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A lot of threads seem to have Bledsoe taking a huge paycut to remain with the Bills. The theory is that his poor play has left him with little leverage. However, is that true? Bledsoe is due to make $6M in salary next year, with a $7M option bonus due by 11/1/04 if the Bills are to keep him.
However, Bledsoe also has a $2M buyout tied to the option, which he will get if the Bills elect to not pick it up. That $2M is not something he is likely to give up for nothing.
Basically, there are 4 possible outcomes:
1) Bills release Bledsoe - In this case, he gets a $2M buyout and is a free agent who can sign with any team.
2) Bills let him go into the season, but don't pick up the option - In this case, he is guaranteed to earn $8M for next season as long as he is on the roster after the first game, when all veteran salaries are guaranteed.
3) Bills let him go into the season and pick up his option - Bledsoe makes $15M in 2004.
4) Bills and Bledsoe re-negotiate the contract - A whole new deal gets worked out.
However, if option #4 is the outcome, don't think Bledsoe is going to roll over and play for nothing. He knows he has at least $2M coming to him either way, and the Bills will need another QB if he is cut since there is nobody else currently on the roster.
Think about it. If your Bledsoe, you know you are guaranteed at least $2M. If he can make it one more season, he will be guaranteed $8M at a minimum.
The only way he gives that up is if he can get some guaranteed money back. Otherwise, he will just take his $2M and get some guaranteed money by signing elsewhere. Sure, he probably wouldn't get the same money is he due, but Kordell Stewart proved he should get something and the Bills have to outbid everyone else by $2M.
If your thinking Bledsoe is going to take less money out of the kindness in his heart, your living in fantasy-land. He is going to maximize his earnings like he has for the first 11 years of his career, for which he has earned over $65M in compensation.
However, Bledsoe also has a $2M buyout tied to the option, which he will get if the Bills elect to not pick it up. That $2M is not something he is likely to give up for nothing.
Basically, there are 4 possible outcomes:
1) Bills release Bledsoe - In this case, he gets a $2M buyout and is a free agent who can sign with any team.
2) Bills let him go into the season, but don't pick up the option - In this case, he is guaranteed to earn $8M for next season as long as he is on the roster after the first game, when all veteran salaries are guaranteed.
3) Bills let him go into the season and pick up his option - Bledsoe makes $15M in 2004.
4) Bills and Bledsoe re-negotiate the contract - A whole new deal gets worked out.
However, if option #4 is the outcome, don't think Bledsoe is going to roll over and play for nothing. He knows he has at least $2M coming to him either way, and the Bills will need another QB if he is cut since there is nobody else currently on the roster.
Think about it. If your Bledsoe, you know you are guaranteed at least $2M. If he can make it one more season, he will be guaranteed $8M at a minimum.
The only way he gives that up is if he can get some guaranteed money back. Otherwise, he will just take his $2M and get some guaranteed money by signing elsewhere. Sure, he probably wouldn't get the same money is he due, but Kordell Stewart proved he should get something and the Bills have to outbid everyone else by $2M.
If your thinking Bledsoe is going to take less money out of the kindness in his heart, your living in fantasy-land. He is going to maximize his earnings like he has for the first 11 years of his career, for which he has earned over $65M in compensation.
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