You can't blame Titans GM Mike Reinfeldt for thinking Jerry Jones is an easy mark. He was handling contracts for the Seahawks when the Cowboys owner gave up two first-round draft picks for wide receiver Joey Galloway in 2000.
It appeared that a trade between the Cowboys and Titans for Pacman Jones was imminent when the suspended cornerback showed up in Dallas last week to open for Chris Rock on Michael Irvin's new radio show. Titans coach Jeff Fisher effectively ended any hopes of Pacman staying in Nashville, saying he should "look elsewhere."
But once the Titans arrived in Palm Beach, Fla., for the league meetings, they suddenly realized they'd lost all leverage in the negotiating process. The Cowboys were willing to offer a mid-round selection in this month's draft, but the Titans want an additional pick in 2009. Jones told a reporter from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the deal needed to happen by the end of the week or it might fall apart.
Now, the Titans have added another wrinkle. They would like Pacman to repay part of the signing bonus he received when he was selected sixth overall in the 2005 draft.
The Titans are about to forfeit their only opportunity to receive compensation for Pacman. The Cowboys haven't walked away yet because they covet Pacman's skills in the return game. Both sides would be wise to take a break and then reconvene in the days leading up to the draft. I've been talking to Pacman's agent Manny Arora, who is still hopeful that his client will be reinstated before the draft.
You don't get the sense, though, that Roger Goodell is going out of his way to accommodate Pacman. I think he'll eventually reinstate him, but it probably won't happen until the summer.
In other news, Jerry Jones is about to roll out time share tickets. If you're only interested in seeing the third quarter, this might be just what you're looking for.
