policyvote Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 (edited) Dave Birkett of the Oakland Press is reporting the deal has been reached, and Tom Lewand is getting final approval from Mr. Ford: http://SPAM.com/ck5g95 UPDATE: now the Lions are denying the story, per Tom Kowalski of mlive.com. Uh, did they leak the story to one beat reporter and then the denial to the other?? I've never seen anything like this. Peace policy Edited April 22, 2009 by policyvote Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
policyvote Posted April 22, 2009 Author Share Posted April 22, 2009 not to be difficult, but I've heard this for a week now Yes, you've heard talking heads making assumptions based on Kiper's big board and the fact that negotiations have been underway with him (and Curry, and Smith) for a week. This is a beat writer with real sources reporting that the framework of the deal's been approved by Big Willie Style and they're just hashing out the nitty-gritty details. Peace policy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 Curry said he'd take less money than Jake Long Host Pat Kirwan: “If they came to you and said, ‘We want you, and here’s the deal we want to give you,’ would you do a deal with them to be the No. 1 player in the NFL draft? … Have you thought that through in a business sense with your agent?” Curry: “Yeah, we have actually. If they were to approach us with a deal and it is feasible, my plan is to be in camp, on time, and having fun.” Kirwan: “Would you do a pre-draft deal to be the Detroit Lions’ No. 1 pick in the NFL draft?” Curry: “I sure would. I sure would. No doubt about it.” Host Tim Ryan: “What if the deal was under Jake Long’s deal from last year?” Curry: “I’d be more than happy to accept that deal.” Kirwan: “Can you see yourself in a Lions uniform? Can you really see that?” Curry: “After my visit to Detroit, I felt very comfortable with the coaching staff and the management. And, you know, they made the new changes to the logo which I fell in love with. And they brought in Julian Peterson., who I’ve always been a big fan of. I see myself in that uniform, and I could also see myself playing beside Ernie Sims and Julian Peterson.” LINK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskey Pimp Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 I heard yesterday on NFLN that Detroit said there would be a signed player before the start of the draft but no name was given. Charlie Casserly speculated that Curry was the backup plan so if a deal couldn't be done with Stafford then they'd sign and pick Curry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 Just read this... so, until something is officially published by a team or the NFL, I'm gonna assume it's not valid. You don't have to assume it's valid or invalid until officially announced. If it comes from a reliable source where they get multiple sources assume it's better than a blog that doesn't bother. The author Policy listed has 2 AP awards for sports reporting so he isn't a hack. Still you have to wait for the Lions to say it's correct. They didn't return phone calls but didn't say no either. It seems it's probably true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
policyvote Posted April 22, 2009 Author Share Posted April 22, 2009 Dave Birkett of the Oakland Press is reporting the deal has been reached, and Tom Lewand is getting final approval from Mr. Ford: http://SPAM.com/ck5g95 UPDATE: now the Lions are denying the story, per Tom Kowalski of mlive.com. Uh, did they leak the story to one beat reporter and then the denial to the other?? I've never seen anything like this. Peace policy Just read this... so, until something is officially published by a team or the NFL, I'm gonna assume it's not valid. Yeah, I saw the retraction. The two reporters in question, Dave Birkett (who announced the original story, and who the team still hasn't called back), and Tom Kowalski (who the team called to issue a denial), are the two most prominent, prolific, and accurate Lions beat writers around. The way this is unfolding, I wonder if this isn't part of a smokescreen. Feel free to assume whatever you want . . . most folks I'm talking to agree that Birkett's sources must be on to something (i.e., that Stafford's the pick and a deal's been agreed upon in principle), but that the team isn't ready to announce it yet and so are issuing a blanket denial. Peace policy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikesVikes Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 (edited) I've heard that the Lions fully expect to have their player signed and sealed before draft time. I don't know how they will keep that a secret. Here's a smokescreen alert, if the Lions pass on a QB because they like the ones coming out next year more, do they expect to get the 1st pick in next year's draft as well? Show me a team that expects to have the worse record in the league in the following season. Edited April 22, 2009 by MikesVikes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jrick35 Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 Yeah, I saw the retraction. The two reporters in question, Dave Birkett (who announced the original story, and who the team still hasn't called back), and Tom Kowalski (who the team called to issue a denial), are the two most prominent, prolific, and accurate Lions beat writers around. The way this is unfolding, I wonder if this isn't part of a smokescreen. What is th epoint of a smokescreen if you have the #1 pick? Not trying to argue just really wondering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskey Pimp Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 I heard yesterday on NFLN that Detroit said there would be a signed player before the start of the draft but no name was given. Charlie Casserly speculated that Curry was the backup plan so if a deal couldn't be done with Stafford then they'd sign and pick Curry. I've heard that the Lions fully expect to have their player signed and sealed before draft time. I don't know how they will keep that a secret. Here's a smokescreen alert, if the Lions pass on a QB because they like the ones coming out next year more, do they expect to get the 1st pick in next year's draft as well? Show me a team that expects to have the worse record in the league in the following season. What Casserly said makes sense to me. They have an agreement with Curry if Stafford can't be settled in time. Meaning a player will be signed but which of the 2 is yet to be determined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muck Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 What is th epoint of a smokescreen if you have the #1 pick? Not trying to argue just really wondering. "Minimizing the $$s paid to Stafford" is the point of the smokescreen... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keggerz Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 "Minimizing the $$s paid to Stafford" is the point of the smokescreen... F the smokescreen I would bring in my top 2 or even maybe 3 choices and sit them all down together and let them know that we have enough holes that we will be happy with any of them....then shuffle each off into their own room and start the negotiations...take the hard stance with the guy you really want and see where that gets you...I think this would work better if you were working 2 OTs vs each other or 2 QBs vs each other...of course you tell them that the financial status of the team is important becuase you want to keep the team in a good position to BUILD a winner that THEY will be a part of Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaP'N GRuNGe Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 (edited) Yeah, I saw the retraction. The two reporters in question, Dave Birkett (who announced the original story, and who the team still hasn't called back), and Tom Kowalski (who the team called to issue a denial), are the two most prominent, prolific, and accurate Lions beat writers around. The way this is unfolding, I wonder if this isn't part of a smokescreen. Feel free to assume whatever you want . . . most folks I'm talking to agree that Birkett's sources must be on to something (i.e., that Stafford's the pick and a deal's been agreed upon in principle), but that the team isn't ready to announce it yet and so are issuing a blanket denial. Peace policy Are we really allowed to use the words prolific and Lions beat writers in the same sentence? Edited April 22, 2009 by CaP'N GRuNGe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keggerz Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 +1 I'm tired of the smokescreen BS. I sure hope the NFL moves the draft to February or March so we enjoy the real and valuable info out there. This April/May stuff is far enough from declaring that it starts to become noise. you know what else might work....threaten them by telling them you will sign them and then turn around and trade them to the suckiest team around, the Lions....oh wait Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpwallace49 Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 If they take Curry I think he will REALLY struggle in Detroit. I dont care how fast he is, if the d-line cant take up blockers, he will have guards into the second level at the snap of the ball. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irish Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 I heard yesterday on NFLN that Detroit said there would be a signed player before the start of the draft but no name was given. Charlie Casserly speculated that Curry was the backup plan so if a deal couldn't be done with Stafford then they'd sign and pick Curry. http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/...aron_curry.html Source: Lions have Aaron Curry in fold if Matthew Stafford doesn't sign soon by Tom Kowalski Wednesday April 22, 2009, 5:15 PM According to a league source, the Detroit Lions have completed contract terms with Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry and the team is now waiting to see if it can reach an agreement with their No. 1 target, Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford. The source said the Lions will not allow a decision to go beyond Friday and if a deal isn't done with Stafford by then, the team will sign Curry and take him with the first overall draft pick. The source said he believes that Stafford's agent, Tom Condon, will eventually agree to a deal with the Lions but probably won't do it until it gets closer to the Friday deadline. The price of the contract can only go up in the final hours so Condon likely will push the issue as far as he feels he has something to gain. The Lions, according to the source, aren't budging and are just waiting to see if Stafford accepts their deal before they move to Curry. The Lions have been adamant that they want to get their draft pick signed before the draft starts at 4 p.m. Saturday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Dick Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 This whole thing is f'ing stupid. There outta be a law against signing anybody before the draft. Seriously, what's the freaking hurry. If you like a guy, pick him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Hammock Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 You don't have to assume it's valid or invalid until officially announced. If it comes from a reliable source where they get multiple sources assume it's better than a blog that doesn't bother. The author Policy listed has 2 AP awards for sports reporting so he isn't a hack. Still you have to wait for the Lions to say it's correct. They didn't return phone calls but didn't say no either. It seems it's probably true. I agree. It makes sense they would pick Stafford anyway. If they truly believe he is the franchise of their team then the best thing they can do is to leak it now and then confirm it Friday night or early Saturday before the draft. That is how you tell your QB that you are our guy and that we believe in you to lead this team. Once the decision is made there should be no looking back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Hammock Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 (edited) F the smokescreen I would bring in my top 2 or even maybe 3 choices and sit them all down together and let them know that we have enough holes that we will be happy with any of them....then shuffle each off into their own room and start the negotiations...take the hard stance with the guy you really want and see where that gets you...I think this would work better if you were working 2 OTs vs each other or 2 QBs vs each other...of course you tell them that the financial status of the team is important becuase you want to keep the team in a good position to BUILD a winner that THEY will be a part of Yeah, and then you are going to look that player in the eye and tell him that you believe in him? Not a good way to start a business relationship that involves millions of dollars and the future of a franchise that is worth 500 million dollars or more is it? Edited April 23, 2009 by Mr Hammock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Hammock Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 This whole thing is f'ing stupid. There outta be a law against signing anybody before the draft. Seriously, what's the freaking hurry. If you like a guy, pick him. Why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keggerz Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 (edited) Yeah, and then you are going to look that player in the eye and tell him that you believe in him? Not a good way to start a business relationship that involves millions of dollars and the future of a franchise that is worth 500 million dollars or more is it? keggerz's approach is more respectful. The games DET is playing right now is silly and half way between keggerz's idea and what the Broncos did to Cutler. And, hypothetically, if CLE really does want Crabtree, leaking that Crabtree was unpleasant on his visit is exactly the type of BS that needs to stop. It's only a worse form of smokescreen, but it's the same kind. what i wrote was really tongue in cheek for the most part...if you are at #1 and you have your guy then sit down and hash it out....if you are torn between two guys and feel that you cant go wrong with either then that is a different story...fwiw, I know that the Lions feel like they need a franchise QB but IMO, what they need more is to NOT draft a bust and history seems to show that there is a bigger chance of a bust at the QB position and that is why I dont think they should be drafting a QB. Edited April 23, 2009 by keggerz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Hammock Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 what i wrote was really tongue in cheek for the most part...if you are at #1 and you have your guy then sit down and hash it out....if you are torn between two guys and feel that you cant go wrong with either then that is a different story...fwiw, I know that the Lions feel like they need a franchise QB but IMO, what they need more is to NOT draft a bust and history seems to show that there is a bigger chance of a bust at the QB position and that is why I dont think they should be drafting a QB. I wasn't trying to call you out, just trying to bring it back to more of a reality with some real feeling. I think if you have the chance to draft your franchise QB then you have to. After you draft him then get him a ton of protection and establish a running game. You can’t do everything at once but you can protect your quarterback in one draft. In my opinion, that is where you have to start. There is no need to have a smoke screen. You pay the QB what a #1 pick at QB is worth and you move on. You tell him, "This Franchise believes in you. Now go prove us right!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 I wasn't trying to call you out, just trying to bring it back to more of a reality with some real feeling. I think if you have the chance to draft your franchise QB then you have to. After you draft him then get him a ton of protection and establish a running game. You can’t do everything at once but you can protect your quarterback in one draft. In my opinion, that is where you have to start. There is no need to have a smoke screen. You pay the QB what a #1 pick at QB is worth and you move on. You tell him, "This Franchise believes in you. Now go prove us right!" I think they are better off playing the game. The pay system is a little broken with how much you have to lock into players that have not played a single down in the NFL. If you have a bad team because you don't have a top notch personnel group, than you get moved to the top of the draft. Where your bad personnel group decides some QB is the "future" and then holds the team hostage to 30-40 million for a guy that may never be any good let alone a franchise player. The Lions of all teams cannot afford to screw this up. Most agree that Curry is the safer pick. And if you can sign the safer pick and save your team 8-12 million in guaranteed money, than I don't really see the downside. If you have a great #2 option and use that to save maybe 6million on the contract for your #1 option, than I still think that is a solid plan. Smokescreens aren't fun for fans but its an imperfect solution to an imperfect situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 I think they are better off playing the game. The pay system is a little broken with how much you have to lock into players that have not played a single down in the NFL. If you have a bad team because you don't have a top notch personnel group, than you get moved to the top of the draft. Where your bad personnel group decides some QB is the "future" and then holds the team hostage to 30-40 million for a guy that may never be any good let alone a franchise player. The Lions of all teams cannot afford to screw this up. Most agree that Curry is the safer pick. And if you can sign the safer pick and save your team 8-12 million in guaranteed money, than I don't really see the downside. If you have a great #2 option and use that to save maybe 6million on the contract for your #1 option, than I still think that is a solid plan. Smokescreens aren't fun for fans but its an imperfect solution to an imperfect situation. +1 If you just name Stafford, he then, and his agent, hold all the marbles and pay structure/deal. The Lions are being very, very smart, and Curry, knowingly or unknowingly, helped their cause. Way too much money for unknowns, and I'm glad to see them sweat instead of teams stuck at the top of the draft. It's about time someone turned it back on the players. Personally, I'd rather see Curry. I'm sure that'd really screw up the draft, and by not announcing it any earlier than possible helps the Lions at #20 even more. Say what you will, Mayhew is one damn smart cookie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muck Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 Part of the analysis HAS to include (i) "how many more Stafford spamshirts will we sell than Curry spamshirts" and (ii) "how many more tickets will we sell if we draft Stafford than if we draft Curry"? Frankly, I'm not sure the answer to either question is a positive number. Point in fact ... CHI has sold more Urlacher spamshirts than Grossman spamshirts, I'm sure... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 Part of the analysis HAS to include (i) "how many more Stafford spamshirts will we sell than Curry spamshirts" and (ii) "how many more tickets will we sell if we draft Stafford than if we draft Curry"? Frankly, I'm not sure the answer to either question is a positive number. Point in fact ... CHI has sold more Urlacher spamshirts than Grossman spamshirts, I'm sure... Due to revenue sharing, the number of spamshirts per player sold had a minimal effect on a specific team's revenue. Ticket sales is a considerable factor since they did not sell out all games last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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