Source: Bradford deal to reset bar

Updated: July 17, 2010, 2:30 PM ET

The Rams and representatives for Sam Bradford kicked off their negotiations Friday in St. Louis as they attempt to get the quarterback under contract in time for training camp.

A deal is unlikely to be struck Friday, a league source said, but both the Rams and Bradford's reps are expected to lay the groundwork for what will be the richest contract in NFL history.

The guaranteed money in the deal is expected to be between $45 million and $50 million, the source said.

Last year the Detroit Lions gave No. 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford a six-year deal that included $41.7 million in guaranteed money.

Both sides are aiming to finalize a deal by the time the Rams open training camp to their rookies on July 28. Bradford was the draft's No. 1 pick out of Oklahoma.

Adam Schefter is an NFL reporter for ESPN Insider.