According to NFL insider Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Caleb Williams has decided not to hire an agent as he begins his NFL career. Instead, he is planning to represent himself.
Pretty bold to see a rookie planning to represent himself.
LINK - (
New Window )
The agent thing I wouldn't sweat. His father owns a pretty reputable sports performance center, so he presumably has the resources for the combine/draft preparation lined up.
The slotting makes the rookie deal extremely turnkey from a commercial perspective. It's the type of agreement you need a commercial attorney, which will cost 10s of thousands of dollars, not 5% to get right.
If he's an asshole whose teammates hate him, there's only so much charm offensive an agent can pull.
The second paragraph is important, his combine situation is already set. He also knows he’s going in the top 3 with 97% percent certainty, so there’s not much draft navigation that he needs to do. Lamar was different because his mom had no experience doing anything of the sort and he wasn’t a top 3 projected pick.
Do any rookies really hold out anymore?
It's not like the olden days.
Iirc, Bosas took a while to get done because he wanted upfront payment on a larger sum than normal. Not a huge deal for a DE but a potential big pain in the ass for your new starting QB who shouldn’t really be missing any team activities.
Now this could be a red flag...
If I'm Chicago, I am seriously considering Daniels...
uhhhh, Lamar got 5 years, 260
because the agent/player relationship has been the norm for the last 100 years, when someone goes outside the box, its a "red flag"
he'll do just fine
Don't forget Manhattan
Wow. JJ is rising to your top 3 now? Interesting.
Quote:
would he still have an attorney review the contract? If so, then not having an agent is not really a big deal at this stage.
because the agent/player relationship has been the norm for the last 100 years, when someone goes outside the box, its a "red flag"
he'll do just fine
These are just words. Whatever we as fans think shouldn’t matter is irrelevant. There have been off field rumors about Caleb for well over a year now and every time I convince myself that ehh, probably doesn’t matter another one pops up and it’s impossible to ignore the pattern. Maybe he bucks the trend and does everything perfectly all by himself but the deck is stack against him. And now he’s asking an NFL team to just trust him with their top pick. To completely ignore this is strange. And odds are he won’t live up to his draft status just like anyone else taken #1, so there’s that as well.
You're a rookie draftee right out of college. Across the table are professional negotiators who've done more NFL contracts than they can count. Their job is to get the most out of you for the least money — within the strictures of the CBA.
Facing them, you have never negotiated anything like this deal. The stakes for you are very high; if you mess this up, you can really hurt your future income and opportunities.
If you really feel you shouldn't be paying an agent a percentage for a deal that's pre-slotted, you can negotiate something with your reps to reduce commission on the predetermined portion of your deal, or to limit commission to the negotiable parts of the deal.
I understand why someone in Williams' position would think "What am I paying all that money for?" but in a way it's like insurance. Your agent is there to make sure you don't get screwed. Maybe you don't need him, but when you need him, you REALLY need him.
You're a rookie draftee right out of college. Across the table are professional negotiators who've done more NFL contracts than they can count. Their job is to get the most out of you for the least money — within the strictures of the CBA.
Facing them, you have never negotiated anything like this deal. The stakes for you are very high; if you mess this up, you can really hurt your future income and opportunities.
If you really feel you shouldn't be paying an agent a percentage for a deal that's pre-slotted, you can negotiate something with your reps to reduce commission on the predetermined portion of your deal, or to limit commission to the negotiable parts of the deal.
I understand why someone in Williams' position would think "What am I paying all that money for?" but in a way it's like insurance. Your agent is there to make sure you don't get screwed. Maybe you don't need him, but when you need him, you REALLY need him.
If nothing gets signed, ultimately everybody loses
Who wants that?
I was just listening to him and Jim Miller, and he said not having an agent for your rookie deal is not a big deal (to him). But where it might get tricky is not having an agent who can advocate for you and interact with other teams...
Not saying THAT, but aren't these rookie deals pretty much set on a descending scale?
Quote:
waiting for the poster who says this isn't a big deal.
Not saying THAT, but aren't these rookie deals pretty much set on a descending scale?
Sorry, saw my questioon was answered by a few. I still dont see it as a huge deal given his father's resources which I did not know about
I've been afraid to say this for fear of ridicule and needless argument, but I'm starting to feel the same. If I was Ryan Poles I would sure as hell trade down, capitalizing on the CW hype while avoiding a boom or bust prospect. A trade down with the Commies would make the most sense, and I bet they'd trade a historic haul to move up one slot. Then the Bears would have their choice of MHJ, JD, DM, JJM or another trade down. Seems like the smartest move to me. If the Giants were in the Bears position I would trade down to 2 and select Jayden Daniels.
Quote:
.
I've been afraid to say this for fear of ridicule and needless argument, but I'm starting to feel the same. If I was Ryan Poles I would sure as hell trade down, capitalizing on the CW hype while avoiding a boom or bust prospect. A trade down with the Commies would make the most sense, and I bet they'd trade a historic haul to move up one slot. Then the Bears would have their choice of MHJ, JD, DM, JJM or another trade down. Seems like the smartest move to me. If the Giants were in the Bears position I would trade down to 2 and select Jayden Daniels.
What is the "haul" you see the Commies giving up to move up one draft spot? Maye and CW are very closely rated as of right now. If it were a 1 QB draft, sure.
Quote:
In comment 16404566 Sy'56 said:
Quote:
.
I've been afraid to say this for fear of ridicule and needless argument, but I'm starting to feel the same. If I was Ryan Poles I would sure as hell trade down, capitalizing on the CW hype while avoiding a boom or bust prospect. A trade down with the Commies would make the most sense, and I bet they'd trade a historic haul to move up one slot. Then the Bears would have their choice of MHJ, JD, DM, JJM or another trade down. Seems like the smartest move to me. If the Giants were in the Bears position I would trade down to 2 and select Jayden Daniels.
What is the "haul" you see the Commies giving up to move up one draft spot? Maye and CW are very closely rated as of right now. If it were a 1 QB draft, sure.
If Josh Harris and Co see him as the guy and believe it's a 1qb draft I think they would trade 2 1sts and 2 2nds for the rights to Caleb Williams
The trade chart is much different now, especially when it comes to QBs and many believe CW is a truly generational talent a prospect up on the level of Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck, beyond Eli Manning status. I don't agree, but if the Commies really are sold on him I could see them making a trade like that.
You're a rookie draftee right out of college. Across the table are professional negotiators who've done more NFL contracts than they can count. Their job is to get the most out of you for the least money — within the strictures of the CBA.
Facing them, you have never negotiated anything like this deal. The stakes for you are very high; if you mess this up, you can really hurt your future income and opportunities.
If you really feel you shouldn't be paying an agent a percentage for a deal that's pre-slotted, you can negotiate something with your reps to reduce commission on the predetermined portion of your deal, or to limit commission to the negotiable parts of the deal.
I understand why someone in Williams' position would think "What am I paying all that money for?" but in a way it's like insurance. Your agent is there to make sure you don't get screwed. Maybe you don't need him, but when you need him, you REALLY need him.
On the other hand, is a team really going to draft a guy in the top 5 and then go into the negotiation and say "Hey, this kid doesn't have an agent! Let's f*ck him over to save some money!!!"
He is not a QB I would be excited about the Giants drafting before this news.
He (or his advisors) may well prefer Washington or another team, and is floating this to force Chicago to trade the pick. There's nothing preventing CW from getting an agent after the draft.
But at least he dresses well...
Seems like he has a family that's pretty informed on what's coming next for him.
If he and his family hire an attorney to help with the negotiations, I don't there's any risk he gets screwed. The parameters of the deal are pre-determined.
Quote:
The Giants gave up less to trade up 3 spots to one (yes, they tech traded draft picks) for a much higher rated QB prospect in Eli.
The trade chart is much different now, especially when it comes to QBs and many believe CW is a truly generational talent a prospect up on the level of Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck, beyond Eli Manning status. I don't agree, but if the Commies really are sold on him I could see them making a trade like that.
Again, you are talking about 3 very high picks to move up one spot. I have not read where CW jas clearly established himself as QB 1. Unless he absolutely blows away his pro day and aces his Wonderlic, that os simply too much to give up to move up one spot when you have another highly tputed prospect, the Heisman trophy winner who had a much better year and a national champion who has thrown 10 interceptions vs 40 or eo TDs and had a nearly 70% completion percentage.
No way am I giving my top two picks in the next 2 drafts to pick CW.
Exactly! It sure would be nice to know what his thought process is. So instead of throwing him under the bus why don’t you try and find out then you can make an intelligent post
Quote:
In comment 16404680 NormanAllen_95 said:
Quote:
The Giants gave up less to trade up 3 spots to one (yes, they tech traded draft picks) for a much higher rated QB prospect in Eli.
The trade chart is much different now, especially when it comes to QBs and many believe CW is a truly generational talent a prospect up on the level of Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck, beyond Eli Manning status. I don't agree, but if the Commies really are sold on him I could see them making a trade like that.
Again, you are talking about 3 very high picks to move up one spot. I have not read where CW jas clearly established himself as QB 1. Unless he absolutely blows away his pro day and aces his Wonderlic, that os simply too much to give up to move up one spot when you have another highly tputed prospect, the Heisman trophy winner who had a much better year and a national champion who has thrown 10 interceptions vs 40 or eo TDs and had a nearly 70% completion percentage.
No way am I giving my top two picks in the next 2 drafts to pick CW.
I would never. I just have a feeling Washington might be totally enamored with him.
What did Moss say?
Quote:
.
I've been afraid to say this for fear of ridicule and needless argument, but I'm starting to feel the same. If I was Ryan Poles I would sure as hell trade down, capitalizing on the CW hype while avoiding a boom or bust prospect. A trade down with the Commies would make the most sense, and I bet they'd trade a historic haul to move up one slot. Then the Bears would have their choice of MHJ, JD, DM, JJM or another trade down. Seems like the smartest move to me. If the Giants were in the Bears position I would trade down to 2 and select Jayden Daniels.
If he is the QB - then yes you could trade down. But no way should they trade down if QB1 is a projected superstar. The #1 pick doesn't have to be CW.
Quote:
In comment 16404566 Sy'56 said:
Quote:
.
I've been afraid to say this for fear of ridicule and needless argument, but I'm starting to feel the same. If I was Ryan Poles I would sure as hell trade down, capitalizing on the CW hype while avoiding a boom or bust prospect. A trade down with the Commies would make the most sense, and I bet they'd trade a historic haul to move up one slot. Then the Bears would have their choice of MHJ, JD, DM, JJM or another trade down. Seems like the smartest move to me. If the Giants were in the Bears position I would trade down to 2 and select Jayden Daniels.
If he is the QB - then yes you could trade down. But no way should they trade down if QB1 is a projected superstar. The #1 pick doesn't have to be CW.
Well, I think GMs discuss who their projected target is when trading up they have pretty solid communication. Washington would tell Poles they are trading up for CW.
Quote:
In comment 16404566 Sy'56 said:
Quote:
.
I've been afraid to say this for fear of ridicule and needless argument, but I'm starting to feel the same. If I was Ryan Poles I would sure as hell trade down, capitalizing on the CW hype while avoiding a boom or bust prospect. A trade down with the Commies would make the most sense, and I bet they'd trade a historic haul to move up one slot. Then the Bears would have their choice of MHJ, JD, DM, JJM or another trade down. Seems like the smartest move to me. If the Giants were in the Bears position I would trade down to 2 and select Jayden Daniels.
If he is the QB - then yes you could trade down. But no way should they trade down if QB1 is a projected superstar. The #1 pick doesn't have to be CW.
And if they have concerns about CW based on his height, play against better defenses, fumbles and his mind trading down to 2 ensures they get their pick of whoever they have ranked on the samr tier.
How? Rookie contracts are determined by draft slot, so why give an agent 15% to do nothing?
Quote:
Seems like a disaster of a move, then again it’s not my money
How? Rookie contracts are determined by draft slot, so why give an agent 15% to do nothing?
If that’s all it is why aren’t the rest opting out of agents? And there’s no hard rule on %, that’s a negotiated fee.
Quote:
I was willing to be open minded about the kid, but the quote from Miller Moss and this no agent thing out of the gate...could be a real headache.
What did Moss say?
Moss after winning the bowl game:
“It’s a good positive moment. I still think more so for the team than me personally,” Moss said. “These six weeks since UCLA weren’t about any individual. They were about us, the people who wanted to be here and play this game and wanted to come together.”
Williams final game was UCLA
Everyone knows Williams is a highly regarded prospect, but to me, if he was anything less than an asshole teammate and poor leader, Moss doesn't take a shot at him there out of the blue.
for the win!
Quote:
In comment 16404764 ryanmkeane said:
Quote:
Seems like a disaster of a move, then again it’s not my money
How? Rookie contracts are determined by draft slot, so why give an agent 15% to do nothing?
If that’s all it is why aren’t the rest opting out of agents? And there’s no hard rule on %, that’s a negotiated fee.
Sure, but that’s the general number, if anything, it would be more. As to why more players don’t do it, good question. Agents also line up and negotiate sponsorships, but given how Williams had one of, if not the highest NIL’s in CFB, my guess is he’s pretty good there too.
But at least he dresses well...
Competing with Cam Newton there.
Quote:
Incoming in 3...2...
Don't forget Manhattan
It’s the same guy. And he was FranchiseQB before Producer. Keeps getting banned and then thinks he’s slick coming back as yet another annoying version
Quote:
In comment 16404451 IchabodGiant said:
Quote:
Incoming in 3...2...
Don't forget Manhattan
It’s the same guy. And he was FranchiseQB before Producer. Keeps getting banned and then thinks he’s slick coming back as yet another annoying version
This is really a thing I guess? I saw on another thread the site owner, Eric, is even aware of it.
The guy sounds like he has no one to talk to given how often he repeats himself. Very odd form of release.
In my very limited exposure to athletes my rough understanding is the agency is helping with marketing, contracts, and prep.
My understanding is between the end of the player's college career and the draft, the lion's share of focus and resources is combine/pro day/measurable prep. And the agency is facilitating and fronting money. With Caleb's dad being in the elite athlete training business, I imagine that's covered.
He also started working with a pretty big marketing agency (Smith/Co) in college.
So it seems the big value of an agency now would just be commercials, which you can pay T&M for and not a cut of your contract.