Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

[url=http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/The-Cooley-Zone-NFL-needs-to-change-how-rookies?urn=nfl,79933]The Cooley Zone: NFL needs to change how rookies are paid - Shutdown Corner... - NFL - Yahoo! Sports[/url]
[QUOTE]"It's crazy to guarantee money to people who have never played a down in the NFL," says [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5301/"][COLOR=#0069aa]Todd Yoder[/COLOR][/URL] (pictured), my teammate and eight-year veteran. "That's the way the system has gotten. If someone has potential to become an elite player you're gonna get more in the first contract than the average Joe Schmoe makes in his entire career." [/QUOTE]

I definitely agree with him here. The way the top rookies are paid is horrible.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

Personally, I kind of like this analogy ...

[quote]The NFL Combine is comparable to a strip club with owners and coaches for customers. The better the man looks [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23782590@N00/2293517348/"][COLOR=#0069aa]running around in his spandex[/COLOR][/URL] the more dollar bills end up on his stage. The funny thing is the onlookers at the combine are probably more excited than the creepy old man in the corner at the strip bar. [/quote]

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

He's absolutley right.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

Its kind of sad that these players get the bank when they have not proven anything while others have to prove themselves before making anything.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

I'll bet a dollar a rookie pay scale is in the next CBA.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

[QUOTE=Slingin Sammy 33;446023]I'll bet a dollar a rookie pay scale is in the next CBA.[/QUOTE]

I agree, I think that's the only way to curtail the spending of NFL owners. The way the system is set up now, you make the wrong decision on a top pick and it sets your team back 3-4 years. Something needs to be done.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

[QUOTE=Slingin Sammy 33;446023]I'll bet a dollar a rookie pay scale is in the next CBA.[/QUOTE]


As well it should be. I have never been a proponent of the current structure where rookie salries are concerned, but unfortunately my vote does not count. There are those however, who have no problem with the current structure and wish to see it remain as is.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

i think i remember and interview with pete kendall on sirius radio with pete agreeing with this comment. i agree with it too

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

Cooley did a good job with that article

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

Commissioner Goddell has already made a new Rookie cap/salary structure a priority:

[url=http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Avz5vyHy5BJfM6rm1u6g1rxDubYF?slug=dw-draftsalaries042408&prov=yhoo&type=lgns]Rookie salaries out of this league - NFL - Yahoo! Sports[/url]

"having unproven rookies with such immense salary power is no way to operate a league; is unfair to veterans"

"No one agrees more than NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who wistfully comments on how the NFL needs to copy the NBA’s cost controls."

"the NFL is where the control is with the league. But on this one undeniable issue, Stern has what Goodell only possesses in his dreams."

"The NBA by controlling rookie salaries for at least three seasons, has set up a sort of in-house developmental league. A team has plenty of time to not only analyze ability, but even improve it before making the decision on a major deal."

"The NFL has no such luxury, making the top of the draft the ultimate high stakes crap shoot."

“A salary structure definitely makes sense from a league standpoint and from a team standpoint,” Conley said. “From an athlete perspective, we’ll keep it.”

The NFLPA has vowed to fight any rookie salary structure, but Goodell has already begun framing the debate not as an owners vs. players clash, but a veterans vs. rookies (or future rookies) battle. As owners swim in revenue, Goodell can’t cry poverty. He can argue fairness.

“I think it’s important to veteran players personally,” Goodell said at last month’s league meetings. “As a veteran player, you’ve proven your performance on an NFL field and that should be rewarded.

“When you see players come in (who) have not played in the NFL and it’s unclear as to whether they will be able to play at a certain level in the NFL, I think that’s a fair point.

“It’s not necessarily saving dollars but putting dollars to the players who should get them.”

If Goodell can get this one done, he will have finished a virtual clean sweep against the NFLPA.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

I agree that it should be changed but its kind of funny it comes from players who tried their best to get that big deal as a rookie and now complain about the system.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

[quote=firstdown;446043]I agree that it should be changed but its kind of funny it comes from players who tried their best to get that big deal as a rookie and now complain about the system.[/quote]

Um I don't remember the time when Cooley complained about insufficient money in his rookie contract?

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

[QUOTE=firstdown;446043]I agree that it should be changed but its kind of funny it comes from players who tried their best to get that big deal as a rookie and now complain about the system.[/QUOTE]

I think everyone (players and commish) are referring to rookie Jake Long's deal that makes him the [B]highest[/B] paid offensive lineman in the NFL and he has not even taken a snap. What if ends up being another Robert Gallery?

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

[quote=GridIron26;446044]Um I don't remember the time when Cooley complained about insufficient money in his rookie contract?[/quote]
You missed the point. I was saying that he had his chance and tried to get as much as he could as a rookie but now he thinks its crazy what these guys make. I agree with him I just think its funny he did the same thing when he was a rookie (tried to hit the big pay day).

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

[quote=Defensewins;446048]I think everyone (players and commish) are referring to rookie Jake Long's deal that makes him the [B]highest[/B] paid offensive lineman in the NFL and he has not even taken a snap. What if ends up being another Robert Gallery?[/quote]
You know that the first I heard that he got such a big contract but I think they are talking in general as much as the Long deal. I agree with what they are saying just find it funny it comes from players who all had the same goal to sign for as much money as they could.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

I agree with Cooley, but I understand everyone's argument. Good points brought up by everyone.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

Gene upshaw has said that the union would never agree to a rookie cap or scale. You'd think everyone already in the NFL would want it.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

NFL rookies ought to get a base salary, maybe not exactly the same for everyone, but perhaps the same for each round, and their agents negotiate their first real contract that season.

And to take care of the potential injury problem each NFL club should pay for an insurance policy for them.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

[QUOTE=rypper11;446139]Gene upshaw has said that the union would never agree to a rookie cap or scale. You'd think everyone already in the NFL would want it.[/QUOTE]

They do but Gene Upshaw is in a fight for his job now so much of what he is saying and doing is more politically motivated. Why he seems to think that any current player wouldn't support a rookie wage scale is curious since the only ones to speak out have been in support of one, any active player stand to benefit from a rookie wage scale, and the mathematics prove it. Of course this is the guy who has carried the water for the NFL for years and now that players are starting to rumble about that he has the audacity to announce he isn't going to follow one of the rules he helped initiate, to retire by 65 and infact has the stupidity to say that he wont appoint a vice president of the NFLPA because all they would do is seek to take his position. What a dolt.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

Why would the NFLPA oppose this? They represent players already in the league right? And they will do nothing but benefit from a scaled rookie salary cap, as it will free up more money for veterans. Since no one is discussing a reduction in pay, just a reorganization, what can the problem possibly be?

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

[QUOTE=djnemo65;446177]Why would the NFLPA oppose this? They represent players already in the league right? And they will do nothing but benefit from a scaled rookie salary cap, as it will free up more money for veterans. Since no one is discussing a reduction in pay, just a reorganization, what can the problem possibly be?[/QUOTE]

Well PFT speculates, and probably astutely in this case, that since Upshaw has never shown the penchant for being a "good" union leader and holding up interests of others before his players, that he is looking out for agents like his own who benefit greatly from these contracts.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

If the owners are silly enough to pay it then let them take it. Personally I would never want a number one draft pick.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

[quote=bnasty;446202]If the owners are silly enough to pay it then let them take it. Personally I would never want a number one draft pick.[/quote]

um yeah i think that is the point, nobody wants the number 1 overall pick b/c of the huge dollar amount attached to it. my understanding of unions is to protect the lower-end "susceptible" class of veterans who end up getting cut after years of service so teams can make room for rookies who wont contribute for a few years. by limiting what is paid to 1st round rookies, teams will have more money to keep a todd wade or james thrash kind of player.

idk, just always thought the union should watch out for the aging small pay-day players in the league as the TOs and chad johnsons of the world dont need too much financial-stability protection.

go skins!

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

[QUOTE=djnemo65;446177]Why would the NFLPA oppose this? They represent players already in the league right? And they will do nothing but benefit from a scaled rookie salary cap, as it will free up more money for veterans. Since no one is discussing a reduction in pay, just a reorganization, what can the problem possibly be?[/QUOTE]

But NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw believes there is an advantage in allowing owners to spend big on high draft choices.

"Those rookie contracts play a role in what a veteran gets," Upshaw said. "Because if the top guy in the draft just got paid $35 million in guarantees and he hasn't even proven himself, and if your contract is up as a veteran, I think it has an affect on what you're going to get. You think Peyton Manning isn't looking at JaMarcus Russell's contract? Of course he is."

[url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23489974/]Expert: Stiffer rookie salary cap would benefit NFL - NFL - MSNBC.com[/url]

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

wow, upshaw makes a really good point. the more jake long makes as the 1 overall, the more a chris samuels type tackle could command in FA. never thought of that aspect and thats why i enjoy the warpath!! woot woot!

go skins!

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

It's about time.. Now Goodell is thinking same thing..

[url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80909cc9&template=with-video&confirm=true]Goodell: Rookie pay-scale 'ridiculous'[/url]

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

The NFL should use Major League Baseball as a model for controlling rookie pay. Top baseball draft selections usually make less than $2M in signing bonus, and their salaries are much smaller than established veterans until they reach free agency. Those that have proven themselves get big money and those that haven't don't. Is there another industry, sports or otherwise, where the top ranked newcomers make more than the best of the best in their chosen field? The NFL is the only institution that I can think of that rewards potential before proven talent.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

[quote=SouperMeister;454474]The NFL should use Major League Baseball as a model for controlling rookie pay. Top baseball draft selections usually make less than $2M in signing bonus, and their salaries are much smaller than established veterans until they reach free agency. Those that have proven themselves get big money and those that haven't don't. Is there another industry, sports or otherwise, where the top ranked newcomers make more than the best of the best in their chosen field? The NFL is the only institution that I can think of that rewards potential before proven talent.[/quote]This is the crux of the problem in the NFL: top selections are EXPECTED by the team and fans to sign, and the agents know it.

This is why top rookie SBs are so ridiculous now. In free agency, the market is even, and the best offers reflect, roughly the players' reputation around the league. With the first 2-3 picks in the draft, its a two party negotiation process, in which one party clearly holds all the leverage. A deal is going to get done: both parties know this. Thus the agent holds out until the other party caves.

What football needs to do is (in the next CBA) implement a compensatory picks system for players that do not sign. This gives the owners SOME leverage when working with the player. Then the team with the first overall pick can say "we're only giving you 15 million to sign" and if the agent thinks his client is worth 30 million to sign, he's got two choices then:

1) accept less money than his client is worth.

2) risk the whole deal (and essentially the entire player's career) on the fact that the team values him as much as the agent does.

Both parties still have leverage here. Obviously, the NFL is a young man's game, and no team wants to come away empty handed in the first round in any year, but they at the very least could draft a comparable player the next year. This 'meet me in the middle' approach would still allow the players to make market value deals, without the signing bonuses getting totally out of control.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

A slotted approach would be a disaster unless they get rid of the salary cap. It would be great for the veterans, but those contracts would be so totally inflated because of all the extra money sitting around. The best, young teams in the league would have like $60 million payrolls, and other teams would be fighting the cap year in and year out.

No free agent would ever live up to the value of his deal if mid level players were getting $25 million to sign.

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;454501]This is the crux of the problem in the NFL: top selections are EXPECTED by the team and fans to sign, and the agents know it.

[/QUOTE]

Not having a top selection this year was a big reason I appreciated the way the FO went about acquiring the extra 2nd round picks this year. More for less!

Re: Chris Cooley speaks out against rookie pay system
 

I think the two tight end sets will be a great aspect of the offense. it will take pressure of all the other receivers for an opportunity one on one of even if one of them are covered one on one by a linebacker cooley and davis will toast an lb every down. most of all just like with the passing game as a whole will help open the running game for CP and make it alot easier than last year.
p.s. actually saw cooley in dulles mall today. he couldnt sign any
pictures bc of a contract with the store but he would personlize
a signed one. but a real nice guy and personalized a signed one for
me and his wife is a DIME