With over 20 years of experience covering the Steelers for the Observer-Reporter, Dale Lolley will let you know the insider scoop. Dale can also be heard on the Steelers radio network pre-game show on WDVE-FM game days and Tuesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. on ESPN 970-AM and WDVE during the season as a host of the Antonio Brown Show. Follow him on Twitter at @dlolleyor
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Monday, July 07, 2008
Hills in the house
Fourth-round draft pick Tony Hills has become the Steelers' first choice to sign, putting his name to a three-year deal worth $1.45 million.
The deal includes a signing bonus of just over $300 thousand.
Why only 3 years? Any idea? It would seem 4 years is the standard and with the uncertainty of the CBA in the future could this contract hurt us if Hills turns into a stud pick like many think he will?
Most every signing I've seen thus far has been a 4 year deal. I find it curious. I know he's had some injury issues, but it wouldn't make much difference to add a year to the contract.
Gotta say the salaries for these guys are pretty low considering that of all the major sports, football takes the biggest physical toll on a player's body.
Really, it doesn't matter because after three years, the Steelers still hold his rights. He'll be a Restricted Rights Free agent, meaning he can only negotiate with the Steelers unless they cut him free. If he's still injury-prone, then the Steelers will be free of him.
That's kind of what I'm wondering about Dale... If a new CBA changes things he may not be RFA, he could end up unrestricted and the Steelers develop a player for another teams benefit... Maybe I'm just paranoid.
Why only 3 years? Any idea? It would seem 4 years is the standard and with the uncertainty of the CBA in the future could this contract hurt us if Hills turns into a stud pick like many think he will?
ReplyDelete@kelly:
ReplyDeleteI suspect because of the current state of the CBA, it will be really hard to sign guys to 4 year deals.
Dan...
ReplyDeleteMost every signing I've seen thus far has been a 4 year deal. I find it curious. I know he's had some injury issues, but it wouldn't make much difference to add a year to the contract.
Gotta say the salaries for these guys are pretty low considering that of all the major sports, football takes the biggest physical toll on a player's body.
ReplyDeleteReally, it doesn't matter because after three years, the Steelers still hold his rights. He'll be a Restricted Rights Free agent, meaning he can only negotiate with the Steelers unless they cut him free.
ReplyDeleteIf he's still injury-prone, then the Steelers will be free of him.
That's kind of what I'm wondering about Dale... If a new CBA changes things he may not be RFA, he could end up unrestricted and the Steelers develop a player for another teams benefit... Maybe I'm just paranoid.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it will work out that way. But right now, it is an unknown.
ReplyDelete