Goodell: Rookie salary structure is ‘wasting money’

[Monk]

There is also a video if you follow the link:
http://blogs.nfl.com/2010/04/25/goodell-rookie-salary-structure-is-wasting-money/

With the 75th annual draft in the books, there are going to be a lot of very wealthy rookies out there, some of whom will garner considerably larger contracts than their veteran teammates.

The question is, will this be the last season that we see rookies command such large salaries? The new CBA, whenever it is established, is likely to have a structure to regulate rookie salaries, which up to now have continued to grow without any sort of ceiling.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke about this issue Saturday and had some pretty strong words on the matter.

“I love Sam Bradford, and I hope he’s great, but he probably made somewhere between $40 and $45 million the night before last,” said Goodell, speaking to a group of select fans who won a random lottery to ask the commissioner questions. “He has not even hit the field yet and that’s a guaranteed contract. So if Sam Bradford can’t play, what good does that do any other NFL player? As much as I like these young rookies, and I do think they’re terrific, it’s crazy to give someone who hasn’t proven themselves on the NFL field $45 million.

“I think over these three days, we will give $600 million in guaranteed money to these rookies that you’re hearing their names. $600 million. And if let’s just say half of them don’t make it and the money is equivalent to this, that’s $300 million out the door. It doesn’t go to veterans, it doesn’t go to owners. It goes to somebody who couldn’t play the game. That’s wasting money.”

This supports my thoughts in a debate that a few of us had early in the draft day thread (if memory serves).

Like to hear everyones thoughts.

 

[SSFC Hitman]

It's an absolute farce IMO. I know some of these rookies do bring in some $$$ just based on college name alone but they don't deserve it.

 

[Jono078]

Yeah I posted a link to the video of that in the draft thread. It's f**king insane to think 300 mill could be wasted, heck even more if the majority of the first rounders who are on that 25 mil + contracts bust.

 

[Mal Meninga]

Albert Haynesworth was given $41 million - A veteran and a bust for the Redskins.

I have no problem with the rookie scale. If one is implemented and the rookies are given a substantially less pay day, but the salary cap continues to increase, then surely the veterans at the top will blow the figures out of the water. Patrick Willis will be scheduled to make QB money if this occurs.

It's a huge burden to pay the #1 overall. But memo to the Lions, Raiders, Rams and other bad organizations, stop being bad and you'll never have to dish out the cash.

 

[kurt faulk]

.

the rookies will get less pay but they will also have shorter contracts.

the ones that can play will be compensated soon enough under the new scheme.

.

 

[Monk]

I agree with what KF said. and the compensation happens anyway even with the longer contracts, eg Chris Johnson has been compensated after only being in the league for 2 years.

But as is seen with lolJamarcus and Matty L, it doesnt work the other way around. Which is why i think Rookies should start off with a lower salary and then get compensated later on.

 

[Tigers_are_Pro]

Albert Haynesworth was given $41 million - A veteran and a bust for the Redskins.

I have no problem with the rookie scale. If one is implemented and the rookies are given a substantially less pay day, but the salary cap continues to increase, then surely the veterans at the top will blow the figures out of the water. Patrick Willis will be scheduled to make QB money if this occurs.

It's a huge burden to pay the #1 overall. But memo to the Lions, Raiders, Rams and other bad organizations, stop being bad and you'll never have to dish out the cash.

Haynesworth was "proven" though. He's a jackass however, typical contract year guy.

Bradford isn't proven and is a great guy, but chances are he won't succeed and set the Rams years, and 45million back.

 

[Big Mick]

After the first round but...do they really get paid heaps more than Vet's?

 

[Big Tim]

I have said it once, and I will say it again. If they can get the money they deserve it. The amount of money they bring their schools is amazing, and they dont see a cent of it.... maybe some sort of "pay for your pick" sceme with college's could help.

Kind of a rebate for their work when they get drafted..... I dont have any real details as this idea just occured whilst typing.

 

[dragonfire]

After the first round but...do they really get paid heaps more than Vet's?

http://walterfootball.com/forum/showthread.php?10264-2009-Draft-Signings

that has the available contracts. They still getting some good money through the 3-4 rounds

 

[Big Mick]

That just proves my point.

In Round 2 they are only earning like $1m a year...some not even that...which is just above League minimum.

Its only really the top 20 picks which are insane contracts.

The remainder are quite reasonable and managable given the massive cap's these teams have.

 

[Big Mick]

i.e would you take Clay Matthews on a 5 year $13m contract right now? or Harvin for a 5 year $14m contract? Or Cushing on a 5 year $18m contract?

And they were some of the biggest...and most expensive contracts later in round 1.

I'd take all three contracts quite easily imo.

Or what about Jarius Byrd...4 years for less than $1m a year....pretty sure if he were to hit the open market he'd attract more than that.

IMO its not that unreasonable. You'd only need to cap the 1st round...every other round is fine and reasonable.

 

[Mal Meninga]

Don't forget the salary cap in 2009 was $127 million.

Harvin might make somewhere between 2-3 million if he reaches all his incentives.

That is less than 1-2% of the cap.

I understand if you prove yourself you deserve a new deal. Chris Johnson did not get a new deal after breaking records last year, what if he breaks his leg next season? He won't even come close to his full deal which is $12 million over 5 years. Which again is less than 1% of the cap.

 

[Raider_69]

i.e would you take Clay Matthews on a 5 year $13m contract right now? or Harvin for a 5 year $14m contract? Or Cushing on a 5 year $18m contract?

And they were some of the biggest...and most expensive contracts later in round 1.

I'd take all three contracts quite easily imo.

Or what about Jarius Byrd...4 years for less than $1m a year....pretty sure if he were to hit the open market he'd attract more than that.

IMO its not that unreasonable. You'd only need to cap the 1st round...every other round is fine and reasonable.

agreed, its the first round that got out of control
time to reel it in

 

[Skeletor]

i.e would you take Clay Matthews on a 5 year $13m contract right now? or Harvin for a 5 year $14m contract? Or Cushing on a 5 year $18m contract?

And they were some of the biggest...and most expensive contracts later in round 1.

I'd take all three contracts quite easily imo.

Or what about Jarius Byrd...4 years for less than $1m a year....pretty sure if he were to hit the open market he'd attract more than that.

IMO its not that unreasonable. You'd only need to cap the 1st round...every other round is fine and reasonable.

Those contracts may say that they are 5 year contracts, but at any time the team can cut them, which would lead to only the guaranteed portion of the contract being paid, or the player can hold out. The big ridiculous thing about top 20 contracts, IMO, is the large guaranteed portion of the contracts. I would love to see the NFL adopt a system whereby players "sign for slot" whereby first pick gets $X over Y Years, with $Z Guaranteed and $T in bonuses. Lower for second, etc, and have the number go up with inflation, or increases in the cap.

 

[Mal Meninga]

The problem with slotting is that it doesn't take into account the position. Matt Ryan #3 overall was paid the highest guaranteed money in his draft for example.

Oh and now Chris Johnson is holding out because he's only making $550 000 in base salary. He's earned a huge pay rise but his team isn't moving quickly. Why should the players give up all the power when NFL teams are worth billions?

 

[Skeletor]

The problem with slotting is that it doesn't take into account the position. Matt Ryan #3 overall was paid the highest guaranteed money in his draft for example.

How about a 2 year "entry level contract" which is $X guaranteed with $Y in bonuses for all draft picks. $X and $Y are determined by draft position. If they're good enough over the first 2-3 years (e.g. Ryan) they get a nice payday, if not (JaMarcus) they leave without getting an obscene amount of money for failing in the NFL.

Oh and now Chris Johnson is holding out because he's only making $550 000 in base salary. He's earned a huge pay rise but his team isn't moving quickly. Why should the players give up all the power when NFL teams are worth billions?

Absolutely. The only way player holdouts should not be allowed is if contracts become 100% guaranteed.