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05-01-2006, 08:40 AM
Agent: McNair could be released or traded within next day
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer
April 30, 2006
Tennessee draft picks: Vince Young LenDale White Cris Carter: Future NFL stars
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Steve McNair's tenure with the Tennessee Titans could be over within the next 24 hours, according to his agent. Team officials don't agree, even though they gave permission for McNair's agent to talk with the Baltimore Ravens.
Agent Bus Cook said Sunday the team was considering releasing McNair or trading him to the Ravens, with something possibly worked out by Monday.
General manager Floyd Reese said a few hours later the Ravens indeed had discussed a trade with Tennessee. But the Ravens' offer was insufficient, and Reese said the talks died right there.
"Steve's a Tennessee Titan. That has not changed," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said.
Asked about McNair being released within hours, the Titans general manager had a short answer.
"That's not going to happen, no," Reese said.
The Titans drafted Texas quarterback Vince Young with the No. 3 overall pick Saturday as McNair's successor, and they already were looking for a way to reduce or shed the $23.46 million salary cap number the 2003 co-MVP is scheduled to count for in 2006.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher had called trade and release talks "unlikely." Baltimore coach Brian Billick said simply: "Stay tuned."
The NFL Players Association filed a grievance earlier this month when the Titans barred McNair from working out on their property, fearing an injury would make them liable for his entire salary-cap number. They are trying to schedule an expedited hearing before an arbitrator, but Cook said the grievance asked for McNair's release.
Talks on reworking McNair's deal have been nonexistent, but Reese said they now have time to discuss it with the conclusion of the draft.
"Now I think it'll be everybody's duty to sit down and see if we can get something done. I don't know if we can," he said.
The Titans hold all the leverage in this situation unless an arbitrator rules in McNair's favor and grants his release. McNair is under contract for 2006 at a salary of $9 million. That takes away incentive for teams to offer much in a trade.
Tennessee won't need salary cap relief until July when it's time to start signing Young and the other nine draft picks.
"I don't know how much it does to get someone released in August," Reese said. "Maybe it does."
The last time the Titans had a pay-cut showdown with a top player was in 2004 with running back Eddie George, the franchise's all-time leading rusher. He finally asked for, and received, his release a week before training camps opened in July.
Fisher said this situation is difficult considering all McNair has meant to the franchise, leading them to their only Super Bowl appearance and two AFC championship games.
"Steve has been around long enough to understand that you have to separate the business side from everything else. Steve has confidence in his abilities. Steve is not finished playing. He's determined to prove that he can play and play at a very high level," Fisher said.
"That's what he's living on right now, and the hope that this thing gets resolved."
AP Sports Writer David Ginsburg contributed to this report.
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer
April 30, 2006
Tennessee draft picks: Vince Young LenDale White Cris Carter: Future NFL stars
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Steve McNair's tenure with the Tennessee Titans could be over within the next 24 hours, according to his agent. Team officials don't agree, even though they gave permission for McNair's agent to talk with the Baltimore Ravens.
Agent Bus Cook said Sunday the team was considering releasing McNair or trading him to the Ravens, with something possibly worked out by Monday.
General manager Floyd Reese said a few hours later the Ravens indeed had discussed a trade with Tennessee. But the Ravens' offer was insufficient, and Reese said the talks died right there.
"Steve's a Tennessee Titan. That has not changed," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said.
Asked about McNair being released within hours, the Titans general manager had a short answer.
"That's not going to happen, no," Reese said.
The Titans drafted Texas quarterback Vince Young with the No. 3 overall pick Saturday as McNair's successor, and they already were looking for a way to reduce or shed the $23.46 million salary cap number the 2003 co-MVP is scheduled to count for in 2006.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher had called trade and release talks "unlikely." Baltimore coach Brian Billick said simply: "Stay tuned."
The NFL Players Association filed a grievance earlier this month when the Titans barred McNair from working out on their property, fearing an injury would make them liable for his entire salary-cap number. They are trying to schedule an expedited hearing before an arbitrator, but Cook said the grievance asked for McNair's release.
Talks on reworking McNair's deal have been nonexistent, but Reese said they now have time to discuss it with the conclusion of the draft.
"Now I think it'll be everybody's duty to sit down and see if we can get something done. I don't know if we can," he said.
The Titans hold all the leverage in this situation unless an arbitrator rules in McNair's favor and grants his release. McNair is under contract for 2006 at a salary of $9 million. That takes away incentive for teams to offer much in a trade.
Tennessee won't need salary cap relief until July when it's time to start signing Young and the other nine draft picks.
"I don't know how much it does to get someone released in August," Reese said. "Maybe it does."
The last time the Titans had a pay-cut showdown with a top player was in 2004 with running back Eddie George, the franchise's all-time leading rusher. He finally asked for, and received, his release a week before training camps opened in July.
Fisher said this situation is difficult considering all McNair has meant to the franchise, leading them to their only Super Bowl appearance and two AFC championship games.
"Steve has been around long enough to understand that you have to separate the business side from everything else. Steve has confidence in his abilities. Steve is not finished playing. He's determined to prove that he can play and play at a very high level," Fisher said.
"That's what he's living on right now, and the hope that this thing gets resolved."
AP Sports Writer David Ginsburg contributed to this report.