Marcus Mariota is the only first-round pick from this year’s NFL Draft without a contract, and the Tennessee Titans’ general manager held out the possibility the quarterback might miss some training camp time.
According to ESPN.com, Titans GM Rulon Webster told Tennessee radio station WGFX that Mariota’s negotiations "(are) going like most contract situations go about this time of the year. We have had good conversations. We’ll continue to have good conversations. Looking forward to getting that done and him being in here for camp."
But Webster also said, "I personally don’t see there being a major issue. … I don’t concern myself too much with it if a guy misses a few days."
Of the 256 players taken in the April 30 draft, Mariota is one of three without a contract. The other two are third-round picks.
The Titans concluded minicamp Thursday and have a six-week break until the July 30 opening of training camp.
Ryan Tollner, Mariota’s agent, has not retuned calls to the Star-Advertiser.
The Titans have a recent history of first-round holdouts, with two in the previous three years missing training-camp time.
Webster told WGFX, "We’ve had good talks. We’re motivated. Marcus is motivated. So I would expect that we would be able to get something done. As you said, we have plenty of time right now, so we’ll just see where it all goes."
Due to the league’s collective bargaining agreement, rookie salaries are largely fixed based upon draft position, with Mariota, the No. 2 overall pick, expected to receive approximately $21.36 million over four years, including a $13.79 million signing bonus, according to Forbes.
NBCsports.com’s Pro Football Talk reported the hangup is over so-called "offset" language in the contract.
An "offset" provision means that if a player is cut before the conclusion of his four-year deal, any money he receives from a subsequent team offsets what his original team would be required to pay.
Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston, the No. 1 player taken in the draft, is said to have an "offset" provision in his contract, while the No. 3 selection, Jacksonville linebacker Dante Fowler Jr., does not.
