NY_FinFan_72 said:A key point that I haven't seen made yet: Jason Taylor was in this EXACT position... he took the 1-year tender, showed up in the off season, played his butt off all year, and got paid bigtime because of it.
If you all remember, it was the year after Trace left. Basically, everyone said, well, you had a good year because you were opposite Trace... now do it again and we'll pay you. (Sound familiar?) He did, no questions asked, no BS, and they rewarded him.
Your memory is not accurate. No ill will is meant as we all make mistakes. :)
Jason had an awful season in 1999 with only 40 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He had no case to make for a big contract. His best option was to sign the required tender and had a contract year in 2000 with 60 tackles and 14.5 sacks.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/stats?statsId=3968
The Dolphins rewarded him with the biggest contract for a DE to that date. A one payment $9 million signing bonus included in a $45 million contract.