San Diego Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa and New York Jets linebacker Darron Lee are the only two of Ohio State's 12 drafted players without an official rookie contract.
Both participated in their teams' organized offseason activities, but Bosa took his negotiations to a new level Tuesday by skipping Chargers minicamp.
The No. 3 overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft has impressed teammates and coaches alike, but according to The San Diego Union-Tribune, Bosa's camp and the Chargers remain far apart due to offset language and signing bonus disbursement.
Per sources familiar with negotiations, a main hurdle relates to offset language. Bosa's representation is pushing for there to be none. That would mean the Chargers pay him all of his four-year guaranteed contract — it will include a fifth-year team option — even if they release him sometime during it. Theoretically, Bosa thereby can double-dip and be paid full salaries from the Chargers and any new team with whom he signs. Again, all this comes into play in the unlikely event Bosa is released during the coming few years.
Rookie deals are slotted, so holdouts have become less common over the years. As The Union-Tribune points out, however, former Oregon QB Marcus Mariota, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, went unsigned until a few days before fall training camp over offset language. His camp eventually compromised with the Tennessee Titans.
The Chargers included offset language when it extended quarterback Phillip Rivers last year, and similar language can be found in the contracts of recent first-round draftees like offensive lineman D.J. Fluker, cornerback Jason Verrett, and running back Melvin Gordon. It would seem the Chargers won't break that policy for Bosa.
The second issue stems from the disbursement of Bosa's signing bonus, projected to be worth $17,017,226.
How cashflow is dispersed in a deal can be tweaked in order to settle this dilemma. In this instance, a source said that the Chargers prefer to defer Bosa's signing bonus — this is a regular practice; eight of the other nine top-five picks since 2015 have deferred signing bonuses rather than it all being paid up front — while Bosa's representation prefers the money to be paid earlier. Either way, Bosa will collect the bonus in its entirety.
The Chargers resume practice Wednesday, the second day of the scheduled three-day camp. It remains to be seen if this is a one-day stunt or the opening of a prolonged campaign.
One thing is certain, though: The Big Bear wants his money, and he wants it now.
