Blog Archive

I have posted a number of times about unsigned rookies and the potential for trouble. It is coming down to just a few holdouts for first round picks . Here they are:

San Diego, CB Quentin Jammer: The Chargers did not send their first proposal until Friday 7/19. According to GM John Butler the two sides are not close to a deal. Jammer’s agent, Michael Sullivan, says the Chargers turned down a proposal on 7/8 that would have paid the cornerback $13.2 million over the first three years. He blames the team for Jammer’s current holdout. As of 8/1 The two sides made contact for the first time since 7/20 this week. The Chargers may wait until Sims is signed to bracket Jammer’s deal before final negotiations.

Kansas City, DT Ryan Sims: Head coach Dick Vermeil says he thinks the two sides are close to an agreement. Camp began Friday 7/26. The Kansas City Star reports talks have reached an “impasse” and the possibility exists for an extended holdout by the defensive tackle. As of 7/31 Head coach Dick Vermeil says, “He’s losing time now … (Sims’ agent) is hurting him (Sims) and he (the agent) is hurting the Chiefs.”

Minnesota, OT Bryant McKinnie: The two sides are in “substantive discussions” according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, but remain far from a deal. The Vikes would like to have McKinnie signed because he’s been named the starting left offensive tackle. McKinnie officially becomes a holdout when practice begins Saturday 7/27. The Vikings are hoping to sign him to a six-year deal. As of 7/30 There are no signs of resolution to McKinnie’s holdout. The Vikings are looking to add a free agent offensive lineman. Head coach Mike Tice said, “We’re not very close at all,” when discussing the McKinnie contract talks after Monday’s practice. As of 8/1 The MS-T reports there is “no substantial movement” toward a deal.

Arizona, DE Wendell Bryant: Bryant is the final unsigned pick of the Cards and negotiations began in earnest this week. He skipped mini-camp because he and the team couldn’t reach a satisfactory injury waiver. As of 7/30 Talks are ongoing, but no news is available.

Baltimore, FS Ed Reed: Missed the 7/25 opening of camp after Reed reportedly told his agents he wanted to be signed by opening day of training camp. Agent Jeff Moorad said he currently doesn’t see “the light at the end of the tunnel” regarding Reed’s contract. Reed is expected to start at safety if his holdout doesn’t prevent him from learning the Ravens defensive scheme. As of 7/28 The Baltimore Sun reports the contract snag is $200K in the signing bonus. Moorad says the two sides have agreed to a five-year structure. As of 7/30 The two sides are less than $200K apart in the signing bonus for a five-year, $6.2 million deal. As of 8/1 Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston thinks the team should let Reed hold out as long as he wants. Preston says Reed has no leverage because the Ravens are expected to be a weak team this year with or without the first-round pick.

Washington, QB Patrick Ramsey: Early this week the The Washington Times described Ramsey and the Skins as being “almost as far apart as possible” with key contract details such as signing bonus, salary, escalators and incentives not worked out. The Washington Post reports that, although Ramsey’s potential contract details are becoming bracketed by other signings, the quarterback could miss a “significant” portion of camp as a holdout. As of 7/30 The snag in Ramsey’s deal is an escalator clause that would increase his salary if he becomes the starting QB. It is likely he will not join the team before they leave this Wednesday for Osaka, Japan to play in Saturday’s American Bowl against the 49ers. As of 8/1 The WP reports a deal could be within reach by early next week.

With Duckett signed in Atlanta, it seems Ramsey would be the biggest holdout – it doesn’t look like he is going to get a chance to play in Japan. Although, Sims and Mckinnie aren’t doing anyone any favors. We will have to wait and see who gets hurt and who loses out . . .