Comments on: Mailbag: Holdout?

By: Patmo

Patmo — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 16:49:09 +0000

A rookie signing CAP and shorter contracts might be the answer . A short term contract would insure an owner against catastrophic losses incurred by bad picks and injuries . It would insure the players against bad contracts and give producers an opportunity to get more,higher paying,multiple contracts. The only people hurt are the agents who wouldn’t make as much on the initial contract. Granted there are holes in this argument from both sides but costs are out of control and are in bad need of discipline.

How this would effect the proven,productive pros would be unclear but would be a topic for negotiation . It’s obvious(to me at least) that proven talent has a shorter shelf life because of cost.

To change the system however would require cooperation from both the union and management. Is that possible ? Yes, but it’s unlikely .Until that time,we see higher ticket prices with minimum wage players substituting for proven talent .

If both sides don’t use some common sense,the NFL will look just like GM in a few years. You can’t keep increasing costs and passing it on to the customer with stagnant product value which translates to wins and losses. Parity has been the lifeblood of the NFL. Because of rising costs,parity is not acceptable to the fan/consumer anymore .For the rising price of a ticket the product has to improve or it offers less value. If the game loses attendance, it loses interest. If it loses interest , TV revenues and product sales will decline . If this happens,the costs(expenses) will rise and revenue will decline . Imo,if changes aren’t made soon,the NFL game is on the threshold of decline .That’s sad because it has become America’s favorite sport .It’s in the hands of the players ,owners ,union and commishioner. I hope they get reasonably cooperative and resolve their issues.

By: JT

JT — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 11:55:22 +0000

yes. i think its only flawed because it keep gettting higher. but I’m for the young guys getting paid. It’s only a handful of guys getting crazy jack

By: Ryan Ford

Ryan Ford — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 11:50:05 +0000

Very good point. It just mind boggles me though… Matthew Stafford gets $41 million in guaranteed money. Sanchez get $28 million up front. I will never blame the players for taking the money, nor the agents for getting them the deals. I just think there is a flaw in the system somewhere. Where exactly that flaw is, I don’t know?

By: JT

JT — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 06:21:49 +0000

True. But its either to the rookies or in the owners pockets. There are teams with $20 million in cap space right now. Think that money is gonna go to veteran players?

By: JT

JT — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 06:20:31 +0000

I think there should be a cap. But I also believe that the teams wouldnt give that money to veteran players either. They would rather give it to young than old

By: Ryan Ford

Ryan Ford — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:30:43 +0000

Here’s my question… When does it come to a point where it stops? Every year players get slotted from the previous year. Every year player agents are out to get more money for their client than the player selected at the same position in the draft the previous year. I completely understand that it’s the agent’s job to get the best deal for his client. But at what point do the owners step up and say..”This is getting out of hand!”… “We can’t keep going down this road?”…
What are your thoughts JT on the rookie salary cap? I like the idea, and I would think that the other veterans around the league would like it as well. Just doesn’t make sense to keep throwing all this money at unproven talent! I’d be interested in your take.

By: JJ

JJ — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:22:01 +0000

If I had to make a bet, I would say Anthony Collins or Scott Kooistra will be the starting RT come week one.

By: Doug

Doug — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:26:08 +0000

It’s a business first, to compound the matter the Browns are not only the negotiators, they are also the owners. The money they can save, is money they keep for all intensive purposes for themselves. Throw in the fact that we may not have a salary cap or floor next year, small market Cincinnati Bengals ownership will likely scratch and claw for their best deal regardless of this season’s impact on the field. I think this could be the one big negative of the early season. The truly sad part is it could torpedo an otherwise promising season if the offensive line isn’t clicking.

By: John

John — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 01:24:37 +0000

JT what do you think about a rookie wage scale?? I agree that players should be paid, but at the same time I have trouble seeing 1st round QB picks getting paid more money before they ever take a snap than a vet QB who just played in the superbowl.

By: Patmo

Patmo — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 01:23:06 +0000

If Smith is going to help this team,he’d better be in camp on time. He has to know the offense cold if he’s going to be productive. Any delay will be a setback. I hope that Andre is doing his classwork like a true pro.