Danny Parkins: The Price of Pass Rushing
by Danny Parkins
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posted Jul 27 2011 9:05PM
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The price of pass rushing is going up. In fact, it looks like the price of just about everything in the new NFL is going up. Santonio Holmes agreed to a reported $50 million deal. But at least he has a track record and a Super Bowl. The bigger and more relevant to Kansas City news pertains to Carolina pass rusher Charles Johnson. The Panthers locked up the 11.5 sack man from last year to a 6 year, $76 million deal, with a whopping $32 million guaranteed.
Even Johnson himself said he was blown away by the offer.
Don’t get me wrong, he’s a very good player. But Johnson has been a full time starter for exactly one year. One year of above average productivity apparently equates to $30 million bucks to sign on the dotted line.
This relates to the Chiefs because they have a high priced pass rusher of their own. Tamba Hali’s rights are controlled by the Chiefs due to the unpopular franchise tag, but it’s believed to be a top priority within the organization to sign him to a long term deal. Is he worth $32 million guaranteed?
Being two years older than Johnson (27 to 25) and having a history of shoulder issues would suggest not. But from a production standpoint, you can make the case he deserves more. Tamba played in 16 games last year and had 14.5 sacks. Tamba has 3 different years in his career where he has forced 4 or more fumbles. Johnson has forced 4 total fumbles in 3 years. And, I’m not even sure the shoulder issues necessarily work against Tamba in negotiations. His agent could easily argue, “Look at what he did with bad shoulders; imagine what he’ll do now that he’s healthy…”
But figure the age and shoulder issues cancel out the longer track record of greater productivity and I think Scott Pioli just got his bench mark for Tamba’s next deal.
Pass rushing has always been viewed as a necessary and valuable commodity in the NFL. Apparently now more than ever.
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