Clarett signs

[big56fan#1]

Updated: July 28, 2005, 8:36 PM ET
Clarett wants to prove he's worthy of first-round moneyBy John Clayton
ESPN.com


Maurice Clarett, who legally challenged the league for early entry, still hasn't given up the thought he should have been a first-round choice in the NFL.

Instead of suing the league, Clarett came up with a novel approach. He is putting his money where his mouth is. On Thursday, he signed a four-year contract in which he gave up the $410,000 of guaranteed money in order to secure an incentive-laden deal that could eventually earn him $7 million.

The complex contract, which includes more than $5 million of performance escalators, forced the Broncos and Clarett's agents to negotiate well into Wednesday night. After a few hours of sleep, they resumed their talks Thursday morning and reached agreement by the afternoon. Clarett was the last pick in the third round of the draft.

The contract was negotiated by Steve Feldman, Josh Luchs and Clarett's attorney and advisor, David Kenner.

"This deal struck gives Maurice the opportunity to be paid like the first-round draft choice he was born to be," Feldman said.

Specifics of the contract are sketchy, but it works something like this. If Clarett gains 1,000 yards, he could hit an escalator worth more than $1 million, almost three times what he would have made in a signing bonus given to him by the Broncos.

The more he rushes for, the more he makes. He can max out at around $7 million.

This was Clarett's gamble. He has the confidence he can gain the yards and hit the $7 million figure. Rollovers give him a chance to make the big bumps in salary if he doesn't do it as a rookie.

To further show his commitment, he accepted no guarantees. The $410,000 the Broncos were willing to give him Thursday was put into workout bonuses in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Clarett wants to prove he's a first-round talent. If he runs like a first-rounder, he could be paid like a first-rounder instead of a third-rounder.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

[big56fan#1]

Interesting to say the least

[big56fan#1]

sorry all didnt it posted

[RhymesayersDU]

This is pretty cool, IMO. Let him work hard and earn every penny he gets.

[baja]

Fair enough...........

[baja]

Good we got the Ricky Williams special

[TotallyScrewed]

The dude is showing some serious confidence here. Do you think he's a competitor?? He sho-nuf put his money on the table. He knows how to stir the RB pot from the git go.

I love that sort of talk! Bring on camp.

[elsid13]

Man, it's good the broncos, but I hope he doesn't dump his agent and want a new contract next year. Does anyone have idea what the cap looks like now?

[Hogan11]

Good we got the Ricky Williams special

That was my first thought as well....I'm happy with that.

[watermock]

Who would of thought it would be a complicated contract?

Who would of thought Chris would be the last rookie unsigned?

[DBroncos4life]

I like how its set up. He wins we win. More deals should be like this.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Great - It's put up or shut up time.

Heard on radio that Meyers contract is done and he is here. Just awaiting an official signing.

[TotallyScrewed]

"If Clarett gains 1,000 yards, he could hit an escalator worth more than $1 million, almost three times what he would have made in a signing bonus given to him by the Broncos.

The more he rushes for, the more he makes. He can max out at around $7 million."--

Kinda makes you wonder what he has to do to get $7M, don't it?

[baja]

It's a Super Bowl year boys and girls!!!!!!

[Smilin Assassin]

I think this says a lot about Mo.

Maybe he could actually get some positive press? (I'm not counting Salisbury)

From suing the league to telling the Broncos "make me earn it"...that's a pretty big leap.

[Moon§hiner]

Good we got the Ricky Williams special
Heh...that was my first thought when I read the terms Baja.....I am impressed that he doesn't have a rap artist for an agent and realizes that he has some proving to do....I think the kid is going to leave here with lot more kudos from fans than Portis ever did....could be wrong

[baja]

Heh...that was my first thought when I read the terms Baja.....I am impressed that he doesn't have a rap artist for an agent and realizes that he has some proving to do....I think the kid is going to leave here with lot more kudos from fans than Portis ever did....could be wrong

No doubt I got alot of new found respect for Mo too M-shiner

[Play2win]

I think all deals should be highly "incentive Laden". It is the solution to the problem. It would terribly cutdown on Hold-outs.

There would be a whole of alot less of this TO BS, of out-performing their contracts. If they were over-performing, they would get mass green, if they were under-performing, they would get the SH!T end of the stick. Its called life. Its called being fair. OH, WAIT, I forgot these are Pro Athletes were are talking about, they don't have to settle for **FAIR** !!!

In all honesty I *HOPE* this sets some sort of precedence for contract, in some sort of way...

[Play2win]

As a sidenote, maybe we can see alittle bit into why Bobby Turner was so Ape-sh!t over this guy...

(That new Denverbroncos.com website is DANK!!!)

[FADERPROOF]

Great...my Clarett jersey is currently in the mail...

[DBroncos4life]

Great...my Clarett jersey is currently in the mail...



I knew it!

[elsid13]

Great...my Clarett jersey is currently in the mail...


Well at least you have your Clarett PJ ;D

[jebures]

Updated: July 28, 2005, 8:39 PM ET
Clarett wants to prove he's worthy of first-round moneyBy John Clayton
ESPN.com


Maurice Clarett, who legally challenged the league for early entry, still hasn't given up the thought he should have been a first-round choice in the NFL.

Instead of suing the league, Clarett came up with a novel approach. He is putting his money where his mouth is. On Thursday, he signed a four-year contract in which he gave up the $410,000 of guaranteed money in order to secure an incentive-laden deal that could eventually earn him $7 million.

The complex contract, which includes more than $5 million of performance escalators, forced the Broncos and Clarett's agents to negotiate well into Wednesday night. After a few hours of sleep, they resumed their talks Thursday morning and reached agreement by the afternoon. Clarett was the last pick in the third round of the draft.

The contract was negotiated by Steve Feldman, Josh Luchs and Clarett's attorney and advisor, David Kenner.

"This deal struck gives Maurice the opportunity to be paid like the first-round draft choice he was born to be," Feldman said.

Specifics of the contract are sketchy, but it works something like this. If Clarett gains 1,000 yards, he could hit an escalator worth more than $1 million, almost three times what he would have made in a signing bonus given to him by the Broncos.

The more he rushes for, the more he makes. He can max out at around $7 million.

This was Clarett's gamble. He has the confidence he can gain the yards and hit the $7 million figure. Rollovers give him a chance to make the big bumps in salary if he doesn't do it as a rookie.

To further show his commitment, he accepted no guarantees. The $410,000 the Broncos were willing to give him Thursday was put into workout bonuses in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Clarett wants to prove he's a first-round talent. If he runs like a first-rounder, he could be paid like a first-rounder instead of a third-rounder

[big56fan#1]

This been posted already but its all good :D

[scorpio]

Wow. Now that's a confident kid.

[Raider Bill]

That's just stupid... if he get's close to one of those escellators, you know the Rat will bench him.

[SoCalBronco]

That's just stupid... if he get's close to one of those escellators, you know the Rat will bench him.

Doubt it. At best its 7 million over 4, its not a big deal. If he is succeeding, the team isnt going to create acrimony just to save a million or 2. Its not like its a huge contract even if he gets to the full 7 million over 4.

[ludo21]

That's just stupid... if he get's close to one of those escellators, you know the Rat will bench him.


Bench him so the team does worse?? Sorry but that doesnt help anythine at all. The main reason he wont reach those numbers is caz Bell or MA will be handling the Rock most the time. I see MC getting in late in the year like Bell did last year.

[Candy Cigarettes]

Kinda makes you wonder what he has to do to get $7M, don't it?


Dude has to play both sides of the football. Starting with the D-Line -

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/candycigarettes/littlesumo.jpg

[SoCalBronco]

Great...my Clarett jersey is currently in the mail...

woo hoo :thumbsup:

[DarkHorse]

I applaud him for wanting to prove himself before getting paid. This league hands out money like it grows on trees.

Good to have a guy sign a contract like this. I'll take him all day now - he HAS to perform to get paid.

[Rascal]

Wow...that's pretty cool. Hopefully for him he earns it...if so good for the Broncos but bad for Bell I guess....all well as long as the Broncos win I don't care if Queen Latiffa is running the ball.

[GoHAM]

Suddenly, I find myself reserving a seat on the MoC bandwagon! :approve:

[delany]

I hope some of those escalators are tied to making 1st downs on 3rd and short....and not fumbling the ball.....and keeping his mouth shut

[Kaylore]

Well I'm convinced. I always believe in "follow the money." If that's what he wants, then that proves he's changed and wants to show he's here to be part of a team and contribute. I mean how else can you argue with that? At least with him we'll know that every dollar he makes will be 100% earned and no one can say anything about it. What a cool kid. :notworthy

[SouthStndJunkie]

Props to Mo for wanting to earn his money.

SSJ

[Dukes]

I like the sounds of this contract. One that is loaded with incentives if he preformes. "Wanna get paid MO?? Ok, you better work your a** off and prove it on the field!!" Thats what I wanna see! :Broncos:

[footstepsfrom#27]

I wonder how smart this contract is. As of this moment, it looks like Bell and MA are 1-2 and Clarett is #3 at best. How often will he even see the field, let alone get to carry the ball enough to gain 1000 yards. Unless he totally steals the show in camp or both Tatum and Mike get hurt, he's out money. I wonder if he'll be demanding a trade in a year.

[DBroncos4life]

I wonder how smart this contract is. As of this moment, it looks like Bell and MA are 1-2 and Clarett is #3 at best. How often will he even see the field, let alone get to carry the ball enough to gain 1000 yards. Unless he totally steals the show in camp or both Tatum and Mike get hurt, he's out money. I wonder if he'll be demanding a trade in a year.


Well where did Reub rank last year on the chart? Give the kid his dues, because this is all his idea.

[Lestat]

my hat is off to Mo, it shows he's confident & wants to prove he's not a spoiled kid

i wish every broncos rookie would do this :)

[baja]

I wonder how smart this contract is. As of this moment, it looks like Bell and MA are 1-2 and Clarett is #3 at best. How often will he even see the field, let alone get to carry the ball enough to gain 1000 yards. Unless he totally steals the show in camp or both Tatum and Mike get hurt, he's out money. I wonder if he'll be demanding a trade in a year.

So if you won the lottery would you b itch about being in a higher tax bracket?

[DBroncos4life]

So if you won the lottery would you b itch about being in a higher tax bracket?


After reading some of his posts I think he would. Not that there is anything wrong with them, just 90% seem to be not happy about something.

[clarker]

That's just stupid... if he get's close to one of those escellators, you know the Rat will bench him.Even if you hate Shanny, you have to admit he wants to win as much as anyone. He is not going shut down anyone that will help him win.

[Taco John]

I don't like it. It means that if he's not getting playing time, he's going to be complaining. I'll be very suprised if he has the maturity to play under this kind of a contract without being a distraction... and that's coming from a Clarett supporter.

[Taco John]

That's just stupid... if he get's close to one of those escellators, you know the Rat will bench him.



You usually have better takes than this.

Mike cares only about winning. We're smart enough with the cap to figure out how to handle the players who are helping us do that. See my post above for a better angle if you feel like making criticisms of the move. It's actually got some gas in the tank.

[clarker]

You usually have better takes than this.

Mike cares only about winning. We're smart enough with the cap to figure out how to handle the players who are helping us do that. See my post above for a better angle if you feel like making criticisms of the move. It's actually got some gas in the tank.I would by your argument against it long before I would the "Rat will bench him" take.

Raider fans? First they say Shanny will do anything to win( like cheap cut blocks and cheat on the cap) and then they will say Mike is going to bench a guy who is helping him win?

I would agree that Shanny would bend every rule or come as close to breaking a rule as he could get away with to win.(And I'm a huge Shanny fan) but to bench a guy his running for a ton of yards and helping Shanny win to save Bowlen's money. He gave what 30 million of Pat's money to IHOP, so I don't think he is too worried about Pat's cash.

[footstepsfrom#27]

After reading some of his posts I think he would. Not that there is anything wrong with them, just 90% seem to be not happy about something.
I like to come in here with something other than blatant homerism and try to make you think instead of just parroting the company line. Sorry if that's to much for you to handle but keep in mind that if they start 3-6 I'll probably be the voice of reason suggesting all is not lost while most of the rest of you guys will be ready to drink the koolaid...it goes both ways.

As for my perspective on this contract, it has nothing to do with being negative. I'm siimply wondering if his agent is giving him good advice. This guy hasn't touched a football in two years, let alone prepared for the NFL. I'm sure Shanny is going to give him every opportunity because he's gone out on a very public limb to invest in the guy, but unlike Droughns, who was already playing on this team and proving himself as a starting FB in the NFL, Maurice has not proven anything yet. Neither is his situation like Ricky Williams' because he was already the MAN in Miami when he signed that deal. If MC is giving up over 400 k in gauranteed money on the extremely long odds that he gets the starting job and tears it up right off the bat, that doesn't seem wise to me. What do you think the odds are? I'd say they're not good. He obviously wants to make the big money, and while it's admirable that he's willing to risk it on his production in this way, I'm concerned that if he's not getting where he wants to go he won't be happy. What if Bell goes for 1700 yards and 20 TD's this year? Do you think his attitude will just be, "oh well, so I'm making crap...at lest I'm in the NFL"? I doubt it. If he couldn't wait two years for his turn in the draft, what makes you think he'll wait on an injury if he's not the starter?

Now please explain to me why these are not valild questions to be asking.

[clarker]

I like to come in here with something other than blatant homerism and try to make you think instead of just parroting the company line. Sorry if that's to much for you to handle but keep in mind that if they start 3-6 I'll probably be the voice of reason suggesting all is not lost while most of the rest of you guys will be ready to drink the koolaid...it goes both ways.

As for my perspective on this contract, it has nothing to do with being negative. I'm siimply wondering if his agent is giving him good advice. This guy hasn't touched a football in two years, let alone prepared for the NFL. I'm sure Shanny is going to give him every opportunity because he's gone out on a very public limb to invest in the guy, but unlike Droughns, who was already playing on this team and proving himself as a starting FB in the NFL, Maurice has not proven anything yet. Neither is his situation like Ricky Williams' because he was already the MAN in Miami when he signed that deal. If MC is giving up over 400 k in gauranteed money on the extremely long odds that he gets the starting job and tears it up right off the bat, that doesn't seem wise to me. What do you think the odds are? I'd say they're not good. He obviously wants to make the big money, and while it's admirable that he's willing to risk it on his production in this way, I'm concerned that if he's not getting where he wants to go he won't be happy. What if Bell goes for 1700 yards and 20 TD's this year? Do you think his attitude will just be, "oh well, so I'm making crap...at lest I'm in the NFL"? I doubt it. If he couldn't wait two years for his turn in the draft, what makes you think he'll wait on an injury if he's not the starter?

Now please explain to me why these are not valild questions to be asking.They are good questions, but if he doesn't sign this kind of contract he either holds out of camp or signs for a deal for less money and no chance to make more money and is in camp crying about that.

[DBroncos4life]

I like to come in here with something other than blatant homerism and try to make you think instead of just parroting the company line. Sorry if that's to much for you to handle but keep in mind that if they start 3-6 I'll probably be the voice of reason suggesting all is not lost while most of the rest of you guys will be ready to drink the koolaid...it goes both ways.

As for my perspective on this contract, it has nothing to do with being negative. I'm siimply wondering if his agent is giving him good advice. This guy hasn't touched a football in two years, let alone prepared for the NFL. I'm sure Shanny is going to give him every opportunity because he's gone out on a very public limb to invest in the guy, but unlike Droughns, who was already playing on this team and proving himself as a starting FB in the NFL, Maurice has not proven anything yet. Neither is his situation like Ricky Williams' because he was already the MAN in Miami when he signed that deal. If MC is giving up over 400 k in gauranteed money on the extremely long odds that he gets the starting job and tears it up right off the bat, that doesn't seem wise to me. What do you think the odds are? I'd say they're not good. He obviously wants to make the big money, and while it's admirable that he's willing to risk it on his production in this way, I'm concerned that if he's not getting where he wants to go he won't be happy. What if Bell goes for 1700 yards and 20 TD's this year? Do you think his attitude will just be, "oh well, so I'm making crap...at lest I'm in the NFL"? I doubt it. If he couldn't wait two years for his turn in the draft, what makes you think he'll wait on an injury if he's not the starter?

Now please explain to me why these are not valild questions to be asking.

You do of course know that he said NO to the money right? He knows what he needs to do to start, out preform Bell. He is saying hey why should I get paid for doing nothing? This is a great attitude for a young player who went through hell to get into the NFL. Denver offered him a upfront bonus and he said NO I want to earn it. Key word is EARN. He knows he has to EARN everything now. Maybe he will catch a break and somehow become a starter for us. I don't think he will beat out Bell unless something happens to him but knowing he took a pay cut to prove his worth shouldn't get bashed like what you are saying here. Pretty much you are saying once a punk always a punk and no matter what color your glasses are its not cool to judge like that. He has shown NOTHING but class from the moment we drafted him so I think we owe him some class in return. JMO

[DBroncos4life]

I'm not a huge Clarett fan but I do think he was right when he said he wanted to play and the NFL shouldn't have stopped him. But lets be real here we have two backs for the future. Bell and Clarett. Bell has already held out for more money once. Clarett said hey let me earn it. I love Bell to death (not that way) but I would say there is a much higher chance that he goes Portis on us before Clarett does.

[clarker]

That's just stupid... if he get's close to one of those escellators, you know the Rat will bench him.This is so dumb I have to respond twice.

Shanny would cut block his Mother if he thougt it would help him win so he sure as hell isn't going to bench a guy for rushing for a ton of yards and helping him win.

[footstepsfrom#27]

I don't think he will beat out Bell unless something happens to him but knowing he took a pay cut to prove his worth shouldn't get bashed like what you are saying here. Pretty much you are saying once a punk always a punk and no matter what color your glasses are its not cool to judge like that. He has shown NOTHING but class from the moment we drafted him so I think we owe him some class in return. JMO
I'm saying nothing of the kind. Re-read my post. Nowhere will you find a single word critical of Clarett. When we first took this kid I thought it was a mistake and I'm not convinced yet that it wasn't but since he's on the team I'm now rooting for him to make it. My comments have nothing to do with him being a "punk" as you put it. They have to do with whether he's getting good advice from his agent. Now please answer the question I asked; do you think he'll be happy if he's not the starter and is making less than he would have had he singed the team's original offer?

[DBroncos4life]

I'm saying nothing of the kind. Re-read my post. Nowhere will you find a single word critical of Clarett. When we first took this kid I thought it was a mistake and I'm not convinced yet that it wasn't but since he's on the team I'm now rooting for him to make it. My comments have nothing to do with him being a "punk" as you put it. They have to do with whether he's getting good advice from his agent. Now please answer the question I asked; do you think he'll be happy if he's not the starter and is making less than he would have had he singed the team's original offer?


Yes I think he will. I don't think his agent had anything to do with this. Why would he? He gets money if Clarett makes money. He makes nothing if Clarett doesn't play and EARN that bonus now does he?

[Kaylore]

How is he going to demand a trade in a year? He's so out of shape that he needs a full year just to get back into football shape. He wants to do what the coaches tell him, work under the system, put his head down and plow away. The contract is set up to reward hard work. He's lucky to get any kind of a contract at all and he knows it. It's a Godsend for him to be in such a great system for running backs. I honestly believe that he just wants to play football, help his teammates, and put his money where his mouth is. If this was any other back I'd be worried, but not Maurice.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Yes I think he will. I don't think his agent had anything to do with this. Why would he? He gets money if Clarett makes money. He makes nothing if Clarett doesn't play and EARN that bonus now does he?
I think his agent should have talked to him about whether this was a good idea. Perhaps he did but I doubt it. You said it yourself though...if Clarett doesn't beat the odds and end up starting, his agent makes less money than he would have. Now that I think about it, it seems like a risky deal for the agent as well.

So you actually think MC will be happy if he's riding the bench and getting paid more poorly than he thinks he's worth? I don't see it.

[Kaylore]

I think his agent should have talked to him about whether this was a good idea. Perhaps he did but I doubt it. You said it yourself though...if Clarett doesn't beat the odds and end up starting, his agent makes less money than he would have. Now that I think about it, it seems like a risky deal for the agent as well.

So you actually think MC will be happy if he's riding the bench and getting paid more poorly than he thinks he's worth? I don't see it.
You don't know him or his agent. His Agent took him under his wing and has basically been diciplining him and teaching him hard work and integrity. The man is a devout Christian and made Clarett come with him to church meetings. He's also a Lawyer - not an agent, so he isn't looking at Maurice as some kind of Paycheck. He makes money practicing law. This is all part of Maurice's journey down humility road. I have no doubt that the contract was designed that way as well.

[DBroncos4life]

I think his agent should have talked to him about whether this was a good idea. Perhaps he did but I doubt it. You said it yourself though...if Clarett doesn't beat the odds and end up starting, his agent makes less money than he would have. Now that I think about it, it seems like a risky deal for the agent as well.

So you actually think MC will be happy if he's riding the bench and getting paid more poorly than he thinks he's worth? I don't see it.


Well thats your opinion. Mo C could have did everyone else does and take the money that was upfront, but he didn't. How many rookies do you think would say hey let me earn my money. I know Smith said it but it wasn't after he got a 40 million dollar bonus. Look just because there are dark clouds out doesn't mean its going to rain.

[DBroncos4life]

You don't know him or his agent. His Agent took him under his wing and has basically been diciplining him and teaching him hard work and integrity. The man is a devout Christian and made Clarett come with him to church meetings. He's also a Lawyer - not an agent, so he isn't looking at Maurice as some kind of Paycheck. He makes money practicing law. This is all part of Maurice's journey down humility road. I have no doubt that the contract was designed that way as well.


hell yeah man. This whole thing shouldn't even be an issue and it wouldn't be if it wasn't Clarett that was involved.

[clarker]

I think his agent should have talked to him about whether this was a good idea. Perhaps he did but I doubt it. You said it yourself though...if Clarett doesn't beat the odds and end up starting, his agent makes less money than he would have. Now that I think about it, it seems like a risky deal for the agent as well.

So you actually think MC will be happy if he's riding the bench and getting paid more poorly than he thinks he's worth? I don't see it.It sounds like he thinks he should be paid like a 1st round pick, so why do you think if he any happier if he signed a deal to pay him like a 3rd pick that had no chance of him making 1st round cash?

[DBroncos4life]

It sounds like he thinks he should be paid like a 1st round pick, so why do you think if he any happier if he signed a deal to pay him like a 3rd pick that had no chance of him making 1st round cash?



He said he wants to PROVE that he should be paid like a first rounder not I should be paid like a first rounder. Thinking and doing are not the same thing. Man this kid can't do anything right. ::)

[clarker]

He said he wants to PROVE that he should be paid like a first rounder not I should be paid like a first rounder. Thinking and doing are not the same thing. Man this kid can't do anything right. ::)I'm not bashing him. But if he will go this far to that he can prove that he should be paid like a first rounder, then I assume he wants to be paid like one or believes deep down he should be.

[BigPlayShay]

I haven't read much of this thread, but I will say this, I was not really rooting or caring much what happened to Clarett. In fact, I still think he is destined for the practice squad, but for him to take this contract shows not only his confidence, but dedication as well. If he can turn this confidence into production, more power to him. I still think he doesn't see a carry in 05, but anyone willing to work to get paid, I am all right calling them a Bronco.

[footstepsfrom#27]

As I already stated, I think it's admirable that he's willing to risk the garaunteed money for a shot at someting better that he has to earn, but my point has nothing to do with his character, his agent's character or any of that. I just don't think he's got much chance to start this year, and if he goes into next year looking up at Tatum Bell solidly entrenched as the starter, he'll be looking at a situation where he's not only on the bench, but making very little as well. He's rolling the dice here. Sure he could get lucky and hit it big, but the odds are stacked against him because there is solid talent ahead of him and he's not been in the game for 2 years. I think a smarter choice would have been to take the gauranteed money and still play his butt off. Then if he suceeds at the level he thinks he will, he'll either get paid on his next contract or if the team gets rid of him like Portis, he goes somewhere else and gets paid. Either way he still earns it. It's just that he doesn't risk everything up front. What if he gets a career ending injury and has to quit the game without having even that first signing bonus to fall back on?

I'll say it again. I'm not being critical of him, just the wisdom of the decision he's made.

[wabbit]

As I already stated, I think it's admirable that he's willing to risk the garaunteed money for a shot at someting better that he has to earn, but my point has nothing to do with his character, his agent's character or any of that. I just don't think he's got much chance to start this year, and if he goes into next year looking up at Tatum Bell solidly entrenched as the starter, he'll be looking at a situation where he's not only on the bench, but making very little as well. He's rolling the dice here....


I agree. He, and his agent, have put him in a tough situation that may sour his go-get-'em attitude in a hurry if he doesn't get the reps he needs for his money.

I'm not sure a team could design a contract more beneficial to the Front Office.

Remains to be seen if it works for Clarett, and he's fighting pretty sizeable odds as long as Bell & Anderson remain on the roster.

[SoCalBronco]

Tatum is his real competition. Once Maurice gets into the flow of things, he will quickly dispatch with Anderson. I think Maurice will be useful in short yardage and the red zone this season.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Tatum is his real competition. Once Maurice gets into the flow of things, he will quickly dispatch with Anderson. I think Maurice will be useful in short yardage and the red zone this season.
I don't agree. Anderson is still capable of being a 1000 yard back in this league, or at least capable of getting 100 yard games in a backup role if TB goes down. He's versitile enough to play two spots, runs hard and has been a team guy...stuff Shanny likes. I question whether MC might even be the #3 guy right now. Q has a change of pace type game that makes him have some value and he's shown he can fill in on a limited basis and Dayne could suprise. If Dayne suddenly wakes up and starts looking more like the Heisman winner and Q is healthy, MC could be looking at being #5 on the depth chart this year. I can't see hiim being a factor until next season.

[wabbit]

Shanahan remembers the great change of pace back he had in Vaughn Hebron a while back & wants badly for Griffin to fit into that kind of role.

It becomes a numbers game at some stage of Pre-Season...something's got to give.

Shanahan also truely admires Mike Anderson, so my guess is he'll try as hard as he can to find a place for him no matter who moves ahead of him on the depth chart, but, given his age & the direction the team is taking, I just don't know if that will be possible.

Just a thought...certainly no knock on Mike.

[watermock]

Well, I read some third rounder signed for a total contract value of about 1.5 million or something like that. At least that's what it said, so I don't think Clarett came out bad.

[SoCalBronco]

I don't agree. Anderson is still capable of being a 1000 yard back in this league, or at least capable of getting 100 yard games in a backup role if TB goes down. He's versitile enough to play two spots, runs hard and has been a team guy...stuff Shanny likes. I question whether MC might even be the #3 guy right now. Q has a change of pace type game that makes him have some value and he's shown he can fill in on a limited basis and Dayne could suprise. If Dayne suddenly wakes up and starts looking more like the Heisman winner and Q is healthy, MC could be looking at being #5 on the depth chart this year. I can't see hiim being a factor until next season.

I dont think Anderson is capable of being "productive". I shy away from the 1000 yard mark because thats about 60 some yards a game. You give Mike 18 or so carries and he'll get that. Its ugly and its not scaring anyone, its about 3 and change a carry. Its basically crap. Mike has no vision or burst. He has a tendency to fumble. He hasnt been the same since the 2000 season ended. He had a very good game against Seattle's scrubs in last year's preseason but thats about it. He just cant hack it anymore. He doesnt hit the hole fast, he has zero shiftyness, his vision is below average. At times he can be a punishing runner but he isnt consistent at that either anymore. He can fill in during a pinch, but will never attract the defenses attention and the play action game will suffer when Mike is at HB because no one will bite. The LBs will play the pass until they recognize the run, not vice versa. If they guess wrong, they hope the DL can tie up the OL and if not, because of Anderson's relative ineffectiveness the last several years, even in limited duty behind other players, the LBs will quickly get to him in pursuit.

But, I would not be in favor of cutting him or anything. Mike has a veteran presence. He can fill in during an emergency situation and get some yards to hold down the fort. He is versatile playing FB and HB and can play special teams well. He has limited value, but the value is still there, certainly deserving unquestionably of a roster spot. So he is quality depth in a sense, but then on the other hand we can easily see why he is referred to as just "depth" now.

[brncs_fan]

This may be the smartest, or dumbest thing Mo has ever done.

The good side is that it is an instant credibility raiser for Denver fans. It also gives him a good visual goal for achievement.

The bad side is that he is the biggest battle in the NFL for the starting job. Also, what happens if he works his way to #2 or so on the depth chart and we don't get a CBA in time for next year? He would get screwed more than a female raider fan on two-for-one night.

[DrFate]

I am anti-Clarret. I moaned and bitched when he was drafted. I think he is an overrated player with average skills.

This move bumps him up a notch in my eyes. He went against the grain and said 'pay me if I get the job done'. I am still a skeptic, but he just went up a notch in my book.

I hope he gets it done the on the field.

[DrFate]

I don't like it. It means that if he's not getting playing time, he's going to be complaining. I'll be very suprised if he has the maturity to play under this kind of a contract without being a distraction... and that's coming from a Clarett supporter.

He became a distraction the minute we drafted him.

[TotallyScrewed]

Mike A. was being shopped last year, then wrecked the groin (How bad does that suck?). Q's game "was" completely quickness/shifty-ness, then he wrecked the knee ligament and cartil. From what I hear, Dayne has never shown hard-nosed running in the NFL. Bell is the starter but he's not exactly entrenched (ummmm...hands anyone???). Looks to me like #2 looks wide open, and Shanny loves the starter looking over his shoulder. He has no problem pulling the starting QB late in camp.

I don't see it as bad advice but rather good pub. If the kid IS what he thinks he is, he's going to get touches soon. If he needs a year to get there (i.e. a little Bobby Turner tutulage, a little weight training/conditioning, a little mo reps), I'm sure he's not going to starve, just be hungrier. It's really all up to him. Like I say, this really stirs the RB pot; they should all feel the pressure to perform.

[baja]

To those of you than think Mo C will be unhappy when he finds himself sitting the first year you have to consider that Clarret sees his chances of getting on the field the first year are very long but rember he is playing out a 4 year contract. My guess is he is willing to sit the first season but expects to outplay the offered contract in the last 3 years. I think he will be happy and I think it was a good move for him.

[Beantown Bronco]

I'm confused by all the "being paid like a first rounder" talk in the original post by Mo's people. If the best MO can do is $7 mil over 4 years if he hits all incentives, that is 2nd round money at best. The first round RBs will easily be pocketing over $10 million in the first four years (or likely they'll hit that in the first year if they were among the top 10 picks) regardless of performance.

This is a major win for the Broncos, because even if Mo steps it up and performs like the top RBs in the game, he still is only pocketing less than $2 million a year.

[NaptownChief]

He definitely has a load of confidence and some brass balls. The kid blows his knee out in training camp and he walks away without a college education nor two nickels in his pocket.

On the surface this is somewhat commendable but it could easily become a big problem. If by chance he is performing at a level similar to Bell he will likely start to get really pissed off if he isn't getting a lot of carries knowing it is costing him a lot of money. He might handle it well but his history certainly stacks the odds against him a bit.

Despite being a Donk I wish the kid well.

[jonny1]

Some of you guys are talking like he won't get paid anything this year. My understanding of it is that they turned the signing bonus money into 'showing up' money. The poor baby is only going to make some $400,000 this year. Ha! In other words, if he shows up for off-season training and training camp next year, he gets a prorated 'bonus' that would be the same as his prorated signing bonus.

If he goes 'flava clown' on Shanahan, then 'poof' he's gone, and they don't owe him anything. He knows that he is on a very short leash, until he proves it on the field. And if he doesn't prove it here, nobody is going to give him any money beyond the minimum.

I don't see how this is anything but a win-win, for both the team and Clarett.

[Taco John]

He became a distraction the minute we drafted him.



That's pretty dramatic, and nowhere close to being true. Just because the choice made fans and media talk doesn't mean anything in the locker room. We've got veterans who are trying to get over a playoff hump, and if drafting a kid is going to take their focus off of that, cut them all and start anew.

[Taco John]

To those of you than think Mo C will be unhappy when he finds himself sitting the first year you have to consider that Clarret sees his chances of getting on the field the first year are very long but rember he is playing out a 4 year contract. My guess is he is willing to sit the first season but expects to outplay the offered contract in the last 3 years. I think he will be happy and I think it was a good move for him.



I like your optimism, and with regards to Maurice's chances, I share it. I think the kid has got some real potential despite the hype. The contract still makes me a little nervous. Then again, Tatum Bell was injured in just how few games last year? I like his potential too, but if he gets injured again this season, he can probably forget about being our full time starter.

[DBroncos4life]

how many RB's have started for us over the last 10 years? I'm sure Mo C knows that. He knows that no matter where he is on the chart he could still get his chance. Did anyone see Reub getting a chance last year?

[footstepsfrom#27]

I dont think Anderson is capable of being "productive". I shy away from the 1000 yard mark because thats about 60 some yards a game. You give Mike 18 or so carries and he'll get that. Its ugly and its not scaring anyone, its about 3 and change a carry. Its basically crap.
Most backs need more than a few carries to be productive, MA included. Regardless of the questions surrounding all the backs in camp, none of them have been out of football 2 years like MC.

Time will tell if he did the right thing. Hopefully it works out well for him.

[FADERPROOF]

I don't like it. It means that if he's not getting playing time, he's going to be complaining. I'll be very suprised if he has the maturity to play under this kind of a contract without being a distraction... and that's coming from a Clarett supporter.

He would be complaining about touches and playing time regardless, now his contract just gives him more incentive to go and complain.

[SoCalBronco]

He would be complaining about touches and playing time regardless, now his contract just gives him more incentive to go and complain.

:homer:

[FADERPROOF]

:homer:

Hey, he didn't have a contract and salary in college and you still saw him bitching about touches, now he has even more of a reason to.

[SoCalBronco]

Hey, he didn't have a contract and salary in college and you still saw him b****ing about touches, now he has even more of a reason to.

Not really. He is still going to get his original bonus money, its just spread out over the next few years as summer workout bonuses, so all he has to do is remain on the team to get the original planned bonus. So there is no reason for him to be bitching. He doesnt bitch anyway, thats not what Maurice is all about. He's solid. :)

[FADERPROOF]

Not really. He is still going to get his original bonus money, its just spread out over the next few years as summer workout bonuses, so all he has to do is remain on the team to get the original planned bonus. So there is no reason for him to be b****ing. He doesnt b**** anyway, thats not what Maurice is all about. He's solid. :)

I'm still waiting to see what Shanahan does to him the first time he gets up in his face to suggest we run a certain play because it's designed to go to him.

Tressel sat his ass for a quarter after that, interesting to see what Shanahan will handle it.

[Broncoman13]

He is solid... if he went to any school other that OSU he'd be on DF's good side/list.

Speaking of OSU. Little wager DF on the 2nd game of the season? Nothing big, I can't afford it right now and I know you can't either. Perhaps a half-rack or something like that... or even a sig bet, either way I'm willing to bet my Horns will tear up your Phuckeyes!

[SoCalBronco]

He is solid... if he went to any school other that OSU he'd be on DF's good side/list.

Speaking of OSU. Little wager DF on the 2nd game of the season? Nothing big, I can't afford it right now and I know you can't either. Perhaps a half-rack or something like that... or even a sig bet, either way I'm willing to bet my Horns will tear up your pink puppy bellieyes!

As much as I would like to see OSU get humiliated at home by Texas there is no way they are going to lose at home, especially with that defense. No way. Texas is talented but OSU isnt going to lose at home. Dont let DF take your money that easily.

[FADERPROOF]

He is solid... if he went to any school other that OSU he'd be on DF's good side/list.

Speaking of OSU. Little wager DF on the 2nd game of the season? Nothing big, I can't afford it right now and I know you can't either. Perhaps a half-rack or something like that... or even a sig bet, either way I'm willing to bet my Horns will tear up your pink puppy bellieyes!

You really think the 'Horns have a snowballs chance in hell of winning at the Horseshoe?

I can't wait for this game, tickets are being sent to my dad as we speak, so I'll be witnessing it in person.

As far as the bet, you're on man. This game will be huge, but you're right about me not being able to afford much(especially after shelling out 80 bucks for my ticket to this game), plus ebay jsut screwed me over 25 bucks by transferring my money to someone's account although they cancelled the auction, so god knows when/if I'll see that money back.

I'm down for anything, could be some money, or a sig bet is fine, but I do accept the bet for the Bucks vs. 'Horns game.

[Raiders Rock]

Maurice Clarett, who legally challenged the league for early entry, still hasn't given up the thought he should have been a first-round choice in the NFL.

Instead of suing the league, Clarett came up with a novel approach. He is putting his money where his mouth is. On Thursday, he signed a four-year contract in which he gave up the $410,000 of guaranteed money in order to secure an incentive-laden deal that could eventually earn him $7 million.

The complex contract, which includes more than $5 million of performance escalators, forced the Broncos and Clarett's agents to negotiate well into Wednesday night. After a few hours of sleep, they resumed their talks Thursday morning and reached agreement by the afternoon. Clarett was the last pick in the third round of the draft.

The contract was negotiated by Steve Feldman, Josh Luchs and Clarett's attorney and advisor, David Kenner.

"This deal struck gives Maurice the opportunity to be paid like the first-round draft choice he was born to be," Feldman said.

Specifics of the contract are sketchy, but it works something like this. If Clarett gains 1,000 yards, he could hit an escalator worth more than $1 million, almost three times what he would have made in a signing bonus given to him by the Broncos.

The more he rushes for, the more he makes. He can max out at around $7 million.

This was Clarett's gamble. He has the confidence he can gain the yards and hit the $7 million figure. Rollovers give him a chance to make the big bumps in salary if he doesn't do it as a rookie.

To further show his commitment, he accepted no guarantees. The $410,000 the Broncos were willing to give him Thursday was put into workout bonuses in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Clarett wants to prove he's a first-round talent. If he runs like a first-rounder, he could be paid like a first-rounder instead of a third-rounder.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2119064