<ESPN> Texans exchange contract proposals with Bush agent

[TRIQSTER]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft06/news/story?id=2417167


The Houston Texans and the agent for Southern California tailback Reggie Bush on Friday exchanged contract proposals for the first time, and spent part of the day in long-distance talks aimed at reaching an agreement before the start of the draft, ESPN.com learned through multiple league sources.

While the exchange of numbers does not necessarily signal that the Texans have decided they will select the Heisman Trophy winner with the first overall pick on April 29, it is still a significant step. Because they own the first choice, the Texans are free to negotiate with any of the prospects, and there is a chance they are conducting similar talks with North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams, the other player Houston has been considering as a candidate for the top spot.

But league sources said Friday night that, while there has been dialogue with Williams' agent, Houston has not made a contract proposal.

Houston general manager Charley Casserly said earlier this week the Texans likely would not settle on a top pick until next week. Like most teams, the Texans are deep into their draft evaluation meetings, which will continue this weekend. Despite the public stance of Houston executives throughout this week, that they had not yet decided on the top pick, the consensus remains that Bush will be the No. 1 selection.

The Texans have yet to receive any firm offers from other teams trying to trade up to the top spot.

The events of Friday followed a Thursday discussion in which the two sides broached contract parameters for the first time. None of the sources contacted Friday had knowledge of any of the financial details of the proposals exchanged earlier in the day. Bush said Thursday that rumors he was seeking $30 million in guarantees were erroneous, and reiterated at the time that no numbers had been discussed.

Bush's agent, Joel Segal, was traveling Friday evening. He could not be immediately reached and did not return messages left on his cell phone. It is not believed, though, that Segal is headed to Houston for face-to-face negotiations. The discussions on Friday were conducted via phone and fax, with Segal at home in Miami for much of the day.

Segal told ESPN.com last week that "it would be the ultimate for both sides" to have an agreement in place before the draft begins. It does not appear, sources said, that an agreement is imminent based on the Friday discussions. And Segal indicated last week, too, that he felt negotiations would be complicated.

Even with the recently approved extension to the collective bargaining agreement, there are still several restrictions that will call for creativity from the Texans and whoever is the first choice in the draft.

In the last 10 drafts, the top overall choice has reached a contract agreement before the start of the lottery on three occasions. Houston agreed with the top choice in the 2002 draft, quarterback David Carr, before the draft commenced. The other No. 1 overall selections who had deals in place before the draft began were Tim Couch of Cleveland in 1999 and Carson Palmer of Cincinnati in 2003.

[TRIQSTER]

i think this is some good ass news right here

[Aceshigh7]

We gotta get Bush.

[mateo]

Come on, isnt this where someone says something about Vince and then quotes that redneck air conditioner comedian to "Signemup" or whatever the eff that guy says?

[Nice Rollin]

Come on, isnt this where someone says something about Vince and then quotes that redneck air conditioner comedian to "Signemup" or whatever the eff that guy says?
i got no idea what ur talkin about

[moestavern19]

TEXANZ SHO WOOD BE A BUNCHA LILLIEPICKIN QUEERZ IF'N IF VINSENT YUNG AINT NUMBUR WUN PICK.

[couple of d's]

i think this is some good ass news right here

quoting Arsenio Hall on the Dave Chapelle Show: "Damn, this some good ass cheese, hey man how come you didnt tell me this cheese was so good"? :)

[gr8-1]

Come on, isnt this where someone says something about Vince and then quotes that redneck air conditioner comedian to "Signemup" or whatever the eff that guy says?


Looks like you're the one that's bringing Vince up actually. You ever get tired of talking about the guy?

[Harrisment]

The updated article now says they had contract discussion with both Bush and Mario's people. That's exactly what they should be doing in order to keep the asking prices reasonable from both parties.

[Fegwu]

The updated article now says they had contract discussion with both Bush and Mario's people. That's exactly what they should be doing in order to keep the asking prices reasonable from both parties.

Yeah the updated one is a little more concise.

It obvious what the Texans are trying to do - they want Bush but will not hessitate to take Williams. So it is in Bush's best interest not to dare the texans - if Bush is wise, he should expect to take $25M max...which is what I believe to be the ceiling the Texans want to go as far as Bush is concerned.

Now if Mario's team come back and are say that they are willing to take lets say $23M, that could throw a monkey wrench in the whole deal.

IMHO, I believe the Texans have the leverage here for a number of reasons. Bush has the most to lose and the sooner he realizes this the better for him. According to the reports and rumours we have heard so far, no other team in the NFL is that crazy about Bush to hotly want to move up to number one. For all the Barry Sanders, Sayers and Fault talk, Bush should realize that that has not made him that desirable at the #1 spot by other teams - but of course they would love to have him at 2, 3, 4, or further.

The clock is officially counting down on Team Bush.

[Rox_fan_here]

Come on, isnt this where someone says something about Vince and then quotes that redneck air conditioner comedian to "Signemup" or whatever the eff that guy says?

LOL don't you mean "Get er Done"

[reggietodd]

The clock is officially counting down on Team Bush.

LMFAO.

:rolleyes:

[Mr. Clutch]

Yeah the updated one is a little more concise.

It obvious what the Texans are trying to do - they want Bush but will not hessitate to take Williams. So it is in Bush's best interest not to dare the texans - if Bush is wise, he should expect to take $25M max...which is what I believe to be the ceiling the Texans want to go as far as Bush is concerned.

Now if Mario's team come back and are say that they are willing to take lets say $23M, that could throw a monkey wrench in the whole deal.

IMHO, I believe the Texans have the leverage here for a number of reasons. Bush has the most to lose and the sooner he realizes this the better for him. According to the reports and rumours we have heard so far, no other team in the NFL is that crazy about Bush to hotly want to move up to number one. For all the Barry Sanders, Sayers and Fault talk, Bush should realize that that has not made him that desirable at the #1 spot by other teams - but of course they would love to have him at 2, 3, 4, or further.

The clock is officially counting down on Team Bush.


"they want Bush but will not hessitate to take Williams" Is that why they are negotiating with Bush first? And all source indicated the Texans want Bush.

"Now if Mario's team come back and are say that they are willing to take lets say $23M, that could throw a monkey wrench in the whole deal." I'm pretty sure Mario would settle for 23M now, considering he isn't even projected to be #1. Yet it hasn't changed the Texans desire for Bush.

"no other team in the NFL is that crazy about Bush to hotly want to move up to number one." Do you have the same sources as Rocket River?

[mateo]

Looks like you're the one that's bringing Vince up actually. You ever get tired of talking about the guy?

Not really...I have my fingers crossed that VY goes #4

[Another Brother]

Come on, isnt this where someone says something about Vince and then quotes that redneck air conditioner comedian to "Signemup" or whatever the eff that guy says?


http://covers.cdbaby.com/k/i/killerbeaz2.jpg

[Harrisment]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3811379.html

April 22, 2006, 1:30AM
NFL
Bush, Texans try to hash out a deal
Team negotiator, USC star's agent exchange ideas

By JOHN MCCLAIN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

One week before the NFL draft, the Texans intensified negotiations with running back Reggie Bush in an attempt to get the Heisman Trophy winner from Southern California signed in time to make him the first overall pick.

Vice president of football administration Dan Ferens, who handles negotiations, exchanged contract proposals with agent Joel Segal. There are expected to continue negotiations as the Texans try to sign Bush before the draft.

Although no one in the organization will admit it publicly, owner Bob McNair prefers the top pick to be signed by the time commissioner Paul Tagliabue announces the Texans' selection at 11 a.m. on April 29.

Neither side would comment Friday on the negotiations.

The primary issue will be guaranteed money. Quarterback Alex Smith, taken first by San Francisco last year, received $24 million in guaranteed money. Segal is expected to argue that Bush deserves more because players almost always get an increase from the previous year.

How much more could be a sticking point. The Texans, known for overpaying players, will argue that Bush is a running back and doesn't deserve a huge increase over what a quarterback was paid the previous year.

The Texans also are interested in North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams. He's the best defensive player in the draft. Ferens has been in contact with Ben Dogra, who represents Williams.

john.mcclain@chron.com

[gucci888]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3811379.html

April 22, 2006, 1:30AM
NFL
Bush, Texans try to hash out a deal
Team negotiator, USC star's agent exchange ideas

By JOHN MCCLAIN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

One week before the NFL draft, the Texans intensified negotiations with running back Reggie Bush in an attempt to get the Heisman Trophy winner from Southern California signed in time to make him the first overall pick.

Vice president of football administration Dan Ferens, who handles negotiations, exchanged contract proposals with agent Joel Segal. There are expected to continue negotiations as the Texans try to sign Bush before the draft.

Although no one in the organization will admit it publicly, owner Bob McNair prefers the top pick to be signed by the time commissioner Paul Tagliabue announces the Texans' selection at 11 a.m. on April 29.

Neither side would comment Friday on the negotiations.

The primary issue will be guaranteed money. Quarterback Alex Smith, taken first by San Francisco last year, received $24 million in guaranteed money. Segal is expected to argue that Bush deserves more because players almost always get an increase from the previous year.

How much more could be a sticking point. The Texans, known for overpaying players, will argue that Bush is a running back and doesn't deserve a huge increase over what a quarterback was paid the previous year.

The Texans also are interested in North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams. He's the best defensive player in the draft. Ferens has been in contact with Ben Dogra, who represents Williams.

john.mcclain@chron.com

I actually met Dan Ferens at a Texans Internship seminar this morning. He joked around saying he was open to any suggestions we may have for him.

Someone asked a question about the rookie pool and he kind of slipped up saying "when we draft Bush" and then quickly said "or whoever we decide to draft." Pretty nice guy, obviously knows a ton of information.

[Harrisment]

Someone asked a question about the rookie pool and he kind of slipped up saying "when we draft Bush" and then quickly said "or whoever we decide to draft." Pretty nice guy, obviously knows a ton of information.

Nice.

[gucci888]

Nice.

I really wanted to ask him more about the draft but since the seminar was mainly for academic reasons, I didn't want to go off on another tangent. But he did seem like he was expecting a couple questions or comments regarding the draft.

All I know is if Reggie does get $30M or anywhere near that, it is gonna be a big hit on the rookie pool.

[swilkins]

I actually met Dan Ferens at a Texans Internship seminar this morning. He joked around saying he was open to any suggestions we may have for him.

Someone asked a question about the rookie pool and he kind of slipped up saying "when we draft Bush" and then quickly said "or whoever we decide to draft." Pretty nice guy, obviously knows a ton of information.

Thanks

I like when these things get leaked. It stirs the pot.

[gucci888]

Thanks

I like when these things get leaked. It stirs the pot.

I really wouldn't call it a leak because the guy was asking about the rookie pool and used Reggie as an example, therefore it would be natural to use the same example for your answer. But you could kind of tell he tried to correct himself without anyone noticing.

[swilkins]

I really wouldn't call it a leak because the guy was asking about the rookie pool and used Reggie as an example, therefore it would be natural to use the same example for your answer. But you could kind of tell he tried to correct himself without anyone noticing.

Sounded like an oops to me.

[gucci888]

Sounded like an oops to me.

Yeah it does, but I wouldn't go as far to say it was a leak.

[swilkins]

Yeah it does, but I wouldn't go as far to say it was a leak.

It's certainly doesn't warrant a full-blown article, but it is a slip of words.

It means nothing, but we're starving for updates, so we're happy with anything new.

:)

[SamFisher]

The article quoted in the first post is different from the article that the link directs you too, which states this:



Texans exchange proposals with Bush, Williams

In a move that further ratchets up their public stance of indecision over the first pick in the NFL draft, the Houston Texans on Friday exchanged contract proposals with the agents for Southern California tailback Reggie Bush and North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams, ESPN.com learned through multiple league sources.

Because they own the first choice, the Texans are free to speak with any of the prospects and to conduct simultaneous negotiations. The aim of the Texans, it appears, is to have an agreement in place before the start of the April 29 draft.

Houston general manager Charley Casserly said earlier this week that the Texans would likely not settle on a top pick until next week. Like most teams, the Texans are deep into their draft evaluation meetings, which will continue this weekend. The choice, Casserly all but acknowledged this week, comes down to Bush or Williams, but the consensus in the league is that the Texans will choose the former Trojans star.

The Texans have yet to receive any firm offers from other teams trying to trade up to the top spot. Certainly they have the right, and ability, to financially leverage Bush and Williams against each other by negotiating with both at the same time and to strike a deal most advantageous to the team.

The events of Friday, at least with Bush, followed a Thursday evening discussion in which the two sides broached contract parameters for the first time. None of the sources contacted on Friday had knowledge of any of the financial details of the proposals exchanged earlier in the day. Bush said Thursday that rumors he was seeking $30 million in guarantees were erroneous and reiterated at the time that no numbers had been discussed.

It is not known when parameters were first suggested to Ben Dogra, the agent for Williams, a dominating pass rusher who is regarded as the premier defensive player in the talent pool.

Bush's agent, Joel Segal, told ESPN.com last week that "it would be the ultimate for both sides" to have an agreement in place before the draft begins. It does not appear, sources said, that an agreement is imminent with either player based on the Friday discussions.

Even with the recently approved extension to the collective bargaining agreement, there are still several restrictions that will call for creativity from the Texans and whoever is the first choice in the draft.

In the last 10 drafts, the top overall choice has reached a contract agreement before the start of the lottery on three occasions. Houston agreed with the top choice in the 2002 draft, quarterback David Carr, before the draft commenced. The other No. 1 overall selections who had deals in place before the draft began were Tim Couch of Cleveland in 1999 and Carson Palmer of Cincinnati in 2003.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

[gucci888]

It's certainly doesn't warrant a full-blown article, but it is a slip of words.

It means nothing, but we're starving for updates, so we're happy with anything new.

:)

Ya, I understand. The whole seminar was pretty interesting. They gave away some pretty cool stuff (ball signed by Peek, jerseys signed by Travis Johnson and Duante Robinson).

We also got a little behind the scenes tour of Reliant which was really cool. Their workout facilities room was HUGE. The facilities they have back there are second to none.

One of the more interesting things Dan Ferens said was that he's been studying Alex Smith's contract for about a month and a half, and he said he's just about getting the whole thing.

Also met Philip Bulguireres (sp?) who is the vice chairman. He was telling us how the Texans got started and the whole thing which was really interesting.

I'll explain it if anyone wants to hear it. :)

[buffalospeedway]

One of the more interesting things Dan Ferens said was that he's been studying Alex Smith's contract for about a month and a half, and he said he's just about getting the whole thing.



gucci,

I don't understand what you mean here. Who's just about getting the whole thing? And thanks for the info...

[gucci888]

gucci,

I don't understand what you mean here. Who's just about getting the whole thing? And thanks for the info...

Dan Ferens was trying to explain the complexity of contracts. Someone was asking about guys like Culpepper that are representing themselves. Dan Ferens was making a point that he's been studying Alex Smith's rookie deal for a month and a half and was just now starting to understand the whole thing.

There was another cap guy (don't remember his official title) but he is also an agent as well. He's been an agent for about 13 years now and he says he still doesn't get contracts 100%. Basically saying that if guys study contracts for a living take that long of a time to understand contracts, there is almost no way an athlete can do it.

[Blatz]

The article quoted in the first post is different from the article that the link directs you too, which states this:

Yeah it was updated not long after it was posted.

The updated article now says they had contract discussion with both Bush and Mario's people. That's exactly what they should be doing in order to keep the asking prices reasonable from both parties.




Edit: That may have come across rude but I don't mean that way.

[RocketForever]

Yeah the updated one is a little more concise.

It obvious what the Texans are trying to do - they want Bush but will not hessitate to take Williams. So it is in Bush's best interest not to dare the texans - if Bush is wise, he should expect to take $25M max...which is what I believe to be the ceiling the Texans want to go as far as Bush is concerned.

Now if Mario's team come back and are say that they are willing to take lets say $23M, that could throw a monkey wrench in the whole deal.

IMHO, I believe the Texans have the leverage here for a number of reasons. Bush has the most to lose and the sooner he realizes this the better for him. According to the reports and rumours we have heard so far, no other team in the NFL is that crazy about Bush to hotly want to move up to number one. For all the Barry Sanders, Sayers and Fault talk, Bush should realize that that has not made him that desirable at the #1 spot by other teams - but of course they would love to have him at 2, 3, 4, or further.

The clock is officially counting down on Team Bush.

In a draft rich in excellent QB and RB prospects, I don't believe they will use the #1 pick on a DL. They will trade down if they decide not to take Reggie.

[Fegwu]

"no other team in the NFL is that crazy about Bush to hotly want to move up to number one."

Do you have the same sources as Rocket River?

Do I have to have sources? I don't (unless you will accept the media as my source) - I am sure you have heard deductive approach to evaluation before now. Due to the magnitude of the position we are in, one would expect to get info about the happenings inside Texans front office as it concerns flurry of interests in Bush through media leaks. This is standard practice (see the proposed Jaime Moyer trade for example - the media got hold of the proposal and we believed it). My point is that if something is happening in ragards to teams stumbling over themselves to move up to land Bush then we would have heard it by now. I do not believe that is hard to concieve. As per RR, we are not the same and interestingly I posted that observation before evn seeing his post/thread - but nice try anyway.


LMFAO.

:rolleyes:

I hope you have enough Tide detergent.

[Fegwu]

In a draft rich in excellent QB and RB prospects, I don't believe they will use the #1 pick on a DL. They will trade down if they decide not to take Reggie.

You make a very good point and I agree. But I have learnt to never rule out anything. Once more, you point is logically sound and very well taken.

[rrj_gamz]

We'll see what happens...I guess I'll go buy my Bush jersey when it becomes official...