QB Sam Bradford may refuse to sign a pre-draft contract with the Rams.

[cowboyjoe]

Sam Bradford-QB- Player Mar. 29 - 8:13 pm et


Citing "multiple league and media sources," Profootballtalk.com reports that Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford may refuse to sign a pre-draft contract with the Rams.

JaMarcus Russell is the only No. 1 pick to not sign before the draft in the last four years. By refusing to sign, Bradford would gain leverage in contract talks. The move could also spur St. Louis to shop the pick, fearing Bradford might hold out like Russell, or even draft another player. Signing early and reporting on time would give Bradford his best chance to start on day one. Being drafted No. 1 would also give him his best shot at the biggest contract.
Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports
Related: Rams

 

[cowboyjoe]

Talk mounts that Bradford won't sign a pre-draft contract
Posted by Mike Florio on March 29, 2010 7:55 PM ET
Amid reports that the Rams are talking to the agents for multiple players who could be the first overall pick in the 2010 draft, there's increasing chatter that, as to one of the players, there may not be much to discuss.

We're hearing from multiple league and media sources that Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford could refuse to sign a pre-draft contract with the Rams.

In the past four drafts, the only top pick not signed in advance of the commencement of the selection process was Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell. He ultimately held out into the regular season.

If Bradford declines to agree to terms before being picked, and if the Rams ultimately don't select him, Bradford would slide to the Commanders at No. 4, at worst. (He also could end up going second or third, if a team that needs a quarterback moves up.) Operating from the four hole, Bradford likely would then attempt to invoke the so-called "quarterback premium" in the hopes of getting more than the first overall pick, just as Matt Ryan did from the third spot two years ago.

If the Rams pick Bradford without a contract in place, the leverage then flips to the player, with the Rams compelled to get the guy signed in the hopes of justifying the pick and turning around a franchise that seems far longer than a decade removed from a Super Bowl win.

We also don't rule out the Rams picking Bradford and then attempting to trade him, like the Chargers did six years ago with Eli Manning.

Either way, Adam Schefter's prediction could end up being wrong -- but not because Bradford won't be regarded as the best player in the draft. The Rams could decide that they won't take Bradford if he makes it clear that he won't sign a contract.

 

[Hoofbite]

So sick of these privileged *******s.

If the team is going to pick you, at least keep it under the table that you won't sign beforehand. Letting it out just makes you look like a turd.

 

[dmoore]

It's his right to do so. Bradford's going to get a huge deal regardless. Without a rookie pay scale, players got to get their money in the first contract because you never know if there's going to be a second. If you're St. Louis, you're pretty much forced to draft him. I'm not sure they want to spend big money on a DT, and Bradford's clearly the best QB in the draft.

 

[PBJTime]

So sick of these privileged *******s.

If the team is going to pick you, at least keep it under the table that you won't sign beforehand. Letting it out just makes you look like a turd.

So quick to judge someone based on "sources" stating he "could" refuse to sign.

My "sources" say Romo "could" refuse to play this year.

 

[dbair1967]

Proof that Bradford will be a monumental bust.

"Favorite player growing up"--- KORDELL STEWART

"I really enjoyed watching him"

Pretty much says all anyone needs to know about him.

 

[PBJTime]

Proof that Bradford will be a monumental bust.

"Favorite player growing up"--- KORDELL STEWART

"I really enjoyed watching him"

Pretty much says all anyone needs to know about him.

Spam much?

 

[dbair1967]

Spam much?

No, do you?

 

[casmith07]

I wouldn't sign the first deal on the table either if I was supposed to go #1. Let some negotiations work out and bust-proof your bank account.

That way if you end up being garbage, at least you've got $40M plus in the bank to ride you out the rest of your life.

If I wasn't sure I was going to pan out too, I'd move my parents to St. Louis and live with mom and dad in a modest house. No new car, none of that crap. Save every penny, maybe take a couple nice vacations.

 

[Hoofbite]

So quick to judge someone based on "sources" stating he "could" refuse to sign.

My "sources" say Romo "could" refuse to play this year.

Shut your face.

This thread is about him refusing and I responded as if he does.

Take your "judge" BS elsewhere.

 

[Idgit]

So sick of these privileged *******s.

If the team is going to pick you, at least keep it under the table that you won't sign beforehand. Letting it out just makes you look like a turd.

It doesn't make you look like a turd. You leak your stance if you think you're the clear number one, because it casts enough doubt about who the Rams might pick that teams might start considering trading up to get the number one QB.

If the Rams have suitors for the pick even with his uncertain signing status, then Bradford's validated his value and the Rams understand that he's right about his street value. That means they'd also understand that they'd need to pay a premium to have his services secured before the draft. If no one wants to pay the premium, then you negotiate your deal and sign before the draft anyway.