Two stars currently holding out for a new contract are likely to return to their respective teams relatively soon.
According to new head coach Jim Harbaugh, running back Frank Gore is prepared to rejoin the 49ers’ practice tomorrow. Gore, who missed five games last season and ended with relatively disappointing numbers, is in the final year of his contract.
“We’ll earnestly look at that [his return] in terms of extending him,” said Harbaugh, hinting a deal is inevitable. Gore, who has played all six NFL seasons in San Francisco, finished with 853 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in 2010, a significant step down from his production in 2009 when he rushed for 1,120 yards and 10 touchdowns.
But Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson isn’t as close to a new deal. Jackson, who finished with over 1,000 receiving yards for a second consecutive season in 2010, is reportedly not prepared to ink a new deal Monday or Tuesday.
That said, Jackson is a near lock to rejoin the Eagles sometime next month. Per Pro Football Talk, Jackson’s time is running out:
A real question remains regarding the date on which Jackson would lose a year of credit toward free agency. The Transition Rules approved last week by the NFLPA provide that any player under contract must show up 23 days after the start of the 2011 League Year, which would put the deadline in late August. However, the official NFL calendar identifies the deadline as August 9. We asked the NFL for clarification on Thursday, and we’re waiting for a final answer.
If Jackson opts to not rejoin the Eagles before the date (which is still up in the air, as of posting), he’ll end up a restricted free agent in 2011. If Jackson intends to leave Philadelphia or bank his biggest potential check, he should begin practicing with the team in early August. Stay tuned.
Original Story:
http://www.nflminute.com/2011/08/01/g...
