RSS
Home
Big paydays in NFL not just a function of performance
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Performance isn't the only factor that enables a handful of NFL free agents to hit it big every year.
Sometimes it's a matter of timing - and maybe even a little luck.
In the case of someone like Albert Haynesworth, a veteran whose proven that he's one of the best at his position in the NFL, past performance isn't the issue. The risk is how motivated he will continue to be now that he has his $40 million guaranteed.
For other less proven players, the risk is whether they will be as good as you hope.
Such was the case with Matt Schaub who's only limitation during the past two seasons has been his health.
Such is the case with Antonio Smith who went from part time starter for the Cards to one of the Texans highest paid players in the blink of an eye.
But that's partly because Smith became an unrestricted free agent at the perfect time.
Smith's performance certainly enabled his windfall, but he also had the good fortune of having his unrestricted free agency coincide with that of other high profile Cardinals players, and the Cards had only so much money to go around.
Karlos Dansby was unrestricted and got the franchise tag, Kurt Warner is still in limbo and Anquan Boldin wants a re-do, so the Cards probably knew that there wouldn't be enough cash around to re-sign Smith and some of his teammates. So it came down to a matter of priorities.
The fact that Smith was a force in the 2008 playoffs didn't hurt his value either.
When I first saw the terms of Smith's deal, I thought Drew Rosenhaus made a copy of Eric Winston's contract (he's also a client), added around 20% for growth and called it a deal.
But then I looked closer and saw that Smith's deal was similar in some respects but vastly different in another - mainly in the up-front money.
Winston's extension signed last September was for six- years, $30.4 million and $10 million guaranteed.
Smith's deal was for five-years, $35 million with $12.5 million guaranteed. Similar on the surface, far different in the details.
Mike Florio of profootballtalk.com reported that Smith will earn $15.5 million in his first year, $19.4 million (cumulative) in the first two years, and $24 million (cumulative) over the first three.
Winston's guaranteed money is being paid out over the first two years of his contract and he is scheduled to make a $4.5 million base salary in 2010.
In other words, Smith will make as much in his first year ($15.5 million) as Winston will make in his first three years ($14.5 million).
Smith's haul is primarily a function of his leverage as an 'in-demand' unrestricted free agent, and it being early in the free agency process.
Some of the numbers may cause frustration in Dunta and DeMeco's camp (there goes 'my' money), but that's the way this business is conducted. Get what you can, when you can, within the framework of the rules and the leverage you carry.
From what I've seen over the years, the Texans negotiate fairly and certainly don't have a reputation for low-balling it's players - especially their star players. But the ongoing negotiations with Dunta and DeMeco bears watching. You don't want unhappy campers in your locker room - especially when they're supposed to be your leaders.
But what it comes down to in many cases, is the timing of it all. And in this case, the timing couldn't have been any better for Smith.
MORE ON THE TEXANS AND THE NFL:
- Dazed and confused by player movement? Try this free agent tracker
- Texans sign Antonio Smith, meet with Orlovsky
- Day one of free agency yields a mixed bag of news for the Texans
- Eight Texans players head for unrestricted free agency
- Are the stars lining up for Gary Kubiak and Stephen McGee?
- Texans release three players; RFAs due
- Weaver and Sage come and go together
- Sage to Vikes, part deux
- Memo to owners and NFLPA: Don't screw this up
- Texans number one need? How about talent and stability on defense
- Texans release of Green and Greenwood should come as no surprise
- Texans can't afford another free agent mistake
- Accused of violating NFL rules: What say you, Texans?
MORE ON DUNTA ROBINSON:
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
