The Power of 12

Engram Skips Workouts

By Michael Steffes | May 6th, 2008

The big story of the day is that Bobby Engram is skipping the voluntary workouts this week because he is unhappy about his contract. Bobby was the Seahawks most reliable wide receiver last year, hauling in 94 catches. Despite this, he is only the third highest paid receiver on the team, behind Deion Branch and Nate Burleson. He is scheduled to make 1.7 million in the final year of his deal.

Bobby has put the Seahawks and Seahawk fans in an interesting dilemma. Bobby wants to be paid for his past performance. The Seahawks make decisions based on future potential. At 35, Bobby has a limited amount of time left, and thus his future value is in doubt. However, he does have a high present value. The Seahawks are breaking in young wide receivers already because of Deion Branch’s ACL injury. Without Bobby, the wide receiver unit becomes a huge question mark. Bobby is using this leverage to maximize his earnings in the twilight of his career.

From Bobby’s perspective it is understandable. It is also reasonable for the Seahawks to hesitate at extending him or giving him new money. Paying for past production was a disaster with Shaun Alexander. There is also a school of thought that Bobby should be a bit more appreciative. The Seahawks extended his contract after 06′, a season where Bobby missed significant time with a thyroid condition.

As a fan, I wish that situations like this could be avoided. Especially on a championship caliber team in Mike Holmgren’s last season. However, for the players, football is a business. Bobby has been a team guy in Seattle for many years. I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that what he is asking for is fair. Unless there is more to the story, hopefully both parties will come to a compromise soon. 2008 looks so promising, lets hope Bobby can be a big part of it.

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