Re: Guyton signs ERFA tender
This has no relationship to the situation with Mankins.
The patriots could had this 2009 STARTER who played 85% of the defensive plays for $500K. They chose to extend him a year for $1.6M more, with only additional $650K payable now. The patriots got a GREAT deal.
The truth is that positive or negative stories about contract negotiations both give the wrong impression.
The Pats expect Guyton to be useful for at least 2 years so they took advantage of their bargaining power to pay him now instead of later, probably saving some money next year in the process.
The Patriots have determine what Logan Mankins is worth. Loga Mankins thinks they are wrong. That doesn't make Mankins an idiot or the Patriots cheap or unwilling to pay top dollar.
If the organization is run properly there will be a handful of players who overvalue themselves compared to where the team values them. (And others who ARE worth more to someone else too for various reasons).
If EVERY good player leaves because the team feels their value is less, then you have a cheap organization.
If NONE do then you have an organization that overspends and ultimately manages the cap poorly.
The Patriots seem to do a good job of striking the balance. Some top tier players leave, some are resigned (more stay than leave). Some middle tier guys (such as Graham and Watson) are useful under rookie contracts and never really oursued for the expensive 2nd contract.
There really are not a large number of useful players that werent over the hill that we did not retain. And in just about every case you can see a big contract acquisition that ultimately was the 'replacement' at least in cap terms.
Some want to deride the organization for contract disputes, but if those people had their way, and the Patriots caved before any player could leave, or actually even threaten to (Often the team is categorized as cheap when they are IN negotiation) then most of what this franchise accomplished in a cap era probably never would have happened.
Many fans want the success that eminates from fnancial responsibility yet want individual decsions to be irresponsible. (And yes keeping every player happy, giving every player what they think they are worth is irresponsible)
