by: Michael Steffes
Frank Hughes at the The News Tribune asked some interesting questions yesterday at mini camp. Specifically of Leroy Hill. Apparently, Todd France, Leroy's new agent has pushed Hill's contract negotiations into the background. To Hills credit, he says that he is taking the same approach and just trying to get better.
“I love being up here, I love playing ball here. But I can’t just go out and worry about playing for a contract and whatever. I have to go out and play like I have been playing and improve every year.”It is hard to get a read on this situation. The team obviously would like to sign Hill to a long term deal, much like they did with Lofa Tatupu and Marcus Trufant this offseason. The problem is that Hill may not want to stay. Whether or not he feels overshadowed or not is something Leroy and his agent have to discuss. He recently switched representation to France. France is the agent who Nate Clements switched to during the season prior to him signing a mega deal in San Francisco. The Hawks have very little linebacker depth behind Hill, so him leaving via free agency next year is defintely of concern to the Hawks.
Leroy seems like he is in no rush to do a deal, which is probably a smart move on his part. If he shows another years worth of improvement he will make himself a lot of money. He has also been bothered by nagging injuries throughout his career at times as well. If those problems arise again, his value could diminish. Hopefully the two parties will find some middle ground and get this done before next March. END
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