TheBostonStraggler
Experienced Starter w/First Big Contract
- Joined
- May 21, 2006
- Messages
- 6,318
- Reaction score
- 5,687
If by "lost his gamble" you mean ultimately--in the big picture, by having his career shortened, than I'd agree; otherwise, he simply played out the franchise tag here (9.5m), then went to DEN for another 12m dollars.
In other words, he got something either right in line with Belichick's original 3 year offer (give or take 1-2m, depending upon which report you believe), or even ended up getting more money in the long run seeing as how he was paid about 3/22.
As we've noted, he ultimately lost by shortening his career, so--who knows how he feels right now? If he's unhappy, he's at least unhappy and rich
Short term I agree. He made more money in the two year span. However Sup, his earning power is now so reduced -- where I don't think it would have been here -- that he lost money. But this also leaves out an important factor, popularity and celebrity status. Here he was probably only behind Brady. He got mentions nationally repeatedly and he (proverbially) didn't have to buy a drink in Patriot Nation. To be beloved is a hell of a thing. Now he is all but a JAG who gets mentions only because he played successfully with Brady/Patriot glory he walked away from. ((side note: he walked away in a way that makes his return to where I think he could find success doubtful))
When you factor that in (including how a lofty status could translate into money) IMHO he lost pretty big.
While I don't know the particulars so I could be wrong on how it went down, why WW would depart from the Patriots like he did is a mystery to me. Why not just tell BB 'Thanks Bill but I think this is best for me and my family' -- then go on TV say the same thing while saying he loved playing for BB, the Patriots and the whole NEP shooting match. How he chose to approach the breakup is just bad business....