Its been an NHL-like start to the NFL free agency period.  So many players, who fans have never heard of, signing big contracts without any real explanation other than “We’ve got lots of money”.  The NFL is truly an interesting financial specimen.  It may be the only league where rookies and free agents du jour are the highest paid players in the league.  Consider Alan Faneca’s new contract that makes him the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL.  Or Calvin Pace becoming one of the highest paid LB’s in NFL history.  It just doesn’t make a lot of sense.  The worst position you can be in financially in the NFL is a veteran Pro Bowl player.  You’ll just become frustrated with all the money being thrown around.  Is it really worth it to be a Pro Bowl player in the NFL and spend the next 40 years of your life with knee and back problems plaguing your every step?  When you consider Cleo Lemon, Billy Volek and Todd Collins all got 3 million per year to be backup QB’s, the answer is a resounding “No!”

Seriously, aren’t they backups for a reason?  What characteristics do teams use to determine whether Cleo Lemon or Billy Volek is their guy?  How they look in a headset?  Clipboard skills?  Their ability to inflate the starter’s ego?  If I ever have a son, I want him to be just good enough to make the NFL and just barely not good enough to start. 

So if you’re counting, I’m hoping any potential children end up as highly paid assistant coaches or backup QB’s.  Set your goals about midlevel, kids.