The Truth Behind Big Contracts in the NFL

Contracts in the NFL often come with big numbers that grab headlines. But, these numbers don't always tell the whole story. A closer look at George Kittle's recent deal shows how this works. Kittle's new contract has a final year that looks impressive on paper, but it's not all it seems. This inflated number pushes his average yearly pay to $19. 1 million. Why $19. 1 million? It's because Trey McBride, the highest-paid tight end, has an average yearly pay of $19 million. So, Kittle's deal is designed to look like the best, even if it's not. People often focus on the big numbers in these contracts. But, it's important to ask if these numbers are real or just for show. Kittle is 31 years old. It's unlikely he'll play out the full five-year contract. The inflated final year doesn't really matter to the 49ers. This is a common trick in the NFL. Agents use these big numbers to attract new clients. Teams go along with it because the money isn't guaranteed. If the final year comes, the contract will likely be changed or ended. The media often reports these big numbers without questioning them. They want to be the first to share the news. This rush to report can lead to a lot of misinformation. It's a good idea to look beyond the headlines and ask questions. This is especially important as the 49ers talk about a new contract for quarterback Brock Purdy. His deal might have big numbers too. But, it's likely to have some unrealistic parts and ways for the team to get out of it. The Kittle contract might give clues about what's coming for Purdy. The Kittle deal was negotiated while the Purdy talks were happening. It's possible that the Kittle contract was designed to set a standard for Purdy's deal. This is a common strategy in negotiations. One deal can set the tone for others. It's a way to ensure fairness and consistency. So, the next time you hear about a big contract in the NFL, remember to ask questions. Look beyond the headlines and the big numbers. Think about what's really going on. It's a game of strategy and negotiation. The numbers might look impressive, but they don't always tell the whole story. It's important to look deeper and think critically. This is the best way to understand the truth behind the big contracts in the NFL.