it's simple. he's asking for more money than they're willing to spend.
Although this can be true it doesn't refute my point.
Remember, my point was made to the "Dak will be here for a long time" crowd.
If management was convinced Dak was a true franchise QB capable of contributing to achieving the goal of winning championships, or at least being serious contenders year to year, why would they not "pay the man"?
Current market value vs immediate future market value considering the effects of upcoming contracts, new CBA and the increase in cap has been brought up ad nauseum.
It management was convinced they had the guy capable of achieving their goals and considering the market is about to be reset given the reasons already stated why not go ahead and give Dak 38-40 a year considering (as we have seen stated many times here) it will be a bargain by the end of the contract?
It makes no sense to not go ahead and give the guy what will be the market rate in two years IF you are convinced he is the guy.
It makes better, but not good, sense to negotiate for current (last years actually) market rate if you think the guy is more just passable than top of the heap.
I don't believe for a second that this is about pinching pennies just because management is tight. If management truly believed Dak was a difference maker at QB he would already be the highest paid QB in the league.
The other alternative is that management is shifting their philosphy to more of a 'build a team that you can plug an adequate QB into' thing and doesn't want to overspend at the position no matter who is taking the snaps.
Either way the "Dak is going to be here for a long time" guys must be getting a little nervous.