ChiefsPlanet - View Single Post - How much is Gonzo really worth (dollars)?

keg in kc · 07-21-2001, 04:04 PM

Luz, maybe I should have worded it better, but the contract I listed should be what we're aiming for, not what we would start the negotiations with. That means we do, obviously, start lower and then negotiate, but from a fiscal standpoint I think this contract is entirely responsible as well as justifiable. It's directly between the top tight end contracts (3+ mil/year) and the top wide receiver contracts (although that number isn't set in stone until Randy Moss re-signs with Minnesota next year - he's asking for 100 million...). I believe this contract also compares favorably to Will Shields' 6 year contract worth $24.2 million including a $7 million signing bonus. Gonzo is a highly-valued skill player in our offense, and (you can't forget this) the most nationally-recognized "face" in the franchise. $30 million over 6 years is not too much to pay for that in my humble opinion (and he may well want more...). He is, literally, the "star" of this team, and no other TE, not Sharpe, Wycheck or Dilger, can even pretend that's the case for them, and to hold him to their standard is a mistake.

Remember, though, all of this is assuming he has another 1000+ yard, 10 touchdown season. If he doesn't reach that level, then some of the luster will have fallen.

Assuming success, I think we should avoid the franchise tag at all costs, and make every effort not to have ugly protracted contract talks in 2003. I think the best move that Carl could make in terms of garnering public support for the team beyond what they've accomplished so far this offseason (although the season will be the true gauge...) is to sign Tony to a long term deal next offseason.

Here's how the contract might break down (based on [url=http://nflpa.org/members/playerProfile.asp?ID=19693]Will Shield's contract[/url]):

30 million over 6 years including an 8 million bonus

year 1: 5 year Vet minimum (I think we'll be under a new plan that Upshaw just signed), probably @500K, possibly less + 1.33 mil bonus
year 2: 2 mil + 1.33 mil bonus
year 3 3.5 mil + 1.33 mil bonus
year 4: 4.5 mil + 1.33 mil bonus.
year 5: 5.5 mil + 1.33 mil bonus.
year 6: 6 mil + 1.33 mil bonus.

If you don't like that, go for the gusto and try to sign him to a 7-10 year deal, but drop the yearly average down to 4 or 4.5 million. Say Gonzo signs for 10 years with a 45 million dollar contract includung a 12 million dollar bonus. More risk, but less pain later on.

I'm not saying ridiculously overpay, I'm saying pay him enough to keep him here. If we don't do it, and he has another HoF type season or two, someone else certainly will...

07-21-2001, 04:04 PM	#13
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	Luz, maybe I should have worded it better, but the contract I listed should be what we're aiming for, not what we would start the negotiations with. That means we do, obviously, start lower and then negotiate, but from a fiscal standpoint I think this contract is entirely responsible as well as justifiable. It's directly between the top tight end contracts (3+ mil/year) and the top wide receiver contracts (although that number isn't set in stone until Randy Moss re-signs with Minnesota next year - he's asking for 100 million...). I believe this contract also compares favorably to Will Shields' 6 year contract worth $24.2 million including a $7 million signing bonus. Gonzo is a highly-valued skill player in our offense, and (you can't forget this) the most nationally-recognized "face" in the franchise. $30 million over 6 years is not too much to pay for that in my humble opinion (and he may well want more...). He is, literally, the "star" of this team, and no other TE, not Sharpe, Wycheck or Dilger, can even pretend that's the case for them, and to hold him to their standard is a mistake. Remember, though, all of this is assuming he has another 1000+ yard, 10 touchdown season. If he doesn't reach that level, then some of the luster will have fallen. Assuming success, I think we should avoid the franchise tag at all costs, and make every effort not to have ugly protracted contract talks in 2003. I think the best move that Carl could make in terms of garnering public support for the team beyond what they've accomplished so far this offseason (although the season will be the true gauge...) is to sign Tony to a long term deal next offseason. Here's how the contract might break down (based on [url=http://nflpa.org/members/playerProfile.asp?ID=19693]Will Shield's contract[/url]): 30 million over 6 years including an 8 million bonus year 1: 5 year Vet minimum (I think we'll be under a new plan that Upshaw just signed), probably @500K, possibly less + 1.33 mil bonus year 2: 2 mil + 1.33 mil bonus year 3 3.5 mil + 1.33 mil bonus year 4: 4.5 mil + 1.33 mil bonus. year 5: 5.5 mil + 1.33 mil bonus. year 6: 6 mil + 1.33 mil bonus. If you don't like that, go for the gusto and try to sign him to a 7-10 year deal, but drop the yearly average down to 4 or 4.5 million. Say Gonzo signs for 10 years with a 45 million dollar contract includung a 12 million dollar bonus. More risk, but less pain later on. I'm not saying ridiculously overpay, I'm saying pay him enough to keep him here. If we don't do it, and he has another HoF type season or two, someone else certainly will...
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