It’s not enough, according to New York Giant wide receiver Plexico Burress. It seems that Burress is not thrilled with his six year contract that he signed three seasons ago - the one that paid him $15 million over the first three seasons and then only $10 million over the final three years of the deal. The funny part about this is that I can’t blame the guy. OK Guru, how are you going to justify this?
Burress caught the winning touchdown from Eli Manning in Super Bowl XLII (42 if you never learned Roman numerals) this past February. He has played eight seasons in the NFL and led the Giants last year with a career best 12 touchdown receptions and 70 catches. During the past three seasons, Manning and Burress have hooked up for 29 touchdown passes. No other quarterback/receiver combo has more.
OK Guru, the guy has stats that sound good, but “where’s the beef” (80’s reference for older readers)? The beef is that while Burress signed his deal in 2005, today’s top receivers in the NFL are getting paid more money. Lot’s more. Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Terrell Owens and New England Patriot Randy Moss recently signed 3 year contracts worth $27 million. Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals inked a 4 year, $40 million deal with $30 million of it guaranteed.
Guaranteed. Guaranteed. Guaranteed. That’s the key here. Football, unlike the other pro sports we all love and know, does not do guaranteed contracts. Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees ($28 million this season for those who are counting) signed a 10 year for $275 million this winter to stay a NY Yankee (that’s a story for another time). If A-Rod gets hurt and has to retire or the Yankees decide his services are no longer needed (you’re old and now you suck), they are on the hook for what is left on the contract. Yes there is insurance to cover these things, but the point is that A-Rod will continue to get a big check each month.
In the NFL, it is “what have you done for me lately?” When Burress signed his contract in 2005 for 6 years it was worth $25 million. Only a small piece of that was guaranteed up front. If the Giants decide to part ways with Burress tomorrow, he no longer gets a check for the remaining years of the contract. It’s a little more complicated than that (salary caps, CBA, DGR and cap hits, don’t worry, NOBODY understands this stuff).
Today, the New Orleans Saints signed a contract extension with their Defensive End, Will Smith (not the movie guy). The deal is being reported to be worth $70 million over the next six years. $26 of the $70 million is guaranteed. The McDonalds down the street from my house is paying $9.00 an hour to start. Smith, who is listed at 6′ 3″, 285 lbs can now buy lots of Big Macs.
So the question is, is Burress wrong to want a new contract? What will happen next is that Burress will not report to training camp next month until he gets a new contract. It will make for great press and radio-show call-in material. In the end, the Giants will give in (all the teams do) and Burress will be able to join Smith at the McDonalds.
Voice your opinion on Burress, Smith, A-Rod or any athlete who makes as much money each season as the GNP of Botswana………….
Your Friend in Sports,
Dave the Sports Guru
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Alex Rodriguez, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Eli Manning, Larry Fitzgerald, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Yankees, NFL, Plaxico Burress, Randy Moss, Super Bowl XLII, Terrell Owens, Will Smith
Well, Dave, I think that the G-men should tear it up and start a new one. How much was SB 42 worth to the organization? BIG BUCKS !!! Lets see management share some with the guy who got the big bucks for them. The team doesn’t need the issues that will be brought about with Plex not showing up. Last year was the first in many that they really had a TEAM.
As far as A-Rod, the Yanks see that and are sharing on the come. Hopefully he continues to produce and will finally give them something in the post season ( if they get there ).. That’s enough, I hear the pool calling me.
PS.. About time you found something to do.
With the way players are being paid in the NFL nowadays, Burress has every right to demand a new contract. Nevermind the fact that every player you mentioned in comparison in your post, has not won a championship, Eli and Burress have. It’s time to get some deals done.
“During the past three seasons, Manning and Burress have hooked up for 29 touchdown passes. No other quarterback/receiver combo has more.”
Brady >> Moss will get more than that after 2 years
Good article, Buress is a whiner … there are at least 10 better receivers in the league currently, though.