Babin deal could complicate the Rams and the Rest of the league

**RamWraith** · #1 (**permalink**) -01-07-2004

from profootballtalk.com

BABIN DEAL TOO RICH?

A league source tells us that complaints are swirling among NFL teams regarding the contract signed by Texans first-rounder Jason Babin.

Per the source, Babin received a bump over "way over the normal incremental increase" as compared to his 2003 counterpart at the 27th overall pick, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson.

As a result, the agents of the players taken at number 26 and number 28 now have ammunition for jacking up the demands for their respective clients, and the increase could have a ripple effect throughout the round.

If Babin were the Texans' only first-round pick, the move could be characterized as a calculated effort by G.M. Charley Casserly to start a chain reaction that might squeeze the teams with picks high in the round into overpaying. But Casserly still has another pick to sign in round -- cornerback Dunta Robinson, who was taken with the 10th overall selection.

Indeed, part of the concern is that Casserly will overpay Robinson as well, guaranteeing that the high end of round one will be thrown out of whack this year.

Complicating matters is that the deal this year have a maximum six year term, not seven. As a result, there are less seasons over which the signing bonus can be prorated. With only a slight increase in the rookie salary pool, a spike in the across-the-board value of first-round contract will make it harder to get all of the guys signed with the dollars available.

Babin's official numbers have not yet been reported. We're trying to get them -- but we can't find any agents who'll give us their password for the NFLPA computer system.

**AvengerRam** · #2 (**permalink**) -01-07-2004

While this particular story may be true, I would caution that profootballtalk.com is among the least reliable sources on the Web.

**RamWraith** · #3 (**permalink**) -01-07-2004

agree Avenger.

However, this money issues is interesting and would be a bold front office move by the Texans, and would make for interesting politics over the next few years concerning front office staff. I find it very interring and interesting.

**Nick** · #4 (**permalink**) -01-07-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by AvengerRam

While this particular story may be true, I would caution that profootballtalk.com is among the least reliable sources on the Web.

Took the words out of my mouth.

#5 (**permalink**) -02-07-2004

What is the incentive for the Texans "overpaying" when the money these guys get tends to be slotted within a very narrow range. Did they want him in camp early that badly? Makes no business sense to me.

ramming speed to all

sign the big man

general counsel