Good points.
After the 2003 season, Faulk received essentially a 3 yr/$6m deal or a 6yr/$15m deal. Obviously the cap has gone up so that needs to be factored in here...
After their first 40 games and first 4 years or so, Vereen's & Faulk #s support your assertion. However, because Faulk carried the ball more frequently and ran back kicks and punts, he might have had a little more value to the club than Vereen does at this point. However, catching 50 balls out of the backfield, able to run and pick up the blitz in this offense and Brady & the coaching staff having confidence in you carries a lot of weight come contract time.
Possible. Reading the tea leaves Gray needs a little more seasoning on what it means to be a pro. Working hard and performing is part of it- but not all of it.