NFL pre-season contract circus continues
Professional football is a business. The game aspect comes much later. At the end of the day, it’s a question of money and players want lots of it, and teams in the National Football League are having mixed success keeping some of their marquee players happy.
Wayne and Mathis report to Colts camp
“All Indianapolis Colts players under contract have reported to training camp," the team said in a statement released Sunday afternoon. Perhaps it’s time to put any rumours regarding a potential holdout from Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis to rest as they reported to the Colts' camp on time.
Wayne and Mathis caused quite a stir after skipping both voluntary workouts at the Colts' mini-camp and a three-day mandatory mini-camp in June. With two years remaining on their contracts, both the All-Pro receiver and defensive end were seeking more money and protesting to rework their deals. Wayne, 32, is scheduled for a $5.47 million base salary.
Titans’ Johnson wants a raise
Chris Johnson may have been on the field for Titans on Saturday in Nashville, but he is far from being all smiles. Johnson’s race to 2000 yards last season ended on a high note for the league’s most potent running back. Now we will have to see if his pursuit for an increase in pay will also end on a good note. Johnson, who led the NFL in rushing yards with 2006 yards last year, is unhappy with his salary.
Johnson is going to make $550,000 next year, the third year of his contract. "I can't play for $550,000" he said. "The money that I am playing for, I am getting paid less than the starting 11 [on offence] and I'm one of the lowest-paid starting running back.
Head coach Jeff Fisher did not try to downplay the situation and said this is "clearly an issue.”
Darrrelle is alone on Revis Island
Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis made a huge splash last season and has been dubbed as the NFL’s best corner with his stellar performance in 2009 with New York. It’s safe to say that the Jets love their All-Pro corner and Revis loves the Jets and their defensive schemes that allow him to shine under defensive guru and head coach Rex Ryan. So why aren’t the Jets one big happy family?
Revis feels like he's more than done enough for his team, while the the Jets have been happy to sit back and cash in on his underpaid play. Well no more said Revis as he is holding out from training camp until hi contract dispute with the team is resolved.
“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.
Ryan was hoping to get his star defensive back in time for camp, but understands that Revis is being treated unfairly not getting the salary that he deserves. Revis, arguably the best player on the Jets’ roster is also one of the lowest-paid players on the team this season. So far, Revis and the Jets have not been close to settling this dispute.
Ndamukong Suh looking for a huge payday
Over the past few days, it has been widely speculated that Ndamukong Suh is asking for more money than the top pick Sam Bradford, who signed a record-breaking six-year contract worth $78 million.
His agent Eugene Parker said on Sunday that these reports are simply not true. The Detroit Lions’ rookie defensive tackle remains unsigned as he and the Lions continue to negotiate a deal. Suh can’t join his team until he signs a contract. Until then, the Lions will continue camp without their first-round pick.
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