One of the biggest stories of the NFL season was Jon Gruden, head coach of the Oakland Raiders, trading Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper out of Oakland. This was shocking news because these players were stars and center pieces for the Oakland Raiders. Everyone was all in a tizzy over this, and they rightfully should be. But for me, it all makes sense. It all came down to money.
Money is going to be a big problem in the NFL. Players are signing deals close to $150 million dollars, and that is a problem since the NFL has a salary cap. If a star player on your team wants $140 million, you should not be excited for the future of your franchise. There is just no way your team can work around that contract unless everyone else takes pay cuts. Have you ever wondered why the New England Patriots have been so good for so long? Yes, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are big reasons why, but Brady also structures his contracts so his team can sign other free agents and make trades during the season. Tom Brady should be paid more. Tom Brady should be a $138 million-dollar quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, but Tom Brady likes championships and playoff berths so he structures his contracts to fit that need. Aaron Rodgers contract is a big problem the Packers are going to run into. Any time a player demands that kind on money, it shows they don't want to win and are being selfish. Now, I'm not disputing how good Aaron Rodgers is, because he's great; but, whoever the next Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers is will have a lot of strategizing to do. Not only will the GM have to work around Aaron Rodger's dumb contract, but they will also have to convince players to sign small money deals, and sadly that is not the NFL world we live in outside of New England. The Chicago Bears will also run into similar problems when it comes time to pay their star players because of Khalil Mack's $141 million-dollar contract. For the Bears and Bear's fans sake, hopefully their coaches will install the Bill Belichick and New England philosophy before that time comes.
So, Jon Guden's decision to get rid of those players does not surprise me. Jon Gruden was signed to a 10 year contract. As much as Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper are dynamic play makers, he can't afford to spend all of his money and work around other people. Any coach who gets signed to a 10 year contract is there to shape a team into his image and philosophy. If you aren't going to take the money he gives you, get out. He is a Super Bowl winning coach; he knows how to get there, and he knows what he is doing. If you want to dispute what I'm saying, fine. But you are wrong. The proof of my claim is New England. They give their players reasonably good money contracts and have been one of the most successful franchises in all of organized sports. Jon Gruden looks like he is following suit. I mean, the Oakland Raiders were poised to have a 1 or 2 win season this year after those transactions, and they went on to go 4-12. I'd say this is pretty good for not really having any big names on the team besides Derek Carr. Maybe there is wisdom behind Jon Gruden's madness.
(I know Jon Gruden is getting paid 10 million a year, but who cares. He's the coach.)
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