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by Profootballtalk editor Mike Florio
POSTED 7:38 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 8:24 a.m. EDT, July 1, 2004
BABIN DEAL TOO RICH?
A league source tells us that complaints are swirling among NFL teams regarding the contract signed by Texans first-rounder Jason Babin.
Per the source, Babin received a bump over "way over the normal incremental increase" as compared to his 2003 counterpart at the 27th overall pick, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson.
As a result, the agents of the players taken at number 26 and number 28 now have ammunition for jacking up the demands for their respective clients, and the increase could have a ripple effect throughout the round.
If Babin were the Texans' only first-round pick, the move could be characterized as a calculated effort by G.M. Charley Casserly to start a chain reaction that might squeeze the teams with picks high in the round into overpaying. But Casserly still has another pick to sign in round -- cornerback Dunta Robinson, who was taken with the 10th overall selection.
Indeed, part of the concern is that Casserly will overpay Robinson as well, guaranteeing that the high end of round one will be thrown out of whack this year.
Complicating matters is that the deal this year have a maximum six year term, not seven. As a result, there are less seasons over which the signing bonus can be prorated. With only a slight increase in the rookie salary pool, a spike in the across-the-board value of first-round contract will make it harder to get all of the guys signed with the dollars available.
Babin's official numbers have not yet been reported. We're trying to get them -- but we can't find any agents who'll give us their password for the NFLPA computer system.
CFL BECOMING NFL CANADA?
Okay, so the two North American football leagues haven't become quite so cozy that the Canadian league is ready to stand at the altar and take the NFL's name.
But they might be moving in together.
On the heels of the announcement that the NFL and the CFL have reupped their contractual commitment (i.e., NFL sends money and CFL makes it easier for NFL to pluck players who don't suck), we're hearing that the CFL could indeed become a minor-league circuit for the NFL, with NFL teams allocating players to CFL teams and "calling them up" during and/or after the CFL season.
Word is that there would be a specific deadline in the CFL season after which there would be no further player movement until after the season is completed.
Since NFL Europe is a money pit -- and since the players sent there by the NFL are now missing out on the weeks and weeks of "voluntary" drills intended to help get the schemes in place for the upcoming season -- we've been predicting/advocating an end to the 14-year European experiment, replacing it with a true minor league that allows players who otherwise would be riding the pine to get live reps.
Stay tuned. The fact that the NFL Network will be broadcasting the CFL's Grey Cup likely is a deft move to get the NFL fan base comfortable with the idea that the relationship between the two leagues eventually will enter new territory.
THURSDAY ONE-LINERS
Dolphins TE Randy McMichael could escape jail time for assaulting his pregnant wife since charges were filed against her as well, making it harder as a practical matter for either to get convicted.
The NFL is going to take a look at the involvement of Steelers RB Jerome Bettis in lobbying for the legalization of slot machines in Pennsylvania.
The Titans are thinking that seventh-round DT Jared Clauss (the valedictorian of the Wonderlic class with a 45) could make it into the rotation sooner rather than later.
An MRI revealed no serious damage to Miami OT Wade Smith's knee.
Ravens LB Peter Boulware, nursing a bum knee, isn't sure he'll be available for the season opener.
The Dolphins preference for four-year deals could make it harder for them to get their picks signed.
POSTED 8:05 a.m. EDT, June 30, 2004
DHEFENDING DHANI?
We got e-mails-a-plenty in response to our recent piece suggesting that Eagles linebacker Dhani Jones, who's having trouble picking up his new team's defensive schemes, is a dhummy.
Several league insiders reminded us that Jones was an honor student at Michigan, that he scored a 27 on the Wonderlic test, that he's a poet and a musician and an artist, etc.
Others have explained that he attended Churchill High in Potomac (Md.), and that he's an articulate speaker, and that his parents are professionals, etc.
The problem, however, appears to be that, while Dhani might have book smarts, the concern is that he's lacking in football instincts. Folks familiar with his performance while a member of the Giants insist that, between the lines, Dhani transforms into a dhumbass.
And not everyone buys the whole Poindexter routine. One high-level league insider tells us that, in his view, Jones is a pseudo intellectual who fancies himself a Renaissance man because it's another feather in his cap as he chases skirts. The source pointed to an NFL Network appearance by Jones, in which he tripped all over himself and had to start a sentence over three times.
COMMISH COZIES UP TO SNOOP
For those of you whose trees have grown to the point that they're blocking the signal to your DirecTV dish, you're not alone. We haven't been able to tune into the NFL Network for several weeks now -- and if it means not catching performances from guys like Dhani Jones and Julian Peterson, it's not such a bad thing.
But we also missed the bizarre pairing of Paul Tagliabue and Snoop Dogg on a recent NFL Total Access, hosted by smarmy ass-kisser extraordinaire Rich Eisen.
Snoop Dogg? We know the NFL is doing it's best to keep Johnnie Cochran and Cyrus Mehri off its rear end right now, but embracing Snoop Dogg?
"It's easier to root for the Cardinals when you're semi-conscious."
For those of you who've forgotten in the midst of Mr. Dogg's inexplicable acceptance in the mainstream culture over the past year of so (for no apparent reason than the fact that folks think it's funny and/or endearing to hear him say "fizzle," "shizzle," and/or "gizzle"), Snoop Dogg is a menacing character with a checkered history including narcotics convictions, murder charges (he was represented by Mr. Cochran), and a business partnership with smut purveyor Hustler.
Though Tags seemed to hint at Snoop's history during the on-air discussion, reminding him that he needs to be a role model, the mere fact that the two of them were on the screen together makes us scratch our noggins and wonder whether Tagliabue has lost his marbles.
WEDNESDAY ONE-LINERS
Dolphins OT Wade Smith, the only returning starter on the offensive line, injured his knee and ankle during an informal workout on Tuesday; results of an MRI are pending.
The NFL and the CFL have continued their partnership through 2006; they first hooked up in 1997.
GM still hasn't delivered to Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady his Cadillac; the NFL claims there's been confusion about the delivery site, but the Brady camp denies that claim (a league insider tells us that Brady should "be careful not to sound too spoiled").
Packers WR Robert Ferguson received a $3.5 million bonus as part of a five-year extension worth $10.9 million.
Steelers RB Jerome Bettis could be walking a fine line as he apparently lobbies Pennsylvania lawmakers on behalf of folks who hope to legalize slot machines in the Keystone State.
The search is still on for RB Rocky Bleier's three missing Super Bowl rings.
The State of Indiana likely won't be able to help the City of Indianapolis give the Colts enough coin to keep them from loading up the Mayflowers and heading for L.A.
The Steelers have signed DB Shane Walton, ten days after he was released by the Rams.
And now for today's Playmakers trifecta:
Dolphins TE Randy McMichael has been arrested for assaulting his wife -- his pregnant wife. Lovely.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of former NFL WR Andre Rison, who owes more than $184,000 in two separate child support actions.
Former Bears and Oilers lineman Stan Thomas has been arrested on rape charges, after apparently giving into the devil on his shoulder when a 21-year-old passed out drunk in his home.
POSTED 7:38 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 8:24 a.m. EDT, July 1, 2004
BABIN DEAL TOO RICH?
A league source tells us that complaints are swirling among NFL teams regarding the contract signed by Texans first-rounder Jason Babin.
Per the source, Babin received a bump over "way over the normal incremental increase" as compared to his 2003 counterpart at the 27th overall pick, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson.
As a result, the agents of the players taken at number 26 and number 28 now have ammunition for jacking up the demands for their respective clients, and the increase could have a ripple effect throughout the round.
If Babin were the Texans' only first-round pick, the move could be characterized as a calculated effort by G.M. Charley Casserly to start a chain reaction that might squeeze the teams with picks high in the round into overpaying. But Casserly still has another pick to sign in round -- cornerback Dunta Robinson, who was taken with the 10th overall selection.
Indeed, part of the concern is that Casserly will overpay Robinson as well, guaranteeing that the high end of round one will be thrown out of whack this year.
Complicating matters is that the deal this year have a maximum six year term, not seven. As a result, there are less seasons over which the signing bonus can be prorated. With only a slight increase in the rookie salary pool, a spike in the across-the-board value of first-round contract will make it harder to get all of the guys signed with the dollars available.
Babin's official numbers have not yet been reported. We're trying to get them -- but we can't find any agents who'll give us their password for the NFLPA computer system.
CFL BECOMING NFL CANADA?
Okay, so the two North American football leagues haven't become quite so cozy that the Canadian league is ready to stand at the altar and take the NFL's name.
But they might be moving in together.
On the heels of the announcement that the NFL and the CFL have reupped their contractual commitment (i.e., NFL sends money and CFL makes it easier for NFL to pluck players who don't suck), we're hearing that the CFL could indeed become a minor-league circuit for the NFL, with NFL teams allocating players to CFL teams and "calling them up" during and/or after the CFL season.
Word is that there would be a specific deadline in the CFL season after which there would be no further player movement until after the season is completed.
Since NFL Europe is a money pit -- and since the players sent there by the NFL are now missing out on the weeks and weeks of "voluntary" drills intended to help get the schemes in place for the upcoming season -- we've been predicting/advocating an end to the 14-year European experiment, replacing it with a true minor league that allows players who otherwise would be riding the pine to get live reps.
Stay tuned. The fact that the NFL Network will be broadcasting the CFL's Grey Cup likely is a deft move to get the NFL fan base comfortable with the idea that the relationship between the two leagues eventually will enter new territory.
THURSDAY ONE-LINERS
Dolphins TE Randy McMichael could escape jail time for assaulting his pregnant wife since charges were filed against her as well, making it harder as a practical matter for either to get convicted.
The NFL is going to take a look at the involvement of Steelers RB Jerome Bettis in lobbying for the legalization of slot machines in Pennsylvania.
The Titans are thinking that seventh-round DT Jared Clauss (the valedictorian of the Wonderlic class with a 45) could make it into the rotation sooner rather than later.
An MRI revealed no serious damage to Miami OT Wade Smith's knee.
Ravens LB Peter Boulware, nursing a bum knee, isn't sure he'll be available for the season opener.
The Dolphins preference for four-year deals could make it harder for them to get their picks signed.
POSTED 8:05 a.m. EDT, June 30, 2004
DHEFENDING DHANI?
We got e-mails-a-plenty in response to our recent piece suggesting that Eagles linebacker Dhani Jones, who's having trouble picking up his new team's defensive schemes, is a dhummy.
Several league insiders reminded us that Jones was an honor student at Michigan, that he scored a 27 on the Wonderlic test, that he's a poet and a musician and an artist, etc.
Others have explained that he attended Churchill High in Potomac (Md.), and that he's an articulate speaker, and that his parents are professionals, etc.
The problem, however, appears to be that, while Dhani might have book smarts, the concern is that he's lacking in football instincts. Folks familiar with his performance while a member of the Giants insist that, between the lines, Dhani transforms into a dhumbass.
And not everyone buys the whole Poindexter routine. One high-level league insider tells us that, in his view, Jones is a pseudo intellectual who fancies himself a Renaissance man because it's another feather in his cap as he chases skirts. The source pointed to an NFL Network appearance by Jones, in which he tripped all over himself and had to start a sentence over three times.
COMMISH COZIES UP TO SNOOP
For those of you whose trees have grown to the point that they're blocking the signal to your DirecTV dish, you're not alone. We haven't been able to tune into the NFL Network for several weeks now -- and if it means not catching performances from guys like Dhani Jones and Julian Peterson, it's not such a bad thing.
But we also missed the bizarre pairing of Paul Tagliabue and Snoop Dogg on a recent NFL Total Access, hosted by smarmy ass-kisser extraordinaire Rich Eisen.
Snoop Dogg? We know the NFL is doing it's best to keep Johnnie Cochran and Cyrus Mehri off its rear end right now, but embracing Snoop Dogg?
"It's easier to root for the Cardinals when you're semi-conscious."
For those of you who've forgotten in the midst of Mr. Dogg's inexplicable acceptance in the mainstream culture over the past year of so (for no apparent reason than the fact that folks think it's funny and/or endearing to hear him say "fizzle," "shizzle," and/or "gizzle"), Snoop Dogg is a menacing character with a checkered history including narcotics convictions, murder charges (he was represented by Mr. Cochran), and a business partnership with smut purveyor Hustler.
Though Tags seemed to hint at Snoop's history during the on-air discussion, reminding him that he needs to be a role model, the mere fact that the two of them were on the screen together makes us scratch our noggins and wonder whether Tagliabue has lost his marbles.
WEDNESDAY ONE-LINERS
Dolphins OT Wade Smith, the only returning starter on the offensive line, injured his knee and ankle during an informal workout on Tuesday; results of an MRI are pending.
The NFL and the CFL have continued their partnership through 2006; they first hooked up in 1997.
GM still hasn't delivered to Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady his Cadillac; the NFL claims there's been confusion about the delivery site, but the Brady camp denies that claim (a league insider tells us that Brady should "be careful not to sound too spoiled").
Packers WR Robert Ferguson received a $3.5 million bonus as part of a five-year extension worth $10.9 million.
Steelers RB Jerome Bettis could be walking a fine line as he apparently lobbies Pennsylvania lawmakers on behalf of folks who hope to legalize slot machines in the Keystone State.
The search is still on for RB Rocky Bleier's three missing Super Bowl rings.
The State of Indiana likely won't be able to help the City of Indianapolis give the Colts enough coin to keep them from loading up the Mayflowers and heading for L.A.
The Steelers have signed DB Shane Walton, ten days after he was released by the Rams.
And now for today's Playmakers trifecta:
Dolphins TE Randy McMichael has been arrested for assaulting his wife -- his pregnant wife. Lovely.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of former NFL WR Andre Rison, who owes more than $184,000 in two separate child support actions.
Former Bears and Oilers lineman Stan Thomas has been arrested on rape charges, after apparently giving into the devil on his shoulder when a 21-year-old passed out drunk in his home.
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