The Impact Sam Bradford's Contract May Have On The Future Of The NFL

It seems inevitable that Sam Bradford will be the richest man in the NFL. Some have an issue with that. Some don't.

But I do.

In a previous article I spoke about the dangers of putting a young quarterback on the field when the rest of the team isn't finished, and ready for the newest member.

Doesn't seem as if teams really care about throwing away a ton of money when their "pride and joy" get demolished, Tim Couch style. Because they do it every year.

Sometimes it works out, but more often then not, it doesn't. And they are stuck, paying a guy a ton of money to throw the ball to the other team, or in the dirt. Or in some cases, eat dirt.

In walks Sam Bradford.

Newest boy-toy for the St. Louis Rams. and he's gonna get paid. Big. So we are hearing.

An NFL record $45-50 million guaranteed contract. With incentives it should throw it well over $100 million.

So that probably means they are not gonna keep their new Bentley in the garage, and drive the Honda. Sorry Feeley, you're the Honda.

But the Honda is dependable. Has good gas mileage. A bit older, but it's been up and down the road. doesn't need navigation, it's been there before. And it can teach a thing or two to the Bentley.

But it will probably be on the sidelines holding the clipboard, and watching the Bentley get wrapped around the telephone pole that is the NFL.

Oklahoma's punter had more snaps than Bradford did last year.

It would be wise to keep this trend of having Feeley with the one's, and as the teams starter come week one. So that the possible damage to Bradford will be limited.

But, with a $50 million contract, I'm not so sure the Rams will do that.

They also need to watch out for the JaMarcus Russell effect. Pay the man a ton, and then cut him.

This could set a new precedent for rookies coming in to the league where the actual incentive to play isn't as high. Unless the NFL nips this in the bud with the next CBA, we could soon see a rash of rookies, pulling a Russell.

I understand the last few years have escalated the sliding scale at which rookies are paid, but the fact that there is a qb premium put on the very first pick of the last two drafts, makes everyone else picked in the first round that much more likely to expect this kind of money.

And for what? Being good in college? When paying them at this level while 10 year vets are not making half this, it does not make the athlete actually want or need to perform at a high level.

We are getting to a point where I think you will see a decline in performance from first rounders, simply because their payday has already came, and they never had to do a thing to get it.

Sure, Bradford's contract wouldn't pay him the $45-50 mil right now, but, the NFL needs to rethink this whole rookie sliding scale, and QB premium. and teams need to stand their ground and let these guys know, that they'll pay you, but your money won't  come until I see that you deserve it.

In this instance, the Rams need to be smart here. Start the highest paid man, or let him watch the more experienced guy get pummelled. Or maybe not. As an Eagles fan, I have faith that Feeley can get the job done in St. Louis.

But unfortunately, in the NFL, it's not always that easy.