NFL Network's Wyche: Atogwe will not sign his tender

[TheSport78]

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NFL Network
Wyche: Atogwe won’t sign tender with Rams

Posted: May 10th, 2010 | Frank Tadych | Tags: NFL Total Access, Oshiomogho Atogwe, St. Louis Rams, Steve Wyche


Oshiomogho Atogwe is one of the more interesting names among restricted free agents. He was extended the low tender offer by the Rams, giving the team only the right of first refusal on its starting strong safety. From the outset, it was a situation we knew would reach a conclusion about now.

Steve Wyche told “NFL Total Access” on Monday that Atogwe will not sign his tender. That decision increases the likelihood that Atogwe will be someone else’s starting strong safety next season.


The key date in the whole scenario is June 1. The Rams continue to hold exclusive negotiating rights with Atogwe and can try to sign him to a long-term deal. On June 1, because the Rams tendered Atogwe at $1.226 million (significantly less than his 2009 salary), they hold the option of extending an offer at 110 percent of his salary (nearly $7 million) to retain his rights or releasing him to become an unrestricted free agent.


Atogwe, who played under a $6.3 million franchise tag in 2009, ended the season by missing the final four games with a shoulder injury. Time is running out, and we’ll soon find out if the Rams — who acquired Kevin Payne from the Bears last month — have completely closed the door on Atogwe.


Hmm...I know we're high on Ball/Hamlin, but Atogwe could be the playmaking safety that puts us over the top. If he have a shot at him, we need to make a run at the guy.

 

[KingintheNorth]

IF he becomes available and IF we don't show at least some interest, I'm going back to my "Jerry is broke" theory.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

Hmmm. Do they need a starting WR/Punt Returner?

I don’t know much about Atogwe, but if he is young and has some talent then it wouldn’t be a bad trade option. I just don’t know if Jerry / Wade wants to spend the money on this position. Would be a final piece type thing.

 

[SDogo]

Even by June 1st it's unlikely any team will sign Atogwe simply because no team is going to sign a player that cant pass a physical. Dont be surprised to Atogwe still looking for a team well into July and possibly up until camps open.

 

[TheSport78]

Hmmm. Do they need a starting WR/Punt Returner?

I don’t much about Atogwe, but if he is young and has some talent then it wouldn’t be a bad trade option. I still just don’t know if Jerry / Wade wants to spend the money on this position. Would be a final piece type thing.

The good about it is, after June 1 Atogwe becomes an unrestricted free agent if the Rams don't sign him to a long term deal, so we wouldn't even have to trade for the guy. We still have our "one big free agent" allowance from the uncapped year, so Atogwe may be the guy.

 

[Jon88]

Someone sign him.

Please.

 

[TheSport78]

Even by June 1st it's unlikely any team will sign Atogwe simply because no team is going to sign a player that cant pass a physical. Dont be surprised to Atogwe still looking for a team well into July and possibly up until camps open.

That's the big question, how will he check out medically? Assuming he would be ready for training camp, I'm all for it.

 

[gimmesix]

The key date in the whole scenario is June 1. The Rams continue to hold exclusive negotiating rights with Atogwe and can try to sign him to a long-term deal. On June 1, because the Rams tendered Atogwe at $1.226 million (significantly less than his 2009 salary), they hold the option of extending an offer at 110 percent of his salary (nearly $7 million) to retain his rights or releasing him to become an unrestricted free agent.

This is interesting. Does it mean the Rams can offer him a one-year $7 million deal June 1 and he can't become a UFA even if he doesn't accept it?

 

[Stash]

Even by June 1st it's unlikely any team will sign Atogwe simply because no team is going to sign a player that cant pass a physical. Dont be surprised to Atogwe still looking for a team well into July and possibly up until camps open.

Agreed, to say nothing of this key point:

Atogwe, who played under a $6.3 million franchise tag in 2009

Think he's going to want to take a step down from that payscale?

Now ask yourself if you're eager to pay that much on a multi-year deal for a guy with his injury history?

I don't see where this happens unless he has no other offers and he signs a one-year "prove yourself" deal like Sensabaugh did.

 

[Cowboy Brian]

So Miles could potentially decide not to sign the tender and leave? wth.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Atogwe would be the missing piece for Dallas secondary. He's a turnover machine!

 

[TheSport78]

This is interesting. Does it mean the Rams can offer him a one-year $7 million deal June 1 and he can't become a UFA even if he doesn't accept it?

Correct. The Rams could OFFER him a one year $7 million deal but there's a 0% chance he would accept the deal. This will be Atogwe's last long term deal as a player; he's 29 years old I believe so he wants to cash in.

I believe if we do sign Atogwe, the writing is on the wall for Sensabaugh in 2011. Sensy would still be a Cowboy this year, but Dallas will probably have Atogwe at FS and take their chances with Mike Hamlin at SS in 2011.

 

[peplaw06]

Hmmm. Do they need a starting WR/Punt Returner?

I don’t know much about Atogwe, but if he is young and has some talent then it wouldn’t be a bad trade option. I just don’t know if Jerry / Wade wants to spend the money on this position. Would be a final piece type thing.

They already have Amendola.

 

[Cowboy Brian]

Agreed, to say nothing of this key point:

Atogwe, who played under a $6.3 million franchise tag in 2009

Think he's going to want to take a step down from that payscale?

Now ask yourself if you're eager to pay that much on a multi-year deal for a guy with his injury history?

I don't see where this happens unless he has no other offers and he signs a one-year "prove yourself" deal like Sensabaugh did.

Correct. The Rams could OFFER him a one year $7 million deal but there's a 0% chance he would accept the deal. This will be Atogwe's last long term deal as a player; he's 29 years old I believe so he wants to cash in.

I believe if we do sign Atogwe, the writing is on the wall for Sensabaugh in 2011. Sensy would still be a Cowboy this year, but Dallas will probably have Atogwe at FS and take their chances with Mike Hamlin at SS in 2011.

since when can RFAs just leave.

 

[Stash]

Correct. The Rams could OFFER him a one year $7 million deal but there's a 0% chance he would accept the deal. This will be Atogwe's last long term deal as a player; he's 29 years old I believe so he wants to cash in.

I firmly believe that you are incorrect.

"they hold the option of extending an offer at 110 percent of his salary (nearly $7 million) to retain his rights or releasing him to become an unrestricted free agent"

The team could keep him for another season if they offered 110% of what they paid last season.

 

[hra8700]

Notably, I haven't seen him play too often and haven't focused on him too much when he did, but:

1. He'll be 29 June 23rd
2. If his 40 (4.58) is any indication of his speed, he's never been particularly fast, which makes a decline with age more likely IMO
3. Star safeties don't last as long as other defensive positions (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/?p=6510)
4. He's coming off of 2 injuries
5. Since '07, his passes defensed and interceptions have been decreasing while his tackles, percent of passes in his direction caught, yards given up, and the number of times he's been thrown at have been increasing.
6. He's never made a pro bowl/or been an all-pro

YET: he was franchise tagged at $6.3 last year.

If he's looking for a big contract, I don't want us to give it to him. If he's willing to take something reasonable (hardly ever the case in free agency, since it's a bidding system and the person who wins the prize always overpays), then great. If not, I'd pass if I were Jerry.

 

[TheSport78]

I firmly believe that you are incorrect.

"they hold the option of extending an offer at 110 percent of his salary (nearly $7 million) to retain his rights or releasing him to become an unrestricted free agent"

The team could keep him for another season if they offered 110% of what they paid last season.

Right but why would Atogwe accept a one year deal when he could get a long term deal in the open market (assuming he clears out medically)?

 

[jobberone]

So Miles could potentially decide not to sign the tender and leave? wth.

No. There is always the franchise tag. Miles is going nowhere.

 

[peplaw06]

Right but why would Atogwe accept a one year deal when he could get a long term deal in the open market (assuming he clears out medically)?

If they offer 110%, he doesn't have a choice. The team holds the option. At least that's what this "article" says.

 

[Stash]

Right but why would Atogwe accept a one year deal when he could get a long term deal in the open market (assuming he clears out medically)?

Because he doesn't have a choice in the matter.

If the Rams offer 110% over last year's franchise tag, he has two choices, accept that amount or hold out and not play for anybody.

The team retains his rights.