have at best broken even in their offseason gains/losses on that side of the ball. 

Finally, the idea that they will have to give up "nothing" for a QB that will not start until week 3(I would guess closer to week 8 til he'll be more effective than Boller) is a bit shortsided.  The Ravens will be paying McNair an $11million bonus to sign.  Too often on this board, people vastly underrate the effect that money has on a decision in the NFL.  Does Ozzie Newsome really think Art Modell will pay $11mil out of pocket for a 33 yr old QB who might not be ready to play until halfway through the year?  And if hes not ready until halfway through the year, will that be worth is for a team that will likely start rebuilding if they arent a playoff team this year? 

BTW I don't think any TEN QB's are going to have a QB rating as high as Boller had last season. The team that needs McNair the most is TEN, they simply can't afford him.

TEN might need McNair, but they've already burnt that bridge.  While Jeff Fisher might be trying his best to mend fences, Bud Adams has made this decision pretty clear.  McNair will not be back.

Edit to add: Sorry if Im coming across as unfriendly. I am really enjoying this discussion.

Meh, no worries. Just boils down to;1) I think BAL is more comfortable starting Boller than you do(I'm the last Boller believer left on the planet).

2) I think McNair is capable of learning an offense faster than you do.

3) I think the BAL defense is better than you do(they finished in the top 10 last season with all the injuries they had).

4) Because of my belief their defense is better than you think it is, imo the quality of play at QB isn't as big a deciding factor as to whether BAL has a successful season or not.

We do agree on the fact Modell won't like the idea of paying McNair $11mil for playing less than a full season, but I honestly believe that figure is a bit inflated since there is no competition for his services on the open market. Coupled with the fact I expect McNair being on the field sooner than you do I don't think the $ is such a big issue to BAL. Unless they went out and signed Ty Law it would just be wasted salary cap space for BAL anyway at this point.

Something that I might add to the discussion is a huge factor working against TEN at this point is time and they are the ones actually being punished by this slow arbitration process. They may win the arbitration ruling but until McNair gets his ruling I don't think there's anyway BAL will give up anything for him and as early May turns into late May turns into early June the compelling reason for BAL to offer anything in the way of compensation for McNair dwindles.

No hard feelings either way. Interesting to see how all this turns out.... and who was closer to being correct.

So assuming that the PFT rumor of a completed deal for a FOURTH rounder is true, what do we think was the cause of Baltimore paying the Titans' price?

Ok, now with multiple sources of confirmation, whats the answer here?

 

[Big Score]

Ok, now with multiple sources of confirmation, whats the answer here?

It's a no brainer.Ozzie felt it was worth next years 4th to get McNair into the fold now, instead of waiting until McNair was cut in July.

 

[diesel7982]

Ok, now with multiple sources of confirmation, whats the answer here?

It's a no brainer.Ozzie felt it was worth next years 4th to get McNair into the fold now, instead of waiting until McNair was cut in July.

And why is that?

 

[BoltBacker]

A) Need - Everything I read all winter discussed BAL bringing in a vet QB to push Boller, NOT REPLACE Boller so I don't think the franchise felt they had to replace Boller. If they had planned on Boller starting week #1 in '06 then their need at the position hasn't changed since early this winter.

I don't think anyone has legitimately bought into this. Sounds like coachspeak in the event the Ravens were not able to find a replacement for Boller

B) Competion - Only other team I've heard that has any serious interest is MIA, before they signed Culpepper and traded for Harrington. I don't think they are in competition for McNairs services any longer. I would have guessed OAK would show some interest, but they seem comfortable with Brooks as their starter in '06.

Not sure what the point is here. Are you saying the Titans don't have leverage because of the lack of competition? I've never maintained that this was the source of their leverage

The biggest disagreement we have is what value McNair has to the BAL franchise if he misses a month of practice this summer. We're not talking about a Mike Martz offense here, we are talking about managing the offense for a power running game led by J.Lewis and M.Anderson on a team that is going to win with defense. Even if McNair isn't ready to start for BAL until week#3 of the regular season he's certainly a good deal considering what they are going to have to give up to get him..... nothing.

Yeah, this is our huge disagreement. You are SEVERELY underestimating how long it takes to develop timing with WRs that you have never thrown to(obviously with the exception of Mason), and learn an entire offensive playbook full of new terminology.

Im not sure where you are getting this idea that the Ravens do not throw. Last year they had 562 passing attempts, well above the league average. They have a nice group of WRs, and a Pro Bowl TE. They will be throwing the ball quite a bit. If the only thing needed was to turn around and hand off, they wouldnt be entertaining bringing in McNair.

Im not sure I agree with you about the Ravens looking to win with defense either. They were poor at times last year, and have at best broken even in their offseason gains/losses on that side of the ball.

Finally, the idea that they will have to give up "nothing" for a QB that will not start until week 3(I would guess closer to week 8 til he'll be more effective than Boller) is a bit shortsided. The Ravens will be paying McNair an $11million bonus to sign. Too often on this board, people vastly underrate the effect that money has on a decision in the NFL. Does Ozzie Newsome really think Art Modell will pay $11mil out of pocket for a 33 yr old QB who might not be ready to play until halfway through the year? And if hes not ready until halfway through the year, will that be worth is for a team that will likely start rebuilding if they arent a playoff team this year?

BTW I don't think any TEN QB's are going to have a QB rating as high as Boller had last season. The team that needs McNair the most is TEN, they simply can't afford him.

TEN might need McNair, but they've already burnt that bridge. While Jeff Fisher might be trying his best to mend fences, Bud Adams has made this decision pretty clear. McNair will not be back.

Edit to add: Sorry if Im coming across as unfriendly. I am really enjoying this discussion.

Meh, no worries. Just boils down to;1) I think BAL is more comfortable starting Boller than you do(I'm the last Boller believer left on the planet).

2) I think McNair is capable of learning an offense faster than you do.

3) I think the BAL defense is better than you do(they finished in the top 10 last season with all the injuries they had).

4) Because of my belief their defense is better than you think it is, imo the quality of play at QB isn't as big a deciding factor as to whether BAL has a successful season or not.

We do agree on the fact Modell won't like the idea of paying McNair $11mil for playing less than a full season, but I honestly believe that figure is a bit inflated since there is no competition for his services on the open market. Coupled with the fact I expect McNair being on the field sooner than you do I don't think the $ is such a big issue to BAL. Unless they went out and signed Ty Law it would just be wasted salary cap space for BAL anyway at this point.

Something that I might add to the discussion is a huge factor working against TEN at this point is time and they are the ones actually being punished by this slow arbitration process. They may win the arbitration ruling but until McNair gets his ruling I don't think there's anyway BAL will give up anything for him and as early May turns into late May turns into early June the compelling reason for BAL to offer anything in the way of compensation for McNair dwindles.

No hard feelings either way. Interesting to see how all this turns out.... and who was closer to being correct.

So assuming that the PFT rumor of a completed deal for a FOURTH rounder is true, what do we think was the cause of Baltimore paying the Titans' price?

Ok, now with multiple sources of confirmation, whats the answer here?

Just got home and heard about it. I honestly can't think of a reason BAL would be willing to part with more now for McNair than they would during the draft if they did.

 

[Big Score]

Ok, now with multiple sources of confirmation, whats the answer here?

It's a no brainer.Ozzie felt it was worth next years 4th to get McNair into the fold now, instead of waiting until McNair was cut in July.

And why is that?

Seems Ozzie definitely wants the Boller experiment over, with his butt firmly planted on the bench and the more time Mcnair has to absorb the play book the better?Or Ozzie lost one of his regulars from his Wednesday Poker night and needed McNair in ASAP to take the seat?

 

[BoltBacker]

So assuming that the PFT rumor of a completed deal for a FOURTH rounder is true, what do we think was the cause of Baltimore paying the Titans' price?

I'm not trying to be a ball-buster here but do you have any links for sources stating it was for a fourth round draft pick? It wasn't even conditional? I've looked and I haven't found anything.

 

[diesel7982]

So assuming that the PFT rumor of a completed deal for a FOURTH rounder is true, what do we think was the cause of Baltimore paying the Titans' price?

I'm not trying to be a ball-buster here but do you have any links for sources stating it was for a fourth round draft pick? It wasn't even conditional? I've looked and I haven't found anything.

Rotoworld

 

[GregR_2]

So assuming that the PFT rumor of a completed deal for a FOURTH rounder is true, what do we think was the cause of Baltimore paying the Titans' price?

I thought the Titan's price was a 3rd, conditional to a 2nd?But for the overall question of why Baltimore gave up anything, I imagine they felt it was worth whatever they gave up to:

1) Get him into their system now so he has as much time to learn it and adapt as possible.

2) Make sure they get him, rather than have him be cut and become a free agent, where some other team might come in and either get them in a bidding war at best, or lure him away completely at worst.

 

[Big Score]

But for the overall question of why Baltimore gave up anything, I imagine they felt it was worth whatever they gave up to:

1) Get him into their system now so he has as much time to learn it and adapt as possible.

2) Make sure they get him, rather than have him be cut and become a free agent, where some other team might come in and either get them in a bidding war at best, or lure him away completely at worst.

I still think what is shown below, is the real reason for Ozzie giving a 4th next year, when he could've waited and had McNair for nothing.

Ozzie lost one of his regulars from his Wednesday Poker night and needed McNair in ASAP to take the seat

 

[BoltBacker]

So assuming that the PFT rumor of a completed deal for a FOURTH rounder is true, what do we think was the cause of Baltimore paying the Titans' price?

I'm not trying to be a ball-buster here but do you have any links for sources stating it was for a fourth round draft pick? It wasn't even conditional? I've looked and I haven't found anything.

Rotoworld

So according to that source it is a conditional pick. Any idea what the conditions are? Even rumors as to what the conditions may be.I'm still reserving judgement until I see it posted on something a little more mainstream than rotoworld.

 

[GregR_2]

But for the overall question of why Baltimore gave up anything, I imagine they felt it was worth whatever they gave up to:

1) Get him into their system now so he has as much time to learn it and adapt as possible.

2) Make sure they get him, rather than have him be cut and become a free agent, where some other team might come in and either get them in a bidding war at best, or lure him away completely at worst.

I still think what is shown below, is the real reason for Ozzie giving a 4th next year, when he could've waited and had McNair for nothing.

Ozzie lost one of his regulars from his Wednesday Poker night and needed McNair in ASAP to take the seat

I should have included that as 1a). Edit to add: Actually, let me add, I think it's also perhaps a sign that Ozzie may think this team has a closing window (which isn't a stretch to believe), and wants to do everything to take advantage of it before it's too late and they have to replace key veteran players completely and rebuild.

 

[diesel7982]

So assuming that the PFT rumor of a completed deal for a FOURTH rounder is true, what do we think was the cause of Baltimore paying the Titans' price?

I'm not trying to be a ball-buster here but do you have any links for sources stating it was for a fourth round draft pick? It wasn't even conditional? I've looked and I haven't found anything.

Rotoworld

So according to that source it is a conditional pick. Any idea what the conditions are? Even rumors as to what the conditions may be.I'm still reserving judgement until I see it posted on something a little more mainstream than rotoworld.

Its not hard to look this up yourself Boltbacker.FoxSports

ESPN

The Titans swapped the longtime face of their franchise and a fan favorite for what is believed to be a fourth-round pick in next spring's draft. There is a possibility the draft pick could become a third-round choice depending on his playing time and performance in 2006, ESPN.com's John Clayton reports.

 

[BoltBacker]

Its not hard to look this up yourself Boltbacker.

FoxSports

ESPN

The Titans swapped the longtime face of their franchise and a fan favorite for what is believed to be a fourth-round pick in next spring's draft. There is a possibility the draft pick could become a third-round choice depending on his playing time and performance in 2006, ESPN.com's John Clayton reports.

Actually, I never go to any of the three sites you listed but that last quote is shocking to me.

 

[ravnzfan]

So assuming that the PFT rumor of a completed deal for a FOURTH rounder is true, what do we think was the cause of Baltimore paying the Titans' price?

I'm not trying to be a ball-buster here but do you have any links for sources stating it was for a fourth round draft pick? It wasn't even conditional? I've looked and I haven't found anything.

Rotoworld

So according to that source it is a conditional pick. Any idea what the conditions are? Even rumors as to what the conditions may be.I'm still reserving judgement until I see it posted on something a little more mainstream than rotoworld.

Its not hard to look this up yourself Boltbacker.FoxSports

ESPN

The Titans swapped the longtime face of their franchise and a fan favorite for what is believed to be a fourth-round pick in next spring's draft. There is a possibility the draft pick could become a third-round choice depending on his playing time and performance in 2006, ESPN.com's John Clayton reports.

well, that certainly is curious, because I heard Ozzie himself say "trade is for a 4th...it's final...no conditions"

 

[GregR_2]

But for the overall question of why Baltimore gave up anything, I imagine they felt it was worth whatever they gave up to:

1) Get him into their system now so he has as much time to learn it and adapt as possible.

2) Make sure they get him, rather than have him be cut and become a free agent, where some other team might come in and either get them in a bidding war at best, or lure him away completely at worst.

I still think what is shown below, is the real reason for Ozzie giving a 4th next year, when he could've waited and had McNair for nothing.

Ozzie lost one of his regulars from his Wednesday Poker night and needed McNair in ASAP to take the seat

Just saw this in a John Clayton article:

The Ravens didn't have any trouble giving up a fourth-round pick for McNair. They have all seven of their draft choices in 2007. Plus, their losses in free agency should net them four additional compensatory picks, including a couple that should be in rounds three through five. To acquire McNair and still have 10 draft choices for next year, the Ravens had an easy time making an offer to the Ravens.