Young, White sign with Titans
The Tennessee Titans promised they wanted Vince Young, the third pick overall and the first quarterback taken in the draft, under contract before they opened training camp.
They avoided any lengthy holdouts Thursday, agreeing to terms with both Young and LenDale White a day before the first practice this afternoon.
Young, the No. 3 overall pick out of Texas, agreed to a five-year deal, with an option for a sixth, with $25.7 million guaranteed and an overall value that could reach $58 million with option and roster bonuses and salary.
That would top the six-year, $54 million deal with $26.5 million guaranteed for the top draft pick, defensive end Mario Williams of Houston.
“It was a great deal for us,” said Major Adams, the quarterback’s agent.
Adams flew into Nashville a week ago and has been negotiating to have Young under contract before the Titans open training camp this afternoon. The Titans also wanted Young in camp on time to speed his development for a team trying to rebound from a 4-12 record in 2005.
“We’re pleased to finish up these rookie contracts in time for camp,” general manager Floyd Reese said.
“Both sides had one goal, and that was to get him in on time,” Adams said. “We accomplished that, and we worked diligently to get him in.”
Adams said Young, who was in Nashville on Thursday, was very excited and will be in Clarksville today.
Coach Jeff Fisher called the deals good news even though the deals still had to be finalized and signed, which could delay Young’s first practice.
“This is an especially important year for both these players, in addition to all the other draft choices,” Fisher said. “They’re able to come in at the start of camp and put a full training camp under their belt before the season starts.”
Reese has had all but two of his top draft picks under contract before training camp since the franchise relocated to Tennessee from Houston in 1997. Cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones, the sixth pick overall in 2005, missed 20 days of training camp before signing a five-year deal.
“This ensures that all of our rookies can focus on football and improving each day in practice so they can be in a position to contribute to the team,” Reese said in a statement.
Around the league
LeCharles Bentley, a two-time Pro Bowl center and one of Cleveland’s prized free-agent signings this winter, sustained a season-ending injury to his left knee on the first 11-on-11 drill of training camp. … Quarterback Jay Cutler, the 11th pick in the draft, agreed to a package worth up to $48 million over six years, with the Broncos. … Broncos punter Todd Sauerbrun lost his appeal of his four-game suspension for using the banned dietary supplement ephedra. … Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour was among 10 players placed on New England’s physically unable to perform list. The team’s top receiver, Deion Branch, is holding out. … Jets running back Curtis Martin won’t practice when training camp opens today because of a lingering knee injury and was placed on the physically unable to perform list. … Agent Carl Poston has been suspended by the NFL Players Association for two years for his role in a contract dispute between linebacker LaVar Arrington and the Washington Redskins.