Synder Reaches Deal with Portis

mckerney · 03-01-2004, 12:58 PM

$50.5 million, 8 years

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...len&id=1748249

In a deal that clears the way for his trade to the Washington Redskins later this week, Denver Broncos tailback Clinton Portis reached agreement Monday on a contract that makes him the highest-paid running back in league history, ESPN.com has learned.

Bailey

Portis

Portis will sign an eight-year deal that is worth $50.5 million and includes $17 million in combined signing and option bonuses, several league sources confirmed for ESPN.com.

The agreement is a blockbuster not only in terms of the millions of dollars negotiated by agents Drew Rosenhaus and Jason Rosenhaus, but also because the Redskins were not under any pressure to reach a new deal with Portis. The lack of negotiating leverage on the part of Portis, who had said over the weekend that he would not hold out of training camp even if he did not get a new contract, certainly adds to the achievement of netting such a deal.

The Rosenhauses did not immediately return calls.

The contract has not yet been signed, but there are no additional hurdles to clear. The deal will become official later this week, as will Portis' trade to the Redskins for Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey and a second-round draft choice.

Because of the NFL's annual moratorium on trades, the mega-swap of two of the NFL's brightest young stars cannot be announced until Wednesday.

Portis, 22, still had two seasons remaining on the original four-year contract he signed with the Broncos as a second-round choice in the 2002 draft. That contract paid him a signing bonus of $1.29 million but only minimum base salaries for all four seasons. He was scheduled to earn only $380,000 in 2004 and $455,000 in 2005.

Denver officials had steadfastly balked at renegotiating the contract, part of the reason for the trade. The Broncos did, at one point in the discussions, offer to insure the 2004 portion of the contract.

Technically, because Portis was under contract, the Redskins could have completed the trade without consummating a new deal for the former University of Miami star. In fact, in recent days, team officials had publicly assumed that stance, insisting they were prepared to move ahead with the trade and handle Portis' contract situation later.

But it made no sense, particularly once the Redskins' offer reached record proportions, to delay an agreement.

Portis has rushed for 3,099 yards, eclipsing the 1,500-yard mark in both of his NFL seasons, and 29 touchdowns. He will become the centerpiece for the run-oriented offense favored by new Redskins coach Joe Gibbs.

Bailey is expected to complete a review of his pending contract with the Broncos later Monday and probably sign it Tuesday. Agent Jack Reale sent back to Broncos officials all requested revisions and Monday was awaiting a copy of the contract's final draft. Reale told ESPN.com there were no impediments to completing the deal, beyond reducing the complicated documente to contract language.

ESPN.com has learned that Bailey's contract will be for seven seasons, not the six that has been widely reported. It could make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in league history.

mckerney · 03-01-2004, 12:59 PM

Dola:

I'd think this may force Denver is going to have to make a deal with Washington now, as I don't see Denver offering that much money, or Portis ending his holdout for less.

Passacaglia · 03-01-2004, 12:59 PM

Now all he needs to do is bring in a coach who will bench him.

rkmsuf · 03-01-2004, 01:01 PM

Man, I don't really like this from either side. I think that's way too much to invest in Portis. Talented, yes. Durable? Who knows...

As for Denver, I'm just not someone who puts Bailey up in the stratosphere of defenders. Making him the highest paid defensive player ever?

cthomer5000 · 03-01-2004, 01:04 PM

both players are going to come out of this earning way more than they should.

rkmsuf · 03-01-2004, 01:05 PM

agreed. From both perspectives there were cheaper alternatives.

stevew · 03-01-2004, 01:15 PM

Thats an insane amount of loot for a RB. I still cant believe Wash is giving Denver the better player AND a second rounder.

Subby · 03-01-2004, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevew

Thats an insane amount of loot for a RB. I still cant believe Wash is giving Denver the better player AND a second rounder.

Bailey was leaving regardless. The deal is more "exclusive negotiating rights with Bailey" and a 2nd rounder for Portis.

JAG · 03-01-2004, 01:22 PM

I'd be interested to see how that contract was structured before commenting on it. All that "8 years $50 million highest paid running back" stuff is just crap...I'm more interested in how it'll affect Washington's cap in the future.

rkmsuf · 03-01-2004, 01:23 PM

Also, what is Denver thinking here? They are already over the cap and they are adding a monster Bailey contract and losing a cheap runner?

What happened to Shanahan being this great coach? Surely he could massage a Portis relationship...

rkmsuf · 03-01-2004, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subby

Bailey was leaving regardless. The deal is more "exclusive negotiating rights with Bailey" and a 2nd rounder for Portis.

Dola, it's likely a huge bonus and 8 years of prorating it. Portis is likely on the books for the league minimum in base salary this year.

The danger for the Redskins is that Portis has "cashed" and got the big dough. Let's see if he continues to sell out and run like he has...

Deattribution · 03-01-2004, 02:15 PM

I'm more interested to see if Portis can be half as good as he was in Denver. Davis, Anderson, Gary and Portis were never really projected to be much more than backups and all became 1500+ yard rushers. It either means they have an extraordinary eye for running backs or they have a great O-line/system.

I'm leaning more toward the latter considering they are ready once again to plug in another back.

JAG · 03-01-2004, 02:25 PM

I think Portis will get some big numbers in Washington. Washington has some very good run blockers on their OL and Gibbs will be committed to the run. They have the makings of a pretty good offense. At this point, their defense has taken a step back and they weren't very good there to begin with. But I'm sure Snyder and his millions will start plugging holes with the biggest brightest names out there.

rkmsuf · 03-01-2004, 02:31 PM

Problem is Portis may have gotten the biggest number he cares about...

miami_fan · 03-01-2004, 02:43 PM

Score another one for whining, bitching and complaining to get what you want and then getting it. Also what kinda of pictures must Drew Rosenhaus have on NFL owners to get these kind of deals for his clients?

Passacaglia · 03-01-2004, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miami_fan

Score another one for whining, bitching and complaining to get what you want and then getting it. Also what kinda of pictures must Drew Rosenhaus have on NFL owners to get these kind of deals for his clients?

Maybe the deal is really for $5.05 million. I bet he missed a decimal point or something. My guess is he always screws up some mundane detail.

JAG · 03-01-2004, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miami_fan

Score another one for whining, bitching and complaining to get what you want and then getting it. Also what kinda of pictures must Drew Rosenhaus have on NFL owners to get these kind of deals for his clients?

I'd bitch too if I had 1500 yards and however many TD's and Troy Hambrick was making more than I was...

j51 · 03-01-2004, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deattribution

I'm more interested to see if Portis can be half as good as he was in Denver. Davis, Anderson, Gary and Portis were never really projected to be much more than backups and all became 1500+ yard rushers. It either means they have an extraordinary eye for running backs or they have a great O-line/system.

I'm leaning more toward the latter considering they are ready once again to plug in another back.

At least he won't have to run against those tough Chief, Charger, & Raider defenses anymore.

rkmsuf · 03-01-2004, 03:04 PM

It would be funny if Washington suddenly struck gold with all of Snyder's moves for Portis ect and then the Redskins won it.

Gibbs would get all the credit even though Snyder was probably behind most of the signings...

cincyreds · 03-01-2004, 03:13 PM

Where is Snyder getting all of this money to sign all of these guys!!

Kodos · 03-01-2004, 03:23 PM

One thing about Snyder. He isn't afraid to throw money around all willy-nilly. I have to agree that Portis is not worth this much money. Nor is Bailey. I hope Portis flops. Except when he is playing the Cowboys.

03-01-2004, 12:59 PM	#3
Passacaglia Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Big Ten Country	Now all he needs to do is bring in a coach who will bench him. __________________ Pride and Prejudice -- an FOF9 Lions dynasty, starting 1966

03-01-2004, 01:01 PM	#4
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	Man, I don't really like this from either side. I think that's way too much to invest in Portis. Talented, yes. Durable? Who knows... As for Denver, I'm just not someone who puts Bailey up in the stratosphere of defenders. Making him the highest paid defensive player ever? __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

03-01-2004, 01:05 PM	#6
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	agreed. From both perspectives there were cheaper alternatives. __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

03-01-2004, 01:23 PM	#10
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	Also, what is Denver thinking here? They are already over the cap and they are adding a monster Bailey contract and losing a cheap runner? What happened to Shanahan being this great coach? Surely he could massage a Portis relationship... __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

03-01-2004, 02:31 PM	#14
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	Problem is Portis may have gotten the biggest number he cares about... __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

03-01-2004, 12:59 PM	#2
mckerney Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	Dola: I'd think this may force Denver is going to have to make a deal with Washington now, as I don't see Denver offering that much money, or Portis ending his holdout for less.

03-01-2004, 01:15 PM	#7
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Thats an insane amount of loot for a RB. I still cant believe Wash is giving Denver the better player AND a second rounder.

03-01-2004, 01:22 PM	#9
JAG Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: St. Paul, MN	I'd be interested to see how that contract was structured before commenting on it. All that "8 years $50 million highest paid running back" stuff is just crap...I'm more interested in how it'll affect Washington's cap in the future.

03-01-2004, 02:15 PM	#12
Deattribution College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2003	I'm more interested to see if Portis can be half as good as he was in Denver. Davis, Anderson, Gary and Portis were never really projected to be much more than backups and all became 1500+ yard rushers. It either means they have an extraordinary eye for running backs or they have a great O-line/system. I'm leaning more toward the latter considering they are ready once again to plug in another back.

03-01-2004, 02:25 PM	#13
JAG Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: St. Paul, MN	I think Portis will get some big numbers in Washington. Washington has some very good run blockers on their OL and Gibbs will be committed to the run. They have the makings of a pretty good offense. At this point, their defense has taken a step back and they weren't very good there to begin with. But I'm sure Snyder and his millions will start plugging holes with the biggest brightest names out there.

03-01-2004, 02:43 PM	#15
miami_fan Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Land O Lakes FL	Score another one for whining, bitching and complaining to get what you want and then getting it. Also what kinda of pictures must Drew Rosenhaus have on NFL owners to get these kind of deals for his clients?

03-01-2004, 03:04 PM	#19
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	It would be funny if Washington suddenly struck gold with all of Snyder's moves for Portis ect and then the Redskins won it. Gibbs would get all the credit even though Snyder was probably behind most of the signings... __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

03-01-2004, 03:13 PM	#20
cincyreds High School Varsity Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Mississippi	Where is Snyder getting all of this money to sign all of these guys!! __________________ The Dallas Cowboys!! America's Team will rise again.

03-01-2004, 03:23 PM	#21
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	One thing about Snyder. He isn't afraid to throw money around all willy-nilly. I have to agree that Portis is not worth this much money. Nor is Bailey. I hope Portis flops. Except when he is playing the Cowboys. Last edited by Kodos : 03-01-2004 at 03:23 PM.

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