Back
| May 28, 1998 RB Edwards Contract Talks Under Way.
Along with the rookies, the Patriots are also contemplating trying to get deals done for LB Ted Johnson and C Dave Wohlabaugh. Both Johnson and Wohlabaugh can be unrestricted free agents next season, and the Patriots can't afford to lose either one of them! According to Edwards's agent, Alan Wade, they have discussed length of contract and are reviewing other rookie numbers from last season to see where Edwards might fit. "We're not looking for a real long deal, and if we did, there would some voidables in it," said Wade. "We want to make sure that if Robert's career takes off, we're protected." They are trying to avoid what the Patriots did with Martin his first few years. Martin signed a long-term deal, and then he ended up being a great player...but he was getting underpaid, because he signed a long-term deal. This is the rule the agents are following: Never sign a running back to a long deal right out of college, for fear he'll be underpaid in a year. The Patriots hope Edwards fills the void left by Martin. Barring the signing of a free agent such as Terry Kirby or Ronnie Harmon, the team will have 10 running backs in camp with 17 years of experience. One of them is Dave Meggett, whose status is uncertain because of pending sexual assault charges in Toronto. Edwards could expect to earn an average of $1.2 million-$1.5 million per year, factoring in a 10 percent increase over what was paid last year's selection in his No. 18 slot. This is actually not good news for the Pats because they must also get contracts for Ted Johnson, Dave Wohlabaugh, and other players in the near future...like star CB Ty Law. |
