'86 Chronology-Deal Makers

Event Date: January 13th, 1986

Event Description: USFL Draft Preparations

Source: UPI

When the U.S. Football League holds its annual college draft Tuesday, its becoming apparent that the National Football League will be paying little attention.

“I've felt no tremors like in years past,” said Charlie Dayton of the Atlanta Falcons. “The previous three years, the USFL had already signed the Heisman Trophy winner before we even drafted. That hasn't happened this time with Bo Jackson.”

That's not to say the NFL can ignore the USFL altogether.

The Birmingham Stallions, despite financial problems that became so pressing they had to ask the city to bail them out, claim they'll battle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Jackson.

And the Arizona Outlaws say they'll go head-to-head against the Falcons for the services of nose guard Tony Casillas of Oklahoma.

“We have a chance to sign any player we draft,” said Houston Gamblers President Jerry Argovitz. “However, we plan on being competitive, not ridiculous, in signing players to help our team. You're bidding against yourself right now. Unless you get ridiculous, any player will wait until he gets an offer from the NFL.”

The USFL, after mergers and franchise foldings, has been reduced from 16 to 14 teams. The San Antonio Gunslingers have been put on permanent hiatus and the Pittsburgh Maulers merged with the now Baltimore Stars during the off-season. 

The USFL tried to get the jump on its rival by holding its annual territorial draft a week ahead of the NFL draft and selecting 280 college players, with each team picking 20 players from the seven major college football schools it was assigned.

The Stallions included Jackson, of nearby Auburn, as one of their territorial picks and Birmingham president Jerry Sklar said the two-time All-America running back and his attorney, Thomas Zieman, had agreed to visit with the Stallions “for a get-acquainted session.”

Since Jackson says he still hasn't ruled out a professional baseball career, it's possible neither the NFL or USFL will get him.

“The USFL has stated it will pool its resources to bid on Bo Jackson, setting up a potential three-way bidding war,” said agent Leigh Steinberg. “I feel Bo will sign the largest football contract ever, setting the market value of other first round choices.”

As for Casillas, Outlaws president Bill Tatham Jr., said it would be to the Outland Trophy winner's advantage to wait until after both leagues have made their offers before making a choice.

“It's OK to be wanted by one team,” said Tatham. “But if you're wanted by two teams, you can really make a deal for yourself.”

Story-(UPI Modified)