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So far, only 2 of the first 32 picks in the draft this year have been signed. That is a ridiculous number, to say the least, eventhough only a few are considered to be possible hold outs. Oddly enough, one of them is Andre "Sta-Puft" Smith, the guy who left the combine because he wasnt prepared for the biggest day of his professional life. Regardless of who actually signs eventually, its beyond crazy to think we are close to a month away from the beginning of the pre-season, and less than a few weeks from camp with less than 1/16th of the big rookies under contract.
Right now, the Eagles and Jeremy Maclin are pretty much the only non-negotiators in the field of players. Philly has already signed their entire draft class leaving only a portion of the 25% maximum left for Maclin's contract. Other than that, players are sitting around waiting for teams to get things going with negotiations or holding off until more first rounders are signed.
When it comes down to contract negotiations and people like Drew Rosenhaus, I hate this part of the year. It shouldnt be this hard to get rookies to sign on the dotted line. There should be set rookie contracts, because there is not a reason in fucking hell that Matt Stafford should be making more money than over 75% of the league's QBs.
With the season so close, I am hoping that things get done, and quick. Holdouts only mean disaster for everyone's team, everyone's cards, and everyone's investments when they hold out or dont sign. The rookies also are very aware of the fact that missing that first camp can be career crippling as well, so I dont think its them that have as many problems as their greedy agents and stingy team owners.
Can we get this done so I dont have to worry anymore?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
What Is Going On With NFL Rookie Contracts?
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I could not agree more with what you said in this post. I know there has been a big push in the NFL lately to move to a system that checks the salaries of rookies a little better and, at the same time, makes sure that money does go to the veterans who are deserving.
ReplyDeleteTo speak fairly though, the NFL is not like other sports entities, the longevity of the players' careers is determined by their luck really, luck in terms of what kinds of injuries they have during their career. So, in a way, allowing a rookie to negotiate for a salary is understandable in the NFL, but really, it becomes ridiculous when, like you said, a rookie QB is making more than 75% of the established QBs in the league.
I would say it's a combination of player greed and a poor economy.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the players are too greedy. They realize that you have to get your money while you can in football. Careers are short. Contracts are not guaranteed. They can release you the second you get hurt. That being said I would like a better system for rookie contracts. Gellman is absolutely right. Stafford should not be paid that much.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see a slotting system like basketball and more incentive laden contracts with player options.
If a rookie ends up being one of the best players on his team, he should be paid as such. If he ends up being one of the best in the league after his second season, he should be allowed to opt out of his contract if he wants and test the free market. Give his old team a comp pick at the end of the second or third round if he opts out.
"If a rookie ends up being one of the best players on his team, he should be paid as such. If he ends up being one of the best in the league after his second season, he should be allowed to opt out of his contract if he wants and test the free market. Give his old team a comp pick at the end of the second or third round if he opts out."
ReplyDeleteThat is one of the worst ideas I have ever heard Welden. Its like this every year to one degree or another. This year just happens to be a little worse because of the fear of a lockout/uncapped year in 2010. By training camp 29-31 will be signed though.
I'm confused. Maybe I didn't read something correctly. You said only 2 of the first round picks have been signed, including Andre Smith. What about Stafford and Sanchez? I know they reached agreements on a contract...
ReplyDeleteBobby, what is so bad about my ideas? I understand its like that this every year. I'm trying to say that there has to be a better alternative. I think my ideas allow players to get paid what they deserve without having the ridiculous rookie contracts to start out with.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a better suggestion?
Player options are a terrible idea. Every decent player is going to opt out and blow up the cap plans of their team. All a compensatory pick in this situation is going to do is force teams to use more resources to develop players that can opt out and walk if they are successful.
ReplyDeleteAll they really need to do is come up with a NBA like scale for rookie contracts to avoid Matthew Stafford and Jamarcus Russell being some of the top paid QBs before they even step on the field. Right now the num 1 overall pick is a curse to an already, obviously, bad franchise.
I realize they will opt out. That is kinda the point. This way, the teams can go ahead and spend crazy money on a guy thats worth it instead of Tim Couch.
ReplyDeleteGo ahead and have a NBA slotting system. I did say that in the original post. But, if you're not going to guarantee contracts, the players need to have a way to make some decent money while they can.
How about if a player opts out of their contract, they have to sign a new one with their current team. Or put another cap on what they can make if they opt out. You can only make 4-5 mil per with another team or 6-7 mil with your current team.
My idea is to try to pay the players what they deserve instead of paying Tim Couch as much as the top QBs.