Seahawks wide receiver Bobby Engram skipped the team's voluntary minicamp practice yesterday because he's unhappy with his contract, the Tacoma News-Tribune reports.Engram is correct if he thinks that based on his production, he deserves more money, but incorrect if he thinks he's going to get it.
Engram, who was by far the Seahawks' best receiver last year, has one year and $1.7 million left on his contract. Nate Burleson, who was the Seahawks' second-best receiver last year, will make $3.25 million in 2008. Deion Branch, who was the Seahawks' third-best receiver, will make $4.2 million. Who wouldn't be annoyed when co-workers who contribute less to the company are making twice as much money?
But the fact is, pay in football isn't a meritocracy. It isn't about what you accomplished in the past, it's about what the team expects you to accomplish in the future. Engram is 35 years old, and 35-year-olds just don't get fat new contracts. Engram will play this season under his current deal.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Who knows, Seahawks might up it a little more just to get some motivation out of him. But yea, I don't really see it happening.
I thought about this from both sides, and most arguements seem to cancel each other out... he deserves more, both for his play, and for his attitude. But he signed the contract, and I have yet to see a player give money back when they flub a season. He gave up the ability to get a pay grade consistent with his production in favor of long term security.
The only point I can't come up with a counter-point to is this: Why didn't he bring this up before the draft when the Seahawks would have had time and foresight to wiggle the cap-room with this in mind? That's the only reason I'd say the Seahawks should tell him to stick it.