Rocky Top is getting pretty rocky just one day before Tennessee’s annual Spring Game. Normally, by this time, a team has its roster locked in—but in Knoxville, one of the most important pieces of the puzzle is reportedly holding out.
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava is in the middle of contract negotiations with the university, and things aren’t sounding too promising, despite his father attempting to shut down the rumors Thursday night.
“More games being played off the field than on the field. Bi7ch Nakos from On3 called and asked me directly, I told him I had no idea on what he’s talking about. He said his ‘close source’ that he trusts with his life from the University of Tennessee staff gave him this,” Nico’s father wrote.
More information continues to surface. What initially appeared to be standard negotiations has quickly escalated into a full-on holdout. With the spring transfer portal opening on Wednesday, all signs are now pointing to the quarterback potentially entering it.
There were rumors that Iamaleava had received $8 million coming out of high school, but that appears to be exaggerated. As of now, he's reportedly making just over $2 million.
“As we reported yesterday, multiple sources close to the situation indicated that Nico Iamaleava’s current contract is somewhere between $2.2 to $2.5 million,” Pete Nakos wrote.
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According to ESPN’s Chris Lowe, the only way Iamaleava stays at Tennessee is if a specific stipulation is met.
“Right before the winter portal closed, Iamaleava’s reps wanted to see his deal upped to $4 million range and again this time as the spring portal opens Wednesday, and according to sources, Tennessee officials said they ‘weren’t going to blink.’”
If Tennessee doesn't meet the $4 million figure, Iamaleava’s time in Knoxville may be coming to an end. If that happens, the Vols will likely turn the offense over to either Jake Merklinger or George MacIntyre.