RG3 Signs, Pressure Mounts on Colts
This morning, Adam Schefter greeted us with some breaking news:
Good morning: Redskins signed RG3.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 18, 2012
As of right now, the spotlight is on the Colts, Jim Irsay, and Andrew Luck.
Despite Jim Irsay proclaiming "We're Close!!!" multiple times this summer, there have been little reports of headway made in discussions about Andrew Luck's contract. Luck missed parts of the Colts' offseason already, taking finals at Stanford while the Colts had OTAs. The rookie has no reason to miss any more of the offseason, and any missed days by Luck during training camp (starting in just eleven days) will make the front office (and Luck/his agent) look incompetent. The whole "RG3 hasn't signed yet either" argument just got thrown out the window.
It's not just Luck either. The Colts have yet to sign their second and third round picks, Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, as well. None of them should miss training camp. This camp is one of the most important in years, as the Colts implement entirely new systems, philosophies, coaches, and players. Every minute of camp is going to be extremely valuable in turning the franchise around.
Waiting this long to get the deal done also leaves the Colts at a disadvantage, because now they have to use RG3's contract as a measuring stick. Due to the new CBA, there is not a lot of options for rookie contracts, as the basic logistics are already set. However, there are some stipulations that can be controlled, such as how much money is guaranteed. When Anthony Castonzo missed time last year during training camp, it was due to conflicts in guaranteed money, especially in the fourth year of the contract.
Well, now it seems that Andrew Luck is going to have the upper hand in deciding just how much guaranteed money he gets:
Griffin's deal with the Redskins is worth $21,119,098 over four years, fully guaranteed.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 18, 2012
That's a lot of guaranteed cash. Now, the Colts have to stand their contract up to RG3's, whereas getting the contract done before could have avoided the issue.
Look, I'm not concerned. Luck WILL be signed prior to the season, and it's just about assured that he'll be signed before training camp. It's just slightly concerning to me that it's taken this long. It MAY hint at this front office's weakness in player contract negotiations. It's merely something to keep an eye on.
In other news, Indianapolis has announced a bid to host another Super Bowl. Thoughts?
There is still enough time to get Luck & others signed. Sure they are working on it. Don't need to delay or cause problems for camp. Doubt Luck wants to miss any time, so Colts and his agent need to put this issue to rest.
Chances are Luck's uncle-agent was waiting for the RG III deal so he wouldn't give up anything that RG III got and look like a fool - not to mention it is a good bargaining tool.
Having not signed Fleener and Allen is more disconcerting/puzzling, but still not something to worry about just yet.
Not overly concerned yet. But it would be nice to get him signed soon, and must be done before training camp. If not, THAT'S when I'll start questioning the FO. Would have been nice to preempt RGIII's contract though.
There is NO LIMIT to the ineptness of Irsay!! If there's a way he can accomplish it, we will end up losing Luck -- mark my words!! If that happens, I don't think Indiana will be a very safe place for him ---- Be a man, sign him and let's get on with the season!!!!!
Like you said, they have 11 days before camp. There is no reason for either side to be in a big hurry, other than to please the media, although, with the PR crapstorm that they started over the whole blackout thing, It might have been a good idea to get the Luck deal done to generate some positive PR. Personally, I am not too worried about it. At least not until day 12.
I disagree that this shows weakness on the part of the front office. I also don't think you can tie this to the Castanzo contract negotiations, because it's a different front office. IMO, Luck's contract was never going to get done until RGIII signed. They've been linked since the Heisman candidacy for 2011. They'll stay linked until and unless they do something to differential one from the other on the field (or off). Now we know that there will be no off-set language for Luck. Most likely not for Fleener either. There might be some for Allen, but he's not a problem coming out of college. And, was there any doubt that the entire contract would be guaranteed? I don't think so, not with the new rookie wage scale.
Lastly, I fail to see how "delaying" until now, or even until the day before training camp puts the Colts at a disadvantage. Luck, Fleener and Wayne are practicing together. He can't work out with anyone else or be on-site. He can't be with the coaches, etc. So, he's doing what he needs to do to get ready for the season. Hopefully he won't be like Manning and miss part of training camp over this . . .
I just remember Manning missing a bit of training camp and Tennessee being on the same quarters system as Stanford and yet the Colts survived. And, unlike many people, I think this team is at least as good as the team in 1998, heading into the season. So, I'm not in panic mode. Lots of people (don't know if you have or not) keep bringing up Tarik and Harrison as proof that the 2012 team isn't as strong. But, they neglect to consider that we're not talking Tarik in his prime, but in his second year, and Marvin in his 3rd. Meadows was 2nd yr also. Pathon was a rookie, so was McKinney. The Colts that season had a better run game, but IMO the passing game is stronger this year, especially with two of Luck's former team mates joining him. I don't think I'm wearing blue-tinted glasses, but I don't understand the doom and gloom I hear from some fans. Present company excluded.
@Grendels04 I'm not saying it's a problem, just that it COULD be. If Luck (or Allen or Fleener) miss one second of training camp, it will be a poor job by the FO. But I don't see that happening.
