Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcellus
I think 2 years into a 5 year deal is not reasonable to tear it up. Had Johnson underperformed and was cut the team would be out $7MM and a wasted 1st round pick. That's not chump change. There is risk on both sides.
Is he underpaid? Yea he is a bargain so far. That's how it works and he has NO leverage except to hold out this year when there may not be football in 2011 so that's not much of an option.
Like I said, give him a one time bonus for 2009 or 2010 ala Kurt Warner. I am not saying he doesn't deserve to be rewarded but I don't see the Titans making him one of the highest paid RB in the league after 2 seasons when he isn't close to fulfilling his contract time. His draft status does not warrant that. That's the system.
I can't think of a similar situation to compare it too either even though I am sure has been one.
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He does have leverage. He can hold out and while the team doesn't have to pay him, think about how much money they lose in disgruntled fans pissed off at the team for not paying him.
And again, just because "that's the system" doesn't make it a good one. And your example of Jamarcus is a classic example. You shouldn't be rewarded by your draft status. Once you're in this league, you should be rewarded by play on the field. And the fact that Jamarcus has sweet incentives that makes him difficult to cut while Johnson can be cut today pretty much for free tells you how broken the system is.
If you're talking about Albert Haynesworth, fine. He had a chance to negotiate a fair contract and he's not living up to it. If you're talking about a rookie who was slotted clearly incorrectly, that's a different story. And I'm not just talking dollars. I'm talking about guaranteeing his contract even if he gets injured. What union would EVER let an employer back out of a contract for an injury experienced ON THE JOB?
And by the way, the Titans didn't waste $7M in bonus. They got MVP-level play for 2 seasons. That's an enormous bargain.