Second-round signings
Only three first-rounders and one second-rounder have signed so far because of a dispute over bonuses and the structure of contracts. A ruling is expected next week.
Second-round signings
Josh Barnett
The Eagles have signed all of their draft picks, except second-rounders Trevor Laws and DeSean Jackson. If they had a first-round pick this year, he likely would not be signed, either.
We say that based on a entry in John Clayton's ESPN.com Insider blog. Only three first-rounders, including Penn Charter product Matt Ryan with the Falcons, and one second-rounder have signed.
The players union is seeking a Special Master to resolve a dispute involving guaranteed bonuses and how they are calculated within the rookie salary pool. Of course, anything with long-term contracts is complicated by the fact that 2011 -- or the fourth year of contracts signed this year -- is an uncapped year.
Here is an excerpt from Clayton's blog: "Under the rookie pool, base salaries can only increase 25 percent per year, but agents found a loophole in which a draft choice can receive a one-time bonus and guarantee it in the final year of the contract. This particularly affects second-round choices because they sign four-year deals. The problem in this summer's negotiations is that there is no collective bargaining agreement in 2011 so the fourth year of the contract can't be involved in any kind of guarantees."
The sides will present their arguments and the Special Master will rule next week. Of course, Eagles rookies are expected to report Monday night to Lehigh. The agents for Jackson and Laws have not returned calls from the Daily News this week.
It would be unfortunate if players who want to be in training camp are not because of a bigger issue outside their control. If a player holds out and falls behind, that is on him. You can't blame the players here who would be following the advice of their union and trying to protect their own interests.
DeSean Jackson.......the hope of the eagles receiving Corps this year....more spin.......not only hasn't he signed but when he does the Birds will say that it takes awhile to learn Andy's west coast offensive scheme....probably become an asset to the team in 2011. But we didn't need to persue a receiver in the open market because we have the talent right here.— ox- Jackson can't be counted on for the receiving corps this year. However, I believe he can have an impact on special teams either as a PR or KR. That is, if he ever signs and if his hamstring is not a continuing problem.— Bama
- wow, guys. That's a lot of pessimism for July 16. I agree that Jackson will have a bigger impact on special teams than at WR, but the Birds have a good track record of getting their picks signed and into camp, so I have no concerns about Jackson and Laws getting their deals done on time.— derrickwh
- Besides DeSean....the Philadelphia Soul have better WR's then the Eagles.— Dvs Mind
- Any movement of the tenuous Scott Young dispute? This is one cloud hanging over the team that remains unresolved going into next week!!!— shoeshineboy
- You guys are all morons. how can jackson be the "hope" of the Eagles WR corps when he hasn't even played a game yet. and yes, it does take a while to learn the west coast offense (or any offense for that matter). that's why receivers rarely have an impact in the first year, regardless of who they are. Remember that can't miss prospect Calvin Johnson? Even he didn't do much last year. The Eagles tried to get Randy Moss last year, so you can't say they didn't try to get a WR. Who else would you have had them get? Don't say Larry Fitzgerald or Roy Williams, because neither of them was available. Relax people, training camp hasn't even started. http://santadeservedit.blogspot.com/— Jack B.
- DVS...that must stand for "drinking vodka straight" - you can't be sober and think the wr's for soul are better than eagles. If they were Drew Ros would already have them signed!— vincemcd
- Jack B, You will agree that Jackson is better than Avant or Baskett right? There is no reason he shouldn't get some time at the receiver position. He will be a huge bonus in the return games.— gallen024
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