Miguel

As far as I can tell, this is the best deal ever for a DL in terms of
1.) new money over the 1st 3 years of the contract
2.) new money over the 1st 5 years of the contract

If Seymour were to be franchised for the 2007 and 2008 seasons, he would make more money (19.573 million) during those 2 years than Abraham will make in the 1st two years ($19.5 million). He would then hit free agency in 2009 at the ripe old age of 29.

Both Freeney and Seymour are in the last year of the contract. It will be interesting to see which one signs first, thereby possibly setting a benchmark for the other.

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Remix 6

yeah Colts are looking for resign Freeney as quick as possible and I think Patriots should do the same with Seymour. Hes a big part of our defense and we cant afford to lose him even though Jarvis Green is a good player

MoLewisrocks

Freeney is apparently the next order of business on the Colts radar, followed by Mathis. They say if they can't get both done they will franchise the other. Freeney's cap is over $6M this season. They will likely go heavy on bonus - Irsay got a large cash refund on they money the Colts would have received under their RCA Dome deal to clear that lease in anticipation of the new Lucas Oil Stadium (the LOS Dome ), so he's been able to be pretty flush on cash over cap again this season.

Abraham was apparently determined to play in Atlanta and not Seattle. I think his "demands" were slightly mitigated as a result. The little birdies have been telling Felger Richard wants his SB to "start" with a 2. And given the risk/reward I doubt he'd just settle for the tag even once at less than half that - not with those knees on his mind. It's not even a given he shows up this season.

pats1

http://nflpa.org/Members/playerProfile.asp?ID=32987

Although, there is this clause in his contract:

I'm assuming that has been met. When would that be applied to the NFLpa page?

ralmat55

My guess is that Freeney will sign first and his terms will only increase Seymour's demands. That's the flaw in the Patriots' overall negotiation strategy. Sometimes, you have to set the market before other, less fiscally responsible teams, set it for you. They need to be more proactive. If they want to extend Seymour, get it done because it will only get more expensive later.

Yes, the 3 year payout would be similar between Abraham's contract and what Seymour would earn if he played out his contract in 06 and was franchised in 07 & 08. The difference is that Abraham will pocket $17.5m in 06 compared to $5.02 m for Seymour. This is why Seymour and his agent should be practical here and get an extension done before next season. $12.5 m is a lot to gamble with on the chance you might make 10-20% more if you should make it to unrestricted free agency at 29 years of age with your health still intact.

AdamJT13

Miguel, just an FYI, Abraham's signing bonus was $12.5 million. The other $3 million is in roster bonuses, $1 million this year and $2 million next.

Miguel

Thanks for the info.

Updated graphic:

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flutie2phelan

Strange to find a smiley punctuating that ominous last sentence!

I hope for two things:
That Richard understands that, if he does not play nicely with the other children ...
the Patriots can cost him A LOTTA CASH, by seeking signing bonus recapture and by franchising him repeatedly -
even though he might show up only for the final, what? 6 games.
Years of this would not add to his allure on the free agent market.

And, that the front office is not treating its labor force with the hauteur certain agents' comments
and spurned players may suggest. Piolichick MUST have clear communications with Big Sey and Twig
... and divine their wishes and intents in good time to do the right thing.

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PATSNUTme

Unless there is somethnig I'm missing, it would seem that a long term deal with Seymour should be able to get done without being a cap killer for the future.