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free agent Archive

LARRY JOHNSON’S POISON PILL JACKPOT

By
theOCD
Published: 10 November 2009 9:52 PM ESTPosted in: NFL

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Before the season, Larry Johnson filed a grievance in an attempt to recover his multi-million dollar signing bonus. He lost the grievance but still managed to get a deal where he earned a pro-rated bonus over the course of the season. At that point, it seems like the Chiefs had successfully maneuvered around Larry Johnson’s poison pill (gi-mongous roster bonus) and managed to keep him somewhat happy.

While cutting L.J. was necessary, the Chiefs didn’t really save any money. Larry Johnson’s deal with the Chiefs paid him $4.55 million in base salary and a pro-rated $62,500 per game roster bonus. Since he was released, the Chiefs won’t be responsible for paying him the roster bonus or the rest of money left on his deal. Johnson was due $22.5 million over the next three seasons but none of that money was guaranteed. Kansas City will still be sending checks to L.J.’s house though. Johnson wasn’t claimed on waivers by any team so the Chiefs have to pay him the remaining $2+ million on his contract for 2009.

If you followed the Chiefs in the preseason, it didn’t seem like it would end like this so soon. L.J. claimed to be pleased with the moves made by new GM Scott Pioli. The former Penn State runner also said, “If they wanted to get rid of me, they had a chance to get rid of me.” At the time, the Kansas City press gushed over the statement as if he had a new attitude. Now, it seems like it may have been a declaration of defiance.

Yes, Larry Johnson’s public image was destroyed. But he also succeeded in punching the Chiefs right in the balls. K.C. was essentially forced to pay him the money they tried to avoid paying him before the season. On top of that, Johnson can still sign a free agent contract with any team.

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MICHAEL VICK TO FLEE PHILLY IN 2010?

By
theOCD
Published: 09 November 2009 12:12 PM ESTPosted in: NFL, Spotlight

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Michael Vick might seem like a good fit on the Eagles. But there’s a good chance he won’t be with the team next year. Vick’s own words and salary requirements indicate that he might move to a new team in 2010.

When asked about returning to the Eagles in 2010, Michael Vick said it would be “an everyday struggle” and that he doesn’t want to be pigeonholed as a Wildcat guy. He’s also due a massive $5.2 million if Philadelphia picks up his team option next year. As a result, it’s highly unlikely that Vick would return to the team for a second season.

Tony Dungy recently mentioned that Buffalo could be a destination for Vick. They had engaged in initial negotiations with the former Falcon’s quarterback before he signed with the Eagles. Dungy also says that teams thin at QB such as Cleveland, St. Louis, and Washington could be interested in Vick.

There’s no way that Cleveland hands over the reins to Vick since they pay so much money to Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. Even if they get rid of Quinn, Anderson makes around $8 million per year and it would be tough to pay him that much to be a backup (again). St. Louis and Washington both seem like teams that need to start over with rookie quarterbacks.  Other than those teams, the Raiders and Panthers could be options. Though Dungy has previously mentioned that he advised Vick against considering Oakland. Buffalo seems like it could be the best fit.

But don’t rule the Vikings out of the Michael Vick sweepstakes. If Favre doesn’t come back (but I think he will), Vick could be a great option for a team that’s already solid on both sides of the ball. A Favre-less Vikings team could easily cover Vick’s contract since Favre is due about $10 million next year. Another interesting potential fit would be in Tennessee.  Vince Young is due upwards of $4 million in a roster bonus and $7.5 million in salary for 2010.  Unless the Titans decide he’s the quarterback of the future or restructure his deal, it would be extremely difficult to pay that price for a mediocre quarterback.

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