Still, McFadden is electrical and probably deserves it. Part of me thinks something like 40 million and 15 in guarantees is more appropriate, though.

I mean, J-Russ got 60 mil/30 guaranteed over the same period, but he’s the franchise.

Anyway, I’m not gonna complain. They had to have to have known he was gonna command that when they drafted him. I know Al has problems with guaranteed money….that was, if I recall, the main sticking point with Russell’s holdout.

With a QB you knew he wouldn’t play anyway so last year it made no difference but with a running back they are ready to go from day one so he will be signed. JaMarcus was the first player ever drafted by Oakland that was not signed before the season started, Al has always been good about that.

He hasn’t played a single down and he wants 20 mil guaranteed? Seriously, salaries are out of control… especially for untested, unproven players. For every Adrian Peterson or Ladanian Tomlinson, there are 20 Curtis Enises. These salaries really need to be controlled.

The $50M/$20M numbers for McFadden’s potential contract sound right.

The last two #4 overall picks were Gaines Adams ($46 million, $18.6 million guaranteed) and D’Brickashaw Ferguson ($37.5 million, $17.9 million guaranteed), both D-lineman.

The last running back to go #4 overall was Cedric Benson in 2005. He signed a 5 year $35 million contract, with $17 million guaranteed.

As for a rookie cap, its easy to see why the owners would want it. However, current NFLPA President Gene Upshaw has stated that he would adamantly oppose a rookie cap. While veteran players may be conflicted about this, considering that some rookie players come in and make more than them, those fears have to be tempered by the fact that those veterans then have inflated numbers to negotiate with for free agent contracts. Interesting to see how that will play out.

The veterans in some ways benefit from the high salaries but also they suffer because rookies take their positions due to the amount of money a rookie gets. That is what happened in the NBA when the veterans eventually revolted and it has worked out very well. The NFL will have to give up something but anything is better than what they have now. Just remember, the football union has the least power over any sport due to the short length of their careers. Something will get done on this. As it stands now there is little advantage of getting a high pick, too damn expensive and no certainty about anything.

This article title is a little misleading. McFadden never said he wanted 50 Million. There was an article written that said where he was drafted he would be looking at 50 million. However, I am sure that is what he’ll get. Just a little funny to see it taken out of context on this website.