Lance Briggs, Playing for $7 Million

Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs is threatening to sit out next season because the Bears have slapped the franchise tag on him, meaning he will get what is effectively a one year deal for over $7 million rather than becoming a free agent. Needless to say, a lot of fans are put off by this attitude. One of Peter King's readers writes

Lance Briggs needs to shut up and play. He is going to be paid over $7 million for one year of playing football. In my company, people who are paid over $100,000 per year are considered 'highly compensated individuals.' If I were a 'highly compensated individual' for 40 years, I would bring down $4 million. Lance is going to almost double that in one year and he is miffed. Cry me a river of crocodile tears. I know other guys are getting stupid money but I'll tell you, it is getting to be fed-up time with these guys. They need a little perspective.

I understand the vitriol against Briggs, but I actually do understand his point of view and it's something the fans are missing. Briggs has been playing at a high level for several years, with a contract that is not commensurate with his ability and value to the team. In the NFL, even a top-tier player only gets a couple of shots at the big payday, the kind of money that can set him and his family up for life. For Briggs, he has one of those shots right now. While $7 million is certainly a lot of money, it won't last a lifetime.

From the player's point of view, he could take the field on opening day and suffer a season-ending knee injury. Then what? He'll certainly become a free agent next year, and get nowhere near the money he can get right now. He may never have another shot at the big signing bonus, so the Bears are putting his long-term financial position at risk for the sake of keeping him for a year. I can certainly appreciate Briggs' point of view and his anger at the organization.