If he's in shape, play him in the 4th quarter Saturday. No reason why he can't at least do a couple of things. Of course I don't know if that will happen. Unlikely, but it's nice to see he's signed.

Now let's hope he didn't forget how to play football.

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I was hoping someone beside myself would make this "connection." +1 to you, love.

And +1 to whoever it was who predicted that this deal would be done by Saturday.

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Holy shit. Over 2/3 of his contract is guaranteed? I like the overall number, but to guarantee that much of his contract seems a bit excessive to me.

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IMO, he like a Harrell will get every opportunity to earn that contract, so the guaranteed money is almost pointless except for injury.

Now looking at this deal, which is a 40% increase.. the Packers and Thompson didn't win in this deal.. that is as high if not a higher increase than the #1 pick.. so did waiting really help us out?

We waited, had circumstances apply pressure to us and we gave some.. so in the end, is it really a good idea to wait?

I see no way that a hold out can help a club, the pressure pendulum swings in the players way. Not until we can start holding money back in the regular season.. so again.. I see no benefit for not going out and pushing to get the deal done ahead of camp and not wait for the market to be set.

BTW.. think Rivers isn't calling his agent, the same agent, and saying what the hell? :lol:

I am glad the deal is done, let get to camp, catch up and have a hellva season.

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Raji's agent deserves kudos on this deal. The last couple replies got me to crunching numbers and found some interesting tidbits.

Raji's 64% guaranteed money contract stands out in the top 10. Of the publicly available numbers for the top 10 draft picks, the average is 53.1% guaranteed. Even at the 30,000 foot view Raji's contract is quite gawdy. Of all the available first round draft pick contracts, the average is 58.6% guaranteed.
Even more interesting is Clay Jr's contract that is 75% guaranteed, which is the 2nd highest guaranteed % of all 1st rounders. Granted LBs in this years draft had very high % guaranteed contracts with two others in the 70% branch.
So I don't know if Ted Thompson has some money management trick with doing all these high % guaranteed contracts, but it definitely sticks out.
And I'll finish back on topic. I think the total number for Raji's contract is on target and fits the scale of this years draft, but the guaranteed % does seem a bit stiff. Added pressure for him to perform, we'll be stuck with him. Here's hoping that I don't mind being stuck with him. /cheers

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I wish he would have flown back to Boston a week ago.
Maybe the deal would have been completed sooner. :danceme:

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Actually, Tezzy, I would argue that it reduces his pressure to perform, since no matter what happens, he's going to earn 64% of that contract anyway. Thanks for the detailed analysis, by the way.

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I got it but couldnt reply at the time

I am hoping that this years disaster on draft picks will wake up the owners and work on a structure for rookies in a few years

Not sure how it would work but something should be done

How is there a market for Raji when he is in negotiations with only one team? Draftees are not free agents. The term "market value" does not apply to draftees.