Some tasty link sausage to start your morning.
Jets rookie QB Sanchez signs five-year deal worth up to $60 million
The big news of the day is the news that Jets first round draft pick, and 5th overall, signed a five-year deal worth up to $60 million with $28 million guaranteed. That's a lot of money - repeat the mantra after me - "for a guy who has yet to see a single NFL snap." Well, it's true. Still, that's hardly Matt Stafford's six-year, $72 million ($41 million guaranteed). deal. What's this tell us about how the contracts will look for the players picked between Stafford and Sanchez, such as the Rams second overall pick OT Jason Smith? Hard to say since QB deals always look a little different. Last year, the third overall pick QB Matt Ryan got a six-year, $72 million contract with $34.75 million guaranteed. The Rams second overall pick last year, DE Chris Long, got a five-year, $48 million contract with $29 guaranteed. First overall pick OT Jake Long got a five-year $57.75 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. Watch for Smith to get something in-between the two Long deals from last season, probably closer to Chris' deal.
Running backs are battling to back up Steven Jackson
Running backs are battling to back up Steven Jackson - Right now it's Darby and Pittman leading the way. The more I hear about the backup RB situation with the Rams, the more I tend to wave it off. Yes, the Rams need a reliable guy in case Jackson is injured, though I think they might have the change-of-pace thing covered with the current crop of runners. The always astute gang over at Football Outsiders ran an analysis of running back usage earlier this spring. Good read.
NFL Power Rankings: Schedule Difficulties - MVN Outsider
For a two-win team, the Rams have one of the more difficult schedules in the league this season.