Quote:
Originally Posted by sportscurmudgeon
Randle-El got a $10M signing bonus. Go back and read that sentence again so you don't miss any of the details.
Now, when you have to resort to the argument that someone overlooked his contributions on special teams to justify that free agency signing, you have just made the point that the Skins overpaid him. And that is the other end of the line on calling him a bust. He's not worth a $10M signing bonus.
$10M signing bonus for a #3 WR who returns punts/kicks and allows you one gadget play a game is not exactly what most NFL playoff teams call "a free agency success story".
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As I think you agree, there's a difference between being a bust (see Archuletta) and being overpaid (see ARE). ARE produced points on special teams, threw several bombs as a QB, caught 30+ passes (which was a lot for our passing attack), and added a threat to the offense that defenses had to respect. And no it is not ridiculous to cite his special teams play in evaluating the merits of his contract. Field position matters and if you disagree, then talk to any football coach at any level.
Moreover, he was in the first year of his deal on a team with a new offensive coordinator, a bad QB situation, and, for the most part, a run first mentality. So, call me crazy but it's a little premature to call him a bust or evaluate the merits of his contract.