Re: Can't Guard Mike
 

I'm glad to hear MT is potentially coming back.

Nearly every ounce of vitriol that's sure to follow this news is understandable.

We've learned there's a relationship with Carr. That's gotta make you feel at least somewhat optimistic.

We are better with him on the field than not and if he's on the field, we are winning more games. Period.

Wins cure all and I'm ready for the next chapter in MT's Saints history.

Re: Can't Guard Mike
 

It isn't magically, diz. He had surgery on that toe months ago and has been working his ass off to get healthy again. Don't forget he was fully healthy the first two games of last season and balled out for Jameis before dislocating and tearing those ligaments in the toe in game three. He worked his ass off recovering from TWO surgeries to get to that point.

Re: Can't Guard Mike
 

It is vital for them to have a say. That's what makes it a "negotiation". The ONLY way to rewrite the terms of the contract is to have the player agree to any new terms.

Re: Can't Guard Mike
 

Any new contract would undoubtedly include that type of language. Games played, snaps taken, yardage, catches, TD's, etcetera. Even though the missed time wasn't the fault of Thomas, he still was not available. We've all seen several veteran contracts reworked for these very same reasons over the years.

Re: Can't Guard Mike
 

I had to give u a like. That was some funny stuff. Might also be very true.

Re: Can't Guard Mike
 

Well there’s a lot of speculation on CGM due to some of his actions, and understandably so, however I feel comfortable saying this…

1- he’s a fierce competitor and a stud when healthy and he knows it. He’d much rather be on the field doing what he loves and making defenders look silly.

2- I haven’t seen or read anywhere he’s a locker room cancer despite his altercation with Chauncey in practice. This organization has proven they will not tolerate locker room cancers.

3- His injuries were un-preventable and unfortunate and when healthy, he no doubt makes our offensive more dangerous.

That being said, hopefully this contract is much better for the team and incentive heavy

Re: Can't Guard Mike
 

Amen, amen, and amen.

:bng:

Re: Can't Guard Mike
 

Actually the concern about it being a negotiation or not might be the other way around. In order for it to be a negotiation the team has to have the ability to walk away, make a cut, or say no to the deal. If the player has all the leverage because the team has painted itself into a corner with the salary cap and cannot afford to pay a promised bonus or take a cap hit from a cut, the player can essentially write the contract and as long as it hits the cap number for this year that the Loomis needs, he has no choice but to sign it. Thomas could write reverse bonuses into the contract guaranteeing him 10 games a season off or extra money for anything under 40% target share or $1 million loss of reputation fee for each Saints loss and Loomis might have no choice but to sign if he can't afford any of the alternatives.

I would rather we cut Thomas but if we keep him I would certainly prefer an incentive based deal with very low base salary. However to negotiate that I think we need to present a credible threat to actually cut Thomas, which requires showing we have the cap space to make that work if needed.

Re: Can't Guard Mike
 

So, it turns out that Thomas has known Carr since high school and personally lobbied him to come to the Saints. It sounds like he's really looking forward to playing with Carr and should be fully healthy and ready to go.

Get the deal done!

Re: Can't Guard Mike
 

Man, if Thomas could come back and play half the games I would be happy just getting to watch him get first downs again then flexing his biceps before going back to the huddle.