Linebacker Lavar Arrington Signs with New York Giants

[On the Road]

The Giants today sharply upgraded their linebacker corps and entire defense when they signed three-time Pro Bowler LaVar Arrington. Arrington, the second overall pick of the 2000 NFL Draft, was one of the NFL’s most productive and exciting linebackers in his six seasons with the Washington Redskins. "We needed a big, power player to add to our defense and LaVar Arrington is that," said general manager Ernie Accorsi. "He has a presence about him and he makes us a better football team."

http://giants.com/news/eisen/story.asp?story_id=15228

As a Giants fan, I am overjoyed by this. A huge weakness at the Will posiiton has suddenly become a strength. I hope he makes all the incentives in his huge contract.

And if you think DU goes nuts over the current political news, the last six weeks have been ridiculous on the fan boards, as unreliable rumors swirled and every new poster started his own thread.

[Captain Hilts]

1. I like Lavar, but he hasn't been the same since the injury.

I'm surprised they gave him a 7 year contract, though I don't think the NFL guarantees contracts.

[On the Road]

2. It's Not So Much That the NFL Does Not Guarantee Contracts, But

the contract that's written is probably for 7 years ONLY if all the conditions are met, such as Arrington is still on the team and has not had to retire due to injury.

Although the details haven't been released, it's unlikely Arrington will ever see the full $49 million. The way most contracts like this are written is that there's a signing bonus, a very small salary the first year or two, escalating to a huge salary the final years. The numbers in those outlying years usually never materialize -- the player is either forced to renegotiate or is cut so the team can fit under the salary cap.

In Arrington's case, the contract is supposedly also laden with incentives, so if he sits on the bench or underperforms he doesn't get paid like a star. The most important number is the signing bonus, which isn't announced yet. Arrington was asking for $18 million, which is insane. It's probably in the $5-10 mil range, which is still pretty sizable.

Why are contracts written this way? Who knows -- probably to give the players bragging rights. Arrington was also trying to save face. No one jumped for his contract terms of 7 years, $58 mil, with $18 up front. He was twisting in the wind for six weeks. So it was made to look bigger than it was.

[Captain Hilts]

3. NFL players actually are 'underpaid' compared to other sports...

and the risks they take. Because of announcements like LA's, folks think they're overpaid. But, as you point out, the chances of him getting all that are low.

But, yes, I noticed that teams weren't jumping at his original asking price.

I don't really understand what went down with him and the 'Skins. I wish him well, after all, he's a Paterno guy.

[On the Road]

4. Apparently Some of the Numbers are Released Now

Actually very moderate.

"The contract is a 7-year, $49 million deal that includes a $5.25 million signing bonus. However, the $49 million figure is a bit misleading. Arrington's base salary will be approximately $3.7 million per season with reachable incentives that could pay Arrington $5 million per season. ...Newsday said that if Arrington does not play well, the deal may ultimately prove to be a 1-year, $9 million contract."

[Yavin4]

11. Not Quite True

Yes, on an individual basis, the top NFL players make far less than the top baseball players, but NFL players overall are better paid. There are no $14 million payrolls in the NFL.

[BlooInBloo]

5. i would kill to see the Lavar Leap again!

[NJ Democrats]

6. Good news

We just shored up a big hole. Now we can use the 25th pick on a DB or OT instead. Plus he only got $5m guaranteed which means if he sucks they can cut him will little cap hit.

[On the Road]

7. I'm Actually Amazed How Little the Guaranteed Money Was

The Plaxico Burress strategy worked like a charm again.

[NJ Democrats]

10. yeah

I thought he was going to bet 10-12 guaranteednot 5.

[underpants]

8. Redskins fans swear he is over rated

Lavar himself actually said last year that he hadn't grasped the D scheme yet and shouldn't be starting.

That being said when I saw that he had become a Giant the first thing that popped into my head was the first thing that popped into my head when he played at Penn State and that was-We have another Lawrence Taylor. Maybe the Giants coaching staff will put him on the end (call him Linebacker if you want to) and let him raise hell in the backfield. All the geniuses at Redskin park never were able to figure that out.

BTW- the players union is still going to sue Lavar's old agent for the signing bonus screw up that HE did with the Redskins. At least as far as I know they still are planning to.

[northzax]

9. lavar doesn't belong in a defensive scheme

he belongs where he can freelance and wreak havoc without causing trouble for the rest of the defense. Gregg Williams runs a very disciplined defense at the line, and having a freelancer there simply didn't work. plus, he's had two years to recover from his injury, I think he'll be a beast this year, especially in the East, because he feels so disrespected by the Skins. He's obviously not the holy terror he once was, but he's had, basically, two years to recover from his injury, and doesn't have the mileage on him that he otherwise might. So two years in Blue, I think.

[bigwillq]

12. I think he's a good pick up for the G-Men.

Let's just hope he stays healthy.