NFL contracts are not always easy to come by
Every professional athlete feels they deserve a lengthy contract and the big bucks that come along with it. Some NFL players are willing to hold out, as seen with the Jets’ Darrelle Revis, who believes that the money is not right and feels short-changed. Others such as Chargers’ Vincent Jackson are willing to sit out the entire 2010 season in order to get a wealthy contract extension that guarantees him he will be with San Diego for an extended period of time.
No, seeking a long-term contract is not always easy and does come with its baggage. But for some players, their franchises are willing to succumb to their demands and simply do everything in their power to keep their star players on board and happy. Look no further than Arizona’s two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Darnell Dockett who has now finally inked the contract that he feels he deserves.
Dockett signed a four-year contract extension on Wednesday, worth up to $48 million, with $30 million guaranteed. Dockett, who had two years left on his previous contract, will be a Cardinal through the 2015 season.
"We are very fortunate to have a player of Darnell's ability," Cardinals general manager Rod Graves said, "and I think even more so his passion for the game."
Two years ago, Dockett made it clear to the Cardinals organisation that he believed he deserved a bigger contract. In 2009, he missed minicamp with an injured hamstring. But the star defensive player was present for last year’s training camp and has attended every workout, since opting to just play football and leave the contract issues to his agent Drew Rosenhaus.
"I made a commitment to players that I was going to be there, like Joey Porter. I told him I would be there and I didn't want to let him down. Once I put my helmet on and shoulder pads, I can honestly tell you I really didn't think about contract. I just focused on football and believed they could get it done."
Dockett was one of the lucky NFL players to not have to worry for too long about his contract, and he can now go into the 2010 regular season with one less thing on his mind.
The same can be said for Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. Indianapolis’ owner Jim Irsay won't let Manning walk away from the Colts next season — no matter the cost. Manning is expected to sign a deal that can make him the NFL's highest-paid player in league history.
But this is not the case for the majority of the teams. The Chargers and Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson have not been able to come to terms. Heading into his final year under contract, Jackson, a restricted free agent, is looking for an extension with San Diego.
The Chargers tendered him for one year at $3.268 million, but Jackson refused to sign and continues to sit out. "I'm ready for the long haul, but again I miss football," Jackson said. "I'm passionate about the game. I wouldn't be out here training and working as hard as I am if I wasn't. I'm hoping everything works out, but I'm not holding my breath for anything."
New York’s All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis is another player holding out and locked in a contract dispute with his respective team. This has been going on since the start of training camp and there's no telling how long he might stay away.
"The two things that we've all agreed upon is that Darrelle has outplayed his contract and it needed to be addressed, and he has three years to go on his contract," said general manager Mike Tannenbaum earlier this month. Yet nothing has changed as the weeks continue to go by and the regular season approaches.
Some players are fortunate not to have to worry about their contacts, while others have to resort to drastic measures and hope for the best.
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