If Keith Rivers and the Bengals decide to wait on Derrick Harvey, it could take some time. River City Rage says, "While it is tempting to put the blame on greedy agents and players, the Jaguars also have an interest in waiting these things out. They have a stake in protecting their franchise, and not overpaying first round draft picks is a big part of covering their financial bases."
Last season, Ted Ginn Jr. was drafted ninth and signed a five-year deal worth $19.6 million with $14.1 million in guarantees. (note, ESPN never provides a firm number, just "more than $13 million"... contract information was found at rotoworld)
Amobi Okoye, the tenth slot in 2007, signed a six-year deal worth $15.4 million with $12.8 million in guarantees. Jerod May, the 10th slot this year, signed a five-year deal worth $18.9 million with $13.8 million in guarantees.
So, let's figure that Keith Rivers' guarantee money will be in the $17 million range, with an overall salary in the $25-30 million range. Totally speaking out of my ass, but I don't doubt that the numbers will be roughly in that neighborhood.
Chick Ludwig demands that Rivers' holdout must end. Then offers this little bit about any chance of signing Rivers today.
Bengals VP Troy Blackburn sprint-walks by and I ask him if we can expect “white smoke” today with a Keith Rivers signing, and he shakes his head (NO!).