Much has been written on NFL player contracts and in particular rookie contracts.

This is just my quick take and random thoughts.

Not to mention the NFL Salary Cap.

Most Teams in the NFL have done a tremendous job managing the cap.

OTOH the major increases beginning in 2006 and continuing through 2009 have been a huge help to Cap managers.

TT has done a tremendous job in this area in many ways.

The recent Raji Contract is a clear example of responsible contracting IMHO.

On rookies:

Forget the NBA: They have players coming straight out of HS or one year of college for starters. NFL hopefuls have spent at least three in college, The wear and tear on their bodies is much more IMHO than basketball.

Plus the problem seems to be confined mostly to the top 10 picks(some say entire first round) although in the case of the Raji contract I dont see a major problem.

It doesnt appear to be a cap buster in any way shape or form

Lets look at the two recent Contracts one veteran and one rookie.:

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/ic/blo...der/index.shtml

"Raji's deal broken down
B.J. Raji’s five-year contract with the Green Bay Packers includes $18 million in guaranteed money and can be worth a little more than $28 million if he reaches all incentives.

According to a source with access to NFL salary information, the deal on paper is for six years, but in reality it's for five. The sixth year is void if the Packers exercise an option bonus next year and Raji meets any one of numerous easily achieved incentives in the first five years. It’s a given they'll pay the option bonus, and short of an injury disaster Raji will reach at least one of the incentives.

Raji, who signed the contract Friday, received a $2.4 million signing bonus and a $1.26 million roster bonus, plus will make a base salary this season of $310,000. So he’ll be paid a total of $3.97 million this year.

Then next year, he’ll get a $7 million option bonus due in March, which when paid will guarantee his base salaries for the next four seasons: $1.962 million in 2010, $2.355 million in 2011, and $2.747 million in 2012. The option bonus and subsequent salary guarantees give him a total of $18.034 million in guarantees overall.

The base salary for the fifth year of the deal, 2013, will be guaranteed for injury but not skill. His salary that year is $3.14 million.

Raji also has workout bonuses of $225,000 for each offseason from 2010-13, and performance salary escalators and bonuses that can add close to another $10 million if he attains them all, which is unlikely."


http://www.rotoworld.com/content/clubhouse...&majteam=GB

6/23/2009: Signed a four-year, $26.885 million contract(extension). The cap-friendly deal (after 2009) contains $16.25 million guaranteed, including an $11.25 million signing bonus and Jennings' first-year base salary. Another $3 million is available through incentives, including $25,000 per game played, $25,000 each season if he plays in 12 games and the Packers make the playoffs, and escalators maxing out at $700,000 in 2010, $1 million in 2011, and $1.25 million in 2012 based on playing time and team performance. $300,000 offseason workout bonuses are available 2010-2012. 2009: $5 million, 2010: $1.85 million, 2011: $2.7 million, 2012: $3.885 million, 2013: Free Agent. Cap charges: $8.154 million (2009), $5.004 million (2010), $5.854 million (2011), $7.039 million (2012).

http://community.sportsbubbler.com/forums/...spx?PageIndex=1

"The source said Jennings received a signing bonus of $11.25 million and a base salary for 2009 of $5 million."

So the veteran receives $16.25m upfront and the rookie $3.97m.

That doesnt seem out of line to me.

I understand the rookie has done nothing in the NFL but these high picks are expected to start and make a major impact from day 1.

Thoughts?

I agree for the most part. There is no way a high school senior could move to the NFL. A basketball players body develops much earlier and they do not need to have the muscle mass a football player does.

I think the veterans (and therefore the players union) has an issue with a rookie getting millions of dollars before ever taking a snap. However, that trend will reverse as time moves forward and more rookie classes go through the current system.

The problem I see is the pattern (and subsequent holdouts) of players and where they are selected in "the pecking order". Obviously pick 1 wants to be paid more than pick 2, etc.. The problem occurs when there is an imbalance to this. If a player, agent, or team either over or under pays a player it creates this huge ripple effect not just for the current year, but years to come. The owners and player union need to make this a high priority going forward. An mathematical expression needs to be developed and put into place. Rookie salaries escalate at x% every year and pick 1 makes x% more than pick 2. The % changes, as do the terms and lengths of contracts as we go deeper in the draft. The only people who I think would not like this are the scummy agents who try to milk every last cent in order to get maximum commissions. My apologies to any lawyers out there. I really would not call this a cap, because there is no max. I call it more of a scale.

I have thought way too much for a Saturday morning.

Have a great weekend everyone!