GA BILLS FAN Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 I think Nix needs to address a contract extension for Fred Jackson over the next 30-60 days and lock Fred up as a "Happy" Bill for the next few years. This serves several purposes, not the least of which are rewarding his performance, making one of our best players happy and securing him beyond next year. But it also speaks to the rest of the roster that he is indeed a man of his word and someone who does what he says. Fred was at camp last week and didn't complain or make any Osi-statements about the GM. It's time to reward Fred with a 3-year extension at $6M+.year.
CodeMonkey Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 I give FredEx a lot of credit. Anyone can look at his contract next to Spillers and see the gross inequity. Based on performance, those 2 contracts should be swapped. But it is what it is and kudos to Fred for not being a whiny B word about it. I agree that Nix should step up. No reason he has to of course, but Fred is being a man about it and now it's time for Nix to be one as well.
DanInUticaTampa Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 I am really surprised. Last offseason he seemed a little upset about carries. It wasn't a huge deal, but I wasn't expecting him to be so awesome about the contract thing. I just hope it works out. I would hate for the bills to lowball him and for him to get upset. That would throw all the good stuff into turmoil. We had such a good offseason by re-signing our guys, signing big free agents, and drafting well, it would suck to give all that a black eye
BuffaloBill Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 There is an echo in here... Nix said Fred will get a new contract ... I can't imagine that one will not get done.
PromoTheRobot Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 Right after the rookies sign, it's Freddy time. PTR
GA BILLS FAN Posted May 1, 2012 Author Posted May 1, 2012 Keep in mind, cap for 2012 is now essentially done; so Bills know (within a few dollars) how much they will spend on their picks --- I don't think there is a key FA lurking --- I also agree it's interesting how calmer Freddie is now then last year --- there MUST have been some strong assurances from Nix --- last point -- Nix said on GR that he didn't want to see new contracts or extensions drag out like with Stevie -- I say this gets done before end of May
STLBILLS15 Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 Right after the rookies sign, it's Freddy time. PTR +1. I don't see Freddy as a "me" kind of guy. He's always team first. If Nix said his contract will get done, I don't think Freddy has any doubt. He is a football player that any coach would dream of having on their team.
Kelly the Dog Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 Nix said the other day that the next order of business is to work on Fred's contract as well as start the ball rolling on trying to lock up Byrd and Levitre -- or other players whose contracts are up after this year -- although that was a generic statement he made about wanting to talk to these guys (re:agents) early rather than have it last until like when Stevie re-signed right before free agency. And he said that in two weeks they start working on the 2013 draft.
The Cincinnati Kid Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 I am hoping that we'll have all our key guys taken care of by the end of the offseason. I think Buddy wants it that way, and I think they players prefer it that way. I am sure someone will act up about it (maybe Merriman because he seems like a difficult negotiation for a number of reasons) but I think its in everyone's best interest to have it done sooner than later.
Kelly the Dog Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 (edited) +1. I don't see Freddy as a "me" kind of guy. He's always team first. If Nix said his contract will get done, I don't think Freddy has any doubt. He is a football player that any coach would dream of having on their team. Fred was very pissed last year about his contract and vocalized it to some people, including the Bills front office. But he is not the kind of guy that is not going to put in the 100% effort when it comes to working and playing on the practice field and game. Buddy promised and convinced him that they will re-do his contract after the draft and before training camp and Fred has just put his trust in Nix's word. And while I'm 100% sure they will enter negotiations and make a decent offer, it remains to be seen if Fred will be happy with it. Now is the time they will sit down and try to hammer out a deal with CJ Laboy, Fred's agent. Hopefully, the Bills will not lowball him, although he is one of the hardest players in the league to evaluate. The last time the Bills did lowball him and he was pissed about that, too. This time, I think they will do it right, and he won't get a huge contract, nor likely what he is hoping for, but it will be enough that will make him happy and ready to go. Too much is riding on the goodwill the team has created in the city and locker room to screw this up. Fred is one of if not the leader and heart and soul of the team. The Bills have been VERY willing to spend money lately and it would be foolish not to take care of Fred, even as a 31 year old RB. It doesn't have to be a lot. I would say 3 years 15 mil with half of that guaranteed. Edited May 1, 2012 by Kelly the Dog
Lurker Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 I would say 3 years 15 mil with half of that guaranteed. That's fair to Fred and easily digestible for the Bills...
hmsmystic Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 That's fair to Fred and easily digestible for the Bills... I think the offer will likely be half that 3 years, 15 m offer. I'd say look for 3 years and 7 million. Fred is a stud and has been playing terrific and hes an emotional leader- that's why he gets an offer Otherwise he is an over 30 year old backup coming off a leg injury. Let's watch this and hope Fred is smart about not asking for too much money
Kelly the Dog Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 I think the offer will likely be half that 3 years, 15 m offer. I'd say look for 3 years and 7 million. Fred is a stud and has been playing terrific and hes an emotional leader- that's why he gets an offer Otherwise he is an over 30 year old backup coming off a leg injury. Let's watch this and hope Fred is smart about not asking for too much money If the Bills offer him 3 years and 7 million, I would bet that Fred explodes, demands a trade, holds out, and the locker blows up in turmoil.
UConn James Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 If the Bills offer him 3 years and 7 million, I would bet that Fred explodes, demands a trade, holds out, and the locker blows up in turmoil. Yeah. There's a difference b/w being frugal, being cheap, and then being disrespectful.e Three years and $15-17M likely already is skirting the line of frugality. And for a guy who was on Freddy's pace, what he meant to the team which was evident when he went down, you pay the man his due. Just b/c the Bills had all the levers on their side every time a contract came up doesn't mean that how they handled his deal was right. The waters aren't necessarily poisoned, but there's less leeway for Overdorf to come to them with a lowball without it being taken personally.
Malazan Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 It's amazing how many people are more concerned about Fred's Contract than he is..
Kelly the Dog Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 It's amazing how many people are more concerned about Fred's Contract than he is.. I never say trust me because I never trust anyone who says trust me. So just believe me... After hearing it from people with direct knowledge of the situation over the years. Fred isn't concerned about being re-negotiated at all. He knows it's going to happen and he trusts Nix because Nix gave him his word. He's VERY concerned about how much money he is going to be offered, he's just not going to worry about something until the deal is put on the table. If it is a lowball offer (which I don't think it will be), he will explode. And he has every right to.
Peter Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 Buddy said a long time ago that they would address this before training camp.
Lurker Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 (edited) I think the offer will likely be half that 3 years, 15 m offer. I'd say look for 3 years and 7 million. Nah. That's a lowball offer and besides, the Bills have the money/flexibility to handle it--so why go there... Edited May 1, 2012 by Lurker
8-8 Forever? Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 I think Nix needs to address a contract extension for Fred Jackson over the next 30-60 days and lock Fred up as a "Happy" Bill for the next few years. This serves several purposes, not the least of which are rewarding his performance, making one of our best players happy and securing him beyond next year. But it also speaks to the rest of the roster that he is indeed a man of his word and someone who does what he says. Fred was at camp last week and didn't complain or make any Osi-statements about the GM. It's time to reward Fred with a 3-year extension at $6M+.year. If Fred goes for $6m / year for 3 years, you do that deal. His agent won't let him take it though, as this will be his last "big" contract. I expect him to be franchised at $8-9m for next year and say goodbye the year after. In this era of big time player agents,etc, that is just the way I think this is going to go. Don't like it, but you don't pay people for past performance, you pay them in the NFL for future performance. You are already paying them for past/present performance. No gold watches in the NFL.
PromoTheRobot Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 FYI: Fred Jackson profile on NFLN at 4pm today (5/1/12) PTR
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