Should Rookies Prove Themselves Before Getting Top Dollar

The NFL is a tough sport to play in day in and day out. As a rookie, many players are asked to make immediate contributions to struggling franchises, mid-level teams and championship contenders. However, one rookie player has rarely transformed a franchise from the former to the latter. Throughout the history of football there have been many young players who have added a spark that has pushed a mid-level team to a contender or a struggling franchise to a mid-level threat. In reality, football is the ultimate team sport.

A rookie wage scale would provide two benefits to NFL franchises. It would allow teams to take gambles on young players without suffering financial hardship if the tough and fast world of professional football is too much for the acclaimed rookie. In addition, the wage scale would allow franchises to reward the five and six year veterans who play day after day, year after year to better their team and themselves. This would allow for a better product on the field for each franchise which would mean more support from their respective fan bases. Therefore, rookies should not earn top dollar until they prove it on the field with their play.