The NFL's 2010 No.1 overall draft pick Sam Bradford signed with the St. Louis Rams. 78 million, 86 million max, 50 million guaranteed.
That's the league's new CBA at work. And Blue Sunday says that could mean a competing league might just pop up:
Each time in pro football history when NFL rookie's pay went below a certain tipping point, the NFL became vulnerable to a new league and one would pop up and start competing for players. This happened with the AAFC in the 1940’s, the AFL in the 1960’s, the World Football League in the 1970’s, and of course the USFL in the 1980’s.
Interesting take.
Even more interesting? The Blitz has always taken the stance - play to your contract. Do not sit out if you have time left. Yet, in the NFL, it doesn't work both ways. Owners can cut you despite having 'a contract.' Hate to say it but...Osi Umenyiora summed this situation up as well as we've ever seen it:
“I hope there is a chance. But who knows? What really annoys me is the hypocrisy of people clamoring for my head for asking for a new deal or to be traded, saying I have two years left on my deal. These contracts only mean something to us? Where is [Shaun] O’hara? Where is Rich Seubert? True inspirational football players. They were cut after being injured. They have years left on their deal. Why is [Brandon] Jacobs asked to take a pay cut? He has years left on his deal.
“The fact is in the business we are in, if you get injured, or they feel like you under-performed, they cut you without hesitation. But if you clearly out-play your contract and ask for something to be done, you’re a bad guy and not a team player. It’s ridiculous. How does a guy who had one good year (no disrespect to Charles Johnson) sign a deal and make more than both me and Justin Tuck combined? It’s not right. “Everyone in this business understands that is exactly what it is. Business. And just like none of us get upset when our teammates are released due to business decisions, the teams also don’t get upset when something like this happens. It’s just frustrating to see how people react to one thing, and not the other. Just be fair.”
Actually? It really is not. Maybe the NFLPA should have addressed that...
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