Ottawapatty
02-13-2003, 01:27 PM
Hey I was just reading the lastest article on Patriots.com
http://www.patriots.com/news/fullarticle.sps?id=23391&type=general&bhcp=1
It says:
"But that's where Milloy's contract enters the picture. Milloy's seven-year contract had two tiers. The first was a four-year, $15 million portion that included $6 million up front. Following the fourth season (2003), the Patriots can pick up the remaining three years by paying Milloy a $2 million bonus, but those last three years account for $20 million of the $35 million total package.
That would seem to be too much money to pay a strong safety heading into years 9-11 – even one that has been as solid as Milloy. That puts some pressure on the Patriots decision makers. They must accurately judge Milloy's play and place a value on it now rather than after the 2003 season – especially if they hope to re-sign Jones. Could they afford to lose both Jones (this year) and Milloy (next)? Anything is possible, but that doesn't seem to be ideal or even likely."
then
That means the Patriots could face the difficult decision of letting one of their best players and most active team leaders test free agency if they don't pick up the option. They also could simply restructure his contract before or after the season – a viable alternative. Milloy appears to be a Belichick favorite, which could play into the decision, although the coach tends to be able to separate business from emotion.
Regardless, a decision on Milloy could affect Jones' negotiation. If New England doesn't figure to pick up the option on Milloy's contract, they could re-sign Jones to a long-term deal, knowing that Milloy's high cap number won't be around long . . .
Either way, there is not likely room for two high-priced safeties over the long haul. Jones is entering his sixth season and only his fourth at safety. However, he battled a muscle injury in his leg during mini camp and training camp his rookie season and again during the 1999 and 2002 seasons. In his career, he has played in 72 of a possible 80 games. Milloy, conversely, has been a picture of durability and has never missed a game.
Tough choice. . . who would you like to see them keep and why??
I would say Franchise Jones and then let him go! Grab two draft picks for next year and hit the FA market. There are some good backs out there!
Matt
P.S. - Also, I love this smilie :hump:!!
http://www.patriots.com/news/fullarticle.sps?id=23391&type=general&bhcp=1
It says:
"But that's where Milloy's contract enters the picture. Milloy's seven-year contract had two tiers. The first was a four-year, $15 million portion that included $6 million up front. Following the fourth season (2003), the Patriots can pick up the remaining three years by paying Milloy a $2 million bonus, but those last three years account for $20 million of the $35 million total package.
That would seem to be too much money to pay a strong safety heading into years 9-11 – even one that has been as solid as Milloy. That puts some pressure on the Patriots decision makers. They must accurately judge Milloy's play and place a value on it now rather than after the 2003 season – especially if they hope to re-sign Jones. Could they afford to lose both Jones (this year) and Milloy (next)? Anything is possible, but that doesn't seem to be ideal or even likely."
then
That means the Patriots could face the difficult decision of letting one of their best players and most active team leaders test free agency if they don't pick up the option. They also could simply restructure his contract before or after the season – a viable alternative. Milloy appears to be a Belichick favorite, which could play into the decision, although the coach tends to be able to separate business from emotion.
Regardless, a decision on Milloy could affect Jones' negotiation. If New England doesn't figure to pick up the option on Milloy's contract, they could re-sign Jones to a long-term deal, knowing that Milloy's high cap number won't be around long . . .
Either way, there is not likely room for two high-priced safeties over the long haul. Jones is entering his sixth season and only his fourth at safety. However, he battled a muscle injury in his leg during mini camp and training camp his rookie season and again during the 1999 and 2002 seasons. In his career, he has played in 72 of a possible 80 games. Milloy, conversely, has been a picture of durability and has never missed a game.
Tough choice. . . who would you like to see them keep and why??
I would say Franchise Jones and then let him go! Grab two draft picks for next year and hit the FA market. There are some good backs out there!
Matt
P.S. - Also, I love this smilie :hump:!!