- Joined
- Sep 13, 2004
- Messages
- 43,906
- Reaction score
- 21,978
???Why should a team pay ~$30M more than it needs to by signing a player in his 4th year?
This is the benefit of drafting well - you're supposed to get good performance from a 1st round player for 4 years.
There is no reason to sign a longterm deal this year. Sure, it sucks for Gonzo, or any player who is a top 10 at their position while still on a rookie deal. But, if he wants to sit out to force a top 2 or 3 contract, then so be it. He's making $4.8M this year.
Prove you're a top 5 CB, stay healthy - and you'll get a HUGE deal with massive GTD.
Why would next year be any different. He is signed for 2027 for $18M and he could be franchised for 2028 for the average of the top 5 CB's (not the highest). Even in 2029, he could be franchiosed agains ansd still not be the highest paid defensive player, probably not even highest paid corner.
Waiting doesn't change the situation for Gonzalez.












