James Cook absent from OTA's

[Billsfed1]

11 hours ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

Yes, I agree. At 31 yrs old.

I think so too, certainly wont be elite anyways

[DrDawkinstein]

Just now, GunnerBill said:

 

Yes but you make year 3 a largely unguaranteed big number... like $19m plus that he is never going to play on. If he is still a stud at that point you extend him.and lower that number. If he is washed you cut him. 

 

I had a model worked out the other day where you do a 3yr $45m extension and his salary cap numbers are basically:

 

25 - 5m

26 - 9m

27 - 13.5m

 

Then 28 was a big number but it isn't real money. I did have one void year but not a ton in it. Like $4m. I think I had him cuttable for like $7m in dead cap after the 2027 season. If I get time this weekend I'll dig my workings out and post it. 

 

I thought it had wins for him and his agent (let them claim they got the number they wanted) and wins for the Bills.

 

There's so much fan reaction to this situation that I just dont get. 

 

Besides the manufactured outrage over the innocuous social media posts, this idea that somehow a short-term $15M/yr avg contract will somehow cripple the team and put us in cap hell just doesnt add up. Especially when any of us amateurs can structure a reasonable and team-safe deal with minimal effort.

 

I understand Beane's measured approach and pinching pennies on early extensions where he is gifting guys a good, guaranteed payday before their rookie deal ends. But that approach also (should) provide the wiggle room to go closer to market value if/when needed.
 

That's why I think a deal will get done, but closer to Cook hitting FA. No point in negotiating with market value numbers now when Beane is only negotiating against himself. But we can (and hopefully will) bump up the offer when Cook earns it with another year of top production. I just hope by then it isnt too late because if he does produce, his number only goes up.