NFL Contracts
Its one thing for Team Presidents
and GM's to be running their mouths about "fulfilling
contracts" and "It doesn't make much sense
for people to enter into deals and then, 'Oh gee, I
really didn't mean it.' That's not how contract law
works. If you make a deal, fulfill it." (Bengals
Pres, Mike Brown) But, it's a completely different thing
when the media and "elite contract players"
like Brett Favre spout off about the contracts of their
fellow players. Do you think Brett's ever had contract
problems? Exactly. He gets his. Well, I've had enough.
Do I think athletes get paid plenty of money? You betcha.
But so do the team owners. And honestly, I'd rather
see Javon Walker get paid than Mike Brown, or Malcom
Glazer. I've been hearing too much Jim Romesque jibber
jabber about players ripping off their teams by "holding
out" or just flat out causing problems. That's
right, players get ripped off too, and that's why they
lobby for new deals after Pro Bowl seasons like Javon
Walker and Mushin Mohammad had. And that's what makes
the NFL such a great league. You'll never see the NFL
paying millions of dollars to players like Vin Baker
(20 million per) or Allen Houston, like the NBA does.
Because if a player grossly underplays their contract
(David Terrell) or if the team just can't afford a players
talents any more (Derrick Mason, Samari Rolle, Mushin
Mohammad) the team just cuts that player, takes a cap
hit, and moves on. This is why players have the right
to demand a new deal be done. It's simple. It's football.
It makes sense. Contracts are made, the player plays
poorly, the player gets cut. Just the same, the player
plays far and above their deal, they deserve more money.
Instead of sitting here and explaining the NFL's contract
ins and outs, I'm going to list 5 NFL player contract
rebuffs, rip-offs, and flat out travesties... From a
players perspective.
1. Mushin Mohammad
- Mushin had his deal redone year after year, making
room for the Panthers to get more important pieces to
complete their playoff puzzle. Finally, this was the
year Mushin was needed the most, and he performed as
one of the best receivers in the game. What is his reward?
He gets cut. Yes, that's right. Mohammad had the best
year of his life, led the team in catches, yards, touchdowns,
and there are no numbers of the intangibles (rout running,
blocking, etc) that Mushin brought every day. From all
the times he reworked his deal, Mushin was finally due
to make a lot of money (12 million roster bonus). The
Panthers said no way, sending Mushin to the free agent
market, and finally the Chicago Bears via free agency.
2. Chad Brown -
Chad is one of the best linebackers in the league, when
he's healthy. Unfortunately, in the NFL health isn't
always an option. Brown had another injury filled year
with the Seahawks in 2004, leaving the Hawks no choice
but to let Brown go. Or was that their only choice?
Say what you will, the Seahawks had a pathetic defense
a year ago, and a huge hunk of that junk was the linebacker
position. A healthy Chad Brown would have plugged a
huge gaping whole for the Seattle defense, but because
of Brown's injuries over the last few years, the Hawks
thought better of it. This is why the players feel they
can rework their deals when they outplay their contracts.
Because when they get injured, which happens to almost
every single guy at least once in their career, they
get the business from their teams.
3. Derrick Mason
has been Steve McNair's go to guy for some time. He's
done nothing but get the job done consistently and completely
for the last few years. Not only does Derrick catch
more balls than anyone else in a Titan uniform (at least
95 the last 2 years), but also he does it with class.
Unfortunately for Mason and the team, the Titans suck.
That means two things… 1- The team has to rebuild
for the future, and 2- Cut as many pieces of salary
cap fodder you can snip. What does that mean for Mason?
No more paychecks from the Titan brass.
4. Troy Brown -
The Patriots are Champions. No one epitomizes that championship
team more than wide receiver, special teamer, defensive
back, athlete extraordinaire Troy Brown. Troy Brown,
who has never bared a bark about his playing time, his
position switching, or his salary was cut by the Super
Bowl Champs. Just a few years ago, Brown led the Patriots
in catches and yards. He's always a top special-teams
performer on punt returns and the whole nine yards.
Last year he was asked, because of holes in the secondary,
to play cornerback. Troy did it without a blink. Brown
is the consummate professional. Brown has also restructured
his contract a handful of times to help the Patriots
become the Dynasty they are today. But even a guy like
Troy can't keep from getting cut when he's finally due
his salary bonus. Brown resigned with the Pats, but
that's because he's Troy Brown, not because the Patriots
paid him what he was due.
5. Shaun Alexander
- Shaun has been the most consistent running back in
the league the past three years. He was a frog's leap
away from leading the entire football league in rushing
last year, and has scored at least a touchdown a game
the past 3 years. Shaun has been promised a long-term
deal for some time, yet until recently the only offer
on the table was the Franchise Tender. The NFL is a
tough league for longevity, and the players and owners
know that. Shaun's a running back, one of the most injury
prone positions in football. He deserves a long-term
deal with guaranteed money. Just a week ago, the Seahawks
made a deal with Shaun that made this the last year
he could get franchised.
Sincerely,
Lucky Lester
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