The Titans still haven't signed Mariota. Apparently he won't sign unless he gets the deal he wants. What does that say to the other players on his team being he hasn't taken a snap yet? I would understand if he was established.
it says hes smart and will be a little richer when he starts game 1. this could be his last contract you know.
So if you are a player, and you have taken NFL snaps, you wouldn't look a little cross eyed at this dude? I would completely understand if he had actually played and legitimized himself.
Everybody knows the rules. Rookie contracts are slotted according to where you are drafted so Mariota will be making a lot more money than Zach Mettenberger even if he turns out to be as big a flop as JaMarcus Russell. Nowdays the focus is getting to your second contract. That's why so many college players who should stay in school for their senior season enter the draft as juniors. To start the clock on their second contract.
It's a business. If you don't maximize your opportunities nobody is going to do it for your. At this point both sides know about how much money is involved and they are just negotiating the finer points of the contract. I would do the same thing. I'm sure Mariota is keeping himself in good shape and he probably already has a copy of the playbook and is learning the plays.
I don't think it sends the right message to his teammates as a rookie who hasn't played yet. Like I said, if he was an established veteran, by all means do what you gotta do to get paid.
