Former Bison waiting on contract

Rob Hunt's job is to block defensive linemen and linebackers. Kevin Omell's job is to make sure Hunt's contract isn't flagged for holding.

The agent for the former North Dakota State standout doesn't expect many audibles in contract negotiations with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts took Hunt in the fifth round in April's NFL Draft. Omell, based in St. Louis with National Sports Agency, said he has never had a rookie hold out and doesn't expect one with Hunt.

"When a rookie misses one day of camp, every day is like missing a whole week," Omell said. "Both sides are trying to do the right thing and what is in the best interest for Rob."

Omell expects negotiations to begin in July, a standard operating procedure for most NFL teams.

"It seems to be for the most part that both sides really aren't in the frame of mind to get something done until there's a deadline and that deadline is training camp," Omell said.

The Colts begin training camp July 27 in Terre Haute, Ind. Look for Hunt to get at least $230,000 per season with a signing bonus in the $100,000 range, Omell said. He said those figures are typical of players drafted in the third round on down.

Former Bison running back Lamar Gordon got a four-year, $1.9 million contract that included a $609,000 signing bonus after he was drafted in the third round by the St. Louis Rams in 2002. He has since been traded to the Miami Dolphins.

"It depends on how they handle the terms of the deal," Omell said. "Some teams are going away from the standard three-year deal for second-day draft picks. Some teams are trying to do the four- and five-year deals."

The Colts have yet to sign any of their draft picks. Omell said most NFL executives take vacation during June and don't get around to negotiations until July. The bulk of contract work within the Colts in the past few weeks has been signing veterans.

"It's not late or anything," Omell said.

But when the time comes to talk, Omell is ready. Pre-negotiation preparations include financial numbers of other players drafted around the fifth round and Indianapolis' signing trends in recent years.

As for Hunt, Omell said his client is leaving the money side of the NFL equation to him.

"He leaves that business to us," Omell said.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Jeff Kolpack at (701) 241-5546