Is this a new era in pro football $$

I think with the way that NFL is trying to make the game safer, improve the image of the league and teams being burned by suspensions, fines, off-field matters...it was only a matter of time.

You can only dig into the wallet so many times and get burned before you stop handing out the cash. Contract year or not...these athletes are looked at as "heros" or "public images" of the team and community. Sure, you're going to find teams with solid front offices and coaches taking a flyer every once in a while, but no one wants to shell out bucks for a guy who no matter how well he plays...can't get on the field because of the things he's doing wrong off of it.