Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Dole Outs and Hold Outs Edition
Paul K looks at the biggest question looming over the rest of the Titans' offseason: Will CJ2K hold out of the mandatory work-outs? For the inside scoop Paul K hits-up one of Johnson's close friends, Jags WR Mike Sims-Walker. Sims-Walker makes it sound like CJ2K isn't pissed, but he isn't pleased, and will probably miss the rest of OTA's before attending the mandatory sessions (which result in hefty fines if you miss).
With all of the talk of the 30% rule and how it limits the Titans from giving CJ2K a huge raise, it's interesting that Patrick Willis just got a big raise thanks to a creative, two-tiered signing bonus:
They did it by giving him a relatively manageable signing bonus of $15.5 million, along with a second signing bonus (technically known as a "supersede signing bonus") of $4.8 million in 2011. Basically, a new contract kicks in next year, with a new signing bonus. And none of the money counts against the 30-percent rule.
Follow us through the jump to discover which draft prospect was asked by an NFL coach to sing...
In a story picked-up from the AP Wire out of a city that we can assume isn't covered in muck and flood water, Barry Wilner asks rookies about some of the oddest questions they were asked by teams during the pre-draft process. Thankfully, none of them are in the league of the crap Jeff Ireland of the Dolphins asked Dez Bryant (more on that below), but there are some head-scratchers for sure:
Bengals fourth-round pick Geno Atkins said one club, he couldn't recall which, asked him about his sexual orientation... " 'McDonald's or Burger King?' I think 'pillow or blanket?' was another one.
Mississippi running back Dexter McCluster, a second-round pick by Kansas City, did have one team go "American Idol" on him. "One coach asked me to sing," McCluster said.
Hey, have you heard that Kevin Mawae is still hoping to get picked-up by a team looking for a starting center? And yes, he's still suspicious of collusion by the owners being the reason he isn't signed yet.
Congratulations to SI.com's Jim Trotter for lapping up spin that was spoon-fed to him by the Dolphins brass to make them look better in the Dez Bryant situation. Good job baby bird! Even John Clayton on ESPN radio SUnday night said this was unreliable and shameful spin control. Look, Mr. Ireland, you're not the worst person in the world, you just asked a really inappropriate question because (like most of your colleagues) you have an inflated sense of importance and control. Just suck it up, let your apology speak for itself, and quit trying to act like Bryant brought this on himself. You're supposed to be the adult here... even if you do work for Bill Parcells.
The Browns are digging what they're seeing so far from former Vol Monatrio Hardesty, who many SEC fans pegged as a sleeper pick in the draft... of course that was assuming that he was more of a 3-4th round pick. As a second rounder, any success he has shouldn't be a huge surprise.
Have love, send links to mcmaugustwest@gmail.com!
11 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
combine questions
are the players entering the NFL, or a fraternity? some of those are ridiculous.
TN Sports fan in Hoosier Country....
Doesn't it seem to make sense for the Titans to give CJ a new contract by using the 30% rule?
Considering he’s not making much, the raise wouldn’t be a whole heck of a lot. Rather than trying to get around the rule by giving him huge bonuses (which we know the Titans would hate to do) they could give him a slightly elevated deal with the 30% rule. CJ gets a new contract, albeit not the one he wants, and the Titans don’t have to pay out large sums of money, and have followed the “rule”.
Also, does anyone else think that CJ’s agent kinda screwed him in his rookie deal? I know that at some point the deals are all just slotted in, ie. he makes less than the 23rd but more than the 25th pick, but the fact his base salary is just above half a million dollars seems really, really small.
"I don't care if I have to run 100 times or pass it 100 times, ... Whatever it takes to win is all that matters to me." - VY
by WinnipegTitanFan13 on May 5, 2010 11:04 AM CDT reply actions
The problem that he's got is that he's already under contract...
…and that contract is likely to run through the best years of his NFL career in its current form. The Titans know this, hence the reluctance to sign him to an even longer deal. As for merely giving him a raise, well, blame his agent. He’s already under contract. His agent obviously should have negotiated better incentives.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
Storyteller's Playbook
Charter Member of the Music City Miracles Hall Of Fame
That's the key
Most 1st Round contracts pay out BIG TIME in incentives. CJs contract didn’t seem to do so. He should blame his agent.
T-Rac's Posse - T-Rac is one boss raccoon.
My personal Tribute to Air McNair
by T--Rac's Posse on May 5, 2010 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions
he's already made over 5 mil in 2 years
maybe that’s not superstar money but he ain’t starving either.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
Does CJ have a
ponytail?
Graphic Designer/Researcher/Writer at Music City Miracles.
Official Graphic Goon of On The Forecheck.
by Aditya T (smashville) on May 5, 2010 11:30 AM CDT reply actions
no, they shouldnt
T-Rac's Posse - T-Rac is one boss raccoon.
My personal Tribute to Air McNair
by T--Rac's Posse on May 5, 2010 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
They can't give him a new deal until seeing how he holds up this season.
Far too many running backs break down the season after a big one (Anyone draft Turner in fantasy last season? Yea.) and its simply not prudent to give a contract before seeing if he can hold up.
Ain't no time for hesitatin'
All you got to do is groove

by 


















