Slippery Slope For Jameis
April 4th, 2016
Words are important
Thank goodness for PFT Live on NBC Sports Radio. This show absolutely makes Joe’s weekday mornings.
There’s nothing quite like nonstop intelligent and entertaining NFL talk for three hours to start the day. (Yes, Joe is up before sunrise.)
Host Mike Florio, guru of the world famous ProFootballTalk.com, was talking America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, this morning. Florio waved a caution flag for Jameis after his comments about being willing to take a pay cut in order to play in Tampa with former Florida State teammate Jalen Ramsey, who is a surefire, top-5 draft pick later this month.
Florio said that kind of money talk is a slippery slope for the Pro Bowl quarterback who could start angling, per league rules, for a new contract after the start of the 2017 league year.
The premise was that if Jameis is throwing it out there that he’ll play for less than market value, like Tom Brady does, then he might pressured to make good on that one day. Florio advised Jameis to be quiet let the Bucs figure out how to pay him and surround him with talent like successful NFL teams do.
Joe understands all sides of this discussion, but it’s all moot until the Bucs start spending near the salary cap limit or are so loaded with established talent that they need cap relief.
After the 2015 grand slam, that relief might be needed in 2018. Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet could command gargantuan dollars if their careers progress as expected.
April 4th, 2016 at 12:16 pm
I can see a player like Jameis taking a pay cut in the future in order to better the team. Actually there’s no doubt in my mind.
April 4th, 2016 at 12:29 pm
Al Jameis cares about is winning which is a good thing.
April 4th, 2016 at 12:36 pm
best for jw to stay out of this and let his agent handle the business($$$)…no doubt in my mind that jw would do it for the team to get better if we’re 1 special player away but to do it now is just crazy…the good part is that he’s such a competitor that he just wants to win at any and all coast but taking a pay cut this early in his career is just bad business…we’re going to have to spend some money in a few years with players like evans, d.smith, marpet, kwon, c.simms, spence and jw if they all turn out the way we hope…imo it should be the other way around…players should want to take a pay cut to play with jw…GO BUCS!!!
April 4th, 2016 at 12:40 pm
I think Jameis simply used the “take a pay cut” to express his strong support of Ramsey……nothing wrong with it……unlikely it makes any difference…..but if we were somehow fortunate enough to get him, I am quite certain that Jameis would put his money where his mouth is.
April 4th, 2016 at 12:44 pm
Yeh Mike. I’d much rather have a qb coming off of a rookie year talking about how he needs to be paid.
April 4th, 2016 at 12:45 pm
I love how this guy has done the opposite of which all of his haters said he would do. Great dude born winner number 1 pick.
Im not gonna call him a pro bowler just yet cuz he snuck in the back door but I think hea gotta chance this year
April 4th, 2016 at 1:00 pm
I would love to have Ramsey…..But I have a question to all who say draft him and convert him to safety. How is it when the Bucs drafted Barron 7th over all the consensus was Barron was a good player but you never draft that POSITION not player but POSITION with that high of a draft pick. But now it is okay to draft Ramsey and make him a safety?
April 4th, 2016 at 1:34 pm
Quarterbacks absolutely should accept lesser salaries than they’re currently getting if it means giving the team flexibility to sign guys to improve the team. I mean, good QBs already get ridiculous money. How much would it hurt a guy to play for “only” 15 million if it helps win a championship.
April 4th, 2016 at 1:43 pm
As much as I wish he would take a pay cut (to help out the team), it’s really pretty foolish to do so. Would any of you take a pay cut at your job? More importantly, how would your wife feel about that? You have a short window to make your money, and you know damn well the team isn’t looking out for your best interest. This is a business, and has to be treated as such.
April 4th, 2016 at 1:56 pm
@steve…I hear where your coming from but ramsey’s value is versatility…ramsey will go top 5 because experts know(or suggest) that he can play multiple positions in the secondary…when we drafted barron he was expected to play ss at a high level…I believe ramsey will have a great career wheather its cb/fs but I wouldn’t draft him top 5…top 10 yeah…GO BUCS!!!
April 4th, 2016 at 2:00 pm
A lot of fans don’t understand why players will fight to make more money, when they are already making more than most of us will ever see. However, you have to look at it another way. First of all, everybody wants to feel like they are respected by their employer. If you are better at your job than someone at a different company, yet they are making more money than you, that is going to bother you. These guys are typically extremely competitive. It doesn’t matter if it’s football, checkers, video games, or whatever else, they want to win. Making more money than other players is important.
If I started handing you money, would you ever tell me to stop? Of course not. You would take every single penny you could, regardless of if you thought you would ever need it. Why would you expect an athlete (who puts his body on the line) to do any differently? He can take care of his family for the rest of their life. You wouldn’t want to do that? Or do you think he should care more about his employer? Do you think these NFL owners would take less money to take care of their employees?
You can never make too much money. There is always something you can buy. Hell, if I made that kind of money, I’d buy myself a yacht. I’d buy a private plane. Why not? If you have the opportunity to make enough money to buy one, wouldn’t you? If not, then you’re a better man than me. There simply is no such thing as making too much. Championship rings are great, but it ain’t everything.
April 4th, 2016 at 2:11 pm
@Hawaiian
You had me at the beginning but lost me at the end. Yes you actually can have too much money or at minimum more money than you know what to do with.
I completely agree that pride drives this as much as anything. Players do not want to be short changed. But if the player knows he’s making enough to buy a gazillion boats and mansions but would like to play for a winner that leaving two million on the table and taking ten is hardly a genuine sacrifice.
Our nation has lost it’s way. Yes it’s a free country and everybody can go for as much as they like. Since it’s a free country that also means it’s fine for me and others to disrespect greedy pigs. If money is the only thing that is floating your boat get ready for a life of disappointment.
I have been happy with making a lot of money…I have also been miserable making a lot of money…same thing about being poor..and I mean not knowing for sure if there is enough food in the fridge poor…I’ve been happy and sad in that condition as well.
Conclusion for me is my happiness nor my misery were ever determined by my financial state.
@87
Hey guy once again we’re in agreement. I concur with you. #3 is a guy with his value system pretty well straightened out. I now realize why your were so frustrated this time last year. Youthful mistakes are not the same as having a bad character. I have no doubt #3 will pull a Brady if it makes sense.
April 4th, 2016 at 2:26 pm
Are these the character concerns everyone was talking about pre draft? Some “analysts” are still concerned about jw’s character
April 4th, 2016 at 2:40 pm
@StPete,
Nobody player in the NFL is making owner type money. NFL is the lowest paying of all the major professional sports, and it’s not even close. Even a widely considered great guy like Peyton Manning didn’t take a pay cut. Why should he? He’s making a teeny tiny percentage of what his owner does. My point about the yacht was a bit tongue in cheek, as there are very very few NFL players that can afford one. They simply don’t make that kind of money. Everyone tends to forget their contracts aren’t guaranteed.
I understand money doesn’t buy happiness, but I don’t think too many people are going to sacrifice money because they think they’ll be happier with less money. Wouldn’t you agree? If I told you I would pay you X amount of money to do your job, would you seriously even consider taking less because you think millions of dollars less might make you happier?
Also, people forget these players have agents. It is the agents job to make as much money for the athlete as possible. That’s why they hire them in the first place, and most have the agreement that the player stays out of the money issues. These agents don’t give a damn about championship rings. They want to make the player money, which in turn makes them money. Never ever forget this is a business.
April 4th, 2016 at 2:57 pm
Hawaiian
All excellent points about why players get that money. Agents do not care about their player’s happiness as that % so they are discouraged by agents.
In addition it’s an excellent point about why help the owners…they’re all filthy rich and it might as well go to the player as some billionaire. I agree except that’s not the case here. That would necessitate and argument with the owners over the CBA and the cap…and I would support the players over the filthy rich owners.
That would also address the point about the NFL players getting the short straw.
MLB has become absurd. The NHL only marginally better…because salaries are guaranteed this means making a multiyear, multimillion dollar GAMBLE.
I just think when somebody has earned over 10 million a year for multiple years like a Revis and still will bargain for that last two million from say 10 to 12 million he’s got a hole in his heart!!! By now Revis, and all of his heirs are set for many, many lives. Unless money is the ONLY thing Revis is not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. Great player, cool guy but a TOTALLY WARPED value system.
But it is America…everyone certainly entitled to go for all the money they can get and I get that but that doesn’t mean I have to respect it! When a player already has more than 20 million in the bank and his HOME, or his TEAM don’t count enough to provide a hometown discount if it helps…then nah nah nah na…hey hey…goodbye now!
April 4th, 2016 at 3:07 pm
i think the speed with which he signed his contract is telling. even in simpler world of slotted 1st round contracts, signing that fast is unheard of – especially for the #1 overall pick. he didn’t want to be the guy missing practice time or alienating his new teammates, he just wanted to start being a pro and showing up for work.
it gets complicated with the union and how your contract influences what other QBs and players make around the league, but generally speaking he doesn’t seem like the guy who will take a hard line with the team because he wants $30 mil a year instead of $28 mil a year
April 4th, 2016 at 3:08 pm
Drafting Ramsey at #9 is something Licht might do (if he’s feeling it).
Of course that is assuming Ramsey is even there at #9.
April 4th, 2016 at 3:17 pm
1. Ramsey won’t be there.
2. That “Thwap!” sound you just heard was Jameis’ agent hitting him upside the head.
April 4th, 2016 at 3:18 pm
@ steve
Baron was a surprise pick by the bucs. I do not think he was even in the top 10 during all of the pre draft talk. Ramsey is being mentioned as the #1 overall pick. Its not about position. Its about the individual player and by most experts, he is projected to be great.
As for jameis and pay cuts, this is a moot point. According to the cba, rookie contracts can’t be touched until the year before the contract is up ie like david and mccoy. Jameis could not do anything with his contract if he wanted to.
April 4th, 2016 at 3:22 pm
If the dollar has only 4 cents buying power compared to the value at the start date of the Federal Reserve dollar in America, then all that money earned doesn’t buy much in todays dollars.
April 4th, 2016 at 3:29 pm
The parameters of Winston’s rookie contract were basically set before he was even drafted. Nothing is going to change how much $ he makes for the next 3 years. The statement about willingness to take a paycut to play with Ramsey were obviously symbolic – not literal.
And if in the future Winston agrees to less pay in order to help the team afford better surrounding talent – its not like that “reduced pay” is going to effect his lifestyle. He’s already set for life with his rookie deal and all the $ he got up front as long as he doesn’t pull a Sapp and blow it all. Of course he will earn well over 100 Million more over the course of his career if he stays healthy – but what I’m saying is that Jameis is not now – nor never will be “concerned” about $ ever again in his life.
He wants to WIN. That’s really all he cares about when it comes to any type of competition. We as Bucs fans are sooooo lucky to have this young man as our franchise QB.
April 4th, 2016 at 3:33 pm
Buccfan37 – thanks for reminding JBF readers where the REAL problems lie with this country. That day in 1913 that the FED was officially created along with taxes and the IRS was truly the darkest day in this country’s history. Few knew it then and not many seem to know it know – SMH.
April 4th, 2016 at 3:34 pm
know it now.
Where’s that “edit” button Joe?
April 4th, 2016 at 4:21 pm
Pick agreed. That was this country’s darkest day. Many are and remain unaware because it was done in secrecy.
April 4th, 2016 at 4:24 pm
If more players had the JW attitude the Bucs would be a better team.
Hell, if more people had the JW attitude the world would be better place.
#Buccaneer Football Messiah
April 4th, 2016 at 5:25 pm
@Tom Eddington … Bingo! Unless the Bucs trade up, they won’t even sniff Ramsey. If he doesn’t go in the top 5 I’ll be totally surprised. And as far as converting him to safety goes, YGBSM. Later in his career when he loses a step … perhaps.
April 4th, 2016 at 6:01 pm
I’ll say one thing for the kid (jameis). He wants to win. In the few wins we did get last year, You’d think we had won the superbowl afterwards. He’s just that enthusiastic. But jameis..I’d be real careful with the paycut comments. Don’t put any more..cheapo ideas into the already Buc cheapo value philosophy. jameis will find over the years, his body is going to take a beating. And yes, the money will matter..every last dime of it.
April 4th, 2016 at 6:02 pm
SPBF…I’m just happy I was right so far. The way I supported Freeman it easily could have gone the other way.
April 4th, 2016 at 6:09 pm
Pickgrin Says:
April 4th, 2016 at 3:29 pm
“He wants to WIN. That’s really all he cares about when it comes to any type of competition. We as Bucs fans are sooooo lucky to have this young man as our franchise QB.”
Ya know I think about this shyte nearly every day. I say to myself: “the kid is so determined to be one of the best to ever play….and he’s a Buc. If things work out how Jameis wants or sees them working out….dare I say 2, 3, or 4 Super Bowls???
Dare I say it? Yes I did. Jinx factor and all.
April 4th, 2016 at 6:16 pm
Hawaiian Buc and SPBF….plain and simple. The more money you make the more you spend. That’s just the way it is. These players live expensive lifestyles that’s why they squeeze every nickel they can get out of the owners.
I don’t blame a guy for wanting to keep up with the biggest and brightest bling in the world if he can get the money to do so.
It’s why Jordan used to ask for CRAZY money from one year to the next. Rich people like to buy rich things and they don’t want to stop or cut back.
April 4th, 2016 at 6:45 pm
I remember when Florio reported that Rod was leaving Dallas to become the DC of the Bucs… Always excellent reporting from PFT.
April 4th, 2016 at 6:58 pm
I can’t argue with you on that one ’87. I think that as long as Jameis stays healthy and assuming the Bucs can supply and retain a decent cast of surrounding talent – that “America’s QB” will deliver at least 2 or 3 SB wins over the next 15 years.
April 4th, 2016 at 7:16 pm
@Pick6, you hit the nail squarely on the head. That’s why he is a leader already as a 21yr old rookie.
April 4th, 2016 at 7:21 pm
1987,
You hit the nail right on the head with your last post. You also have to remember these guys are young, and most come from no money to tons of money. That’s not easy. A huge percentage have never even had a bank account until they get their first check! Put that in perspective. My first job I made $3.85 per hour. I got a raise to $4 an hour and I thought I hit the lottery. I can’t imagine making $100,000 or more on my first check. On top of that, they have people from all over the place trying to get a piece of their money. It’s easy to get taken advantage of, and it happens all the time. That is why I’m all for them getting all the money they can.
April 4th, 2016 at 7:27 pm
Speaking of Revis, he is absolutely brilliant when it comes to money. Get that extra $2 Million every year! He is one of the few players that gets his, and doesn’t get a crappy deal. The owners aren’t taking advantage of him. He’ll sit out versus getting bad deal. Good for him. If he’s lucky, he’ll make it to his mid 30s, but then after that, his earnings outside of the game are likely to go considerably down. He’s then got 50-60 years to live on what he made, not to mention all the money needed to support his family. And don’t forget Uncle Sam takes damn near half of what he makes. I have no idea how he lives, but that couple million extra he makes each year could be the difference between him living the same as he’s living now or having to cut back. I’m not one to want to have to cut back, so I’m all for him getting his.
April 4th, 2016 at 8:27 pm
This just in. Matt Carle is awful Fillpula is donezo. Time to call up Drouin and let the past be the past. Sorry Joe. Frustrated.
April 4th, 2016 at 8:55 pm
From the start Jameis has talked about how he wants to be with the Brady’s in this league. He has studied Brady, asked former Patriot players about what makes Brady special. So the idea of taking a pay cut or restructuring to allow the team to bring in talent to make playoff runs is a Brady thing. Now it’s true we are not in a salary cap position that would require this finagling, but I think this speaks to Jameis desire to win and be known as a winner, not just the best QB in Bucs history by numbers by the time he is done, the guy really seems to care more about winning and not just money and individual awards.
April 4th, 2016 at 9:21 pm
Being a sports fan in this town sucks. The Lighting are done and is Game two in baseball season and it is clear the Rays ate not going to be competing for anything this year. It’s freaking April and the most exciting thing this month will be the draft! It’s really sucks being a Tampa sports fan sometimes.
April 4th, 2016 at 9:21 pm
Good stuff D44. I’m wrong about 99% of the time when it comes to draft picks. I wanted Manziel in 2k14, Mo Claiborne in 2k12 but I wanted Winston the entire time last year. I finally got one right.
April 4th, 2016 at 9:32 pm
Man the Rays are going to completely suck this year.
April 5th, 2016 at 7:59 am
This show you how much Jameis is about winning and not the money and fame. We finally have a qb that will work his ass off to become great. Something the Bucs have NEVER had.
Now let’s hope Licht can get him another receiver to throw to.
April 5th, 2016 at 10:36 am
I, for one, will be thrilled when Winston earns a massive contract extension. Hearing him talk like this makes me realize that he understands the economics of the game.
Winston could get paid a king’s ransom, like Brees, Stafford, Flacco, etc. and be on a mediocre team or he could get paid a prince’s ransom, like P. Manning and Brady and be surrounded with better talent and competing for championships every season.
The difference between $15M and $22M a year sounds like a lot of money, but he will still earn more than he could ever spend responsibly during his lifetime. He’s going to be passing his wealth down to his heirs, and his family will be set for life for generations to come either way.
April 5th, 2016 at 11:06 am
Leave it to Florio to chastise a guy for being a team player and the kind of guy we want in Tampa. When Jameis time for more money comes we all know he will get it. Must have been a slow week for PFT.
April 5th, 2016 at 2:53 pm
It’s nice to know Jameis is a team first guy, even when it comes to money.
April 5th, 2016 at 2:55 pm
@Nick2
PFT went 6 days last week without mentioning the Bucs, except for a couple morning one liners. Ticks me off…