NFL Contracts

Its one thing for Team Presidents and GM's to be running their mouths about "fulfilling contracts" and "It doesn't make much sense for people to enter into deals and then, 'Oh gee, I really didn't mean it.' That's not how contract law works. If you make a deal, fulfill it." (Bengals Pres, Mike Brown) But, it's a completely different thing when the media and "elite contract players" like Brett Favre spout off about the contracts of their fellow players. Do you think Brett's ever had contract problems? Exactly. He gets his. Well, I've had enough. Do I think athletes get paid plenty of money? You betcha. But so do the team owners. And honestly, I'd rather see Javon Walker get paid than Mike Brown, or Malcom Glazer. I've been hearing too much Jim Romesque jibber jabber about players ripping off their teams by "holding out" or just flat out causing problems. That's right, players get ripped off too, and that's why they lobby for new deals after Pro Bowl seasons like Javon Walker and Mushin Mohammad had. And that's what makes the NFL such a great league. You'll never see the NFL paying millions of dollars to players like Vin Baker (20 million per) or Allen Houston, like the NBA does. Because if a player grossly underplays their contract (David Terrell) or if the team just can't afford a players talents any more (Derrick Mason, Samari Rolle, Mushin Mohammad) the team just cuts that player, takes a cap hit, and moves on. This is why players have the right to demand a new deal be done. It's simple. It's football. It makes sense. Contracts are made, the player plays poorly, the player gets cut. Just the same, the player plays far and above their deal, they deserve more money. Instead of sitting here and explaining the NFL's contract ins and outs, I'm going to list 5 NFL player contract rebuffs, rip-offs, and flat out travesties... From a players perspective.

1. Mushin Mohammad - Mushin had his deal redone year after year, making room for the Panthers to get more important pieces to complete their playoff puzzle. Finally, this was the year Mushin was needed the most, and he performed as one of the best receivers in the game. What is his reward? He gets cut. Yes, that's right. Mohammad had the best year of his life, led the team in catches, yards, touchdowns, and there are no numbers of the intangibles (rout running, blocking, etc) that Mushin brought every day. From all the times he reworked his deal, Mushin was finally due to make a lot of money (12 million roster bonus). The Panthers said no way, sending Mushin to the free agent market, and finally the Chicago Bears via free agency.

2. Chad Brown - Chad is one of the best linebackers in the league, when he's healthy. Unfortunately, in the NFL health isn't always an option. Brown had another injury filled year with the Seahawks in 2004, leaving the Hawks no choice but to let Brown go. Or was that their only choice? Say what you will, the Seahawks had a pathetic defense a year ago, and a huge hunk of that junk was the linebacker position. A healthy Chad Brown would have plugged a huge gaping whole for the Seattle defense, but because of Brown's injuries over the last few years, the Hawks thought better of it. This is why the players feel they can rework their deals when they outplay their contracts. Because when they get injured, which happens to almost every single guy at least once in their career, they get the business from their teams.

3. Derrick Mason has been Steve McNair's go to guy for some time. He's done nothing but get the job done consistently and completely for the last few years. Not only does Derrick catch more balls than anyone else in a Titan uniform (at least 95 the last 2 years), but also he does it with class. Unfortunately for Mason and the team, the Titans suck. That means two things… 1- The team has to rebuild for the future, and 2- Cut as many pieces of salary cap fodder you can snip. What does that mean for Mason? No more paychecks from the Titan brass.

4. Troy Brown - The Patriots are Champions. No one epitomizes that championship team more than wide receiver, special teamer, defensive back, athlete extraordinaire Troy Brown. Troy Brown, who has never bared a bark about his playing time, his position switching, or his salary was cut by the Super Bowl Champs. Just a few years ago, Brown led the Patriots in catches and yards. He's always a top special-teams performer on punt returns and the whole nine yards. Last year he was asked, because of holes in the secondary, to play cornerback. Troy did it without a blink. Brown is the consummate professional. Brown has also restructured his contract a handful of times to help the Patriots become the Dynasty they are today. But even a guy like Troy can't keep from getting cut when he's finally due his salary bonus. Brown resigned with the Pats, but that's because he's Troy Brown, not because the Patriots paid him what he was due.

5. Shaun Alexander - Shaun has been the most consistent running back in the league the past three years. He was a frog's leap away from leading the entire football league in rushing last year, and has scored at least a touchdown a game the past 3 years. Shaun has been promised a long-term deal for some time, yet until recently the only offer on the table was the Franchise Tender. The NFL is a tough league for longevity, and the players and owners know that. Shaun's a running back, one of the most injury prone positions in football. He deserves a long-term deal with guaranteed money. Just a week ago, the Seahawks made a deal with Shaun that made this the last year he could get franchised.

Sincerely,
Lucky Lester

If you want to send Lucky Lester an email or you would like to add his articles to your web site, you can reach him at LuckyLester@hotmail.com.

Click here to open a FREE ACCOUNT
Click HERE for today's lines