Franchise Tag Should Be An Honor, Not A Slap in the Face
By Rams Nation's Don Ackerman
My review at work is coming up this week and I gotta tell you, I would LOVE
to hear that! So why are NFL players not excited to hear that? I wonder...
Recently, Peerless Price, the Buffalo Bills WR, was "slapped" with
the franchise tag. What is the franchise tag? Simply said, each team can keep
one player who can leave the club by offering them a one-year contract that
is the average of the five largest prior year salaries for players at the same
position or 120% of his prior year salary.
Sounds like a good deal huh? You can make the average salary of the top five
salaries in the league (no matter how overpaid they may be with zero effort
to justify any of the salaries) to stay with the team you were with last year.
So what does it cost you? One year of your life. And basically the inability
to leave the organization (unless another team gives up TWO first round draft
picks so basically you're not going anywhere). That sounds hefty but I don't
think it's so bad when you consider that most players are drafted and are basically
forced to play where they are chosen to play. (Sure you can hold out but what
you get in cash you lose in respect and preparation.)
Today, players feel like they are being insulted because they are not getting
a long-term contract. That much I can somewhat understand. But someone like
Peerless has more than 5 million reasons to be happy. In fact, Peerless is guaranteed
a one-year deal worth $5.01 million (which is the average of the NFL's top five
receivers' salaries). I'm guessing a long-term contract would be great but 5
million dollars should help ends meet. Don't forget, he is a free agent next
year again!
It's probably all in perception. Peerless wants a long-term deal (who doesn't!)
with guaranteed option. Many players take this one year balloon payment as a
"dis" or the inability to respect them. Maybe it's true but not in
all cases. This year the Kansas City Chief gave TE Tony Gonzalez the franchise
tag "because we respect him and think he is an outstanding football player,"
according to Chiefs president and general manager Carl Peterson.
That's more like it! Maybe it is all about spin! I think it's all about how
you look at it. Sure, it's a one-year delay in your "Get Outta Dodge"
plan but hey, you're earning very good money to deal with it. I'm sure each
"franchise tagged" player feels the same as many in the workforce
because sometimes it is "just a job" and it can be all about the paycheck.
But think about it - look long term!
Players are sooo short-sighted!
Now that Peerless Price is "burdened" with the franchise tag, the
Buffalo Bills are reported to be about $4 million under the NFL cap. Because
of this, speculation is that tight end Jay Riemersma (a 29-year old with 7 years
of experience) will be released unless he takes a "significant pay cut."
What do you think Jay thinks of this situation? Hey Peerless you may be angry
today because you have to settle for top 5 money but I bet your teammate Jay
would gladly trade places with you. Think about that! Next year, maybe Peerless
can cash in while Jay fights to make a team. Doesn't seem like Peerless has
it so bad. Hey Peerless, could it be that the franchise tag is an honor?