Eleven years ago, Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell held out throughout training camp and into the regular season. Then-owner Al Davis wasn’t in a hurry to get the massive contract finalized because of a cash-flow issue. All the while, he had a time frame in mind, just as Mark Davis does now in regard to when
Is needing to fully funding the guaranteed money in escrow part of waiting until the new deal comes through? Why not execute a deal now with the signing bonus due on a date in mid to late September after the TV revenue comes in?
Steve, thanks for the clear explanation on the timing of incoming funds – nice to have some cold hard facts to latch on to in the middle of the hysteria.
Blood pressure slightly reduced now!!
Steve,
That is the smartest, best explanation I have heard for the situation. Thank you. That made the subscription to your site worthwhile by itself! Especially when you have former employees who may have not left under the best of terms forgetting the horrible mismanagement of Al’s later years (Javon Walker, DeAngelo Hall, Richard Seymour, Larry Brown, trading Jon Gruden, drafting poorly) on TV/Radio (see Adam Schein’s show yesterday) suggesting the Raiders may not have budgeted properly. You can certainly criticize many of Reggie’s draft picks and some free agent signings, but his cap management has been spot on.
I still have to believe Mark could get his hands on that bonus money now if he wanted to. Especially with the knowledge that he has a big check coming on September 10..
Thanks for this Cork.
Very interesting.
Having Mack makes the entire team better.
Its not like Mark did not know this was coming. His GM brought this up last year.
Maybe Mark should have balanced his checkbook and had the money available.
Planning ahead is what owners are supposed to do, right?
That is what Mark wants us to believe about all the Vegas stuff, right?
To me, this is even more evidence Mark is looking forward and planning on selling the team.
He gets no pass from me on this issue. Pay the man.
Its not like the franchise will be worth less money with Mack under contract.
He has been paid 18 million with another 13 million this year.
It baffles me that fans have turned on our best defensive player if not best player. Mack has quietly waited his turn. He watched the team extend Carr, Jackson, even Seth Roberts. There isn’t a player on this team; who’s outperformed their contract as completely as Mack. To hear raider fans calling him selfish and suggesting that we trade him is beyond comprehension to me. We were also told by Reggie; that we were not pursuing top line free agents the last few years, because we had to sign Mack. Now they are balking at cutting the check? This would actually be the first time they’ve given him some real help on the defensive side of the ball.
Thank you Cork for the clarity. Obviously Mark Davis has planned and budgeted for Mack’s new contract. Fact is Raiders needed to pay others before offering Mack a contract extension. Other players received their extensions before Mack because their contracts were expiring. Mack has a contract for this year and Davis will extend his contract before season is over. Mack will get his payday. He needs to get to work and the business side will take care of itself. Reggie has proven to reward his players with huge contracts for their services. For reference look to Carr and the entire offensive line. $11 million to Gabe Jackson who has never played in the Pro Bowl.