Comments on: Kurt Warner’s Brilliant Contract Offer

By: Brian Gleason

Brian Gleason — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 04:03:20 +0000

Hey Jay,

Thanks for checking out the blog. I couldn’t agree more. I understand an agents job is to get the most money for his client, but I think far too often they forget that being comfortable, winning and just being successful can result in more money long-term. It was definitely refreshing to see a guy like Warner be so involved and so active in the negotiations.

Being a Red Sox fan, it was like the exact opposite of Manny Ramirez.

By: Jay Grant

Jay Grant — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:17:09 +0000

I think this is one of the best moves a quarterback could make that has proven himself to be in discussions for the hall of fame, prove to his team he is a winner, prove to a city- I want to play here, and an owner money is important but so is having the right pieces in place. Warner understands if he does not have a key receiver, the money means nothing as he will not be winning.

The game agents play with teams is unbelievable and finally a player steps up and tells his agent-make this offer to the team- instead of the agent telling the team we want this much and if not, I will keep shopping my product.

By: Brian Gleason

Brian Gleason — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:08:01 +0000

You’re right, players and agents almost always chase the money, and we’d definitely need a few more cases of this before it becomes a trend. It will be interesting to follow the Donovan McNabb negotiations as well, since he’s reportedly told the Eagles he doesn’t want to discuss an extension until he sees how the team improves their talent.

This type of negotiation probably only applies to players in the later years of their careers where winning means much more than money.

By: Poppa Burgundy

Poppa Burgundy — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:41:54 +0000

I agree that this is a smart move by Warner but I suspect it is a situation that will not repeat itself very often. Warner is in a unique position in that he is seeking a short term deal to finish his career after leading his team to the SB, which has a historically bad track record. In this context, it works for Warner. I would expect that this will make future business for his agent difficult b/c every GM/negotiator will be weary of him “going public.” Moreover, due to the short playing careers, I would expect most players to follow the money and not emulate Warner’s negotiation style. That home town discount isn’t going to pay your kids college tuition in 20 years.