Who would like to see a rookie pay scale?

Question

While I am all about guys getting paid well, I am not all about them getting paid well before they prove they belong.

I am always amazed that they number one draft pick gets gauranteed money in excess of what most NFL guys have.  

Just not sure how we got to the point of wagering heavily on guys coming out of college.  It seems that more flop than prosper, yet teams are still paying thru the nose for the possibility that these guys prosper.

It also affects the draft order, because the teams can negotiate with the players before the draft. 

If a pay scale were in place, the negotiations would have nothing to do with it and teams could draft based on what their needs really are.  And they don't risk tying up a lot of money on a bust.  

Put the first 2 years on a pay scale with heavy incentives for playing time, and let them earn it.  After two years, a team will know for sure if they want to invest heavily in someone.

What do you think?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I totally agree with a rookie pay scale. Im tired of seeing UNPROVEN rookies being payed more than seasoned vets. its bull ****, most rookies turn out to not live up to the hype anyway.

Anonymous · Answer

The first two answerers addressed most of your question's details. I'll address the point about veterans' complaints. True, they may not be very happy about seeing a raw rookie out-earning them, but a veteran player's next contract is ALWAYS determined by market value. For example: Matt Ryan just got a huge contract. Now suppose, say, Aaron Rodgers has a big season in Green Bay. He can ask for more money and use Ryan's contract as a measuring stick for his own worth. And if Ryan is worth THIS much money, and Rodgers is worth even more than that, how much is a Carson Palmer worth? And then how much is a Peyton Manning worth? It works that way at every position. The more money a hotshot rookie makes, the more a superstar veteran at that position will make down the line.

Terri Yaki · Answer

I would love to see a rookie cap, like in the NBA.

Every draft there is 5-7 players who prove their worth.  I hate teams being strapped becasue the drop $16 million in signing bonus on Ryan Leaf-type players.

I am POSITIVE that the collectibve bargaining agreement will prohibit this from happening.  Gene Upshaw or his successor will seee to that,

what? · Answer

there must be a rookie cap like in the nba. the money keeps increasing every year, it is so ridiculous. it is stupid to give some kid millions of guaranteed dollars when he hasnt even proven anything on the field yet. there has to be a cap and a rookie has to earn his money. there should be certain accomplishments a rookie must achieve before getting his due.

Raider Nation · Answer

i totally agree , i think they get paid to much money and what if they can't play or keep up with the game , why did they get all that money for , and i agree with you about the 2 year pay scale , it's hard to believe rookies like Jamarcus Russell and Brady Quin holding out for money they might never earn , they need to prove that can earn it , it shouldn't be giving to them

Tongue · Answer

Couldn't agree more.  There is no reason a #1 draft should be paid more than a starting vet.

805Livin · Answer

yea i don't like how you have to pay 20 million dollars guaranteed for a player out of college. i know they were great players in college but i think they should have to prove themselves for that contract like every other player that is in the NFL

Arods Bro (Durant4MVP) · Answer

no i think it should be up to the teams for how much they wanna pay the player

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Who would like to see a rookie pay scale?

8 Answers