Quote Originally Posted by Guiness View Post
Conversely, I don't see it as much of a request from the player. It's a signing bonus, give it to him when he signs! I don't understand why the Chargers are taking such a hard line on this, do they have cash flow problems? Contract is slotted, can they pull it off the table? Seems to me if they're insisting on offset language and signing bonus deferment, he's got nothing (monetarily) to lose, and he'll get the same now or if he signs the night before the season opens.
Apparently it is standard to pay the signing bonus in installments for everyone but a few early first round picks. I think all rookie signing bonuses should be treated the same by all teams, whether it be 100% at signing, or in a couple installments. I see no reason to have it be a point of contention when so much in their first contracts is predetermined already.