Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

Cornerback Nate Clements got an 8-year deal worth $80M. Guard Eric Steinbach got a 7-year deal worth $49.5M. Guard Derrick Dockery got a $16M signing bonus on a 7-year deal worth $49M. Fullback Olvie Mughelli got a 6-year deal worth $18M. Strong Safety Michael Lewis, who was benched in favor of Sean Considine by the Eagles, got a $10M signing bonus. The exhorbitant free agent contracts are not terribly surprising. A lot of teams have a lot of money to play with, multiple holes to fill, and need to outbid other cap-rich teams for the few quality free agents.

An unforeseen complication of these signings, however, is that they are likely to increase the number of players who seek to be released or traded in the hopes of hitting that jackpot. These signings just dramatically changed the market, and therefore the worth of every player in the league. Sure, teams can tell players, "You must honor the contract you signed." But I wonder how meaningful such pleas will be to guys like Shawn Merriman (5 yr. deal, $15M, $9M guaranteed) who are earning 1/3 of slightly-above-average [U]guards[/U] like Derrick Dockery.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

If what you're saying is true and Merriman hits the market (I usually don't advocate ridiculous spending), i would say the redskins should throw the bank at him b/c he is EXACTLY what this team needs. I actually helped recruit him to Maryland a few years ago and I'm telling you that the guy is not just a physical specimen, he WANTS to win and thats why he plays like such a beast, unlike Vernon Davis, who would be so much better if he had the attitude that merriman had. Merriman uses his entire body to get through ppl and when he makes tackles he aims at a point that is a foot behind his target. In a GW defense this guy could be so disruptive and would probably be a franchise player. Picks, money, it doesn't matter if this guys hits the market or wants to be traded we need to get him.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

This is the nature of the business, right now. And I do think it will have a negative impact on Spirngs and Dock's replacement.

But we are sleeping in a bed we made, as kings of FA. Hopefully, our coaching staff will be able to turn some of these lesser guys into performers. We'll see!

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

Maybe if the current trend continues, eventually there will be a maximum established for FA's based on position, and length of service. I can understand a player wanting to be compensated for his play, but some of these contracts now are beginning to reach gigantic porportions, ensuring the fact that every marginal player now will rush to free agency in an effort to cash in.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

Look, if the signings are overpriced, the teams will suffer in the long run--that will help settle the market. We, of all teams, are aware of that! So I don't think a salary limit is needed. Let the market sort things out. So long as there's a cap, things shouldn't turn into baseball.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

just sit back and the market will settle. if every marginal player asked to be released, guess what? supply > demand, and prices drop. the average salary is definitely going to go up each year though, cause the NFL's revenue hasn't plateaued yet.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

Let's face it and not try to suger coat it. Last year we shot the moon in free agentcy and trading draft picks. The last big deal was the back breaker for Duckett...what a BAD move that was!!! The AA pick up in free agentcy was a bad move and some of us here didn't like it! Should have goen with Chris Hope! He had a great year in Tenn.!! So I could go on but why. We are were we are. With this years Free agents getting big money that we don't have we are going to have to wait and see when the market slows down. Then see if there is anyone that we like is left. As for the draft that 6th pick well and must be made in to more then one pick...so trading down is most likey a given. Last please do not trade next years draft any trying to make up for the sins of the past! Our free agent super bowl time of the year is goen and now it's time to take the bad and learn from our mistakes! Tough love is hard to take!

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

[quote=Rajmahal33;283476]If what you're saying is true and Merriman hits the market (I usually don't advocate ridiculous spending), i would say the redskins should throw the bank at him b/c he is EXACTLY what this team needs. I actually helped recruit him to Maryland a few years ago and I'm telling you that the guy is not just a physical specimen, he WANTS to win and thats why he plays like such a beast, unlike Vernon Davis, who would be so much better if he had the attitude that merriman had. Merriman uses his entire body to get through ppl and when he makes tackles he aims at a point that is a foot behind his target. In a GW defense this guy could be so disruptive and would probably be a franchise player. Picks, money, it doesn't matter if this guys hits the market or wants to be traded we need to get him.[/quote]


Steriods made me a physical speciman too, unfortunately my balls shrunk

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

[quote=Rajmahal33;283476]If what you're saying is true and Merriman hits the market (I usually don't advocate ridiculous spending), i would say the redskins should throw the bank at him b/c he is EXACTLY what this team needs. I actually helped recruit him to Maryland a few years ago and I'm telling you that the guy is not just a physical specimen, he WANTS to win and thats why he plays like such a beast, unlike Vernon Davis, who would be so much better if he had the attitude that merriman had. Merriman uses his entire body to get through ppl and when he makes tackles he aims at a point that is a foot behind his target. In a GW defense this guy could be so disruptive and would probably be a franchise player. Picks, money, it doesn't matter if this guys hits the market or wants to be traded we need to get him.[/quote]

Uhhhhh that guy is a cheater I don't care how good he is. That excuse of there were steroids in my supplements is so old and ridiculous it makes me even angrier when someone tries to use it.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

[quote=wilsowilso;283577]Uhhhhh that guy is a cheater I don't care how good he is. That excuse of there were steroids in my supplements is so old and ridiculous it makes me even angrier when someone tries to use it.[/quote]

The truth of it is, u guys have NO idea what actually happened and neither do i. If u want to believe that he used steroids knowingly in the NFL thats on u. But just know this, the guy works his ASS off in the offseason (at MD and at the NFL level), and I know this cuz I have seen it. I can say with confidence that he was NOT juicin when he was with the Terps. Personally, knowing the guy's personality from my run-ins with him and observations in the locker room, he is not the kind of person who would knowingly use 'roids. Maybe I could be wrong, but what i do know is that he served out his suspension and apologized for testing positive. I would wager that he puts up comparable numbers next year. This isn't some washed up guy like Jason Giambi or Bill Romanowski, this is a kid who was in his second season after having a great rookie year and I don't think he was looking for an edge. I could understand ppl's scrutiny of him if he was in his contract year or coming off of an injury, but he had no critics to answer or added pressure to perform that would warrant the risk of using performance enhancers. So I believe him.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

those things they found weren't the "accidental" type of roids, they were hard-core. you've already said you were involved in recruiting him to UMD, so of course you're going to be an apologist for him :P.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

after all the man love, how the hell do you know merriman wasn't juicing at Maryland? and if he wasn't afraid of working hard, then why cheat? oh, i know, he took steroids unknowingly( yeah right)

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

[URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=cr-wildsalaries030507&prov=yhoo&type=lgns"]This[/URL] is an interesting read.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

hit it right on the head redskinpete

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

Pete - While i don't want to debate the points you made but I don't think anyone is crying into thier cerial that we cannot pay the likes of Derrick Dokerty $49million.

I think the point the Sherrif was making was these deals are crazy and they are going to have implications Leauge wide not just in Redskins Park.

I actually think we may come out on top this year because we are not making the various moves we usually make and it actually fits the recent Redskins splurge and save cycle which seems to have hit the save point at the right time.

Interestingly no one of note has yet been cut, Wynn, Daniels, Hall, Patten etc until we actually need the cap space or untill they are beaten out of thier roster roll.

It was a blow to loose Derrick and I certianly do not wish him ill will for leaving i think everyone would have under the circumstances but it has more to do with the fact the Skins FO valued him approximatly 25% of the value the Bills did. Who was right we will have to find out.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

[quote=Rajmahal33;283682]The truth of it is, u guys have NO idea what actually happened and neither do i. If u want to believe that he used steroids knowingly in the NFL thats on u. But just know this, the guy works his ASS off in the offseason (at MD and at the NFL level), and I know this cuz I have seen it. I can say with confidence that he was NOT juicin when he was with the Terps. Personally, knowing the guy's personality from my run-ins with him and observations in the locker room, he is not the kind of person who would knowingly use 'roids. Maybe I could be wrong, but what i do know is that he served out his suspension and apologized for testing positive. I would wager that he puts up comparable numbers next year. This isn't some washed up guy like Jason Giambi or Bill Romanowski, this is a kid who was in his second season after having a great rookie year and I don't think he was looking for an edge. I could understand ppl's scrutiny of him if he was in his contract year or coming off of an injury, but he had no critics to answer or added pressure to perform that would warrant the risk of using performance enhancers. So I believe him.[/quote]

Wrong. He was suspended in the NFL for a reason. He WAS cheating "AKA" juicying up, anyone with any common sense nows this.

He just wasn't smart/lucky enough to get away with it, like many do.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

[QUOTE=bedlamVR;284798]Pete - While i don't want to debate the points you made but I don't think anyone is crying into thier cerial that we cannot pay the likes of Derrick Dokerty $49million.

I think the point the Sherrif was making was these deals are crazy and they are going to have implications Leauge wide not just in Redskins Park.

I actually think we may come out on top this year because we are not making the various moves we usually make and it actually fits the recent Redskins splurge and save cycle which seems to have hit the save point at the right time.

Interestingly no one of note has yet been cut, Wynn, Daniels, Hall, Patten etc until we actually need the cap space or untill they are beaten out of thier roster roll.

It was a blow to loose Derrick and I certianly do not wish him ill will for leaving i think everyone would have under the circumstances but it has more to do with the fact the Skins FO valued him approximatly 25% of the value the Bills did. Who was right we will have to find out.[/QUOTE]


I must admit, the view from this side of the free agent fence looks a whole lot better. And it will have an impact in the locker room, it already has in fact. The Bills sacrificed two of their top defensive players in order to sign Dock to that deal. I'd say the Bills didn't get value, especially considering last year the Vikings got the best guard in football for $49 million. Maybe being paid like an All Pro will bring out the best in Dock, but then again that pay now for performance later has mixed results here in DC...

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;284737][URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=cr-wildsalaries030507&prov=yhoo&type=lgns"]This[/URL] is an interesting read.[/quote]

The interesting thing about that article is thinking about the number of star players under contract that will sit out until they get a comparable deal to the guys that have just signed.

I'm thinking that a certain chain of events may quite possibly lead to the end of the salary cap.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

[QUOTE=724Skinsfan;284807]The interesting thing about that article is thinking about the number of star players under contract that will sit out until they get a comparable deal to the guys that have just signed.

I'm thinking that a certain chain of events may quite possibly lead to the end of the salary cap.[/QUOTE]

I doubt the salary cap will fold. I think everyone, NFL league office and the NFLPA, realizes that it is vital to the success of the NFL. I think it's going to cause problems though, that is until players realize that a lot of players got paid big premiums (above market value) this offseason.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

It is simple business, supply and demand. There were only 3 good guards in this years FA and more than 3 teams wanting them, so therefore they get big money. There was only 1 elite corner and many teams looking to sign him so again he got a huge pay day!

If however, as has been suggested every marginal player floods onto the market the pay wont be as big because demand for them would be down. For example if there were 5 pro bowl guards on the market this year Doc wouldn't have gotten anywhere near the contract he did.

Not to mention only so many people could get huge contracts before the cap held the market back.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

To think, we set the market for Safeties with AA!

HTTR!

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

[QUOTE=Aussie_Skins_Fan;284830]It is simple business, [I]supply and demand[/I]. There were only 3 good guards in this years FA and more than 3 teams wanting them, so therefore they get big money. There was only 1 elite corner and many teams looking to sign him so again he got a huge pay day![/QUOTE]

I agree that player contracts are determined by supply and demand. But do you really think that a great player under contract who is getting 1/3 of what Dockery is getting is really going to be persuaded from holding out by being shown supply/demand curves?

The market will correct itself, there's just a question as to how painful that correction is going to be. The fact is that many players were overpaid this offseason, in large part because of the few quality free agents. The problem is that other players look to such contracts to determine their worth. So, come next offseason, when players are looking to re-sign or hit free agency, their expectations are going to be skewed by this offseason.

[I]I hate to admit it, but this article that was posted on PFT this morning is dead-on:
[/I]
"The prevailing view in some league circles is that the Cowboys, Browns, Chargers, and Bills paid way too much money for Leonard Davis, Eric Steinbach, Kris Dielman, and Derrick Dockery, respectively. (Memo to Chargers fans: That fact that Dielman has been named as an alternate to the Pro Bowl doesn't mean that he has been named to the team.)

As we've previously noted, none of these guys have ever been named to a Pro Bowl. Yet each of them is swimming in over $15 million in guaranteed money.

So what happens when a true Pro Bowler on the offensive line hits the free-agent market? Will he get $25 million guaranteed? How about $30 million?

As we see it, these recent deals guarantee that the franchise tag will be used more often by teams to keep truly high-end players who become eligible for free agency, since the high-end players are going to look at the recent deals and say, "If a perennial underachiever like Davis is worth $18.75 million guaranteed, I'm worth twice that."

And that's the biggest problem with the combination of lots of cap space and a so-so free-agent class. The floor is getting pushed up for future deals, and the number will only continue to skyrocket.

It's true for other positions as well. If Nate Clements gets $80 million over eight years, what would a guy like Champ Bailey get? And how does a guy like Champ Bailey feel about a player who is clearly one step below him breaking the bank like Bailey never has?

Of course, Bailey isn't due to hit the market until 2011. In the interim, he's scheduled to make good salaries. But in light of the Clements deal, how can Champ not suddenly be thinking that he's underpaid.

Stay tuned. We have a feeling that many players will be privately -- or publicly -- having these same sentiments soon."

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

[quote=Rajmahal33;283476]If what you're saying is true and Merriman hits the market (I usually don't advocate ridiculous spending), i would say the redskins should throw the bank at him b/c he is EXACTLY what this team needs. I actually helped recruit him to Maryland a few years ago and I'm telling you that the guy is not just a physical specimen, he WANTS to win and thats why he plays like such a beast, unlike Vernon Davis, who would be so much better if he had the attitude that merriman had. Merriman uses his entire body to get through ppl and when he makes tackles he aims at a point that is a foot behind his target. In a GW defense this guy could be so disruptive and would probably be a franchise player. Picks, money, it doesn't matter if this guys hits the market or wants to be traded we need to get him.[/quote]
Merriman has no argument - he's in his initial contract, and as with other first rounders, his salary is slotted based on where he was selected. His day to hit the jackpot will come soon enough, although I believe that SD will give him an extension at some point to prevent him from ever testing the FA waters.

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[QUOTE=SouperMeister;284973]Merriman has no argument - he's in his initial contract, and as with other first rounders, his salary is slotted based on where he was selected.[/QUOTE]

That hasn't stopped Clinton Portis, Sean Taylor, Willis McGahee and numerous others from griping (successfully or unsuccessfully) about their deals and trying to get cut, traded, of a new deal.

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what a crappy FA class. this is like, the most boring offseason ever (league wide, not just skins related).

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[QUOTE=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;284841]I agree that player contracts are determined by supply and demand. But do you really think that a great player under contract who is getting 1/3 of what Dockery is getting is really going to be persuaded from holding out by being shown supply/demand curves? [/QUOTE]

In the case of players like Merriman who are under contract for a longish period of time and are by market standard grossly underpaid, the only solution i can think of (other than showning them supply/demand curves:cheeky-sm ) is re-working or re-siging these players. This is a fact of the NFL even though players have performance based bonuses you can't offer a rookie the same deal as an elite player, so when that guy become elite the team should resign them to an elite players deal.

This would be an annoying occurence for front office staff to do regularly but in order to keep a player happy and with your team, money is part of it. IMO if a player is happy with his current team he would stay for less money (not alot less but a little less) than he might get on the FA market. Teams will have to adapt to an exploding market by making sure their players don't hit the market. And based upon the article you've provide (a good one i might add) there may be a few players who will get a re-worked or new contract this season worth alot more than their current deals.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

[QUOTE=Aussie_Skins_Fan;285132]In the case of players like Merriman who are under contract for a longish period of time and are by market standard grossly underpaid, the only solution i can think of (other than showning them supply/demand curves:cheeky-sm ) is re-working or re-siging these players. This is a fact of the NFL even though players have performance based bonuses you can't offer a rookie the same deal as an elite player, so when that guy become elite the team should resign them to an elite players deal.

This would be an annoying occurence for front office staff to do regularly but in order to keep a player happy and with your team, money is part of it. IMO if a player is happy with his current team he would stay for less money (not alot less but a little less) than he might get on the FA market. Teams will have to adapt to an exploding market by making sure their players don't hit the market. And based upon the article you've provide (a good one i might add) there may be a few players who will get a re-worked or new contract this season worth alot more than their current deals.[/QUOTE]

Good post. BTW, in re-reading my original post, it sounded more sarcastic than I intended. I didn't mean to be a smart ass.

Re: Teams' Free Agent Signings Likely to Cause Problems
 

[quote=Rajmahal33;283476]If what you're saying is true and Merriman hits the market (I usually don't advocate ridiculous spending), i would say the redskins should throw the bank at him b/c he is EXACTLY what this team needs. I actually helped recruit him to Maryland a few years ago and I'm telling you that the guy is not just a physical specimen, he WANTS to win and thats why he plays like such a beast, unlike Vernon Davis, who would be so much better if he had the attitude that merriman had. Merriman uses his entire body to get through ppl and when he makes tackles he aims at a point that is a foot behind his target. In a GW defense this guy could be so disruptive and would probably be a franchise player. Picks, money, it doesn't matter if this guys hits the market or wants to be traded we need to get him.[/quote]

I like your points about SM. He plays harder than anyone I have ever seen. Plus I like that he plays with that mean streak. He is exactly what what not only our defense needs, but he is what the team needs. His story is just amazing. The guy grew up with nothing and was homeless. Why we did not draft him is just a complete mystery to me. THIS IS WHY YOU NEVER EVER DRAFT FOR NEED. We needed a corner and drafted one that plays like a little girl and doesn't challange wr's.

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[quote=Aussie_Skins_Fan;284830]It is simple business, supply and demand. There were only 3 good guards in this years FA and more than 3 teams wanting them, so therefore they get big money. There was only 1 elite corner and many teams looking to sign him so again he got a huge pay day!

If however, as has been suggested every marginal player floods onto the market the pay wont be as big because demand for them would be down. For example if there were 5 pro bowl guards on the market this year Doc wouldn't have gotten anywhere near the contract he did.

Not to mention only so many people could get huge contracts before the cap held the market back.[/quote]

Good point. Leonard Davis just got a huge chunk of money for basically playing on the worst line in the NFL the last few years. He was one of the main guys who was just collecting a check. Do any NFL FO's watch any film on these guys? I mean what is Dallas (and for that matter Buffalo) thinking?

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[QUOTE=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;285180]Good post. BTW, in re-reading my original post, it sounded more sarcastic than I intended. I didn't mean to be a smart ass.[/QUOTE]

Thanks, no offence taken.

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I wonder if [URL="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/03/07/freeagency0312/index.html"]Peter King[/URL] has any idea as to who is going to hold out. I'd hate to think that Betts is thinking about it.

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Betts would be wrong to hold out tho wouldn't he?

Certianly the contract he now has could be doubled if he was on the open market this year, but given that he agreed to terms on a contract extension (or was it a new contract? I don't remember) surely he can't then turn around and say that he wants more money?! And we haven't really paid out any big contracts this off-season, he has no one within this team to be jealous of. I understand Peter Kings' point about some of the 49ers players being envious of large FA contract being handed out by their club, but i dont think that is an issue here this year.

Also, if Betts did hold out do you think that could be used as an excuse to trade him?

I dont think that he should be traded or that the organisation wants to trade him, but if he turns around and holds out for more money so soon after resigning a deal, it has to become a serious option.