From the moment we saw the initial report that Ravens receiver Derrick Mason would retire from football, we were skeptical.
Why? Apart from the fact that we’re pretty much always skeptical, we recalled somewhat vividly Mason’s attempt earlier in the year to get another year or two added to a contract that will expire after the 2009 season.
And then we did some research. (For a change.) As we pointed out at SportingNews.com, the decision to play or retire entails a $4.4 million swing for Mason, given the combined salary he’d be losing ($3 million) and signing bonus money he’d potentially be forfeiting ($1.4 million).
In a recent radio spot (we can’t remember which one — this week has had the effect on me of a “Green Day,” without any of the “green”), the host suggested that the Ravens should call Mason’s bluff and have him sign the retirement paperwork.
The problem, as we see it, is that the Ravens need Mason. They didn’t pick a wideout in round one, after kicking the tires on several. And they didn’t acquire a veteran like Anquan Boldin.
So, if Mason goes, they’ll basically be screwed.
Then where does this lead? Coach John Harbaugh recently said he’s “optimistic” that Mason will play. Still, if this thing is all about the non-Green Day green, the fact that the team gave a couple barrels full of it last week to linebacker Terrell Suggs likely has Mason wondering why the team won’t peel off a few bills for him.
In the end, we think that Mason will play. He really has no other choice, unless he’s willing to write a check for $1.4 million and/or is able to find a non-football job that would pay him $3 million for five months of work.
But we think the Ravens need Mason not only to be present, but also to be happy and engaged. So it makes sense to give him some of the security that he craves.
Maybe he just wants to unretire so he can play for the Vikings. According to their “fans” that’s what everyone wants to do because their team is the only team that will win the Superbowl this year.
“…(we can’t remember which one — this week has had the effect on me of a “Green Day,” without any of the “green”),…”
It’s rare when someone’s embarrassing attempts at humor are almost enough to make you stop reading an otherwise good blog. You’re the really, really poor man’s version of Dane Cook.
My hope with this situation is that they don’t give in to any extension demands and trade for boldin. That team would be nasty with him as their #1 target.
Mason is a pretty sharp guy. If this is a way for him to get more money, good for him. Players have so little leverage these days and using retirement as a means to renegotiate is a good move. Is this any different to teams renegotiating existing deals with aging veterans as a means to get them to take paycuts?
Can’t feel sorry for Mason “only” making 3 million this year. His signing bonus was large, but no one talks about that now. If he wants to retire, I wish him well. But to be honest the people he is screwing the most are his teammates who depended on him being here this year and not leaving them and the Ravens in a lurch.
Boldin would be great to have… That being said give this man some money. He is everything the ravens are about. The way he played through pain last year and all the balls he caught basically one armed. The guy is an animal.
Pay him Ozzie, don’t f-ck with joes development unless you’re looking for another boller.
“bucc19 says: July 23, 2009 10:11 AM
Maybe he just wants to unretire so he can play for the Vikings. According to their “fans” that’s what everyone wants to do because their team is the only team that will win the Superbowl this year.”
Uh no we really don’t.
Someone obviously has a vendetta. You bring this up in a completely unrelated topic.
If the Ravens call his bluff Mason will be wamboozled.
Norman Chad.
His money will be debacled and his friendship blowed up……..
Every team in the AFC North is a mess EXCEPT the Bengals this year. I love it. Pittsburgh has the new Small Ben saga, Ravens have WR issues and lost defensive starters and the Browns don’t have their QB situation figured out. The Bengals are coming off of a terrible season and are flying under the radar. Carson is healthy, they drafted well and were very active in free agency. The Bengals win this division this year–guaranteed.
$$$