Long gone are the days of rookie holdouts. On the other end of the spectrum, this year we’ve seen some first-round rookies inking their first contracts as soon as possible.
What’s the reason for the turnaround?
NFL draft picks signing right away. As one agent said last night, "Everybody wants their money now."
— Jason Cole (@JasonCole62) May 6, 2016
The CBA agreed upon during the summer of 2011 made these quick deals possible by creating a rookie pay scale. Sam Bradford’s class of 2010 was the last to rake in monster deals that paled in comparison to many of their veteran peers.
Since then it’s been smooth sailing for the most part. And now that offset language seems to have ironed itself out, things are moving at an increasingly rapid pace.
The first-round picks signed today (so far): #Giants CB Eli Apple, #Bucs CB Vernon Hargreaves, #Dolphins OL Laremy Tunsil.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 6, 2016
This is great news for the players, who can now start making their long-dreamed-about purchases. No doubt some will set up new homes and/or vehicles for their parents or loved ones. No doubt some will buy shiny new toys for themselves.
But it’s also great news for the teams.
Long gone are the days of Michael Crabtree holding out during training camp to secure a deal. Long gone are the looks of animosity from veterans bitter about a rookie, who hasn’t proved anything, making millions more than them.
Now rookies can get into camp from the get-go and start learning the playbook. Now they can start developing camaraderie and chemistry with their new teammates as soon as possible.
It’s a real win-win. Let’s hope the NFLPA doesn’t try to stir up the pot and mess with a good thing the next time they sit across the negotiating table with the NFL.