Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

[hawaiiansteel]

Steelers' Hampton doesn't want franchise tag

By Scott Brown, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, January 29, 2010


FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — If the Steelers don't sign nose tackle Casey Hampton to a multi-year contract within the next five weeks they they should give him the freedom to look elsewhere, the five-time Pro Bowler said today.

Hampton is an unrestricted free agent, and he said "it will be a problem" if the Steelers use a franchise tag on him. A franchise tag would essentially prevent the 6-foot-1, 325-pound Hampton from hitting the open market when the free agent signing period begins March 5.

"You say we're family and you'll take care of me, and I feel like that's a slap in my face if you franchise me," Hampton told the Tribune-Review following a Pro Bowl practice at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. "That's not right. You don't do business like that. I want to be treated fair, and I think franchising me is not fair."

If the Steelers tag Hampton, 32, they would have to offer him a one-year contract worth the average of the top five salaries for defensive linemen in 2009.

Using a franchise tag on the player that has been an anchor for the Steelers' defense would prevent other teams from negotiating with Hampton or force them to give up two first-round draft picks if they made him an offer that the Steelers declined to match.

Hampton turned in one of his better seasons in 2009, notching a career-high 2.5 sacks while making 42 tackles and earning his fourth consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl.

The Steelers have said they want Hampton, their first-round draft pick in 2001, back. Hampton wants to return to Pittsburgh as long as the Steelers make the kind of commitment to him that he said he has given to them.

"I love the organization. I love the owners. I love the coaches. But this is all about being fair and doing what's right and I'm big on that," said Hampton, who will play in the Pro Bowl on Sunday night. "I want to be in Pittsburgh. There's no question about that. Can we make it right? That's what it's going to boil down to."

[Shoe]

Re: Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

What is not "right" about franchising him? He is old(er, meaning his game is bound to drop off). He is fat (making injury more likely). And he is still comparatively productive. (making it desirable to keep him short-term)

And to compensate him (for that year), they would pay him Top 10 NT money (which I guess is upwards of $6,000,000.00)

Yeah... that's not right!

[feltdizz]

Re: Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

It's not right because next year Hampton will be out in limbo...again. From a players perspective it makes total sense. You put up pro bowl numbers and get one lousy year then have to fight for a contract with this team or a new team. There may be a team who wants his services for 3 years but only if it includes the upcoming year and missingthat boat is big money.

From a GM's point of view it makes perfect sense though.

[steelz09]

Re: Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

I love how these athletes complain about owners "not making things right" and needing the money to "take care / feed my family".

Please.. these athletes have some balls to make comments like that. A lot of people would like to have a job, let along make 6mil/year when they're already very wealthy.

[feltdizz]

Re: Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

I love how these athletes complain about owners "not making things right" and needing the money to "take care / feed my family".

Please.. these athletes have some balls to make comments like that. A lot of people would like to have a job, let along make 6mil/year when they're already very wealthy.

That makes no sense... You said it best though.. a lot of people would love an NFL job but can't do it. Why should Casey be happy with being under valued? His job is dangerous and every play could be his last.

It's not like Casey can be a NT for 45 years and retire. When you subtract agent, taxes, lawyers 6 mill becomes 2.5 mill. Still a nice chunk of change but it has to last the rest of his life.

Now the next response is the "if he can't live off of.." or "If I had that kind of money"
but step back and be honest... half of America will max a credit card out in the blink of an eye...

When you make more you spend more.. and if you don't the tax man will find a way to get it.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

Casey knows very well that he is getting older and is more susceptible than ever to injury, all the more reason for him to seek the longer-term security of a multi-year contract.

If the Steelers were to place the franchise tag on Hampton, he will feel that he is being denied the opportunity to take care of himself and his family and being protected against the possibility of a career-ending injury.

What type of a contract do you think Casey is seeking? I'm guessing 4 years/$30 million?

[Mel Blount's G]

Re: Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

Typical. Should have seen this coming. When I hear players say "I want to stay in {insert name of their team}. I love it here. I wanna finish my career here" it really means "I'll be signing with another team if/when they don't offer me a multi-year contract worth top dollar"

I hope this situation doesn't get too ugly.

[steelz09]

Re: Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

I love how these athletes complain about owners "not making things right" and needing the money to "take care / feed my family".

Please.. these athletes have some balls to make comments like that. A lot of people would like to have a job, let along make 6mil/year when they're already very wealthy.

That makes no sense... You said it best though.. a lot of people would love an NFL job but can't do it. Why should Casey be happy with being under valued? His job is dangerous and every play could be his last.

It's not like Casey can be a NT for 45 years and retire. When you subtract agent, taxes, lawyers 6 mill becomes 2.5 mill. Still a nice chunk of change but it has to last the rest of his life.

Now the next response is the "if he can't live off of.." or "If I had that kind of money"
but step back and be honest... half of America will max a credit card out in the blink of an eye...

When you make more you spend more.. and if you don't the tax man will find a way to get it.

Obviously, i will disagree with that.. what doesn't make sense about that? Many other jobs are a lot more dangerous than an NFL player. While it's dangerous, they also have the benefit of top notch trainers, physicians which a lot of other jobs don't have. The players have several other sources of income and high paying opportunities that others don't get in addition to their inflated salaries. They also have retirement savings plans like other jobs.

They get handouts as well.. top athletes will be given motorcycles (i.e. Ben), cars... many times they get "treated" to free meals at restaurants because their appearance brings in other customers. They don't have to pay for drinks and entry fees at bars and clubs for the same reason.

These players and whatnot I don't think realize how lucky they have it. Some of them don't have any harder work ethic than most people that work their average day-to-day jobs. What they fail to understand, is they were given a god given talent that 99% of the population were NOT given. May it's heredity or maybe not. And while others are talented as well, they don't make it because they weren't given the necessary "physical attributes" to make it such as not being tall enough, too short of arms, hands too small...etc etc etc. So not only were they gifted with a talent such as being exceptional at a sport, but they were also given the physical attributes to be a professional athlete in that sport. That's what these players fail to recognize. Obviously... there are exceptions..

I'll be honest, with the wealth that these athletes receive, or actors/actresses, musicians, etc. If you lose all that money, your a flat out moron. Yes, some give their money away carelessly, some blow it on cars, and other unnecessary luxury items. Medical, Family reasons and things like that are exceptions as well but they are few and far between. And in most cases, these aren't the reasons for going broke.

If you know absolutely nothing about investment, saving or whatever... they high paying athletes/actors/actresses/musicians/etc can still collect more money all of the damn interest than what most people make in a year.

[steelz09]

Re: Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

But with all that being said... I don't think the Steelers have a very good alternative plan at all...

NT is critical for the 3-4. They didn't draft / develop a replacement in previous years so we're kind of stuck.

I would like to see a "fair" 3 year deal for Hampton but I don't think it's going to happen.

what about Ziggy or Harris though? I mean could one of those be the option that the Steelers are looking for. Ziggy would need to add about 10-15 pounds but thats doable. Then we can draft another DE this year high in the draft. I would definitely say a DE is easier to find than a NT and the Steelers have add a year to evaluate if one of those 2 can get the job done.

[Shawn]

Re: Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

I love how these athletes complain about owners "not making things right" and needing the money to "take care / feed my family".

Please.. these athletes have some balls to make comments like that. A lot of people would like to have a job, let along make 6mil/year when they're already very wealthy.

That makes no sense... You said it best though.. a lot of people would love an NFL job but can't do it. Why should Casey be happy with being under valued? His job is dangerous and every play could be his last.

It's not like Casey can be a NT for 45 years and retire. When you subtract agent, taxes, lawyers 6 mill becomes 2.5 mill. Still a nice chunk of change but it has to last the rest of his life.

Now the next response is the "if he can't live off of.." or "If I had that kind of money"
but step back and be honest... half of America will max a credit card out in the blink of an eye...

When you make more you spend more.. and if you don't the tax man will find a way to get it.

Agreed...lets not "playa hate" I dislike the notion that people should settle for less because they have more. He is worth a nice 3 year contract. He has played at a very high level. He is worth a certain amount on the open market. Why should he have to settle for less? Of course he should be upset. This is his last big payday. I can see his view "pay me what I'm worth or let me go". I have no issue with that.

From the Steelers side of things...they have already paid this man millions. They have certain rights to his football career. Why should they not use them? As much as they want to call this family and such...it's a business. And if I'm the Steelers and he won't sign reasonably...then I franchise him. He won't take the year off that I assure you. That would be career suicide. The only thing you risk at that point is him becoming a cancer and a distraction in the locker room.

[feltdizz]

Re: Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

I disagree on the money debate with NFL athletes... A few make good money and the rest reasonable money but when you factor in the rest of there lives it's not a lot. Most of these guys have one focus and it's football. Why do you think Hines and Woodson fell out? It wasn't the hit it was a failed investment. These guys are just like us when it comes to business deals. Stocks? Slow growth maybe...

I know an entertainer who is worth a ton but his accountant screwed him over so he isn't worth what he thought he was. These athletes also have to look out for theives. A lot of theives and vultures... and I'm not talking about thugs or family, everyone is trying to take their money.

[feltdizz]

Re: Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

But with all that being said... I don't think the Steelers have a very good alternative plan at all...

NT is critical for the 3-4. They didn't draft / develop a replacement in previous years so we're kind of stuck.

I would like to see a "fair" 3 year deal for Hampton but I don't think it's going to happen.

what about Ziggy or Harris though? I mean could one of those be the option that the Steelers are looking for. Ziggy would need to add about 10-15 pounds but thats doable. Then we can draft another DE this year high in the draft. I would definitely say a DE is easier to find than a NT and the Steelers have add a year to evaluate if one of those 2 can get the job done.

Aaron Smith and Keisel aren't getting any younger either... Hood looks good but I think we need another true NT before we let Casey go. I think he has 3 years left in him. If he gets offended like Faneca we release him and watch him give another team another 4 years.

I would keep him but I understand FO's concerns.

[steelz09]

Re: Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

I'd be curious to see those stats your talking about... the "average salary" of an NFL player over the course of their career.

I'd be willing to bet that the average NFL player makes significant more regardless of if they retire in their mid 30's compared to people in their mid 50's. And like I said, with zero knowledge at all, the interest on that money will make more than most people make on an entire years salary so basically if they don't screw it up, they'll never have to worry about money again. And like I said before, they have retirement, benefits, etc like in other jobs. I don't feel sorry for them one bit. For gods sake, THEY PLAY A SPORT! Yea, it's work .... but come on ... they have to train for the year to play a sport (A GAME) that they love and make millions for it... life must be really freakin' tough

Now ... this isn't a knock on Hampton per say .. or any other NFL player. They should make what the "comp" is. I'm not saying Hampton should take a pay cut. He should make what he's worth given his age, production, playing time, injury history, leadership, etc. I'm all for that.

My statements from above are for the moron athletes that go to the media outlets whether through the paper or through the TV that say things like ..... "I'm disappointed in an offer like that ... I'm just trying to feed my family" or dumb comments along those lines. And this happens all the time. I don't see how anyone can feel the least bit sorry for them.

If they are going to make a comment, tell the media what they really feel such as:
"I'm disappointed in an offer like that .... because others that aren't as productive and aren't as consistent are making more money and I think my play warrants a payday similar to my peers with similar production".

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

Do you think Big Snack would accept a 3 year/$20 million offer?

[steelz09]

Re: Steelers' Hampton doesn't want tag - "it will be a problem"

Do you think Big Snack would accept a 3 year/$20 million offer?

I think he should. Whether he will or not is a different story. I'd be surprised if the Steelers offer him any more than that.