As a former football player, I can appreciate how important both lines are. The Seahawks are not overpaying any lineman position, which is huge. It allows them to continue working with what they have, all while having the flexibility to spend on other positions. Look at the Atlanta Falcons. They had to cut RB Michael Turner, CB Dunta Robinson, and DE John Abraham. These are really good players that cost a lot of money. Seattle doesn't have that issue right now (emphasis on right now...). Now, let's compare the Hawks salaries against the NFL's premium.
Note: Numbers will reflect BASE salary for 2013, incentives not included. A few Seattle's best players are still signed to their rookie contracts, hence the small paycheck.
Quarterbacks
1. Peyton Manning, Broncos – $18,000,0002. Michael Vick, Eagles – $12,500,000
3. Matt Ryan, Falcons – $11,500,000
Russell Wilson, Seahawks – $526,217
The Hawks are in such a good position in terms of their quarterbacks. As I've stated many times before, Flynn is not as expensive as people have thought. While I don't agree with him making more than Wilson, that will change very soon. With Seattle's two quarterbacks making a combined $5,776,217, it provides a whole lot more cap room for other positions. Wilson makes 34% of what Manning makes and means just as much to his team. Steal? Let's keep enjoying it while we can. For those of you looking for Joe Flacco after his huge contract, check it out. From 2013-2015, he is scheduled to make $11,000,000, with only $1,000,000 in 2013. From 2016-2018, he will make $58,000,000. The rest will fall with a yearly $5,800,000 bonus and incentives.
Runningbacks
1. Chris Johnson, Titans – $8,000,0002. Adrian Peterson, Vikings – $8,000,000
3. Stephen Jackson, Rams – $7,000,000
(10) Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks – $4,000,000
Marshawn is one of the better paid Hawks, ranking as the 10th richest RB for next season. Again, as much as he means to Seattle, this is a great deal. While RBs don't tend to last as long as other positions, their pay tends to reflect that. I can tell you that although Chris Johnson is an impressive RB, the Titans sure wish they didn't spend as much as they did on him. His numbers are down from his 2000 yard season. If Lynch can stay productive, the Hawks will definitely provide bonus and incentive money for Lynch.
Wide Receivers
1. Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers – $11,000,000
2. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs – $9,515,000
3. Wes Welker, Patriots – $9,515,000
2. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs – $9,515,000
3. Wes Welker, Patriots – $9,515,000
(6) Sidney Rice, Seahawks – $7,000,000
Golden Tate, Seahawks – $490,000
Doug Baldwin, Seahawks – $465,000
Ben Obomanu, Seahawks – $2,000,000
Sidney Rice is Seattle's highest paid player, a choice made when the Hawks were anything but good and desperate to pick up a good free agent. While Rice hasn't lived up to the cost, last year gave hope to what he can do with a full year to produce. Tate and Baldwin are still signed to their rookie contracts, and therefore have been very affordable. Once they become free agents, however, Seattle will have to make a very difficult decision. I don't see both returning, and this upcoming year will have a lot to say who will stay in Seattle. It absolutely baffles me that Obomanu makes as much as he does, and I can confidently say he will not make that after his contract expires.
Cornerbacks
1. Nnamdi Asomugha, Eagles – $11,000,000
2. Champ Bailey, Broncos – $8,000,000
3. Jonathan Joseph, Texans – $7,250,000
2. Champ Bailey, Broncos – $8,000,000
3. Jonathan Joseph, Texans – $7,250,000
Richard Sherman, Seahawks – $465,000
Brandon Browner, Seahawks –
$415,000
We all know how I feel about these corners. What is so amazing is Pete Carroll and John Schneider's abilities to analyze talent beyond the first round. Browner was playing in the CFL, and signing him to an affordable contract was easy. Sherman is tied to his rookie contract too, and will cost Seattle a whole lot more when he re-signs. I don't see the Hawks paying premium for both, and if Browner gets a great offer elsewhere, I see him walking,
Safeties
1. Ed Reed, Ravens – $7,200,0002. Antrel Rolle, Giants - $6,750,000
3. Charles Woodson, Packers - $6,500,000
Earl Thomas, Seahawks – $1,000,000
Kam Chancellor, Seahawks – $490,000
Thomas makes a very affordable salary for how he produces, and Kam is still tied to his rookie contract. These players are the heart and soul of this defense, and they continue to set the tone for the game. I truly believe that if you removed either Thomas or Chancellor, this defense would take a significant step backwards. Both affordable right now, both will get premium contracts in the future.
There seems to be a reoccurring theme to this post. Rookie contracts are affordable. PCJS have both proven they can find talent in the draft and get the best out of them. That's why I see the Hawks investing more into the draft than in free agency. Don't get me wrong, if they can pick up a good player for the right price, they will do so. But I don't see any Sidney Rice contracts being signed in the near future for these Hawks, they simply don't need it.
No comments:
Post a Comment