Why Cam Newton And Every Other 1 Pick Since 2011 Should Be Pissed At Sam Bradford

Sam Bradford signed his rookie contract with the Rams in 2010: six years for $78 million. The pay was staggered unevenly, so Bradford earned $21.2 million in his first season alone. This was the last contract for a #1 pick under the old CBA, and it’s safe to say it hasn’t quite panned out for St. Louis. Bradford has gone a subpar 18-30-1 in four seasons, and recently tore his ACL, so he’ll miss all of 2014. He won’t miss a payday, though: he’s still making $14 million this year, and he’s not taking a single snap. Granted, the Rams haven’t necessarily been loaded with talent since Bradford’s taken over at the helm. But win-loss record aside, his stats still aren’t great. Taking a look at the 32 quarterbacks that have at least 25 starts since 2010, Bradford ranks just 28th in completion percentage (58.6%) and 31st in yards per attempt (6.29). Compare that to Cam Newton, the first pick with the new CBA in place. Newton has gone 25-23 in three seasons, and with rushing touchdowns included, he’s accounted for 31 more scores than Bradford in one fewer season. Newton has also never missed a contest due to injury, while Bradford will have now sat out 31 games in five seasons after this year. Through their first four seasons, Bradford made $51 million. After this year, Newton will have made $22 million. 2012’s first round pick, Andrew Luck, will also earn $22 million in his first four years, and he won a playoff game in just his second season. By the end of their contracts, Bradford will have that cool $78 million, and Newton will have made $36.7 million, after he picked up his option for a fifth season with the Panthers. That looks terrible for the Rams, but great for owners in general. While you’d like to believe a #1 pick is going to work out great, there have been a number of examples where that just hasn’t been the case. Whether it’s high expectations, a poor surrounding cast, or talent that simply doesn’t translate to the NFL, there’s a very realistic chance for millions of dollars to be thrown away on a #1 pick. As businessmen, naturally NFL owners want to protect themselves as best as they can. Sam Bradford is the last example of a system that was hurting the higher-ups. While there’s no doubt owners will continue to overspend on players, they’ll at least get to save some cash during rookie signings. And anytime billionaires can keep a few extra dollars, it’s a good thing. Right?