Rookie contracts too much?

For the most part I'd say the NBA is not the league you want to pattern yourself after, but their rookie salary slotting does make a lot of sense for the NFL. Basically your rookie contract is already laid out when you enter the league and is (I think) like a 3 year deal. One obstacle might come from the NFLPA, but obviously the members there are veterans and presumably most would not mind taking money from rookies that could then be allocated to veterans who have already proven their worth. It would also allow NFL rookies to make it to their second contract more quickly and, if they have proven themselves, to get a big payday. Really the people this would effect would only be the first round picks and even then mostly those chosen in the top 10-15 picks. Sensible idea and I could see it happening at some point if the NFLPA and ownership could come together on something.

The only problem that I see with using a NBA-style slotting system is that your position usually dictates how much money you make in the NFL, much more so than in the NBA.
A defensive tackle is going to make a lot less than a QB or RB, whereas a power forward isn't necessarily going to make all that much more than a shooting guard.

The only problem that I see with using a NBA-style slotting system is that your position usually dictates how much money you make in the NFL, much more so than in the NBA.
A defensive tackle is going to make a lot less than a QB or RB, whereas a power forward isn't necessarily going to make all that much more than a shooting guard.

Good point. I guess there would have to be some sort of formula a la the franchise player system, but that could get complicated I suppose.

They should make a cap for Rookies. Only allow 2-3 yr contracts. This way teams get a chance to mold a Rookie for 1-2 yrs and then play him to see his worth before giving big dollars. The 2-3 yr contract allows the player to learn the system and then show his capabilities. If he shines he can then ask for the large contract. I'm not sure what the players have in regards to retirment or health insurance but I'm almost tired of hearing how they "have to get theirs now because who knows what will happen in the future." You don't hear Firemen or Policemen saying "hey give me mine now 'cause who knows if I might get killed or injured and can't take care of the family." The players union should set up some package for this and either all players have to have this or if they get a better package then they are exempt.

Despite the fact that position plays a big role in how much money is earned, it doesnt matter what position you play when you are drafted. Generally, when guys are drafted, they get more than the guys behind them and less than the guys in front. This is not right, but it is how the market works. I dont think it necessary to put restrictions on positions, but I do feel its necessary for the league to put a limit on how much can be spent on each pick. I dont think that there would be that much of an uproar about this coming from the NFLPA because those guys are vets and probably feel that the vets who have proven themselves should be getting the money, and therefore will not argue against it. There should still be an oppurtunity for impact players to make the big bucks, which is why there shouldnt be much of a restriction on preformance insentives.

Despite the fact that position plays a big role in how much money is earned, it doesnt matter what position you play when you are drafted. Generally, when guys are drafted, they get more than the guys behind them and less than the guys in front.

Except for QB's, they do generally carry a premium.