With the start of training camp just days away, teams across the NFL are working hard to sign their first-round picks. Tampa Bay general manager Mark Dominik is trying to do just that with third-overall pick Gerald McCoy. The Oklahoma defensive tackle has hinted that his contract may not get done until his former college teammate Sam Bradford signs his contract with the St. Louis Rams. Bradford was the number one overall pick in last April's draft. One issue that the Bucs and McCoy are going to have to agree on is the length of the contract.


Source: St. Petersburg Times - Rick Stroud

PewterReport.com's Take: With the third-overall pick there is a precedent for either a five or six-year contract. In 2008 the Atlanta Falcons signed quarterback Matt Ryan to a six-year deal, and last year the Kansas City Chiefs signed defensive end Tyson Jackson to a five-year deal. Just three years ago the Buccaneers signed Gaines Adams to a six-year contract as the fourth-overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. It is somewhat surprising to hear Dominik say that the team is debating whether to make it a five or six-year contract. If the Bucs sign McCoy to a six-year contract it would keep him signed further into his prime and the contract wouldn't expire until McCoy is 28 rather than 27 years of age on a five-year contract. McCoy and his agents of Kelli Masters and Ben Dogra will probably push for a five-year contract. This will be a test of the negotiating abilities of Dominik and his contract/salary cap manager Digger Daley. Former general manager Bruce Allen and senior assistant Kevin Demoff were able to a six-year deal for Adams despite being drafted a pick lower. It would be in the team's best interest to have McCoy locked up for another season in his prime playing years.

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