NPs6724
Two Dat, Here We Come!
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Like I said, if he's a lackluster CB and will produce lackluster results, he will have no grounds to demand a Clements-like contract. You can't have it both ways. People say he's overrated and not in MM's league, yet they're projecting him to demand an astronomical amount of money. It doesn't add up. I have yet to see a team offer a huge free agent contract to someone based completely on potential.
He has the talent, but fails to use it. Hall's results are lackluster compared to his talent and the amount of money he will be looking for. He goes for highlight reel plays and the few times he gets them, he gets the spotlight. He will demand a huge contract because he has a giant ego and he's a TO-type of guy. Think of it the same way a troubled player who can't stay out of trouble is always given second and third and fourth and fifth chances. Most coaches and GMs have egos bigger than the players' and think they can change or fix guys with potential.
There are few FAs who get contracts based on potential because it's rare to see a guy like Hall hit FA at 25 (which he'll be when he does). Most first-time FAs who fulfill their rookie contract usually either re-up with their team or they are 27+. But look at last year and the number of OL who were getting outrageous contracts and weren't even in the top 20 of their position. LG Derrick Dockery, one of the league leaders in false starts, got a 7-year $49 million contract with $18 million guaranteed from Buffalo last year, 3rd largest in NFL history for a G. You think he is the 3rd-best guard in the NFL today? Is he even the 3rd-best guard in the AFC? Free agents aren't paid based on THEIR talent and production alone, they're paid based on the rest of the talent and production at their position and how many of that position are available. And if that position is one like CB or QB, whoever is #1 and #2 during FA is going to get paid. It's supply and demand, nothing more. Nate Clements isn't the best CB in the NFL, but was paid like it. He has never performed well enough to get an $80-million contract, but that's what he got. Why? He was the best at his position on the market with very few of starter-quality available and he's a CB, who are always in demand. The production doesn't outweigh the cost.