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Watkins Snag: 4th-Year Guarantee

The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian

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Watkins Snag: 4th-Year Guarantee

POSTED: Sunday, July 31, 2011, 1:05 PM

Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer

BETHLEHEM -- Every year, before Lehigh starts, I tell myself not to get too caught up in what first-round picks say about not wanting to miss training camp.

But if ever somebody was emphatic about being here, it was this year's first-round pick, Danny Watkins, pegged as the Eagles' starting right guard. Watkins, who grew up in Canada pretty much ignorant of the ways of the NFL, didn't even know until a few weeks ago that he wasn't allowed to participate in training camp without a contract. He vowed this would not be a problem.

The Eagles, you might have heard, are hard-nosed negotiators. That's one reason they have the cap room and the overall cash to do some of the amazing things they've done this past week. And surprise, surprise, we've been at Lehigh since Wednesday, and Watkins isn't here yet.

Neither his agent group nor the team's front office is willing to comment publicly on the holdup. But you don't have to be a rocket surgeon (or a brain scientist) to figure it out.

Watkins was drafted 23rd overall. As of this writing, Nos. 21 and 22 have not signed, and neither has 24. More important, No. 20 -- Tampa DE Adrian Clayborn, the only draftee signed between slot 17 and slot 25 -- got all four years of his deal guaranteed. But the next guy signed, No. 25, Seattle OL James Carpenter, got only three of his four years guaranteed, according to Pro Football Talk.

Problem identified. (And subsequently confirmed by a team source.)

The Eagles apparently feel strongly that this should not be such a huge problem, that if Watkins is a good player, as everyone expects, the fourth year will take care of itself. Of course, if it isn't that big a deal, they could just give Watkins that fourth year right now. Watkins could get hurt before the fourth year, and end up not getting that money, unless it's guaranteed.

You can be sure Watkins's agent group, looking ahead to recruiting next year's college seniors, doesn't want not getting that fourth year used against them by their fellow agents. (A group whose pristine ethics and strong moral compass surely would guard against such dastardly behavior.)

And the league's oldest rookie sits at home, getting older.

Just to turn up the heat a notch, the Birds today signed former Bengals, Dolphins and Panthers guard Evan Mathis, 29, who has started 22 games in his pro career.

"I come from a scheme in Cincinnati where it was more bigger linemen, I didn't fit real well," said Mathis, whom the Eagles are listing at an extremely generous 6-5, 302. "To come here where athletic linemen are a little more respected, it's better for me."

56 comments

Comments (56)

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0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 7:28 PM, 07/31/2011

wow.. your an idiot. watkins showed up to practice but was not allowed too.. so is the agent playing hard ball.. which is a shame because he needs the reps. he is older than DRC. and desean is making less than league minimum... for a man who has been to the pro bowl in the first 3 yrs of his career. and more 1000 yr receiving seasons than Holmes.. and he jus got 50 mill

— LAdelphia

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0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 1:36 PM, 07/31/2011

Typical Canadian S#!T

— dragoon6

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 1:46 PM, 07/31/2011

sure it is the agent and the union and NOT Watkins doing. Wish he had more control to just tell his agent to get it done so he can get to camp and secure the starter spot this season. Wasted year if he subs from the bench because he is behind the curve

— connorjr

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 1:55 PM, 07/31/2011

hah, you guys are funny. quit crackin on the dude like it's his decision. his agent is working on getting himself paid. these things happen every year with first rounders. they all wanna get paid according to what their peers get. as soon as they start signing other firsties they will all get signed right up. he'll get plenty of cheers this season.

— Evilvet

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 10:45 AM, 08/01/2011

Yeah but the kid has some say in his contract. I mean he did hire them. Makes me wish I hired an agent before I signed my military contract. Damn small print.

— urbnasty