Watkins Snag: 4th-Year Guarantee
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Watkins Snag: 4th-Year Guarantee
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."
Just sign for three if you are a star pro bowl player they will re-do your contract in the fourth year anyway. Get to camp and learn the offense with everyone else so you can build that chemistry you will need to get to the SHOW— Eaglesman- If the agent gave in to the Eagles and then the #24 pick got 4 guaranteed years, the agent would look pretty stupid, now wouldn't he?
It will all get settled before long.— SteveS11 - Just give the kid 4 years guaranteed.— ej610
Comment removed.- Give DeSean the money they were going to give this guy, I knew he was going to be a loser when they drafted him. 30 years old and can't be mature enough into camp says all I need to know about this loser's 'toughness'. Maybe he can get four years of guaranteed money as a canadaian firefighter.— KingHoser
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- When Fireboy Watkins was drafted, he bragged that he would not be a holdout. He said he would be at camp on time, especially since he is already penciled in as the starter. So much for the Frostback's word and so much for being the starter!— younged
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- Hurry up and sign, he will be thirty by the time camp is over. Someone call Andy, Tatupu is available!!!!!— markperantoni
- i love how most philly fans bash reid and co. for signing guys that have injury history esp. with knees and yet now everyone is jumping at the bit to go out and sign Lofa Tatupu even though hes coming off of surgery on both knees and hasnt been good in 3 years...— buckbrennan
Way to go Birds fans. We have all our picks signed. As usual. Good luck with the fireman. And HA, way to win the FA Bowl.... again.— sweet.sassy.molassy- at least we've been relevant for the last 15 years....but i forgot the cowboys stopped winning once free agency and a salary cap were introduced...keep livin in the past — buckbrennan
- see you in the fall philthy. — sweet.sassy.molassy
- Welcome to reality here people. This guy showed up ready to practice and learn. He did not know he had to be under contract first yet was very eager to get started. He is/was a Firefighter in Canada and would happily return if he was physically able to and his NFL career did not pan out. I suspect his agent is trying to consider these facts in negotiations. If this young man were to be seriously injured he would not only be unable to play football but also lose his ability to be a firefighter. The two things he loves most. How can we fault a guy for protecting his livelihood?— 1upsman
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