Rams, Bradford's agent start contract talks; deal not likely soon

The St. Louis Rams opened contract negotiations with rookie quarterback Sam Bradford's agent Friday, NFL Network's Jason La Canfora and Michael Lombardi confirmed. However, a team official told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that a deal with the No. 1 overall draft pick isn't expected to come soon.

Speculation has been rampant that Bradford could receive up to $50 million in guaranteed money -- much more than the $41.7 million that last year's No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Matthew Stafford, was given by the Detroit Lions. According to the Post-Dispatch, agent Tom Condon is representing Bradford and chief operating officer Kevin Demoff is negotiating for the Rams. The Rams are scheduled to open training camp July 28, but Bradford has previously said he expects to be under contract by then. "At this point right now, (Condon) hasn't given me any indication that there's going to be any problems getting a contract done," Bradford told NFL.com's Steve Wyche last month at the NFL Rookie Symposium. "I expect to be in camp, on time." A.J. Feeley worked as the Rams' starting quarterback during offseason drills, but Bradford took snaps with the first team as organized team activities and minicamps progressed. Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said there is no timetable for Bradford to start. NBA NFL CFL NHL