Stop right there. There is no but. What you mentioned is lucrative and Zeke wants the return on that value because he's not getting it now. It's possible to get it now so Zeke wants it now. That's where we're at. Owners would get rid of him if it were the opposite situation. Strike first is the order of the day in this league.
Nope, won't "stop right there" - i understand what you are saying - except it has nothing to do with my posting about an agent saying Jerry's quote was disrespectful and stating my 2 bits that Zeke is being disrespectful too. I am NOT arguing Zeke's value, not debating that RB's are undervalued and should be paid earlier or anything like that - I am responding to the "respect" factor. Zeke could be at camp and still negotiating. I think he deserves more money - but that has nothing to what I was referring to in the thread.
Jerry got fined for millions sticking up for the guy after the standoff with league/commish - you think he isn't PIZZED and feeling disrespected that Zeke doesn't show up for pre-season? Respect is earned and goes both ways.
Is Zeke respecting Dak and Cooper and Byron Jones by holding out early? They have contracts expiring before him and could argue they are being underpaid too.
By your logic, Byron, Dak, Cooper, and every other player in early stages of their contract, with any type of statistical success, should be holding out as well. THEY have also made the pro-bowl. Plus, they haven't screwed up repeatedly off field and had to have papa Jerry hold their hand numerous times.
Yes, owners cut players all the time mid-contract - they have to pay guaranteed money and eat the Cap disasters that come out of it also. Players agreed to a rookie salary cap and the contract structures, they will try to change it next negotiation and it should be adjusted.
And Jerry has nearly always spoiled his players, and also stuck up for many of them after they were off the team - those with addictions and immaturity/tough backgrounds and criminal pasts. There are many examples of that. Many successful teams (Patriots and Steelers and few others come to mind) strike me as being far more ruthless with contracts and cuts than Dallas - but that is a perception, would need to delve into the evidence.