Quote:
Originally Posted by honyock
So if he gets franchised and the team lets it be known that he's being shopped, can his agent have direct talks with potential trade partners about contract matters? Assuming the Cowboys gave permission for that, is it allowed by the league for a player/agent to talk with other teams before a trade?
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According to the current CBA, it depends on whether the player is designated as an Exclusive or Non-Exclusive Franchise Player. A Non-Exclusive player can negotiate with any team (including the Franchising team). An Exclusive player may only 'negotiate or sign' with the Franchising team.
If a Non-Exclusive player signs a contract with another team, the Franchising team is awarded 2 first-round draft picks from the new team.
However, any Franchised player can be traded for whatever the market will bear. The Franchise tag goes along with him, and the new team must be able to absorb the cap hit. It can then negotiate whatever contract it can obtain with the player.
Joey Galloway was a Non-Exclusive Franchised Player. He was actually traded to the Cowboys, though. He had negotiated a contract with the Cowboys before the deal went through. The Cowboys agreed to pay the Seahawks the full compensation of 2 first-round picks, to keep any other team from grabbing him.
It is reported that Dan Snyder wanted to get in on the bidding, and would have offered more. But Mike Holmgren said he had already come to an agreement with Jerry Jones and would not back out on his word. Snyder was said to have been furious and vowed to get even. This may have been the beginning of the close relationship between Jones and Holmgren.
It is to the Cowboys detriment that Holmgren was an honorable man.