BTB:NFL Rookie Wage Scale Close To Being Finalized?

[cowboyjoe]

by One.Cool.Customer on Jun 20, 2011 8:01 AM CDT in Dallas Cowboys News
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2011/6/20/2232938/nfl-rookie-wage-scale-close-to-being-finalized

The 2011 NFL rookies won't like it. Their agents won't like it. But it looks like the NFL owners and the former NFLPA are closing in on a rookie wage scale.

According to Jarrett Bell from USA Today, the rookie wage scale currently being discussed would establish four-year contracts for all non-quarterback first round picks, giving those players an earlier shot at a big free agent contract instead of a large rookie deal. Players drafted later would receive three-year deals, which would make them restricted free agents after the end of their contracts.There is also some talk about doing away with option bonuses and other salary cap 'tricks'.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Totally agree with the idea of rookie wage scale...

 

[Bullflop]

The rookie wage scale is long overdue. Let 'em earn their big bucks if and when it's deserved. Paying inexperienced players millions without any NFL proof of worthiness has always been a foolhardy mistake that tends to foster a sense of entitlement. The rookies won't like it but it needed to happen.

 

[burmafrd]

that was one that was a real easy sell to both sides.

 

[Chuck 54]

There will still be instant millionaire rookies...the rookie salary cap won't be unreasonable...there will be millions paid to first round rookies. The difference is likely to be that there won't be 50 million guaranteed contracts. Top rookies will probably earn 5 million in their first years, but the NFL can't have rookie busts screwing up team salary structures for years.

 

[dogunwo]

There will still be instant millionaire rookies...the rookie salary cap won't be unreasonable...there will be millions paid to first round rookies. The difference is likely to be that there won't be 50 million guaranteed contracts. Top rookies will probably earn 5 million in their first years, but the NFL can't have rookie busts screwing up team salary structures for years.

And what about QBs? No scale for them? Or more years in the initial deal? It seems to me that their rookie contracts are the toughest ones to swallow.

 

[Future]

that was one that was a real easy sell to both sides.

Seriously. It shouldn't have taken them this long to get at least that done.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Seriously. It shouldn't have taken them this long to get at least that done.

I agree it seems like a no brainer. Figure it out and move on.

 

[mmillman]

all for it and I have no idea why owners and players shouldn't be able to agree on this issue. it would give more money to existing players and cut risk for the owners

 

[Bullflop]

all for it and I have no idea why owners and players shouldn't be able to agree on this issue. it would give more money to existing players and cut risk for the owners

I believe it was the players' union that was somewhat reluctant and not so much the owners. I imagine they are simply trying to use it as a (small) bargaining chip, even though it appears both sides will benefit.