Eric Berry and the Chiefs are Classic Examples of Everything That is Wrong with Rookie Contracts
by Jon Yoon on Jul 30, 2010 3:45 PM CDT
in 2010 Kansas City Chiefs Season
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You always have to start these kinds of discussions with disclosures. I am a big Eric Berry fan and I am a big fan of the Chiefs getting Berry into camp on time. I love the Eric Berry pick and I understand that the Chiefs paid him ridiculous coin because they had to. But that is exactly the problem.
Rookie salaries in the NFL are completely out of control. It speaks volumes that Tyson Jackson and Jamarcus Russell were listed as two of the top 15 highest paid salaries in the NFL. It speaks even greater volumes that a bust like Jamarcus Russell was listed in the top 10 at all.
But the Chiefs of 2009 and 2010 illustrate an extremely compelling case study for why NFL rookie salaries are stupid, misguided, stupid... did I mention "stupid"? We all know some of the obvious reasons that the rookie salary system is stupid. I'd like to point out some of the less obvious reasons.
The Tyson Jackson Problem:
Let's begin first with Tyson Jackson in 2009. Jackson was drafted in a class that was short on talent. First of all, it's completely ridiculous that rookie salaries aren't weighted based on the strength of the class. Matt Stafford was a legit NFL-ready prospect. Sam Bradford, in many experts' opinions, entered the draft with several more question marks. So why is Bradford likely going to wind up with more money than Stafford? I understand that inflation drives salaries up, but the gap between the two players is no comparison. Or how about this for an example: if we're taking positional value into consideration, how is it that Jake Long is worth as much money as a Quarterback?
Here's the second and more important point. Scott Pioli would never tell you this, but I'm sure behind closed doors he would agree with this statement: Pioli was probably happy with the Tyson Jackson pick because TJ was the guy he thought best fit his system, BUT he knew he reached for him and given a realistic choice, would have traded down to grab him 5-10 picks later. The problem is, the top 5 to top 10 salaries are so out of control that teams picking into the top 5 to 10 are locked into their picks. If the talent at the top of the pool sucks, there is no way that any team would trade into that pick unless the other team lowered their price. By a lot. We saw that last season when the Jets traded all the way into the top 5 and all the Browns got in return was a stick of gum and an old Lebron James Cavs jersey, which has significantly depreciated in value.
And so, the NFL, which has prided itself on parity, has created an unintended consequence. The worst teams in the NFL are being punished for being bad teams. At least in free agency, you have the freedom to negotiate a contract and decide if that player is too expensive for your payroll. A team drafting in the top 5-10 has no choice but to either pay the player they draft, or forfeit the rights to that pick. What if a team doesn't have the cap space to pay that player? What if the team knows they are grossly overpaying the player and simply refuses to pay that far above value?
The Eric Berry Problem:
Again, for the record, I believe Eric Berry was the right pick by a mile. But that doesn't mean I'm happy he got overpaid for it. The other major problem with rookie salaries is that they have no regard for positional value. A Quarterback picked at #1 should get a significantly different contract than a Safety should. Slotting picks based on draft position is beyond stupid.
The unintended consequence is that teams drafting in the top 5-10 will find underachievers at high positional value positions a lot more attractive than overachievers at lower positional value positions. If you're going to pay the guy the moon, you're more likely to want a Quarterback. Why? Because if a QB pans out, you can at least justify paying a lot of money. Eric Berry, on the other hand, will likely be overpaid regardless of his performance. That's not a knock on Berry, but when you're paid more money than Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed, that implies that he needs to be better than those guys. That's probably not going to happen.
On draft day, there's no doubt that this thought crossed Pioli's mind. But it shouldn't. A team should want to draft the player they believe best fits their football team, not the player that they think might fulfill their contract. If rookie slotting had at least some regard for positional value, I wonder if Berry would have gone higher. I do know for certain that the Chiefs wouldn't have even thought twice about drafting him. That card would have been paper airplaned to Roger Goodell the instant the Redskins made their pick.
Why it sucks to be bad
The #1 pick used to be highly coveted. No longer. Sometimes a team will land a great prospect they really want at a price fairly commensurate with their value. I would pay Matt Stafford or Eli Manning top-flight money right out of college.
But lately, a lot of teams are forced to make suboptimal decisions they would never make in a different environment. They are forced to draft players that match the slotted value instead of taking the guy they think is best for their team. They are forced to grossly overpay a player they may not necessarily have wanted. And it's not due to their lack of trying. It's because the system is so broken that teams are actually being punished for having high draft positions. Does that sound a little crooked to you? It should.
It's too bad the Chiefs have to be the team that gets hurt the most from a completely broken system.
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I cant disagree with the storyline
but, I think we can most all agree that Berry is right for the Chiefs.
Winning begins with Attitude - Haley and Pioli will be winners in KC!
I'll forever be a Chiefs fan! Only God himself could take that away from me, but when I get to my great reward, I'll rejoin two bigger fans, my Mom and Dad.
not so much
okung was a better option
by da-truth on Jul 30, 2010 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
chiefs don't need a LT?
very amusing
by da-truth on Jul 30, 2010 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
A backup LT maybe, but you don’t draft a backup LT at #5. We already have a good, young LT, so drafting a LT at #5 would have been ridiculous(TM Brian Waters).
Pure garbage
Branden Albert is far from being a “good” LT. He was totally unsatisfactory last year — to the point where the Chiefs gave up their vertical passing game over the 2nd half of the season — that’s the real reason sacks went down. This is a make or break year for Albert.
da-truth, you are correct. Maybe in 2010 the Chiefs draft a stud LT if Albert fails again this year,
They didn't really give up on the pass
When JC was doing what he was doing your gonna keep going that way.
Not correct
they gave up the “verticle” passing game — meaning they stopped trying to throw the ball more than 20 yards down the field almost exclusively. Also 5 of the last 6 opponents were ranked 26th or worse against the run ( and BTW, they lost 5 of those 6 games ). This does not constitute Albert being a good LT. Maybe he will be in 2010, we’ll see.
Cassel is the reason we have a bad passing game.
He threw under pressure all the time in NE.
God typed "iddqd" before creating Jason Heyward.
I guess you must not have watched week 17.
The first 2 passing plays went for over 20 yards. They did not stop trying to do it, they just used what worked. If your wanting to watch a team that throws the ball deep all the time, i suggest you find another team then, because M.Cassel is a short to medium possession QB. From week 12 on B.Albert allowed no sacks, 2 QB hits, and 9 QB pressures, in my book he catching on.
by CPT.Caveman on Jul 30, 2010 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions
On the contrary I watched all the games
and how hard is it for you and some others to understand that Denver collapsed in that last game and it may not be a good idea to put a whole lot of stock into that game going into this season. Also those 2 pass plays were play-action passes on the first possession. What about when the Chiefs were behind in the other ball games and had pass to try to get back in the game? I had said “almost exclusively” regarding giving up the vertical passing game, in case you did read correctly. Sorry, but Albert still has a lot to prove.
by brdempsey69 on Jul 30, 2010 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Denver got their ass handed to them in that game.
I’m so tired of all the excuses for why we won. They were playing for a play-off spot, and we were playing for nothing. I agree that B.Albert has some learning to do but, i think he will prove you wrong. I’m willing to give him this year to prove it, and then we can go from there. I would take Berry over any LT in this years draft, especially after all the changes to our offense, and the fact that B.Alberts had to more or less start over.
by CPT.Caveman on Jul 30, 2010 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions
That is correct actually
We weren’t a stretch the field kind of team to begin with. They made the switch to zone-blocking and the running game went crazy good. They’re gonna stick with that until someone stops it, which they didn’t. 26th ranked or not they get paid to so it’s not like we just cake-walked all those yards.
I
I agree, your post is pure garbage. Albert dominated the NFL sack leader twice in the SECOND HALF of the season when he played at a very high level. He was a BIG part of Charles having the great half season he had.
But you already lost the argument, as Pioli and Haley already made the decision that Albert was solidly our LT and that the sky’s the limit for him.
No your post is pure garbage
and Albert did not line up across from the NFL’s sack leader for more than 10 snaps in the 2 games combined. You didn’t even watch the games, did you? Your pissing on your own head and telling yourself it’s raining. No argument has been lost, as I’ve stated already this is a make or break year for Albert and you can bet that Pioli/Haley are thinking the same thing.
Pioli and Haley disagreed with you severely, as their words and actions showed. I watched the games, but failed to see much of the NFL’s sack leader. But i did see plenty of our rush backer, as he made their young LT like like a chump, twice.
Pioli and Haley's words
showed they are willing to give Albert a chance to redeem himself this year. Also, you didn’t see much from any opposing teams pass rusher over the 2nd half of the season as Cassel was throwing the ball as soon as it was snapped to him.
Look, I understand if Berry was your personal preference, as far as the Chiefs 1st draft pick in 2010, but please don’t try and tell me that Russell Okung wasn’t a viable option because of Albert. If Berry had been off the board, Okung would have been the pick — and a damn good one.
dempsy? where were you when this argument was harped on vehemently almost daily during the weeks and months before the '10 draft.
2010 Prediction: Chiefs go 10-6 and make playoffs
Twitter: @GiftNate
Nate Gift
by giftedchiefsfan on Jul 30, 2010 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Nope, McClain would have been the pick. LT was not a position they were even looking at.
McClain was actually my 1st choice until about a month before the draft.
Rubbish
Russell Okung was brought in for both a private visit and private workout by the Chiefs and O-Line coach Bill Muir lobbied hard for the Chiefs to draft him.
You mean an O-line coach wants to take a O-lineman in the first round?
That only means he isn’t stupid. If I were a Special teams coach I would lobby for a holder. Goes without saying.
I don't think you understand
Do you think coach Muir would lobby for the Chiefs to take Russell Okung at #5 if he were satisfied with Albert at LT? NO WAY !! Let’s say for example that Joe Thomas ( Browns LT ) had been playing for the Chiefs the last 3 years and had been All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl just like he has with Cleveland — do really believe that coach Muir would lobby for them to take a LT at #5? Nope. Or do you suppose that the Browns O-Line coach lobbied for a LT when it came to the Browns pick at #7? Fat chance.
okung
was the other option. they even stated it right after berry was chosen
Again, show me a link of a Chief Official saying it. Shefter,. and many other national guys who didn’t know better, guaranteed we were taking Okung, while Berry was on the phone being congratulated by Piioli. Their “sources”/speculation on who we were going to pick was wrong from the get go.
ok dude
whatever you say. you know better than schefter. i’m not talking about “other national guys”. i’m talking about schefter. the guy getting paid more than any “other national guys”. i’ll take his word for it. not only because he says so, but because it was the logical pick.
Nope, Pioli made the logical pick, Berry. McClain was the next logical pick. Since we already had a young, #1 pick LT that has proven he can play the position, a LT at #5 would have been completely illogical
Glad you concede that no Chief Official made such a silly statement, and you are relying on heresa, speculation.
lol
i never said okung should be taken to play LT. he could’ve been moved to RT. what ‘s wrong with that? and even if McClain was taken, who says that haley would’ve played him anyways. Let’s not forget that DJ didn’t get too many snaps. And neither did JC before LJ ran his mouth off about haley. You guys should really thank LJ for being such and idiot, otherwise JC would’ve never gotten his opportunity last year
You wanted to take a RT at #5???? That’s crazy, IMO, as you don’t take a RT that high, but if so, then Trent Williams would have been the better pick, as he projects to a RT, which the Redskins might find out, while making him the highest paid OT in the league.
when your line
is horrible, i’d look to improve it before taking a safety
I wanted Okung for LT
And one could make the counter argument that taking a Safety at #5 is just as insane as taking a RT.
We had no need for a LT, and HUGE need for a S. Need at RT was not Huge, more a luxury we could address later if they wanted. RT’s are not a priority pick.
Wrong once again
and who is “we”? Do you have a turd in your back pocket or are you pregnant expecting twins? You are not a member of the Chiefs organization. I never said there wasn’t a need for Safety, but the statement you are making about not needing a LT is bullshit. The Chiefs badly need better play at the LT position than what they got last year. Albert must play much better this year.
by brdempsey69 on Jul 30, 2010 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Give it up, You're Dead wrong
Deal with it. Albert is the LT, Pioli and Haley made that VERY clear. He played much better in the 2nd half of 2009, he played very well in 2008.
Safety was a HUGE need, LT was no need.
The right player was picked by the Chiefs, for their needs, and your guy wasn’t even the 1st LT picked, and was bypassed by a team with a gaping hole at LT, like we had at Safety.
I think we all realize your butt sore from our drafting Berry:P
Trust me we do!
by CPT.Caveman on Jul 30, 2010 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL at both of you
I’m not sore at all about Eric Berry being drafted. Berry is very likable guy. You haven’t seen me post anything about Berry’s contract. I’m simply disputing your moronic observations & idiotic statements that a LT wasn’t a viable option. I was fully aware they could go either way with the #5 pick. If they had drafted Okung, both of you would be saying it was a good pick.
I wouldn't have been happy.
I would have been pissed, if we had picked a LT, because i don’t think we need one. Now when you grow up and leave out the name calling, come back and we’ll debate this some more. IMO picking a LT when we had one in the making would have been stupid, now i might argue we needed a NT or LB more than a Safety, but Berry is pretty hard to beat.
by CPT.Caveman on Jul 31, 2010 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I would have been FURIOUS if they drafted a LT at #5, and made that clear for months before the draft, so you’re wrong yet again.
LOL again at both of you
There’s an old saying “it’s better to remain silent and thought to be a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt”. Both of you just made yourselves look stupid and removed all doubt. Did the thought ever occur to you that if they has taken a Russell Okung that could have moved Albert to one of the Guard positions or RT and therefore the Chiefs would have gotten a 2-fold upgrade to their O-Line with just one pick? Nothing stupid about that at all, the stupidity is all on your side. Russell Okung would have been a great value pick. I’m content with Berry, he’s a likable guy who will help the Chiefs Pass Defense. However, there are questions regarding the Chiefs ability to protect the passer on Offense, stop the run on Defense, and rush the passer on Defense & unfortunately Eric Berry won’t have a great impact in those areas. And to say that you’d be pissed about about taking a LT like Russell Okung to try to upgrade the O-Line and its ability to protect the QB is just plain retarded — no two ways about it.
In case you did not know
Albert was a standout GUARD at Virginia, with very little playing time at Tackle. He’s still a project at LT for the Chiefs and the jury is still out on him.
I knew, but he was projected as an NFL LT, was looked at in the draft as an NFL LT, has spent every play and practice as an NFL LT, and IS an NFL LT. What he did in college is nice, but largely irrelevant.
Tell us why
Okung was being lobbied for by O-Line coach Bill Muir? Do you think he would’ve done that if he were satisfied with Alberts play at LT? NO WAY — and if you think otherwise, you are a fool.
http://www.kcchiefsblog.com/draft/chiefs-coach-wanted-russell-okung
He was doing a completely different blocking scheme and improved as the season went on! Also, What about Matt Cassel sucking even under pressure? He was sacked less times last year with the Chiefs than he was the previous year with the Patriots.
I blame Cassel for our lack of a passing game, not Albert. Receivers played lower than their career averages for catch rates with Cassel throwing the ball.
God typed "iddqd" before creating Jason Heyward.
Also, We were ridiculous when we ran behind Albert
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol
Number one in the league for YPC behind the LT. This kind of stuff makes me wish we had the chance to put Albert at guard… but his improvement over the season also makes me think he can be a great LT.
God typed "iddqd" before creating Jason Heyward.
You can make whatever excuses you want
but the fact is Albert played way below what was expected of him. The different blocking scheme is no excuse. Did not Joe Thomas of Cleveland and Jake Long of Miami have to adjust to new blocking schemes as rookies in 2007 and 2008 respectively? Why yes, they did and each of those guys made the Pro Bowl in their rookie seasons.
I do agree, they should put him at Guard.
Only in the 1st half of the season. In the second half, he more than lived up to what was expected of him. He’s an NFL LT that has proven he can play the position well. As brain waters said, it would be ridiculous to move him anywhere, as a good LT is worth his weight in gold.
He didn't do all that much better in the 2nd half
and I don’t care what Brian Waters says as it doesn’t change anything. The fact is Albert needs to step it up and play much better in 2010 than he did in ALL of 2009.
If he plays the way he played in the SECOND half of 2009, he’ll get serious pro bowl consideration, assuming our team as a whole improves enough to get some pub, as the pro bowl is strictly a pub selection.
By saying he didn’t play much better in the 2nd half, you are just ignoring the FACTS.
Wrong again
I’m not ignoring any facts — I watched the games — all of them — and more than once. He got called for penalties and gave up a lot of pressures in the 2nd half of the season. He ain’t making any Pro Bowls if he plays like that in 2010. He’ll end up getting moved to Left Guard.
Maybe Albert's better suited in the zone-blocking scheme
You can’t sit there and say he didn’t play better after they made that switch the 2nd half of the season, if you are then you just have blind hate towards this man somehow or have some crazy Joe Thomas/Jake Long standards for him. Okung/Williams ain’t making any Pro-Bowls either anytime soon so that arguement is also ridiculous.
On the contrary I can say the 2nd half
wasn’t any better than the 1st and it isn’t blind hatred, I’m simply calling it like I see it. And why shouldn’t anybody want Jake Long/Joe Thomas standards for the starting LT? Those guys are the best and LT is the 2nd most critical position on a football team with QB being first. And I’ll bet Okung — barring injury — does make it to the Pro Bowl in the near future. Albert could be a Pro Bowl Guard, as he was a standout Guard at Virginia, but the Chiefs won’t allow it by persisting on playing him out of position at LT and in reality have not given him that same chance to be successful in the NFL like he was at Virginia ( and do take note of how the Raiders salvaged Robert Gallery’s career by moving him from LT to Guard because things weren’t working for him at LT ). Now you tell me, are Chiefs doing right by him in that regard? It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Albert bolts the Chiefs after his contract is up and becomes a Pro Bowl Guard for some other team — and I don’t blame him if does.
BTW, the running game going crazy in the 2nd half of the season had nothing to do with a change in the blocking scheme. It had to do with Larry Johnson getting sent packing & Jamaal Charles getting to carry the football extensively and Charles’ elite running skills.
That's bullshit
Larry went packing before the switch was made man are you kidding me look at the Jax game and a couple ones after that wasn’t zone-blocking, quit spitting bullshit just because it sounds nice to you. And just because your fast doesn’t mean shit. You still have to have blocking to be the 2nd leading rusher the 2nd half of the season regarless who your playing. If Albert thought he was playing out of position, he would’ve said something. Maybe his strength is the left side, not just guard. And he’s more athletic which would actually make him good on the end to deal w the speed rushers now in the league. And no, the Raiders did not salvage Gallery because they still haven’t gotten vaule for drafting him 2nd overall. Jake Long and Joe Thomas were top3-5 picks man, Albert was what between 15-20? A little different in what your asking out of a draftee.
Sounds Like
Someone has a man crush on Okung
Old guys rule...yeah you might have youth and talent on your side...but I have time and treachery...
But Okung wouldn't have been worth that contract either.
No one is.
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Jul 30, 2010 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Correct myself.
Peyton Manning is. No rookie is.
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Jul 30, 2010 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I totally agree.
A rookie payscale has to be put into effect. The fact that these guys are getting paid more than future Hall of Famers before they even step on the field is ridiculous.
Berry was the right pick for us, and I believe he will live up to his contract, but still. It’s insane.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 30, 2010 3:49 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
perfect timing on this post as well Mr. Yoon
we are about to start seeing mega deals in the next few days, and this is a very good discussion topic, que HIV in 3,2,1……..
This is our year.
Agreed
And nice job. rec’d
Predictions:
1) Fans will feel just scads better from mid-to-end of the 2010 season.
2) During the 2021 season, Ryan Succop will become the Chiefs’ all-time leading scorer with 1469 points.
This argument of yours:
That’s not a knock on Berry, but when you’re paid more money than Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed, that implies that he needs to be better than those guys. That’s probably not going to happen.
That’s the case with ALL of these top picks, regardless of positional value. Last year Stafford got paid more than McNabb, Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers and Drew Brees. It doesn’t matter what position you’re picking, their getting grossly over paid.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 30, 2010 3:53 PM CDT reply actions
Gah! I can't believe I just their-ed when I should have they're-ed.
I am ashamed. I’m off to commit seppuku.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 30, 2010 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Please don't commit sideways.
I there-ed instead of their-ed in my last FanPost. And that is one of my pet peeves.
"The Hammer"
Yeah...
I guess were all human.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 30, 2010 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions
All of us except Eric Berry.
Boom. Crunch Berrys.
Word.
by BigRedChief on Jul 30, 2010 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Go, Crunch Berrys! And by the way,
it should be we’re all human…….heheheheheheh………..;>}
"The Hammer"
Would you believe I did that on purpose? LOL.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 30, 2010 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh...so,
You were actually using Arrowhead-bonics?
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Jul 30, 2010 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Damn :)
that is what 3 recs today!
Ninja Ass
by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 30, 2010 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Yup, I think you
just wanted to see if I would bite so you could give me the Grammar Nazi badge!
"The Hammer"
I'm perfect... your human.
I've been rapping for about seveteen years okay? I don't write my stuff anymore I just kick it from my head you know what I'm sayin? I can do that. No disrespect but that's how I am.
Standardized rookie contracts
By all means have them on a sliding scale based on draft position but set by the NFL. 1 year term, no bonuses except the option for a proper contract after the end of the first season.
Blame my wife!
Waiting until August 2010
It sucks but sadly, we can't do a damned thing about it...
Let’s just be happy we got Berry and move on.
Jamaal Charles...Enough said.
JaMarcus Russell is the
classic example of why a rookie payscale needs to be implemented. The Raiders stuck with JaMarcus trying to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear long after they should have simply because of the amount of money they had paid him.
"The Hammer"
i say leave them alone i mean if it was me
it would be like winning the lotto i wouldnt mind, i bet none of you would either, if i was Russel i would say to the raiders screw you im not giving anything back a contract is a contract, how many rookies that have sorry contracts that produce get screwed over by the owners i say keep the same if you change it the owners win and it makes it a sure thing and nothing in life is sure roll the dice owners with the big bucks life is not fair get a taste of the medicine we the regular joe take everyday without risk there is no reward.
by chiefslegend58 on Jul 30, 2010 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions
If somone else says,
Berry is the right pick, I might shoot myself…. Its like saying the Grass is green. I think we all know he was the right pick. But in an perfect world was he paid too much? YES!!!! Do you pay for future value? Yes. You pay for future pot. value regardless if it pans out. Id like to think if Berry pans out to have the hype, how much money he is going to rack up for the Chiefs. Period
Eric Berry once won a game of Connect Four in 3 moves.
SC: And you probably don't mind all of those Ed Reed comparisons you get?
EB: (Laughs) No, not at all
So Pot Futures?
only in California
Ninja Ass
by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 30, 2010 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions
my thought, NEVER pick in the first round
What if you didn’t pick in the first round….ever, just drafted 2 through 7 and then picked up veterans and high priced free agents with the money you saved. Maybe I’m oversimplifying things here but this has always been something I’ve been curious about and it kind of seems like what the Patriots have historically done only to the extreme.
Am I way off base here? What happens if you never make your selection in the first round, can you make it in the second?
by rdub on Jul 30, 2010 3:59 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
The omnipresent "Patriot Way"
It takes alot of vigilance, and balls, to run a team like that. I’ll give the Kraft family that.
Not necessarily a bad idea
but how many times in league history have we seen a QB of Brady’s ability picked in the 6th round?
This space for rent.
Excellent idea
better yet always pick in the 26-32 pick range
Ninja Ass
by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 30, 2010 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions
while I completely agree and in almost all cases, never side with an athlete in issues of money
I must play devil’s advocate. You did not even mention the other side….
At least in free agency, you have the freedom to negotiate a contract and decide if that player is too expensive for your payroll. A team drafting in the top 5-10 has no choice but to either pay the player they draft, or forfeit the rights to that pick. What if a team doesn’t have the cap space to pay that player? What if the team knows they are grossly overpaying the player and simply refuses to pay that far above value?
Also with Free Agency, a player gets to pick his team. He isn’t stuck being selected by the Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions of the world. The player gets to choose his destination.
And that Has something to do with it, or at least it is part of what caused all this mess.
Honestly, I really don’t care about the “poor” players, but had to mention part of the cause to the problem.
I’m totally in favor of a rookie slotting system. However, it be kind of fair to rookies, perhaps there should be some kind of financial addition based on previous season’s record. this would make up for part of this. other than that, what is there to entice anybody to show up to play—for the Lions or Raiders or insert other disgusting teams—but lots of money??
" It was great for me to get out of that city, because it was just a lot of jealousy, envy and hate that came with being a part of that city."
- LJ, after taking denial lessons from our current President
Nice points, Stevie_k.
We’re taking the BEST that college ball has to offer and throwing them to the wolves, in many cases. Look at all the Heisman winners who went from good/great college teams to cellar-dwellers in the NFL, only to have injury-shortened careers by O-Lines that NEVER got ’em to the 2nd level. People call ’em BUSTS, but in a lot of those cases, I think you can point to crappy teams that put those talented players in no-win situations.
That being said, it IS pretty clear that rookie salaries are pretty redonkulous. One hopes the new CBA will address this issue, and take into account the point that you’re making.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
redonkulous:
cf. any move made by a donkey. particularly the head coach of the donkies, ie Josh McDaniels.
Example:
Josh traded away Jay Culter and Brandon Marshall. Now he has Tim Tebow and Kyle Orton and no receivers. This move was redonkulous
" It was great for me to get out of that city, because it was just a lot of jealousy, envy and hate that came with being a part of that city."
- LJ, after taking denial lessons from our current President
by chief Stevie_k on Jul 30, 2010 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not sure of the exact rule...
….but I think once a team’s time “on the clock” has elapsed the next team in line may turn in their card, and the orignal team can make a selection at any point after that.
i'm pretty sure in said scenarios
the player ended up holding out for the money he thought he deserved at the team’s initial draft slot.
Kind of similar to the Eli Manning trade to NY. Eli and Philip Rivers were essentially traded for each other, but both ended up getting #1 pick money.
" It was great for me to get out of that city, because it was just a lot of jealousy, envy and hate that came with being a part of that city."
- LJ, after taking denial lessons from our current President
by chief Stevie_k on Jul 30, 2010 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions
true..
that…..
but it would be a bold move by a team. Just wait to pick.
if players can hold out, why not?
absolutely refuse to pick at your spot. yes, technically you’d still be that pick, but in reality X number of teams picked a guy ahead of you. would definitely be an interesting fight.
" It was great for me to get out of that city, because it was just a lot of jealousy, envy and hate that came with being a part of that city."
- LJ, after taking denial lessons from our current President
by chief Stevie_k on Jul 30, 2010 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Could not disagree more...
The average NFL career is shorter than rookie contracts. Following their 3 or 4 year exploitation top players deserve top money
by HIV 2 Elway on Jul 30, 2010 4:05 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Nobody deserves to be compensated for work that they may or may not do.
Left Tackle is Brandon Albert's natural position.
Also
Too bad if they have to go join the work force for 30 or 40 years like the rest of us.
Left Tackle is Brandon Albert's natural position.
Typical hater response
“they make more than me, it’s not fair”
by HIV 2 Elway on Jul 30, 2010 4:10 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Try building a house without paying a contractor a percentage upfront
Besides, these kids have done dome of the work. The 3 years of NCAA are part of the game and make plenty of people lots of money. People have already made money off their efforts. I bet the Chiefs sold Berry jerseys before paying him a dime
by HIV 2 Elway on Jul 30, 2010 4:10 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
A contractor has to buy materials to build, that is why he wants money up front.
How many employers do you know that hand you your first years salary on your first day of work.
Left Tackle is Brandon Albert's natural position.
He won't get game checks until he plays a game
He’ll get a signing bonus now. Many regular employees sign multitear garaunteed contracts
by HIV 2 Elway on Jul 30, 2010 4:53 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
This is a bogus statement
I know I negotiated my salary and received my signing bonus before doing a second of work
by HIV 2 Elway on Jul 30, 2010 4:52 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
But did you receive a signing bonus and contract making you the highest paid widget maker in history
On your first day out of College?
Training camp is starting? Time to rack up enough brownie points with the wife to last the whole season. Roses: check. Cavasia: check. Gimp Ball: check.
by mushin on Jul 30, 2010 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's a good point....
Nobody bitches about the money when a top pick pans out. It’s not neccessarily the players fault that the organization thought he was going to be great…. and he wasn’t.
Now the amount of guarenteed money might be getting a little carried away.
Word.
It is partially the player's fault...
…if he isn’t great.
If everyone worked as hard as me, I would be out of a job.
-Steve Nash
I know but if he was a good player who everyone thought was a great player then it really isn't his fault.
Like Robert Gallery, he wasn’t the “next great LT” but he has turned into a decent player on the offensive line.
Word.
by BigRedChief
It makes sense to have some performance incentives, but again, the guaranteed money is something for the rookie to hold on to, even if he goes to a crappy team that, in the case of a RB/QB, can’t block worth a damn.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
Re: Risk/Reward
There’s always risk/reward. You’re buying an unknown product.
The issue is when unknown players are paid more than not only an average player, but the elite players. The expectation is that Matt Stafford HAS to be better than Tom Brady because that’s how he’s being paid. Even if Stafford ends up being a very good QB, he’ll still be grossly overpaid.
If I’m buying a stock that has a lot of risk, you can bet I’ll pay a lower price to account for that risk. Not so in the NFL. Amazingly, the higher risk players are being paid a lot more than proven commodities.
It's relative....
Who was better coming out of school?
by HIV 2 Elway on Jul 30, 2010 4:55 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
by HIV 2 Elway: But these aren't average rookies we're talking about.
You make a good point, but those 1st-rounders are selected for a higher probability of lasting longer in the NFL, and before you throw around numbers showing that their careers ain’t all that long, as a group, keep in mind that the top guys are going to the weakest teams AND their salaries are limiting what their respective teams can do to give ’em help on the field of play.
I think it’s pretty obvious to most of us that something’s clearly out of whack.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
As I posted below, the top ten teams haven’t been hurt by an inability to spend because of these contracts.
If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen
For the most part
Once you get out of the first round the contracts are pretty fair for both sides. Going what he has displayed during OTAs McCluster would probably earn the 6 mil in his contract. It’s still a little pricey and it would be better to have a one year “trial” contract, but overall the contract is reasonable.
The issue comes from the top 10 to 15 picks. Particularly for the top five players they usually end up becoming the top paid player in their position or near so. It doesn’t male sense that rookies get paid more than established veterans.
I agree with you HIV that college athletes can be (and are) exploited. But arguing that top 15 picks need 30+ mil contracts is not the way to go about fixing the system. It’s not even close.
Check out my blog on software development:
http://www.turnleafdesign.com/
by Scaryclouds on Jul 30, 2010 4:56 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm saying nothing is broken....
The tops of each draft class are taken there because they project to be a top player in the league and should be paid according
by HIV 2 Elway on Jul 30, 2010 4:59 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Clearly the system is broken...
When Jamarcus Russell gets a $60M contract. I agree with the concept of prospect and risk/reward, but the system is too unbalanced to the risk side.
In every capitol economy, you get paid according to your production. Now, their will always be a premium for prospect, but in the NFL the premium is insanely high. This wouldn’t be a problem if the entities (sports franchises) were entirely private, but the fact is the public has a stake in the franchise.
I've been rapping for about seveteen years okay? I don't write my stuff anymore I just kick it from my head you know what I'm sayin? I can do that. No disrespect but that's how I am.
So far as I know
that’s only true for Green Bay. All the other franchises are completely owned either by an individual or a small group of investors.
I won’t touch the arguement about taxpayer funded stadiums, but I don’t think even that gets you to a public stake in the teams or league.
This space for rent.
Look, if any infrastructure that is used by the team
is owned or partially owned by the citizens then we most certainly have an investment and therefore a stake. Not only that, but local economic viability is strongly tied to the team’s success. Our stake rightfully demands more equity. Equity which is impossible to attain under the current structure thanks to outrageous costs associated, in part, with player salaries.
I've been rapping for about seveteen years okay? I don't write my stuff anymore I just kick it from my head you know what I'm sayin? I can do that. No disrespect but that's how I am.
College Exploitation
HIV,
I don’t disagree with you for the majority of college athletes, but what about the fact that the top tier of athletes (i.e. first round draft picks in the NFL)? In almost every case, they DID get paid to play in college. It was just under the table and unreported.
by MissionJayhawk on Jul 30, 2010 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions
If you ain't cheatin you ain't tryin
by HIV 2 Elway on Jul 30, 2010 5:02 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Actually
One of my friend’s dad is a professor of physical ed and recreation at a big, midwest college. He starts off one of his lectures saying that the current system is a farce and they should just pay the student athletes aboveboard and get it over with. It usually sets off a helluva debate. The athletes that are getting paid don’t want to pay taxes on the money.
by MissionJayhawk on Jul 30, 2010 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions
i say let tham get paid why should the fat pig with the cash keep on getting filling
up thier bank accounts their so full their bank is about to throw up! let the men who are putting in the work get a little piece of the pie…. big men always taking advantage of the men in the trenches you bastards.
by chiefslegend58 on Jul 30, 2010 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions
The average NFL career is shorter than rookie contracts.
That is exactly why they should NOT be paid as if they were owed for 10 years worth of work.
Predictions:
1) Fans will feel just scads better from mid-to-end of the 2010 season.
2) During the 2021 season, Ryan Succop will become the Chiefs’ all-time leading scorer with 1469 points.
The current system certainly creates a disincentive
for a team to purposely tank at the end of the season to improve draft position.
Left Tackle is Brandon Albert's natural position.
100% wrong
The disincentive is the cost of signing a top pick. Put a rookie cap in place, make top picks cheaper, and then you’ll create an incentive to tank
by HIV 2 Elway on Jul 30, 2010 5:01 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I think that is what he was saying?
Predictions:
1) Fans will feel just scads better from mid-to-end of the 2010 season.
2) During the 2021 season, Ryan Succop will become the Chiefs’ all-time leading scorer with 1469 points.
100% Agree with you.
Came in to say this very same thing.
If you don’t want to HAVE to pay a player who may or may not pan out Jamarcus-The-Hutt kindda money….WIN some trucking games!!!
I would much rather have to pay our top 5 pick (Mr Berry) crazy money then see teams starting to tank thier season so they can get a ‘top’ pick in the draft the next season.
The only thing I could think of is a capped rookie salary in the area of 4-5 mil a year max and you can make up for the low cap pay with highly priced incentives. Such as stats, games started, and other met expectations, all of which are agreed on in terms of individually annual performance and total contract performance. The higher your picked in the draft allows for more incentives to be attached to the contract. So in order to get the max money, performance is rewarded and if the guy is a bust he doesn’t make as much.
While this would take longer to come to an agreement on maybe they can push the draft a week or two earlier into the year to allow negotiations to be done before training camp.
Regardless this process will call for a revamp of how the NFL works as a whole. Glad it’s not my job to figure out all the complexities.
Or they could go military style and say this pick earns this much flat out no negotiations no agent needed. HA! In a dream world.
I disagree with this conclusion
That’s not a knock on Berry, but when you’re paid more money than Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed, that implies that he needs to be better than those guys. That’s probably not going to happen.
Now I do think it sucks that he gets #5 money regardless of position, but I doubt Pioli and Haley would have picked Berry if they didn’t think there was a reasonable chance he’d be a Polamalu/Reed type talent.
Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl
Cannot Disagree...
it chaps my ass more than anything what rookies get paid. Sure, they worked and played their asses off in college, but it was required to be noticed by the scouts of the NFL. Nobody, I don’t care how much you make, deserves to be paid more than anybody else currently playing in the NFL. I cannot stand the fact that players and agents drive the prices up for players who have never taken a snap in the NFL. I feel all rookies should get one-year deals at a maximum of $500k. You perform like a champ, the deal is re-structured in year two. Y’all can borrow these quotes of mine, but here are two I feel strongly about…
“Learn before you earn!”
“Play for your pay!”
2010 Chiefs are on the rise. This is the most excited I've been since 'Nam...
It is what it is.
10 + wins in 2010. Chiefs SHOCK the NFL!!! Mark it down.
That’s my view.
If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen
I couldn't agree more
The first thing that went through my mind once the contract was announced was just how much pressure this young kid is going to be under. He is being paid as an elite safety and will have to produce at the elite level or be labeled a bust. As unfair as that sounds, it takes a special individual to not “crack” under taht kind of public pressure.
]
If chiefs don't win at least 7 games this year, I will be the new Mel Gibson!
by cwade2489 on Jul 30, 2010 4:12 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
I have nothing to add as this was a well thought out and intriguing comment.
Word.
by BigRedChief on Jul 30, 2010 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes, this should become its own FanPost
Predictions:
1) Fans will feel just scads better from mid-to-end of the 2010 season.
2) During the 2021 season, Ryan Succop will become the Chiefs’ all-time leading scorer with 1469 points.
A team drafting in the top 5-10 has no choice but to either pay the player they draft, or forfeit the rights to that pick. What if a team doesn’t have the cap space to pay that player?
That seems logical enough. Unfortunately, the teams that have been drafting in those positions lately also are near the bottom in payroll ranking:
Rams — 24th
Lions - 22nd 31st
Bucs -
Redskins — 21st
Chiefs - 32nd 30th
Seahawks -
Browns — 27th
Raiders -14th 15th
Bills —11th
Jaguars -
No team picking the top ten this year was within the top 1/3 in payroll ranking in 2009. In fact, the top seven picks were in the bottom 1/3 of payroll. It looks like these teams have plenty of cap room.
If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen
personally I hate the rookie pay currently like most...but we have eric berry, lets be happy for the season/berry...we will have PLENTY of time to focus on lockout stuff
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Team Colquitt
Agents:
I believe that agents are highly at blame here. Everyone has seen the rookie contracts expand through this decade and agents are no different. They see Pick X in Draft Y got paid N. Therefore, next year that same pick is worth N+1 to any agency that can land the player because the perceived value, in dollars, of that pick has been set and maintained over time. The agent can always tell the player “You will get that N+1 if you sign with me and we play hardball because no team wants to lose their high draft pick over a contract dispute.” And it is widely true. Just look at Michael Crabtree and Jamarcus Russell.
Agents have no vested interest in the long-term performance of a team. All they see is how much profit they know is theirs, or stand to lose if they don’t get to N. Rookie salaries will continue to rise as long as set proft structures turn draft picks into quantifiably valuable commodities. Their business sense tells them as much, and they themselves would suffer if they acted contrary to their own interest.
It hurts the league because as has been pointed out, bad teams are compelled to make bad decisions year after year.
Either The Chiefs are Cheap, or The Chiefs overpay
Tough crowd, LOL
System needs to be fixed, but until it is, Chiefs are just a victim, and they have to play the game like everyone else. At least the Chiefs are cheap crowd has to shut their mouth for awhile.
A solution.
Year one, a rookie can not have an agent, and they get slotted.
One year contract. The last person in the draft gets rookie min +1%, each draft slot higher gets 1% more then the guy lower then them. Suppliemental draft slots are not counted and get = to the guy below them that is in the ‘standard’ order. The percentage can be fanagled with but i think 1% per slot is fair. After all these guys have done nothing yet.
Year two they pick up an agent and negotiate a contract. Team retains your rights as if you were just drafted that year in the current system. ie you sign with your team or you re-enter the draft. This allows one year for teams to evaluate players and players to prove they are worth the money
There would need to be some details worked out like, teams could give a portion of that contract up front to help with moving, cost of camps OTs ect..
Simple and effective… probably why it won’t happen.
As for collage, all it is an extended interview. To give yourself a better chance at a job you can hire someone to help put your resume together, coach you on what to say. In other words polish you and make you as presentable and desirable to an employer. That is what collage players are doing. Nothing more, nothing less. Their prospective employers owe them NOTHING because they ‘hired’ the best ‘polishing’ team, ie the collage, they could find.
Just some thoughts /shrug :)
Dester
Nice post Jon
This is my single biggest gripe with the NFL. Look at the Chiefs, three consecutive top-5 picks. That’s an insane amount of money wrapped up into 3 unproven players. Why? Because we suck. It makes it that much tougher to fill the holes on a porous roster. I hope all three guys prove to be worth the price of admission. I’d be curious to know what percent of the overall player payroll the Chiefs are paying Dorsey, Jackson and Berry. I bet it’s enough to cause a collective lump in Chiefs nation’s throat.
Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!
The Chiefs have plenty of money to spend to fill that porous roster, they just haven’t done it.
If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen
No shit
You missed the point though. =P
Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!
Just thinking off the top of my head
What if they did a sliding scale based off where you were drafted and what position you play. So you would look at all the current salaries at each position and rank them highest to lowest contract. Let’s say a player taken in the top 10 picks would get a 3 year deal at the average contract of numbers 5-10 at their position. picks 11-20 could be the average of 7-12 at their position, picks 21-30 based off numbers 10-15, etc.
This would do a couple things, it would make sure no rookie was ever paid more then the top 5 players at their position. It would also relieve the negative stigma of picking in the top 5. A QB taken first overall would make the same as a QB taken at 8. A team could also pick any position they wanted without over paying for that position. So if St. Louis had wanted to take Berry first overall they wouldn’t have to worry about paying him money based off last year’s #1 at another position, he would be paid based off the current salaries at his position. The first round picks would still make good money those first three years and would be set up to make the big bucks (if they earn it) right when they are coming into their prime.
Just an idea that came to me.
"There is no charge for awesomeness" - Kung Fu Panda
by KCporkchop on Jul 30, 2010 4:43 PM CDT reply actions 5 recs
It's not a completely ironed out idea.
But it’s a darn good place to start.
Rec’d
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Jul 30, 2010 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Problem solved.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 30, 2010 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Where else in the world
are owners and GMs salivating over new talent as much as you have in the NFL? These college kids are in a unique position to bargain their value because they’re coming into the NFL with a rock solid fan base and their raw talent is generally better and better every year. Everyone has a right to negotiate their salary and any potential bonuses.
The solution to all of this garbage for us is wining
There is way more value to be had in the last half of the first round. If you win you get the privilege of picking in the bottom half of the round…. and than you trade that pick and any players (UFAs) you’re going to owe a lot of money to with big contracts in order to stockpile 2nd round picks…. the “patriot way” as it were.
OU SUCKS!!!!!!
Here's when you know that you're getting a good faith offer...
The overall compensation to Rookies, Vets, & Retirees doesn’t change. You want to reallocate? Fine, but the rooks will and should still get a disproportionate share. The top of the class is way outta line and they need to move some of that money down to rounds 2-7 with the remainder, IMHO, to the retirees on a scale determined by years of service and most need.
Think about this...
Rams took Bradford and will break the bank to pay him this year. They will struggle mightily and probably have the number 1 pick again next year. The new CBA may include a rookie cap for next year. Therefore, they might have been able to get a better QB next season for 1/2 the price.
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
I think the most ridiculous part
of these rookie contracts, and all contracts for that matter, is the guaranteed $. Why should any of these players be guaranteed anything
Career ending injuries
If the contract doesn’t have locked-in money, the team terminates the existing contract and the player get’s his pittance out of the injury fund.
The way teams throw out contracts should probably also be looked at in the new CBA.
This space for rent.
One issue with the post...
but when you’re paid more money than Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed, that implies that he needs to be better than those guys. That’s probably not going to happen.
Bullshit. Berry is the product if Polamalu and Reed had a child together. He will be better than those two. He will even be better than Ronny Lott.
I think
the NFL needs to adobt a system similar to the NBA’s rookie payscale.
The NBA has a payscale that says how much each pick selected gets paid, based on the number of years in the contract, which is generally 2 years with the option of going up to 5, with predetermined increases in each season. For instance, Derrick Rose was signed to a 2 year contract with team options in the 3rd and 4th years. After those 2 years, they can either choose to extend the contract and pay him based on the predetermined increase, or they can choose to let him get to free agency where they can offer a long term contract, but face the danger of the player wanting to go to another team.
I think there should be a system similar to this. The higher youre drafted the more money/years you get, but not a ridiculously high amount of money like what is being done now.
so much for all the talk bout hunt family being cheap
lets hope this guy is the savior. chiefs didnt really have much choice until there is a rookie salary cap owners r gona have to keep dishing out the dough. plus we had to get this guy in camp. lets pray for a quick turnaround this season! go chiefs!
This shit has to end!
I am very happy Berry is going to be in camp, but damn pissed about the contract he got, and if I ever hear another high draft pick say he “has to feed his family” I will vomit! I very much side with the owners on the rookie contracts. So, what do we have now? Two of the highest paid athletes in the country. One has never played a down, and the other has yet to prove he was worth the contract he was rewarded. Is this fair to the guys who have busted their balls for 6 or 7 years in the league? Well, I haven’t heard if Bradford has signed, but he will be the highest paid player in the NFL. There is little doubt about that. So what if Bradford, or Berry, are the next Jamarcus Russell? I am, at least more confident that Bradford has higher bust potential than Berry, but you never know. Now we are hearing about how Henderson is being picked on by Shannahan, and being made to pass a physical test, he can never pass. Well that poor little shitbag! Maybe he shouldn’t have taken the 21 million, and then decide he didn’t need to be involved in off-season workouts or OTA’s. I am totally behind Shannahan. If, or when, he passes the test, he is also going to be a 2nd stringer. Now, even the Player’s Union is starting to scream foul! But then, he does “have to feed his family”!
There once was a man from Nantucket......Nevermind.
Hmmmmm....well, lets see. Thank goodness for some teams the $$$ wasn't as high as their pick. Had they been drafted the last few years (and some have)...there would be huge losses
Rogers actually had to give part of his signing bonus back
- pick in 2007…traded for a 5th round pick…ouch
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
There's more but these were on the top of my head from the last decade
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
Haynseworth, not Henderson!
Woops! I was a little irate, and posted the wrong name.
There once was a man from Nantucket......Nevermind.
I agree with the point that its crazy but, its the current system and no matter who the pick was our headline today (or day they signed) would be ??? and the chiefs are classic examples of everything that is wrong with rookie contacts. We can debate who the right pick would have been frankly I think it was Eric Berry or trade down no one else I liked that much at 5. Now you need a partner for the other option which i understand. I just think Berry presented the biggest upgrade in talent over the player who was playing last year that the given pos.
Jon, wrecked and 100% agreed, +14 billion as well
rookie contracts are insane, at least those in the upper echelon … these guys MIGHT be great, but then too, how many have gotten millions and been a complete bust (JaMarcus Russell ring a bell?)
sure, I can see the “slotting” thing .. the higher you’re picked the more you make … to a point, but 30 million guaranteed or whatever is insane … totally insane … the guy now makes more money than … well, let’s put it this way: today I applied for a low payiong teaching job, very small school in an even smaller town in nowhereville … the entire yearly budget for this school with like 30-40 kids is … 80 grand, yup … that’s it … some teacher (me, perhaps) will be teaching 15 kids, grades 4-8, multiple subjects, for 20k … football is THIS important to life? I don’t THINK so …
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Whitlock Rocks!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
The idea is that if your team is bad you get a high pick who should be a player so good he will turn your franchise around.
This fails when teams select poorly and are still bad and then pick high again.
The Lions are a classic example.
If a team fails to pick an impact player who turns the losses into wins, they are drafting wrong.
A good example of how to draft right was the Colts.
They selected Faulk, Manning, and James and never have had to draft high again.
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
I can't help but wonder
if the Chiefs are following that same path as the Lions did under Matt Millen. Time will tell.
by brdempsey69 on Jul 30, 2010 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Wrong Yet again
I didn’t see us draft a WR with a top 10 3 years in a row. Or do something really dumb like drafting a LT #1, 2 years after taking a LT #1.
Oh really
with 10 wins in the last 3 years and I didn’t say anything about what positions were drafted. Who is “us”, do you have a turd in your back pocket?. You sure do like to piss on your own head and tell yourself it’s raining. A form a cheap thrills it sounds like.
Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald were both no. 3 overall picks, and they made an impact. The Lions WR picks didn’t, although Calvin is good and they got good trade value for Roy E.
A top 5 pick does not have to be any certain position, but he better be a dynamite player or the team is stuck with a big salary and a poor player.
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
That would be Pacman Joones
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
Overpaid rookies who cares unless you an NFL vet
Bottom line I really could careless. I feel sorry for the vets like Marshall and guys like Chris Johnson. Who actually prove themselves but have to go through hell and high water to get a new contract and their young proven guys. But that’s the NFL if a bunch of billionare owners won’t to keep throwing their money at these young guys so be it. Hopefully it will change for the sake of the guys that are proven that’s already in the league. But for some reason i doubt it.
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