Welcome back Brian. Deal is just slightly over an average of $6 million a year, lower than the rumored $6.5 or even $7 million we were hearing earlier in the week, which is good news. $12 million guaranteed over a span of a five year deal is very small folks, victory for Ireland and Aponte. These types of contracts are more bloated on paper than they truly are and the $12 million guaranteed number makes me think the cap hits this year and next year are probably closer to $4-5 million, which isn't bad for a #2 WR coming off a 1,000 yard season. I am confident that Hartline would have gotten more on the open market from another team, it is just how the market works. You might call it "overpaying", others might just call it paying what needs to be paid to keep home grown talent.
This signing also ends the argument some people had that Ireland has never resigned a draft pick from the era where he had the title of GM. Even though it was only the second class to expire and was a draft where he did not have ultimate control, it was still used as an argument against Ireland and the Dolphins. The second big thing is that this now completes one part of "Plan A" as detailed by Jeff Darlington earlier this week. Add Mike Wallace or at least Greg Jennings and the WR group will be improved from last year.
This signing also ends the argument some people had that Ireland has never resigned a draft pick from the era where he had the title of GM. Even though it was only the second class to expire and was a draft where he did not have ultimate control, it was still used as an argument against Ireland and the Dolphins. The second big thing is that this now completes one part of "Plan A" as detailed by Jeff Darlington earlier this week. Add Mike Wallace or at least Greg Jennings and the WR group will be improved from last year.
Looks a little different from the usual one.