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| Wednesday, April 18 ESPN.com news services | |||
SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Chargers have been in contract negotiations with Michael Vick's agent for two days, with little progress to date.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Wednesday that two days of face-to-face negotiations between the Chargers and the Virginia Tech quarterback's two agents, Andre Colona and Michael Sullivan of Octagon Sports, have produced "substantial obstacles," according to Sullivan. The two sides are no longer talking in person.
"We really want this guy," Chargers president Dean Spanos told Mortensen. "We really like him, but we're going to make a deal that makes sense for the Chargers. I don't think (Chargers GM) John Butler is bluffing. He's not afraid to make a decision and move on, as much as I would hate that for Michael."
The most likely scenario still has the Chargers choosing Vick with the first pick in Saturday's NFL draft, but it is not quite as likely as it looked before this week. Mortensen reported the Chargers are exploring other possibilities because – in the end – they want to draft Vick on their terms.
Mortensen reported that the Chargers were expected to begin contract talks Wednesday with running back LaDainian Tomlinson of Texas Christian and defensive tackle Gerard Warren of Florida in case a deal with Vick can't be worked out.
Vick's agents reportedly are seeking a $15 million signing bonus in a deal that could
be worth between $50 million and $60 million.
Mortensen reported that the Chargers are reluctant to pay a big upfront signing bonus, as they did with Ryan Leaf, who became a bust despite being the No. 2 player selected in 1998 and getting a signing bonus of $11.25 million. Leaf was waived in March.
The Chargers have stopped just short of saying they'll take
Vick but are clearly excited with his potential. They've also said
it would take an awfully big package of draft picks and players to
trade the selection.
Team president Dean Spanos has said the Chargers are prepared to
pay another huge signing bonus.
"I think we're going to do what's obviously in the best
interests of the club, from a business perspective," Spanos said
Monday while discussing Vick.
"But also, he's going to want to be here, we're going to want
him. These types of deals always get done. We've never not been
able to make a deal. I would hope as we get closer to the end of
the week, something will get done. It would be great."
Vick won't be expected to start for the next season or two
because the Chargers signed Doug Flutie last month. However, coach
Mike Riley said last week the coaching staff has discussed possible
situations where they'd use Vick, if they take him.
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