Rookie Salaries

[Mystery Guest]

Reading the Sun-sentinel article it mentions Jake Long is the richest O-Lineman in the league right now. This got me to wondering.

Why hasn't the league implemented different salary structures for rookies? It seems unfair that a player who is unproven in the NFL, gets paid more than the top player(s) in their position. This goes for any first round picks.

I would think they would set a rule in place that would make it more of an incentive bonus based contract on performance. A good deal of the time most rookies do not play to much or do not flourish until their second or third years.

What gives?

 

[burger13]

Reading the Sun-sentinel article it mentions Jake Long is the richest O-Lineman in the league right now. This got me to wondering.

Why hasn't the league implemented different salary structures for rookies? It seems unfair that a player who is unproven in the NFL, gets paid more than the top player(s) in their position. This goes for any first round picks.

I would think they would set a rule in place that would make it more of an incentive bonus based contract on performance. A good deal of the time most rookies do not play to much or do not flourish until their second or third years.

What gives?

CBA

neither side has requested this yet, and Gene Upshaw doesn't seem interested in it in the least. it really is the stupidest thing in the NFL right now....but neither side seems ready to do a thing about it.

btw - Gene Upshaw's agent just got a HUGE payday by making his other agent, Jake Long, the highest paid lineman in the league. but I'm sure that has nothing to do with it. :rolleyes2:

 

[Mystery Guest]

It really is ridiculous, and in my mind it keeps most teams from being less competitive down the road. It's like punishment for a team if they mess up on a draft pick. It also takes away from the salary of players who deserve it and hampers the team's ability to sign free agents. I can see why most Vets are harsh towards rookies, I would be to if I busted my butt for years in the NFL, paid my dues, and some hot shot kid comes in and starts making more money without being proven other than college.

 

[dolpns13]

Reading the Sun-sentinel article it mentions Jake Long is the richest O-Lineman in the league right now. This got me to wondering.

Why hasn't the league implemented different salary structures for rookies? It seems unfair that a player who is unproven in the NFL, gets paid more than the top player(s) in their position. This goes for any first round picks.

I would think they would set a rule in place that would make it more of an incentive bonus based contract on performance. A good deal of the time most rookies do not play to much or do not flourish until their second or third years.

What gives?

its the NFLPA and Gene Upchuck. He will fight a rookie salary restructure.

 

[209Mason]

It really is stupid.
There needs to be some sort of cap. I was explaining how this works to my fiance yesterday and she was like..."so why would you want the first pick then if you've got to pay so much money and you don't know if the guy will be any good?" To which I really had no response for. It used to be that the #1 pick was the one big benefit from having the worst season... now it's almost a curse.