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Leinart Contract/Negotiations News
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Renz
An Army of One
Excerpted from an Adam Schefter article on nfl.com:
At USC, it was Leinart that was getting Bush the football. But now Leinart isn't getting what he wants, so much so that on Sunday night, Leinart decided to up and leave Arizona to fly back to Southern California. One person spotted Leinart exiting his plane in the Orange County Airport, a long way away from Cardinals training camp.
Still, both sides are optimistic that they will be able to reach a deal before the week is through. But it certainly doesn't seem as if there will be any breakthrough in the next 24 hours.
Leinart's contract should be easy enough to figure. The players drafted directly in front of and behind him, linebacker Ernie Sims in Detroit and quarterback Jay Cutler in Denver, have signed. Yet Leinart apparently is seeking more money than the No. 10 overall pick typically has been paid. So far, no go.
Leinart spent much of last week in Arizona, working out, training and throwing. But now, for the time being, Leinart will be doing his work in Southern California. All while waiting to get the call to fly back to Arizona.
At USC, it was Leinart that was getting Bush the football. But now Leinart isn't getting what he wants, so much so that on Sunday night, Leinart decided to up and leave Arizona to fly back to Southern California. One person spotted Leinart exiting his plane in the Orange County Airport, a long way away from Cardinals training camp.
Still, both sides are optimistic that they will be able to reach a deal before the week is through. But it certainly doesn't seem as if there will be any breakthrough in the next 24 hours.
Leinart's contract should be easy enough to figure. The players drafted directly in front of and behind him, linebacker Ernie Sims in Detroit and quarterback Jay Cutler in Denver, have signed. Yet Leinart apparently is seeking more money than the No. 10 overall pick typically has been paid. So far, no go.
Leinart spent much of last week in Arizona, working out, training and throwing. But now, for the time being, Leinart will be doing his work in Southern California. All while waiting to get the call to fly back to Arizona.
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From profootball talk:
Does that sound like something Denny would've said? I thought he was more about "pie" when talking contracts.
Does that sound like something Denny would've said? I thought he was more about "pie" when talking contracts.
Garthshort
ASFN Addict
Adam Schlefler
Last night on NFL Total Access, AS reported that he doesn't expect ML to sign until next week, at the earliest. Said, I believe, that the coaches feel he must be signed prior to the first preseason game if he's going to be worth anything this year. I'm not sure if AS is "wired" or not.
Last night on NFL Total Access, AS reported that he doesn't expect ML to sign until next week, at the earliest. Said, I believe, that the coaches feel he must be signed prior to the first preseason game if he's going to be worth anything this year. I'm not sure if AS is "wired" or not.
Red Hawk
JUST WIN!
duh....
Cardinals | Leinart still holding out
Fri, 4 Aug 2006 11:19:30 -0700
Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports Arizona Cardinals rookie QB Matt Leinart remains one of three first-round draft selections holding out.
Bills | Whitner still holding out
Fri, 4 Aug 2006 11:19:15 -0700
Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports Buffalo Bills rookie S Donte Whitner remains one of three first-round draft selections holding out.
Dolphins | Allen still holding out
Fri, 4 Aug 2006 11:16:51 -0700
Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports Miami Dolphins rookie DB Jason Allen remains one of three first-round draft selections holding out.
Cardinals | Leinart still holding out
Fri, 4 Aug 2006 11:19:30 -0700
Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports Arizona Cardinals rookie QB Matt Leinart remains one of three first-round draft selections holding out.
Bills | Whitner still holding out
Fri, 4 Aug 2006 11:19:15 -0700
Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports Buffalo Bills rookie S Donte Whitner remains one of three first-round draft selections holding out.
Dolphins | Allen still holding out
Fri, 4 Aug 2006 11:16:51 -0700
Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports Miami Dolphins rookie DB Jason Allen remains one of three first-round draft selections holding out.
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Deal, no deal? Leinart, Cardinals can't get togetherBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Five days into training camp, and with no significant progress in the negotiations between the Arizona Cardinals and the representatives for first-round draft pick Matt Leinart, the two sides on Friday swapped letters but not contract proposals.
The message of the missives faxed between Cardinals vice president of football operations Rod Graves and agent Tom Condon of CAA remains unknown. But judging from Condon's demeanor Friday evening, one might surmise the two sides weren't exchanging pleasantries, or any other verbiage that might move them closer to an accord.
"There's really nothing to report," said Condon, who last week spent three days in face-to-face bargaining before leaving the Phoenix area without a deal. "I guess you could say we're talking, in a sense, but it really hasn't been anything you could call progress. It is what it is."
Leinart is one of just three first-round selections who remain unsigned, with safeties Donte Whitner of the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins' Jason Allen joining the former Southern California quarterback in being absent from their respective training camps. Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley, the first-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, agreed to terms on Friday afternoon after missing two weeks of camp.
It's believed the Cardinals have made about three different proposals to Leinart but, obviously, either the numbers, the terms or the structure was not amenable to the former USC star.
The 10th overall choice in the draft and probably a bargain in that slot after he posted a brilliant 37-2 record as the Trojans' starter for three seasons, Leinart was in Phoenix for several days last week and actually spent time throwing with some Arizona receivers. But when he missed last Sunday evening's deadline for reporting to camp and then Monday's opening practice, Leinart returned home to the Los Angeles area.
The 2004 Heisman Trophy winner, Leinart is expected to battle two-year veteran John Navarre for the backup job behind starter Kurt Warner once his contract is resolved. The consensus is that the Cardinals chose Leinart to groom him as the team's quarterback of the future.
During his celebrated college career, Leinart completed 807-of-1,245 passes for 10,693 yards, with 99 touchdown passes and 23 interceptions.
Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com
ESPN.com
Five days into training camp, and with no significant progress in the negotiations between the Arizona Cardinals and the representatives for first-round draft pick Matt Leinart, the two sides on Friday swapped letters but not contract proposals.
The message of the missives faxed between Cardinals vice president of football operations Rod Graves and agent Tom Condon of CAA remains unknown. But judging from Condon's demeanor Friday evening, one might surmise the two sides weren't exchanging pleasantries, or any other verbiage that might move them closer to an accord.
"There's really nothing to report," said Condon, who last week spent three days in face-to-face bargaining before leaving the Phoenix area without a deal. "I guess you could say we're talking, in a sense, but it really hasn't been anything you could call progress. It is what it is."
Leinart is one of just three first-round selections who remain unsigned, with safeties Donte Whitner of the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins' Jason Allen joining the former Southern California quarterback in being absent from their respective training camps. Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley, the first-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, agreed to terms on Friday afternoon after missing two weeks of camp.
It's believed the Cardinals have made about three different proposals to Leinart but, obviously, either the numbers, the terms or the structure was not amenable to the former USC star.
The 10th overall choice in the draft and probably a bargain in that slot after he posted a brilliant 37-2 record as the Trojans' starter for three seasons, Leinart was in Phoenix for several days last week and actually spent time throwing with some Arizona receivers. But when he missed last Sunday evening's deadline for reporting to camp and then Monday's opening practice, Leinart returned home to the Los Angeles area.
The 2004 Heisman Trophy winner, Leinart is expected to battle two-year veteran John Navarre for the backup job behind starter Kurt Warner once his contract is resolved. The consensus is that the Cardinals chose Leinart to groom him as the team's quarterback of the future.
During his celebrated college career, Leinart completed 807-of-1,245 passes for 10,693 yards, with 99 touchdown passes and 23 interceptions.
Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com
Jttsaz
#40 Never Forget
Cardinals | Leinart needs to report soon in order to play in preseason opener
Fri, 4 Aug 2006 21:01:43 -0700
Darren Urban, of the East Valley Tribune, reports Arizona Cardinals QB Matt Leinart needs to report soon if he wants to participate in the preseason opener Aug. 12. Head coach Dennis Green said getting to practice by Monday, Aug. 7, would be important.
Fri, 4 Aug 2006 21:01:43 -0700
Darren Urban, of the East Valley Tribune, reports Arizona Cardinals QB Matt Leinart needs to report soon if he wants to participate in the preseason opener Aug. 12. Head coach Dennis Green said getting to practice by Monday, Aug. 7, would be important.
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profootballtalk.com
POSTED 10:47 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 11:38 p.m. EDT, August 4, 2006
ANOTHER STOUFFER TELLING THE CARDS TO STUFF IT?
The Cardinals draft a quarterback in the top ten. Negotiations quickly result in an impasse.
The events of 2006 between the Arizona Cardinals and USC quarterback Matt Leinart are similar, thus far, to the events of nearly 20 years ago, when the St. Louis Cardinals couldn't sign CSU quarterback Kelly Stouffer, the sixth overall pick in the draft.
How ugly did it get? Stouffer sat our the entire 1987 season before being traded to the Seahawks, initially for safety Kenny Easley but then for draft picks after Easley failed a physical due to kidney problems that forced his retirement.
Along the way, Stouffer considered suing the Cardinals and the league in an attempt to have himself declared a free agent. Earlier that year, No. 3 overall pick Alonzo Highsmith of the Oilers won a temporary injunction against the team and the league, permitting him to negotiate with other teams. He signed with the Oilers while the litigation was pending.
Though Leinart likely won't mount a legal challenge to the system that makes him the exclusive property of the Cardinals, we're not ready to rule out a year-long holdout and a re-entry into the draft.
As we've always said, a guy should only re-enter if he thinks he'll be drafted in the next year in the same or better spot than he was picked in the current year. Depending on the number of teams with needs at the position who are drafting in the top ten, Leinart has a good chance, in our view, of going in the top ten again, and possibly a spot or two higher. Brady Quinn and Drew Stanton are the top quarterback prospects for now, and Leinart would most likely be no worse than the No. 3 quarterback come the 2007 draft.
In the interim, Leinart could work on his measurables, such as his time in the 40-yard dash, which he didn't perform at his Pro Day workout.
On the other hand, however, a decision not to sign a contract with the Cardinals could make teams even more concerned about his long-term commitment to and love of the game.
We think the chances of Leinart sitting out the full year are still very slim, especially since teams can't afford to get nothing for their first-round picks. But Cards coach Dennis Green's head is just hard enough to allow him to dig in. Besides, it isn't as if Green doesn't know a thing or two about wasting first-round draft picks. He's the guy, after all, who drafted Dimitrius Underwood.
POSTED 10:47 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 11:38 p.m. EDT, August 4, 2006
ANOTHER STOUFFER TELLING THE CARDS TO STUFF IT?
The Cardinals draft a quarterback in the top ten. Negotiations quickly result in an impasse.
The events of 2006 between the Arizona Cardinals and USC quarterback Matt Leinart are similar, thus far, to the events of nearly 20 years ago, when the St. Louis Cardinals couldn't sign CSU quarterback Kelly Stouffer, the sixth overall pick in the draft.
How ugly did it get? Stouffer sat our the entire 1987 season before being traded to the Seahawks, initially for safety Kenny Easley but then for draft picks after Easley failed a physical due to kidney problems that forced his retirement.
Along the way, Stouffer considered suing the Cardinals and the league in an attempt to have himself declared a free agent. Earlier that year, No. 3 overall pick Alonzo Highsmith of the Oilers won a temporary injunction against the team and the league, permitting him to negotiate with other teams. He signed with the Oilers while the litigation was pending.
Though Leinart likely won't mount a legal challenge to the system that makes him the exclusive property of the Cardinals, we're not ready to rule out a year-long holdout and a re-entry into the draft.
As we've always said, a guy should only re-enter if he thinks he'll be drafted in the next year in the same or better spot than he was picked in the current year. Depending on the number of teams with needs at the position who are drafting in the top ten, Leinart has a good chance, in our view, of going in the top ten again, and possibly a spot or two higher. Brady Quinn and Drew Stanton are the top quarterback prospects for now, and Leinart would most likely be no worse than the No. 3 quarterback come the 2007 draft.
In the interim, Leinart could work on his measurables, such as his time in the 40-yard dash, which he didn't perform at his Pro Day workout.
On the other hand, however, a decision not to sign a contract with the Cardinals could make teams even more concerned about his long-term commitment to and love of the game.
We think the chances of Leinart sitting out the full year are still very slim, especially since teams can't afford to get nothing for their first-round picks. But Cards coach Dennis Green's head is just hard enough to allow him to dig in. Besides, it isn't as if Green doesn't know a thing or two about wasting first-round draft picks. He's the guy, after all, who drafted Dimitrius Underwood.
krispydude
\_ \_ \_ \_ \_ \_ \_
working on his 40 yard dash? lol, nice article. what a stupid comment
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Leinart, Allen keep waiting
By Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports
August 5, 2006
Jason Cole
Yahoo! Sports
No. 10 overall pick Matt Leinart of the Arizona Cardinals and No. 16 overall pick Jason Allen of the Miami Dolphins remained at odds Saturday with their teams over contracts, and agents for both said they see no deal in sight.
Leinart and Allen are the last remaining unsigned first-round draft picks.
“As it appeared as of [Friday], it’s going to be a while,” said agent Mitch Frankel, who represents Allen. “We’re in agreement that it’s going to be a six-year deal, but we’re not in agreement over the value of the deal. … These things can change in a hurry, but I don’t see how it’s going to happen as of now.”
Likewise, agent Tom Condon said Friday that the Cardinals have not worked with him on any of the three proposals he has sent them over the past two weeks.
“Everything we talk about, it’s just ‘No,’” Condon said. “I don’t know where to go with this thing at this point.”
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A source indicated that the Cardinals have not offered as much guaranteed money in their six-year contract offer as the $10 million that Detroit gave to wide receiver Mike Williams on a five-year contract offer, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2005 draft. Leinart can get up to $11 million in guarantees, but approximately $2 million is only guaranteed for injury.
Leinart will not get that money if he is cut before the end of the contract. In addition, the Cardinals have asked for offset language in the contract, which means that if Leinart were cut before the end of the contract and receives bonus money from another team, the Cardinals essentially would get that money refunded to them.
As for Allen, Frankel said the Dolphins have not gotten to $8 million in guaranteed money on the deal. On Friday, No. 14 overall pick Brodrick Bunkley of Philadelphia received $9.775 million in guaranteed money on a six-year deal.
Jason Cole is an NFL writer for Yahoo! Sports.
By Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports
August 5, 2006
Jason Cole
Yahoo! Sports
No. 10 overall pick Matt Leinart of the Arizona Cardinals and No. 16 overall pick Jason Allen of the Miami Dolphins remained at odds Saturday with their teams over contracts, and agents for both said they see no deal in sight.
Leinart and Allen are the last remaining unsigned first-round draft picks.
“As it appeared as of [Friday], it’s going to be a while,” said agent Mitch Frankel, who represents Allen. “We’re in agreement that it’s going to be a six-year deal, but we’re not in agreement over the value of the deal. … These things can change in a hurry, but I don’t see how it’s going to happen as of now.”
Likewise, agent Tom Condon said Friday that the Cardinals have not worked with him on any of the three proposals he has sent them over the past two weeks.
“Everything we talk about, it’s just ‘No,’” Condon said. “I don’t know where to go with this thing at this point.”
ADVERTISEMENT
A source indicated that the Cardinals have not offered as much guaranteed money in their six-year contract offer as the $10 million that Detroit gave to wide receiver Mike Williams on a five-year contract offer, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2005 draft. Leinart can get up to $11 million in guarantees, but approximately $2 million is only guaranteed for injury.
Leinart will not get that money if he is cut before the end of the contract. In addition, the Cardinals have asked for offset language in the contract, which means that if Leinart were cut before the end of the contract and receives bonus money from another team, the Cardinals essentially would get that money refunded to them.
As for Allen, Frankel said the Dolphins have not gotten to $8 million in guaranteed money on the deal. On Friday, No. 14 overall pick Brodrick Bunkley of Philadelphia received $9.775 million in guaranteed money on a six-year deal.
Jason Cole is an NFL writer for Yahoo! Sports.
Jttsaz
#40 Never Forget
Cardinals | Still no progress in signing Leinart
Sun, 6 Aug 2006 11:32:49 -0700
Darren Urban, of the East Valley Tribune, reports the Arizona Cardinals and QB Matt Leinart's agent, Tom Condon, still have made no progress in getting the team's first-round pick signed.
Sun, 6 Aug 2006 11:32:49 -0700
Darren Urban, of the East Valley Tribune, reports the Arizona Cardinals and QB Matt Leinart's agent, Tom Condon, still have made no progress in getting the team's first-round pick signed.
Evil Ash
Henchman Supreme
This may be good news
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/0807cardsside0807.html
Negotiations pick up pace, but no deal
Kent Somers
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 7, 2006 12:00 AM
FLAGSTAFF - The pace of negotiations between the team and the agent for quarterback Matt Leinart increased over the weekend, but that doesn't mean a deal is imminent.
The two sides talked twice Saturday, twice Sunday and, "We'll probably talk again within the next hour," agent Tom Condon said late Sunday afternoon.
Asked if that could be characterized as progress, Condon replied: "I would not characterize it."
Leinart, the 10th overall pick out of Southern California, has missed six days of practice, making it unlikely he could play in the preseason opener Saturday against Pittsburgh.
Leinart is one of two first-round picks who have not signed. The other is defensive back Jason Allen, who was drafted by Miami with the 16th selection.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/0807cardsside0807.html
Negotiations pick up pace, but no deal
Kent Somers
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 7, 2006 12:00 AM
FLAGSTAFF - The pace of negotiations between the team and the agent for quarterback Matt Leinart increased over the weekend, but that doesn't mean a deal is imminent.
The two sides talked twice Saturday, twice Sunday and, "We'll probably talk again within the next hour," agent Tom Condon said late Sunday afternoon.
Asked if that could be characterized as progress, Condon replied: "I would not characterize it."
Leinart, the 10th overall pick out of Southern California, has missed six days of practice, making it unlikely he could play in the preseason opener Saturday against Pittsburgh.
Leinart is one of two first-round picks who have not signed. The other is defensive back Jason Allen, who was drafted by Miami with the 16th selection.
kerouac9
Klowned by Keim
Jurecki's saying that the Cards are offering less than $12 million in guarantees, which is why Matt's a holdout.
lobo
ASFN Lifer
Evil Ash said:
kerouac9
Klowned by Keim
Bickley also reported that Graves and Izdik are negotiating the contract, but Bill Bidwill, Sr. still has final say on the deal, and if the deal is going to go outside of BB's set framework, they have to go back and get his approval.
Also, the Cards are going to be $10 million under the cap after Matt's contract is signed, according to MJ.
Finally, Condon submitted three contract proposals over the weekend and, apparently, the response each time was "No, just no."
Also, the Cards are going to be $10 million under the cap after Matt's contract is signed, according to MJ.
Finally, Condon submitted three contract proposals over the weekend and, apparently, the response each time was "No, just no."
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These fools just reported that the Cards have said 6 year deal or no deal.
Condon and Leinart have agreed to this.
Condon and Leinart have agreed to this.
kerouac9
Klowned by Keim
Jurecki's reporting that Condon and Graves/Izdik are going to talk again this morning.
arthurracoon
The Cardinal Smiles
Jureki reporting that they will speak again in one hour.
Cards demanded a 6 year deal, Leinart's side agreed.
only problem is that Sims got 12.1 mil garunteed for 5 years
they are making progress, and once they get past the garunteed money, the rest will be easy - still will take awhile
Cards demanded a 6 year deal, Leinart's side agreed.
only problem is that Sims got 12.1 mil garunteed for 5 years
they are making progress, and once they get past the garunteed money, the rest will be easy - still will take awhile
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arthurracoon
The Cardinal Smiles
Leinart talks warm up
By Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports
August 6, 2006
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_y...Lb9DubYF?slug=ys-coleblog&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Talks between agent Tom Condon and the Arizona Cardinals heated up Sunday as the Cardinals tried to sign quarterback Matt Leinart, their top draft pick and one of only two remaining unsigned first-round selections.
"We're talking, but nothing is imminent," Condon said from his office in Kansas City on Sunday night.
Leinart, the No. 10 overall pick, has missed the first week of training camp after Arizona failed to make what Condon thought was a representative offer.
However, talks between the two sides may have been spurred by the contract signed by No. 14 overall selection Brodrick Bunkley of the Eagles. Bunkley received $9.775 million in guaranteed money as part of a six-year deal.
That likely will force the Cardinals to increase their offer, which originally had included approximately $9 million in fully guaranteed money and another $2 million that was guaranteed only for injury. Leinart would not get the money if he were cut.
The $9 million guarantee also was less than the $10 million that wide receiver Mike Williams received from Detroit last year as the No. 10 overall pick.
By Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports
August 6, 2006
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_y...Lb9DubYF?slug=ys-coleblog&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Talks between agent Tom Condon and the Arizona Cardinals heated up Sunday as the Cardinals tried to sign quarterback Matt Leinart, their top draft pick and one of only two remaining unsigned first-round selections.
"We're talking, but nothing is imminent," Condon said from his office in Kansas City on Sunday night.
Leinart, the No. 10 overall pick, has missed the first week of training camp after Arizona failed to make what Condon thought was a representative offer.
However, talks between the two sides may have been spurred by the contract signed by No. 14 overall selection Brodrick Bunkley of the Eagles. Bunkley received $9.775 million in guaranteed money as part of a six-year deal.
That likely will force the Cardinals to increase their offer, which originally had included approximately $9 million in fully guaranteed money and another $2 million that was guaranteed only for injury. Leinart would not get the money if he were cut.
The $9 million guarantee also was less than the $10 million that wide receiver Mike Williams received from Detroit last year as the No. 10 overall pick.
Jttsaz
#40 Never Forget
From the AZcardinals board...
More from Jason Cole......
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since everyone on this board seems to think that Jason Cole's words on the Leinart/Cards negotiations are gold, read this:
LEINART DEAL DAYS AWAY
Contract negotiations between the Arizona Cardinals and the agent for No. 10 overall pick Matt Leinart continued Monday but still appeared to be days away from completion.
At least.
"We continue to talk, but there are still significant issues to work out," said agent Tom Condon, who did not want to discuss any other details of the discussions.
A source said that the Cardinals at least have gotten closer on the guaranteed portion of the six-year deal, increasing their offer to approximately $14 million in guarantees.
The source also said that Arizona, which has not signed its first-round pick by the start of training camp in six years, still has not offered salary escalators in the contract that are acceptable to Leinart and Condon.
For instance, to reach the first level of escalators, Leinart would have to play at least 60 percent of the downs in each of his first four years, 70 percent in the second, third and fourth years, or 80 percent in the third and fourth years of the contract.
Condon, who has negotiated contracts for quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Alex Smith, Chad Pennington, Drew Brees, Byron Leftwich and Cade McNown, typically has had escalators kick in within the first three years instead of four and has had lower playing-time thresholds. Leftwich had an escalator based on playing either 55 percent of the downs in any two of his first three seasons or by playing 70 percent in the third season.
Arizona general manager Rod Graves did not immediately return a call from Yahoo! Sports.
More from Jason Cole......
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since everyone on this board seems to think that Jason Cole's words on the Leinart/Cards negotiations are gold, read this:
LEINART DEAL DAYS AWAY
Contract negotiations between the Arizona Cardinals and the agent for No. 10 overall pick Matt Leinart continued Monday but still appeared to be days away from completion.
At least.
"We continue to talk, but there are still significant issues to work out," said agent Tom Condon, who did not want to discuss any other details of the discussions.
A source said that the Cardinals at least have gotten closer on the guaranteed portion of the six-year deal, increasing their offer to approximately $14 million in guarantees.
The source also said that Arizona, which has not signed its first-round pick by the start of training camp in six years, still has not offered salary escalators in the contract that are acceptable to Leinart and Condon.
For instance, to reach the first level of escalators, Leinart would have to play at least 60 percent of the downs in each of his first four years, 70 percent in the second, third and fourth years, or 80 percent in the third and fourth years of the contract.
Condon, who has negotiated contracts for quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Alex Smith, Chad Pennington, Drew Brees, Byron Leftwich and Cade McNown, typically has had escalators kick in within the first three years instead of four and has had lower playing-time thresholds. Leftwich had an escalator based on playing either 55 percent of the downs in any two of his first three seasons or by playing 70 percent in the third season.
Arizona general manager Rod Graves did not immediately return a call from Yahoo! Sports.
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I had the news on but was not in front of the TV I think LeCava said the cards have offered 15 mil over 6 years 20% more than Cutler received. The ball is now is Leinart's court. I sure hope this gets over Tuesday.
Evil Ash
Henchman Supreme
With what has been reported on the news some of this info may be old but I'll post it anyways
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/0808cardsleinart0808.html
Guaranteed money stalls deal
Leinart has missed seven days of camp
Kent Somers
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 8, 2006 12:00 AM
FLAGSTAFF - Like junior high kids at their first dance, the Cardinals and the agent for quarterback Matt Leinart appear to be creeping closer together in negotiations, but there still is significant ground to cover before a deal is reached.
"I think we're getting close," coach Dennis Green said Monday. "Hopefully, that's the case."
One of the people doing the negotiating, Cardinals Vice President Rod Graves, wouldn't go that far. But he sternly denied reports the Cardinals had offered Leinart, the 10th overall pick in April's draft, less than what the 11th pick, Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, or last year's 10th pick, Detroit receiver Mike Williams, received.
"We haven't been in a position of trying to low-ball anyone," Graves said Monday evening, "whether it's been free agents or draft choices over the last couple of years. Any reports that we're low-balling Matt Leinart are simply not true."
Graves pointed to the contracts of cornerback Antrel Rolle and receiver Larry Fitzgerald as proof. Fitzgerald, the third pick in 2004, and Rolle, the eighth pick last year, received deals equal to the market at the time.
"We were more than fair with Larry Fitzgerald," Graves said. "We were more than fair with Antrel Rolle, and we've been more than fair in this process with Matt Leinart. And if we can get the third and the eighth picks in, I believe we know what we're doing to get the 10th pick in."
Leinart's agent, Tom Condon, declined to respond to Graves' comments, saying only "we continue to have discussions and still have some significant issues we have to solve."
In the NFL, guaranteed money is the key to any contract. Salaries usually aren't guaranteed, so the most important thing for a player is to get as much money up front as possible.
That's why there is so much focus on how much guaranteed money the Cardinals have offered Leinart. Yahoo! Sports reported over the weekend the Cardinals had offered Leinart a contract that included $9 million in guaranteed money and another $2 million that was guaranteed only for injury.
That would be less guaranteed money than Cutler received. His six-year contract includes $11 million in guaranteed money. The Cardinals' offer, if accurate, also would be less than Williams, who received $10 million in guaranteed money last year.
Ernie Sims, the ninth overall pick, signed a five-year deal that included $12 million in guaranteed money. A person close to negotiations said the Cardinals have offered significantly less than $12 million in guaranteed money.
Graves declined to talk about the team's offer in detail, but said it is "beyond our draft position.
"You can make the measurements after the deal is done, whenever it gets done."
Graves admitted negotiations have taken longer than he expected, but the two sides have talked several times in the past few days and it's believed five- and six-year deals are still on the table.
There is motivation on both sides to get a deal done.
Leinart has missed seven days of training camp practice. He's a bright guy and faithfully attended the team's off-season workouts, but Leinart needs to play in preseason games if he's going to challenge John Navarre for the No. 2 job behind Kurt Warner.
The Cardinals have enjoyed unprecedented success this off-season. They signed running back Edgerrin James in free agency, drafted Leinart, who won two national titles at Southern California, and sold every ticket for their games at new Cardinals Stadium.
They can't afford to extinguish the excitement of the off-season with protracted negotiations with Leinart.
For a coach, Green is uncommonly patient in such matters. On Monday, he went out of his way to defend the team's offer.
"We know how to do contracts," he said. "I think (owner) Bill Bidwill has been very generous with his contracts."
But in contract negotiations, the definition of generosity depends on whether you're signing the check or cashing it.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/0808cardsleinart0808.html
Guaranteed money stalls deal
Leinart has missed seven days of camp
Kent Somers
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 8, 2006 12:00 AM
FLAGSTAFF - Like junior high kids at their first dance, the Cardinals and the agent for quarterback Matt Leinart appear to be creeping closer together in negotiations, but there still is significant ground to cover before a deal is reached.
"I think we're getting close," coach Dennis Green said Monday. "Hopefully, that's the case."
One of the people doing the negotiating, Cardinals Vice President Rod Graves, wouldn't go that far. But he sternly denied reports the Cardinals had offered Leinart, the 10th overall pick in April's draft, less than what the 11th pick, Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, or last year's 10th pick, Detroit receiver Mike Williams, received.
"We haven't been in a position of trying to low-ball anyone," Graves said Monday evening, "whether it's been free agents or draft choices over the last couple of years. Any reports that we're low-balling Matt Leinart are simply not true."
Graves pointed to the contracts of cornerback Antrel Rolle and receiver Larry Fitzgerald as proof. Fitzgerald, the third pick in 2004, and Rolle, the eighth pick last year, received deals equal to the market at the time.
"We were more than fair with Larry Fitzgerald," Graves said. "We were more than fair with Antrel Rolle, and we've been more than fair in this process with Matt Leinart. And if we can get the third and the eighth picks in, I believe we know what we're doing to get the 10th pick in."
Leinart's agent, Tom Condon, declined to respond to Graves' comments, saying only "we continue to have discussions and still have some significant issues we have to solve."
In the NFL, guaranteed money is the key to any contract. Salaries usually aren't guaranteed, so the most important thing for a player is to get as much money up front as possible.
That's why there is so much focus on how much guaranteed money the Cardinals have offered Leinart. Yahoo! Sports reported over the weekend the Cardinals had offered Leinart a contract that included $9 million in guaranteed money and another $2 million that was guaranteed only for injury.
That would be less guaranteed money than Cutler received. His six-year contract includes $11 million in guaranteed money. The Cardinals' offer, if accurate, also would be less than Williams, who received $10 million in guaranteed money last year.
Ernie Sims, the ninth overall pick, signed a five-year deal that included $12 million in guaranteed money. A person close to negotiations said the Cardinals have offered significantly less than $12 million in guaranteed money.
Graves declined to talk about the team's offer in detail, but said it is "beyond our draft position.
"You can make the measurements after the deal is done, whenever it gets done."
Graves admitted negotiations have taken longer than he expected, but the two sides have talked several times in the past few days and it's believed five- and six-year deals are still on the table.
There is motivation on both sides to get a deal done.
Leinart has missed seven days of training camp practice. He's a bright guy and faithfully attended the team's off-season workouts, but Leinart needs to play in preseason games if he's going to challenge John Navarre for the No. 2 job behind Kurt Warner.
The Cardinals have enjoyed unprecedented success this off-season. They signed running back Edgerrin James in free agency, drafted Leinart, who won two national titles at Southern California, and sold every ticket for their games at new Cardinals Stadium.
They can't afford to extinguish the excitement of the off-season with protracted negotiations with Leinart.
For a coach, Green is uncommonly patient in such matters. On Monday, he went out of his way to defend the team's offer.
"We know how to do contracts," he said. "I think (owner) Bill Bidwill has been very generous with his contracts."
But in contract negotiations, the definition of generosity depends on whether you're signing the check or cashing it.
Chainthroer
Registered
By Second Deck:
"I had the news on but was not in front of the TV I think LeCava said the cards have offered 15 mil over 6 years 20% more than Cutler received. The ball is now is Leinart's court. I sure hope this gets over Tuesday."
If that's true, there is no excuse in his not signing ASAP!
"I had the news on but was not in front of the TV I think LeCava said the cards have offered 15 mil over 6 years 20% more than Cutler received. The ball is now is Leinart's court. I sure hope this gets over Tuesday."
If that's true, there is no excuse in his not signing ASAP!
Evil Ash
Henchman Supreme
According to MJ this afternoon ... the length and guaranteed money is agreed upon for the most part, they will continue to work on the escalator clauses and other parts of the deal
Totally_Red
Air Raid Warning!
John Clayton was on "NFL Live" Tuesday and basically said the escalator clauses are complicated, a deal was not imminent, and he thinks it will take at least 2-3 more days to reach agreement.
If he's on target (which he usually is), that makes it late Thursday or Friday at the earliest.
BTW, Trey Wingo (but not Clayton) took his usual tone of bashing the Cardinals and recounted all the holdouts of the last 15 years in great detail.
If he's on target (which he usually is), that makes it late Thursday or Friday at the earliest.
BTW, Trey Wingo (but not Clayton) took his usual tone of bashing the Cardinals and recounted all the holdouts of the last 15 years in great detail.
