If this isn't tampering, then I don't know what is...

[Michael82]

The Vikings realize this is the weakest position on their roster, and they are aggressively addressing it. The buzz around the NFL is that Minnesota has already agreed in principle on a multiyear deal with outside linebacker Ben Leber, who played the past four seasons for the San Diego Chargers. Leber could land a $7 million signing bonus and a contract that averages $4 million a year, a whopping figure for a player with 212 career tackles.
But Leber is big (6 feet 3, 244 pounds) and athletic, and Fran Foley, the Vikings' vice president of player personnel, knows him well from their days with the Chargers.

http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/sports/14024355.htm

[T-Long]

Re: If this isn't tampering, then I don't know what is...

yeah, how is that legal?

[TigerJ]

Re: If this isn't tampering, then I don't know what is...

I think I read somewhere a while back that teams could talk with pending free agents and agree to contract terms, but just couldn't sign contracts.

[Akhippo]

Re: If this isn't tampering, then I don't know what is...

Thats the same with stories of Philly all but rapping up L Bentley

[Michael82]

Re: If this isn't tampering, then I don't know what is...

I think I read somewhere a while back that teams could talk with pending free agents and agree to contract terms, but just couldn't sign contracts.

thats not true. There is a rule about that. They can't talk to pending Free Agents until the day that Free Agency begins and there's no way in hell they can agree to contract terms. That is called tampering.

[Dozerdog]

Re: If this isn't tampering, then I don't know what is...

How do you think TD signed Posey 30 seconds after Midnight a few years back?

[Michael82]

Re: If this isn't tampering, then I don't know what is...

How do you think TD signed Posey 30 seconds after Midnight a few years back?

must have been a quick negotiator.

So basically, it's a rule that everybody openly breaks?

[Dozerdog]

Re: If this isn't tampering, then I don't know what is...

I think that agents, who probably spend a lot of time with the GMs of teams leading up to FAcy (renegotiating their client's salaries -restructuring) get into "Hypothetical" discussions about the Agent's other clients who are available.


The only ones hurting themselves by committing early are the players themselves. They take away their own ability to visit other clubs and getting the best offers.

If a team really wanted to compete with the Viikes and outbid for this guy- I'm sure the player wouldn't commit so fast.

Most likely, this particular player wants to move to Minnesota at any cost, and will take whatever the Vikes offer.

[DraftBoy]

Re: If this isn't tampering, then I don't know what is...

I think this is more of gentleman's agreement than any actual rule. Its there more for looks than for following.