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By Charles Robinson, Yahoo! Sports
June 17, 2005
Several NFL teams are waiting patiently, but as June melts into July, Ty Law's chances of landing a lucrative contract may have evaporated.
While there hasn't been a definitive indication from Law's camp, the former Patriots cornerback could begin his second free agent tour of the offseason as early as next week. But as some league skeptics question whether Law's broken foot will be ready for a full slate of workouts in July, it's quickly becoming apparent that his shot a multi-year contract may have already passed.
"That (timing) is a concern," one league executive said Thursday. "If he could have been healthy a few weeks after he was cut (by the Patriots on Feb. 25) or at least been running, I would have been optimistic about signing him and regulating his recovery. But it's June and we don't even know what he looks like running in a straight line.
"From my experience, it's going to be the middle or end of July before he can go hard in a practice environment. That's best-case scenario. Then (training) camp opens, and there are only a few weeks to see how (the foot) reacts before the season. He could look like he's made progress in a workout, then bounce on it for two weeks and have it give him problems. Then it stretches into the regular season and who knows how long."
That viewpoint provides the context for the cautious approach NFL teams have been taking with Law, who made a handful of visits earlier this offseason but got no contract offers. Instead, teams are waiting to examine Law again in full health, and even then, he may not get the financial windfall he expects.
Law's agent, Carl Poston, has made it known that the 31-year old former Pro Bowler is going to seek a deal that puts him in line with the league's best cornerbacks – an aim that would have been accomplished had Law simply accepted New England's four-year, $26 million offer before the 2004 season.
Instead, Law turned his back on that contract, calling it a "slap in the face." But even with a great round of workouts, he may have a hard time summoning such a deal. Of the handful of teams interested in Law, all have issues that may prevent a marriage. Among them:
Miami Dolphins – While the Dolphins may have shown the most interest of any team at this point, they clearly have reservations about Law's long-term health and aren't expected to offer him more than a one-year deal. According to past statements by Poston, Law isn't interested in such a contract.
Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs were interested before they traded for Miami's Patrick Surtain, plus the team doesn't have the salary cap room to sign Law to a big deal.
Detroit Lions – Their interest dwindled considerably after signing cornerback/safety R.W. McQuarters to a one-year deal, and on Thursday, a team official indicated that Law was out of the picture.
Indianapolis Colts – The Colts have cap issues and could only get a deal done if an extension was worked out for running back Edgerrin James. Even then, Indianapolis is also believed to be looking at a one-year deal.
New York Jets – Next to Miami, the Jets would be a strong possibility if cornerback Donnie Abraham decides to retire. While Abraham still hasn't made a decision, he has taken part in offseason practices and workouts with the Jets.
Cleveland Browns – Law has a history with coach Romeo Crennel, but the Browns might be eliminated due to another issue: Kellen Winslow Jr. The Poston brothers also represent Winslow Jr., and there could be some future acrimony brewing if the Browns attempt to recoup portions of Winslow Jr.'s singing bonus because of his motorcycle accident.
Law has also drawn interest from the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers, although both deny making any significant overtures.
For now, Law continues to work toward a return, largely avoiding the public spotlight. He did make one significant appearance last weekend, attending a party in Brookline, Mass., thrown by Patriots owner Robert Kraft. It was at that party that Law picked up his third Super Bowl ring. Such hardware goes a long way toward explaining why teams continue to wait for Law's latest prognosis, even as a shrinking calendar suggests time has run out on his financial expectations.
June 17, 2005
Several NFL teams are waiting patiently, but as June melts into July, Ty Law's chances of landing a lucrative contract may have evaporated.
While there hasn't been a definitive indication from Law's camp, the former Patriots cornerback could begin his second free agent tour of the offseason as early as next week. But as some league skeptics question whether Law's broken foot will be ready for a full slate of workouts in July, it's quickly becoming apparent that his shot a multi-year contract may have already passed.
"That (timing) is a concern," one league executive said Thursday. "If he could have been healthy a few weeks after he was cut (by the Patriots on Feb. 25) or at least been running, I would have been optimistic about signing him and regulating his recovery. But it's June and we don't even know what he looks like running in a straight line.
"From my experience, it's going to be the middle or end of July before he can go hard in a practice environment. That's best-case scenario. Then (training) camp opens, and there are only a few weeks to see how (the foot) reacts before the season. He could look like he's made progress in a workout, then bounce on it for two weeks and have it give him problems. Then it stretches into the regular season and who knows how long."
That viewpoint provides the context for the cautious approach NFL teams have been taking with Law, who made a handful of visits earlier this offseason but got no contract offers. Instead, teams are waiting to examine Law again in full health, and even then, he may not get the financial windfall he expects.
Law's agent, Carl Poston, has made it known that the 31-year old former Pro Bowler is going to seek a deal that puts him in line with the league's best cornerbacks – an aim that would have been accomplished had Law simply accepted New England's four-year, $26 million offer before the 2004 season.
Instead, Law turned his back on that contract, calling it a "slap in the face." But even with a great round of workouts, he may have a hard time summoning such a deal. Of the handful of teams interested in Law, all have issues that may prevent a marriage. Among them:
Miami Dolphins – While the Dolphins may have shown the most interest of any team at this point, they clearly have reservations about Law's long-term health and aren't expected to offer him more than a one-year deal. According to past statements by Poston, Law isn't interested in such a contract.
Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs were interested before they traded for Miami's Patrick Surtain, plus the team doesn't have the salary cap room to sign Law to a big deal.
Detroit Lions – Their interest dwindled considerably after signing cornerback/safety R.W. McQuarters to a one-year deal, and on Thursday, a team official indicated that Law was out of the picture.
Indianapolis Colts – The Colts have cap issues and could only get a deal done if an extension was worked out for running back Edgerrin James. Even then, Indianapolis is also believed to be looking at a one-year deal.
New York Jets – Next to Miami, the Jets would be a strong possibility if cornerback Donnie Abraham decides to retire. While Abraham still hasn't made a decision, he has taken part in offseason practices and workouts with the Jets.
Cleveland Browns – Law has a history with coach Romeo Crennel, but the Browns might be eliminated due to another issue: Kellen Winslow Jr. The Poston brothers also represent Winslow Jr., and there could be some future acrimony brewing if the Browns attempt to recoup portions of Winslow Jr.'s singing bonus because of his motorcycle accident.
Law has also drawn interest from the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers, although both deny making any significant overtures.
For now, Law continues to work toward a return, largely avoiding the public spotlight. He did make one significant appearance last weekend, attending a party in Brookline, Mass., thrown by Patriots owner Robert Kraft. It was at that party that Law picked up his third Super Bowl ring. Such hardware goes a long way toward explaining why teams continue to wait for Law's latest prognosis, even as a shrinking calendar suggests time has run out on his financial expectations.
