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DHB reinjured his hamstring on Wednesday. Photo by Patterson/Examiner.com
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With the effects of JaMarcus Russell's prolonged holdout prior to the 2007 season still lingering over the team, the looming negotiations between Darrius Heyward-bey and the Oakland Raiders franchise will be the story of the next month.
Last season's early June signing of running back Darren McFadden is an exception, the usual completion time for a contract is shortly before training camp opens.
The negotiations with Heyward-Bey will be thornier than past years due to the implications of this being the 'final league year' and the coming uncapped year in 2010. An additional complication could come from the fact that Heyward-Bey has spent the majority of his time since he has been drafted nursing a "sore" hamstring.
To throw a further monkey wrench into the negotiations is the fact that Mark Sanchez who was picked two slots before Heyward-Bey signed a contract for five years instead of the customary six.
The biggest question mark surrounding everything on the business side of the National Football League is the potential lock out prior to the 2011 season. In fact, that was a major factor in the Philadelphia Eagles decision to give Donovan McNabb a raise on his current contract, rather than a contract extension.
With all of these uncertainties for the future, the Oakland Raiders and agent Tom Condon will soon be exchanging figures worthy of a PowerBall jackpot, and coming to an agreement on his first contract as a pro. This contract will instantly make him among the highest paid players on the team well before he steps on the field.
The Oakland Raiders front office have to be concerned about shelling out a large long term contract to a player who has struggled to stay on the practice field. The injury is a bigger concern, since it is a leg problem which may have a lingering effect on his speed, which is a key part of his game. However, Heyward-Bey's agent is not going to be agreeable to alter the expected contract for the seventh pick.
In the end, Heyward-Bey will be a wealthy young man.Hopefully, the Raiders and Heyward-Bey's agent can get it done in time for him to report to Napa.
Comments
Hey Patrick, here is a little secret maybe you didn't know, all the teams in the NFL have the same problem signing their draft choices. It is not unique what the Raiders face with Bey or any of the draft pick. The Raiders have good history of getting their players signed, Jamarcus was one of a few in Raider history who signed late. The Raiders wait for the draft pecking order and pay what the monetary sequence order require they pay. What is new about that? With a bad hammy, Mitchell moves up in priority to get signed. However, history shows the Raiders will get Bey signed.
He was not the wisest pick, Crabtree will go on to have the kind of NFL career that the #7 pick should have. How many chances does an NFL receiver get at catching the ball, let alone in the endzone and now the Raiders have a WR who drops as many passes as he catches. Way to go Al.
So far DHB looks a lot like Carlos Francis. Not good.
I agree, its DHB's own damn fault he can't stay on the field. Its like getting a job before you are officially Hired, and then calling in sick every freaking day--and then coming in and saying well Here is what I want for my salary...DHB is costing himself leverage cause he has hammy issues that could last all year for all we know..Al is well aware of this and WILL bring it up at negotiations--a fact that his Agent is going to want to Gloss over and say he was a #7 pick and blah, blah, blah--DHB has dug himself a hole, is starting to look like Carlos Francis, and has shown absolutely NOTHING that would indicate he was worthy of that Pick---that's on AL-but don't think he isn't going to try and bring the kids price tag down cause he has been hurt all season so far..Al will NOT care if this kid holds out--we really don't need him this year anyway..This pick STILL pi$$es me off...
His injury will not effect the signing of a contract. It's only a pulled muscle. Watch Murphy, he's your darkhorse.
Good article Pat. By the way,Do you hunt "GRIZ".Are you related to Jeremiah Johnson.
Panic right now; not me. I will do what I do every year... wait till the first game. We need to bring back the Monday Night Killer Instinct. DHB deserves a good contract for he will set up that Wildcat with his reverse running capabilities. I don't know why everyone is so hung up on if he catch a pass when you just need to hand it off to him on a reverse and the Wildcat should set that up nicely. He is just as big a threat on a quick pass or coming back to the ball because defenders will need to respect his speed. TO is infamous for dropping balls but he still a pro bowl player with a lot of touchdowns. And don't expect to see Eddie Royal Monday Night Highlights.
I agree with you Howie. Only Al Davis would pass up Crabtree and Maclin for a receiver they could have gotten in the second round. Way to go Al, you are truly a smart one. I have been a Raiders fan my entire life and really don't know why I still am. Maybe I will become a Chiefs fan since I live in the Midwest. NOT!!! Please retire Al for the good of the team
you all cry around too much about everything... DHB has all the talent in the world to become a GREAT deep threat it just probably won't be this year... big deal... we have Chaz who has looked rock solid, JLH, Miller, DMAC(who will play slot at times), bush catching out the backfield and Neal to buy Russell more time in the pocket so chill out... We will be fine and then next year when Bey absolutely shocks the world by becoming a highlight reel you will all be kissing Al Davis' old wrinkly anus
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