Incentive-laden contracts (1 Viewer)

[gianmarco]

Now, I'm not very familiar with NFL contracts or their structures although it seems some around here are somewhat. I'm also not aware if the details of these are even available to the public for certain players or not.

The question is a basic one. As it's getting close to the end of the year and some players are close to hitting some #'s on the year that pay them more, does:

1. The player talk to the coach to make him aware and get him more involved

2. The owner talk to the coach to keep him from hitting the mark (particularly for teams out of the playoff hunt)

3. Neither of the above.

This may seem like a reach, but if either of the above does happen, then it might be helpful to target or avoid certain guys at the end of the year. Just curious if anyone has any thoughts on this.

 

[Bayhawks]

Now, I'm not very familiar with NFL contracts or their structures although it seems some around here are somewhat. I'm also not aware if the details of these are even available to the public for certain players or not.The question is a basic one. As it's getting close to the end of the year and some players are close to hitting some #'s on the year that pay them more, does:1. The player talk to the coach to make him aware and get him more involved2. The owner talk to the coach to keep him from hitting the mark (particularly for teams out of the playoff hunt)3. Neither of the above.This may seem like a reach, but if either of the above does happen, then it might be helpful to target or avoid certain guys at the end of the year. Just curious if anyone has any thoughts on this.

I believe this (2 from above) happened with the Bucs and Jeff Garcia last year, leading to some friction between he and the team in the offseason.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

This is a very interesting question you raise. I think it will be very challenging to get this info. however and you would need insider knowledge as to which players are going to "try harder" late in the season to get an extra million and which players are going to get held out to so the owners can improve their bottom line. Problem is...its alot of speculation and hard to do fantasy decisions on this subject. Did Romo get instructions not to throw to Owens much in the last game? Was Portis not utilized much last week because he's gaining too many yards and might hit a bonus and Snyder is a money grubbing ba$turd? Who knows. Personally, I think analyzing incentive bonuses and their impact is too small of a factor to try and measure for fantasy football. I'll draw the line at "contract year" in my fantasy evaluations for players.

 

[gianmarco]

This is a very interesting question you raise. I think it will be very challenging to get this info. however and you would need insider knowledge as to which players are going to "try harder" late in the season to get an extra million and which players are going to get held out to so the owners can improve their bottom line. Problem is...its alot of speculation and hard to do fantasy decisions on this subject. Did Romo get instructions not to throw to Owens much in the last game? Was Portis not utilized much last week because he's gaining too many yards and might hit a bonus and Snyder is a money grubbing ba$turd? Who knows. Personally, I think analyzing incentive bonuses and their impact is too small of a factor to try and measure for fantasy football. I'll draw the line at "contract year" in my fantasy evaluations for players.

That's exactly the point, though. Is it possible that Portis or TO might be bad plays down the stretch because they are close to hitting milestones in their contracts? Would it particularly matter if the Cowboys or Redskins were out of the playoff race? I don't know how to find this out but someone here might and, if possible, may make for an interesting study to determine how much of an effect this would have (if any).

 

[Captain Spaulding]

This is a very interesting question you raise. I think it will be very challenging to get this info. however and you would need insider knowledge as to which players are going to "try harder" late in the season to get an extra million and which players are going to get held out to so the owners can improve their bottom line. Problem is...its alot of speculation and hard to do fantasy decisions on this subject. Did Romo get instructions not to throw to Owens much in the last game? Was Portis not utilized much last week because he's gaining too many yards and might hit a bonus and Snyder is a money grubbing ba$turd? Who knows. Personally, I think analyzing incentive bonuses and their impact is too small of a factor to try and measure for fantasy football. I'll draw the line at "contract year" in my fantasy evaluations for players.

That's exactly the point, though. Is it possible that Portis or TO might be bad plays down the stretch because they are close to hitting milestones in their contracts? Would it particularly matter if the Cowboys or Redskins were out of the playoff race? I don't know how to find this out but someone here might and, if possible, may make for an interesting study to determine how much of an effect this would have (if any).

I think it could have an impact. But getting credible, reliable information is the stumbling block as I see it. I think its just one factor that we would be better off ignoring for fanasty roster and lineup decision making. Its a great discussion topic though. Thanks for the thought provoking contribution to the board.

 

[jwb]

I think both happen (although proving it would be hard). In addition, a player with an incentive-laden contract may play a little harder, too.