Predators tender contracts to 3 key FA's... are their QB's on the Bubble?

Preds · March 7th, 2004, 11:56 PM

Hamburg, NY

The Predators organization announced this evening that they were going to be aggressive in keeping the key components of their championship roster in-tact, and began that process by tendering high level contracts to 3 key players.

2 All-Pro players were tendered at the level of 1st round compensation... with stud RB LaDainian Tomlinson being tendered 2000 cb's by the club and star WR Hines Ward tendered a 1200 cb contract.

In addition, WR Derrick Mason was tendered at the level of 2nd round compensation, with an 800 cb contract. QB Tim Rattay looks like he might be able to hit the open market as a UFA.

The club made several moves last year to position themselves to keep these key Free Agents... but many teams have cap dollars to spend this off-season so who knows where the bidding will go.

Rumors have been circulating around the organization that all 3 of their QB's currently under contract (Jeff Garcia, Brad Johnson, and Jeff Blake) could be cap casualties or traded before the end of the month with the Hard Cap period set to begin April 1st.

Our sources tell us that Brad Johnson is an unlikely cut, however if his situation changes in Tampa Bay he may lose his position with the Predators organization. Jeff Garcia is also on the block after his falling out in San Francisco. If Jeff finds a good home he might be kept, but as the league's 5th highest paid QB his return looks unlikely. QB Jeff Blake is almost sure to be released before March 31st after being unable to retain his position in Arizona. Speculation has it that the team is very interested in QB Chad Pennington, who may be tagged as a RFA by the Dodgers organization.

Sources within the Predators organization have also hinted that the team desires to move up in the 1st round of this years draft, possibly by packaging some of their 5 picks, players, or a combination of both. One player who has apparently drawn interest from other clubs is emerging TE L.J. Smith.

Rhett Zoan
Predators Correspondent

March 7th, 2004, 11:56 PM	#1
Preds *****istrator Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Hamburg, NY Posts: 17,782	Predators tender contracts to 3 key FA's... are their QB's on the Bubble? Hamburg, NY The Predators organization announced this evening that they were going to be aggressive in keeping the key components of their championship roster in-tact, and began that process by tendering high level contracts to 3 key players. 2 All-Pro players were tendered at the level of 1st round compensation... with stud RB LaDainian Tomlinson being tendered 2000 cb's by the club and star WR Hines Ward tendered a 1200 cb contract. In addition, WR Derrick Mason was tendered at the level of 2nd round compensation, with an 800 cb contract. QB Tim Rattay looks like he might be able to hit the open market as a UFA. The club made several moves last year to position themselves to keep these key Free Agents... but many teams have cap dollars to spend this off-season so who knows where the bidding will go. Rumors have been circulating around the organization that all 3 of their QB's currently under contract (Jeff Garcia, Brad Johnson, and Jeff Blake) could be cap casualties or traded before the end of the month with the Hard Cap period set to begin April 1st. Our sources tell us that Brad Johnson is an unlikely cut, however if his situation changes in Tampa Bay he may lose his position with the Predators organization. Jeff Garcia is also on the block after his falling out in San Francisco. If Jeff finds a good home he might be kept, but as the league's 5th highest paid QB his return looks unlikely. QB Jeff Blake is almost sure to be released before March 31st after being unable to retain his position in Arizona. Speculation has it that the team is very interested in QB Chad Pennington, who may be tagged as a RFA by the Dodgers organization. Sources within the Predators organization have also hinted that the team desires to move up in the 1st round of this years draft, possibly by packaging some of their 5 picks, players, or a combination of both. One player who has apparently drawn interest from other clubs is emerging TE L.J. Smith. Rhett Zoan Predators Correspondent __________________ *4x Frenzy Champions (2003, 2005, 2013, 2022) with 9 appearances in the Frenzy Bowl (4 in the past 5 seasons*) 2022 Co-Champions with WchMeGo Roosters Email: preds1@gmail.com Cell: 716-481-8823

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