Three years ago, Seattle running back Shaun Alexander was the reigning league MVP. And he parlayed the hardware (along with a Super Bowl appearance) into an eight-year, $62 million contract, which included more than $15 million guaranteed.
Two years later, the Seahawks dumped him.
He languished on the market for months, possibly because his financial expectations exceeded the amount that interested teams were willing to pay.
Eventually, Alexander signed with the Redskins. He appeared in four games, carrying the ball eleven times for 24 yards.
He’s a free agent again, and he’s become all but forgotten.
Earlier this week, Alexander told KNBR radio that he’s willing to work for “nothing.”
“I think that if a team gave me a shot, I think that they would be so
pleased with what they got,” Alexander said. “They would feel like they
got a ticket to have somebody that could play really, really well for
nothing. I think that would shock a lot of people.”
Actually, he can’t play for nothing. With nine years of experience, Alexander would be entitled to a minimum salary of $745,000, even if he doesn’t want it. Pursuant to the minimum salary benefit, the cap charge would be only $460,000.
Still, for whatever reason, Alexander is attracting little or no interest.
It might be that teams believe Alexander’s success was the direct result of running behind a dominant offensive line, and that it makes more sense to go with younger players who still have plenty of tread on the tires.
Moreover, with fewer teams pressed against the cap, the minimum salary benefit has less meaning; Alexander still must be paid $745,000 — and younger players can be had for a lot less.
So, in the end, Alexander’s only option for 2009 might be the UFL, which can pay him a lot closer to nothing that the NFL.
clearly he meant for not very much money, not actually “nothing”. so no, he never said he would play for nothing. false advertising dawg.
It doesn’t matter whether he ran behind a dominant line or in a well crafted playaction-centric scheme. Dude’s a smart runner. Put him on a team with an OC who needs a smart runner (Saints anyone??) and he’ll do just fine.
A.J. smith prefers paying players nothing so he should call him up.
These guys are always the last one to know they’re done. I hope he banked a good chunk of his 15M.
You have to feel bad for a guy like this. I don’t see why a team like NE wouldn’t pick him up. I mean why not add a character guy on your team who can take 100 carries for the year.
Stay in shape Shaun, some team is bound to pick you up.
If players played for nothing, would that make the NFL a game about nothing?
never really thought of the UFL but thats a great idea. Call Me an idiot(I do) but I think the UFL actually has a chance. hard to believe but they actually have a chance.
I’m surprisingly saddened by the fate of Shaun Alexander. I guess it’s because he always seemed like a genuinely nice guy. But it’s also incredible how quickly he dropped off. Imagine if he had pulled a Barry Sanders and retired after 2005. But clearly he really just loves the game. Even though he was completely ineffective last year, I loved having him on the Skins. I hope he finds somewhere to play.
Isn’t the UFL supposed to act as a developmental league. Why would he play in the UFL?
Play for nothing? That’s fitting, considering that’s about how much NFL teams would pay to have him on their roster.
So if a team offered him the veterans minimum he’d accept? I doubt that.
You have always been an all or nothing type guy, since you can’t have it all, you will get NOTHING.
He sure showed everybody with those 11 two-yard carries last year!
I wouldn’t sign Shaun Alexander even if he offered to pay me $745,000
Both the Eagles and the Saints have a need for Alexander, the Saints cut MaCalister, and the Eagles lost Buchalter! Whether they adressed those losses through the draft remains to be seen!
Both the Eagles and the Saints should be interested; The Saints cut McAillster and the Eagles lost Buchalter to FA.
Both the Saints and the Eagles should have interest!
The Saints cut McAilister, and the Eagles lost Buckhalter to free agency!
he can come to philly, hes gotta be better than lorenzo booker
you get what you pay for (in this case).
No he actually would play for free but he cant. Believe me this bum would pay a team to let him play but nobody is pathetic enough to get him. Since Shaun and Michael Strahan left, there is a big GAP in the NFL (not as big as the one in there teeth though)
I kinda get sad when players get past their prime and they still try to hang on to their former greatness. Then I think about all the money they made when they were playing and I don’t feel sad for them anymore.
The Seahawks should sign him. Check him out during preseason and, if he sucks, let him retire as a Seahawk.
There should be a scouting combine for the has-been guys like Shaun and Freddy Mitchell. Would be great to see their 40 times. Perhaps they’ll impress a team or two. Or maybe Florio would outrun them …
Glenn Coffey is a baby Shaun Alexander.
He would also play like “nothing”.
This dude was always a dog. At Bama he ran when he wanted, taking many plays/quarters/games off and dogging it. Same in the NFL. Perhaps he should up his offer to paying a team to take him. That might work.
Otherwise, there is always the Insurance business bud.
That would be fair because that is exactly what he has left to give.
This guy has always been as soft as a melted ice cream cone and a “me first” team player……and now it’s common knowledge around the leaque.
Hes just an overated player that benefited from an amazing o-line, hes getting older and has been exposed for the RB he really is. Just an average talent
Houston or a Seattle reunion make sense. MAYBE New Orleans, but they have Pierre Thomas.