Seoulful Soul Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 1: Pick it up? 2: Let him play and then re-up him if it warrants it? 3: Let him play and then say good luck with your career? 4: Cut him/try to trade? He's been a mixed bag but seemed to start to gel last year. I still believe he's worth it and it's only 24. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
298Woody Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 I think sign him for a couple of years now at a better rate because he will have a break out year with Ed Oliver now in the mix along with Hughes on the other side. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodman19 Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 No reason to pick up the option with his level of performance. He's not hard to replace if push comes to shove. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldmanfan Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 Pick it up. Solid in run defense, getting better on pass rush. One more year will allow a definitive decision. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimeAFLGuy Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 1 minute ago, Woodman19 said: No reason to pick up the option with his level of performance. He's not hard to replace if push comes to shove. ...think the option is $10.2 million...... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsintaiwan Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 they will have to pay him 9 mil, right? that is what hughes is paid. There are some guys who make more than 9 mil on this list over whom I prefer Shaq. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/rankings/average/defensive-end/ some guys are much better. bills know him better than anyone. he is 24. if they think he has the health and character, then you do it. a breakout year and he will be well north of 9 mil. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skibum Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 (edited) Pick it up. He's not a Hall of Famer, but he's a solid starter, he's healthy, and he brings some years of familiarity with the personnel and the game plan. That stuff isn't sexy, but it's really critical to maintaining a consistent team, and you would have to sign a bona fide stud to compensate for all that. Why risk a change at this point? Edited April 30, 2019 by skibum 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEpsYtown Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 I don't think there is any way they pick up the option. I just don't think they love him as a player, and I as I said yesterday on the board somewhere, I don't think they want to tie up funds to guys who don't truly fit their vision. I like Shaq and I think there is still some upside there. But you really can't justify giving him 11-14 million on a 1 year deal. Picking up the option on Shaq and extending Jerry is going to tie up 25-30 million in cap for 2020. I think they use those funds and try to acquire a different group of defensive ends. I'd rather sign Clowney and give him 30 million up front than sign those two guys. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodman19 Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 (edited) 5 minutes ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said: ...think the option is $10.2 million...... Exactly, you can do better in free agency with $10.2 million than Shaq. Don't overvalue him just because he's home grown. Edited April 30, 2019 by Woodman19 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsInWilmingtonNC Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 Trade him for a pick and be done with him... He doesn't fit the mold of what McDermott wants IMO 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rock-A-Bye Beasley Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 10 minutes ago, 298Woody said: I think sign him for a couple of years now at a better rate because he will have a break out year with Ed Oliver now in the mix along with Hughes on the other side. This was going to be my answer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pine Barrens Mafia Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 Do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 You can't pick it up and pay him $10.5-11m. So you only pick it up if you are planning to extend him and if I am his agent my starting point for the extension is "I want more guaranteed than the 5th year option gives me." So you have to guarantee him minimum of $12m which over 4 years if $3m a year before you start on the unguaranteed element. That to me is already getting up there in terms of his value. I like Shaq but I struggle to make an argument for retaining him on that basis. At the $2m a year he is making now, having him on the roster is a no brainer. At double that price it starts to look a luxury. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeF Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 (edited) https://frontofficenfl.com/2017/03/27/nfl-rookie-contracts-explained-fifth-year-option/ This is one of the better explanations I have seen. The option for Shaq is the average of the 3rd to 25th highest players at his position. It is only guaranteed in case of injury before March of next year (the start of the league year). If he is on the roster for the start of the league year, its fully guaranteed. When a team exercises the option, it becomes guaranteed for injury only. If the player is on the team’s roster at the start of the League Year in his option season, his salary becomes fully guaranteed for skill, cap and injury. If they don't exercise it, they really don't want him because there is very little risk of exercising it. Edited April 30, 2019 by JoeF 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALF Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 A one year show me contract with incentives to equal the 5th year option if cannot reach a fair longer deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmur66 Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 Sign him to a reasonable contract now 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 11 minutes ago, oldmanfan said: Pick it up. Solid in run defense, getting better on pass rush. One more year will allow a definitive decision. This is where I’m at. They have so much cap space next year and Hughes in a contract season. I’m picking up Shaq’s option because it raises the floor at the position. He’s already solid and is an ascending player. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCal Deek Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 I’m guessing his signing, or not, will have more to do with his relationship to The Process and whether management believe he’s all in. This is something that fans will never know. He’s certainly not performed so far to first round status but it might be the coaches (who didn’t pick him) see him on an upward trajectory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BruceVilanch Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 20 minutes ago, 298Woody said: I think sign him for a couple of years now at a better rate because he will have a break out year with Ed Oliver now in the mix along with Hughes on the other side. That's a pretty good idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarleyNY Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 3 minutes ago, JoeF said: https://frontofficenfl.com/2017/03/27/nfl-rookie-contracts-explained-fifth-year-option/ This is one of the better explanations I have heard. The option for Shaq is the average of the 3rd to 25th highest players at his position. It is only guaranteed in case of injury before March of next year (the start of the league year). If he is on the roster for the start of the league year, its fully guaranteed. When a team exercises the option, it becomes guaranteed for injury only. If the player is on the team’s roster at the start of the League Year in his option season, his salary becomes fully guaranteed for skill, cap and injury. Exactly correct. It’s what makes me think picking up his option is a possibility. Just to cover our butt since Hughes is due to be a FA and to make sure the DE cupboard isn’t totally bare. It can be rescinded anytime before the next league year starts as long as he’s healthy. I’ve advocated for that recently, but the more I think about it the more I lean toward passing. The reason is what many here have said: he’s easily replaceable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
US Egg Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 (edited) Simply put, he isn't worth the money he is owed. It's doubtful he'd sign for what he's worth which is closer to half of what he'd owed. Edited April 30, 2019 by I am the egg man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bourbonboy Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 (edited) What am I missing - why WOULDN'T he be extended (option picked up)? If there is no downside - he can always be released prior to his fifth year with no money lost - but there is upside, if he does put it all together this year and have a breakout year, we retain his rights for another year, to play, sign to a longer contract, or trade. Edited April 30, 2019 by bourbonboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeding Bills Blue Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 10 sacks in 3 years. Gotta do more than set the edge in a defense where we rarely blitz. I guess I'd pick it up since we're probably not going to be on the hook for the deal if he doesn't pick up his play. Kind of a gamble if he suffers an injury and can't pass a physical - but i like gambling so I'm in. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rc2catch Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 This really shouldn’t be a question.. Beane absolutely is picking up the option or extending him long term unless like someone else said they really don’t like him. He’s improved every year, and he is young enough that maybe he hasn’t peaked yet. Either way it’s zero risk really to keep him around. I’m in the crowd of sign him up for a team friendly 3-5 years extension while his value is low, just in case with the added talent on defense and offense he produces at a higher level which can skyrocket his price next year. Beane says he’ll use the money to lock up the current talent on the roster this is the first real kinda test along with jerry what they do. Beane seems to have a knack for getting players/agents to sign contracts which gives buffalo a lot of flexibility to get out of those deals with little penalty so I would not be against signing Lawson 3-5 years longer the way Beane structures contracts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irv Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 Another crappy pick by Whaley. Shaq is too Chris-Kelsay-ish. Plays like him. Even wears the same number. Has done nothing. Buy-bye. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCbillsfan Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 I'm torn on this DE situation. I feel the Bills either keep Lawson or extend Hughes. Losing both at the same time is quite a predicament. If all goes well this season, the Bills won't have a high draft pick next year. The early mocks have 4 or so receivers with 1st Rd grades. My guess is Bills want to draft a WR1 next year. This would leave DE as mid 2nd pick maybe worse. I'm leaning towards extending Hughes. He's better at getting to the QB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McBean Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 2 minutes ago, Irv said: Another crappy pick by Whaley. Shaq is too Chris-Kelsay-ish. Plays like him. Even wears the same number. Has done nothing. Buy-bye. My thoughts exactly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfan1959 Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 I kind of feel like Shaq could be a real beneficiary of Oliver's play... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 (edited) 2 i don’t think he’s earned that 5th year money yet but I think he could earn a long term deal this year. If he doesn’t, take the comp pick and move on. Edited April 30, 2019 by YoloinOhio 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TroutDog Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 1 minute ago, YoloinOhio said: 2 i don’t think he’s earned that 5th year money yet but I think he could earn a long term deal this year. If he doesn’t, take the comp pick and move on. Agreed. It appeared as though he finally learned under this coaching group that the fact you were a first rounder means exactly jack-s**t. If he can continue with that mindset, then he is a piece worth keeping. During the Rex years he saw a ‘leadership’ group that provided no leadership and he appeared to have followed suit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bangarang Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 It’s an easy no for me. Sign him cheap if that’s an option, otherwise he’s replaceable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hapless Bills Fan Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 1 hour ago, Seoulful Soul said: 1: Pick it up? 2: Let him play and then re-up him if it warrants it? 3: Let him play and then say good luck with your career? 4: Cut him/try to trade? He's been a mixed bag but seemed to start to gel last year. I still believe he's worth it and it's only 24. It's a good question. For others like me who had to look it up, it's $14.4M. We can afford it. Obviously the money-smart thing to do would be to try to sign him to a longer contract for less money. If Beane wants to sell the idea of "pay for performance", he pretty much can't option him - he hasn't played like a $14M man. On the other hand, he may be quietly shopping him to a team who would like him tied up for 2 years (recall we said we wouldn't have traded for Benjamin if the Panthers hadn't optioned him), so if the Bills did option him I wouldn't get all excited about it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lurker Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 They have the cap space for this season, so why not. Next year he's gone and DE will probably be a round one priority like 3-T was this year... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hapless Bills Fan Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 17 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said: I don’t think he’s earned that 5th year money yet but I think he could earn a long term deal this year. If he doesn’t, take the comp pick and move on. If they aren't trying to shop him, pretty sure that's what they do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloRebound Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 $10m guaranteed only for injury is not a big price to pay to keep a guys rights for another year if he has the potential to be a 7-8 sack guy this year. They gave Trent Murphy $10m in guarantees. Not exercising his 5th year option would be pretty damning and I’m not sure how they don’t bring somebody else in this year if that’s Beane’s opinion of him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tatonka68 Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 Give the man a Check, playing next to Oliver will make him even better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TC in St. Louis Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 He's had some big hits. He's super motivated. Oliver will create more opportunities for him. Our defense was number 2 in the league with Shaq in the lineup. Keep him. His first year was a wash because of the injury. Nobody got a lot of sacks on this team, but he had some big hits. Keep him. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJS Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 We've had countless threads about this over the course of the last year. Even the last week or two. I would not pick up his option. It would be easy to replace his production. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thurst44 Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 1 hour ago, oldmanfan said: Pick it up. Solid in run defense, getting better on pass rush. One more year will allow a definitive decision. And we have the cap room, so it's worth the chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 8 minutes ago, Lurker said: They have the cap space for this season, so why not. Next year he's gone and DE will probably be a round one priority like 3-T was this year... The 5th year option is in 2020. He is signed through this year. That said, we have the cap space next year too. I just don’t think this regime operates that way. I don’t think it’s an easy decision for them because he hasn’t played up to that salary, yet. Paying it just to not have that hole to fill and not have to answer the tough questions is taking the easy way out. Not really their m.o. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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