Yesterday we noted the possibility that if the Rams sign first overall pick Sam Bradford to a contract worth $45 million or $50 million guaranteed, it could increase the value of the contract that second overall pick Ndamukong Suh gets from the Lions.
The third overall pick, Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, likes that way of thinking.
McCoy, a college teammate of Bradford’s at Oklahoma, told the Oklahoman that he wants to wait until Bradford signs his contract with the Rams before McCoy signs his contract with the Buccaneers. If Bradford receives the record-breaking rookie contract from the Rams that everyone expects, McCoy thinks that can only give him more leverage in his own negotiations with the Bucs.
“It’s kind of one of those deals where you would rather let the first pick sign first,” McCoy said. “You don’t want to do your deal first and his contract is way higher than yours. But if you waited yours would have been higher.”
McCoy’s comments suggest that if Bradford holds out, McCoy will hold out, too. But McCoy doesn’t seem to think that’s going to happen.
“Sam will get his deal done,” McCoy said. “I think Sam will be there, and as soon as Sam gets his deal done, mine will be done.”