Jaguars, Brackens Remain at Impasse

Tuesday, May 2nd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) â€” Jaguars defensive end Tony Brackens has already missed the team's minicamp. With contract negotiations at an impasse, it seems training camp could be next.

Jacksonville stuck the franchise label on the Pro Bowl defender after last season, limiting his ability to move in the free agent market.

It means the Jaguars must pay him $4.2 million to play next season if they can't sign him to a long-term contract. Unless, of course, Brackens chooses to sit out.

Brackens finished last season with 12 sacks, his best production in four years in the NFL. He is seeking $7 million a year with a signing bonus in the range of $12 million. The Jaguars don't want to pay that much, which is why Brackens has been a no-show at the team's offseason programs.

``Sure, that concerns you,'' Jaguars senior vice president Michael Huyghue said Tuesday. ``He told us he's been working out. That's not the same as having him here. Of course, having players who aren't under contract is consistent with that. We understand that.''

Brackens' agent, Michael George, did not immediately return messages left at his office by The Associated Press. Two weeks ago, he told the Florida Times-Union that Brackens and the Jaguars were ``still far apart'' in their negotiations.

If they remain that way, Brackens could become the first veteran holdout in the team's short history. Training camp is due to start July 21.