Forum The Longship Condon May Ask For More Than $20 Million Per Year

Condon May Ask For More Than $20 Million Per Year

JU
Joined Jan 2014
0 posts
Rep: 0

Condon May Ask For More Than $20 Million Per Year

On Friday, Vikings beat reporter Ben Goessling of ESPN surmised that Sam Bradford’s agent, flush with the news of Derek Carr’s mega-extension, has seen the writing on the wall regarding quarterback contracts in the NFL:.........

#1 · Jun 26, 1:13 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

Go big or go home. I guess we'll see what happens.

#2 · Jun 26, 1:18 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

With today's QB salaries I'm not surprised by this at all.

#3 · Jun 26, 1:22 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0


Still a lot of ..  B)

#4 · Jun 26, 1:26 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

He can ask for whatever he wants but I see the franchise tag in Bradfords future.

#5 · Jun 26, 1:38 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

...too high!  Contains Profanity Warning

#6 · Jun 26, 1:44 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

I'm all for using time to our advantage.  Let the season play out.  Then make the decision.  If the decision is that we have to sign Bradford to a huge deal because he does really well for us = win!  If the decision is Teddy is 100% healthy and plays some becuase Sam gets dinged = win!  If the decision is neither Sam or Teddy look like the answer then we can move on from one or both and move forward for a franchise = win!  The only real lose situation IMO is that we try and resign Sam to a huge deal well into the 20 million range and he flops.  So we would be trying to save money now hoping he is the answer moving forward?  I say don't do that let's use time (and maybe time healing all wounds/Teddy) on our side for once.

We have been making desperate and costly QB moves for so long that I think a cool hand will pay off in the long run.  

#7 · Jun 26, 5:36 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

I'll say it again. Bradford is playing for the franchise tag in 2018. 

#8 · Jun 26, 7:44 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"NFL Draft Guru" said: I'll say it again. Bradford is playing for the franchise tag in 2018. 

I said the same thing. He wont be signed long term any time soon

#9 · Jun 26, 7:51 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"NFL Draft Guru" said: I'll say it again. Bradford is playing for the franchise tag in 2018. 
Most likely... And the franchise tag will be in excess of $20 million...watching what's happening in Washington, might not be a bad idea to wrap him up long term if he plays as well as I think he can with an actual OL and running game...
#10 · Jun 26, 8:03 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"BarrNone55" said:
@"NFL Draft Guru" said: I'll say it again. Bradford is playing for the franchise tag in 2018. 
Most likely... And the franchise tag will be in excess of $20 million...watching what's happening in Washington, might not be a bad idea to wrap him up long term if he plays as well as I think he can with an actual OL and running game...
The nice thing about the tag is you have flexibility. I'm not a Bradford hater by any means and although you pay a bit more, the tag gives you options. Once Bradford sign an extension he is the guy for at least the next 2-3 years due to the dead money associated with a long-term deal. The tag allows you to carry Teddy if his contract tolls, allows for potential trades, and ultimately allows the Vikings to renounce Bradford's rights if they need the cap space later in the off-season. 
#11 · Jun 26, 9:33 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

He can ask for it.  It's up to Sam's play on the field whether he gets it.

#12 · Jun 26, 11:08 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"NFL Draft Guru" said:
@"BarrNone55" said:
@"NFL Draft Guru" said: I'll say it again. Bradford is playing for the franchise tag in 2018. 
Most likely... And the franchise tag will be in excess of $20 million...watching what's happening in Washington, might not be a bad idea to wrap him up long term if he plays as well as I think he can with an actual OL and running game...
The nice thing about the tag is you have flexibility. I'm not a Bradford hater by any means and although you pay a bit more, the tag gives you options. Once Bradford sign an extension he is the guy for at least the next 2-3 years due to the dead money associated with a long-term deal. The tag allows you to carry Teddy if his contract tolls, allows for potential trades, and ultimately allows the Vikings to renounce Bradford's rights if they need the cap space later in the off-season. 

I don't agree with the flexibility statement at all.  In fact, I see it completely opposite of that.  To me, the franchise option also has the highest risk to the team. If the "plan" is to go back to Teddy the following year, Bradford walks with zero compensation to the team at the end of the year.  Setting yourself up for that is just stupid.  A look around the league shows that a QB of Sam's talent has a lot of value and teams will pay to get it.  If the plan is trade Teddy and stick with Sam, the 2-3 years of dead money "issue" isn't an issue.  No matter what 1/2 to 1/3 of that dead money at a minimum, has already been determined to be paid out  year 1 regardless.  Considering you have to do it again the following year, either by the franchise tag or contract, that's 100% to 66% of the year 1 dead money.  Not to mention it's far more expensive to the team overall.  If the idea is to go back to Teddy in 2 years, he might be a bit pissed off at the team as well.  1 year for the QB could worth more than 15-20 million dollars.  I'd be pissed, no doubt about it.  Will they immediately franchise tag Teddy the following year, to help minimize the injury risk? The longer the Vikings take in making a decision, the more likely team chemistry is being risked.  The locker-room could become easily divided.  I'm sure some prefer Teddy and some prefer Sam.  Maybe it's simply because of friendship and loyalty or maybe it's because they've done better while playing with one vs. the other.  That's human nature and to be expected.  On top of that, players are watching how the team handles situations and contracts.

In some cases the franchise tag has beneficial uses.  I just can't see that as being the case with us. 

     

#13 · Jun 27, 8:23 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

The key to all of this, IMO, is what Bradford does this year with an NFL caliber OL and an actual running game...he plays well, gets us in the playoffs, it's a done deal...

The tag is definitely an option...assuming another 13% jump in the cap, the franchise tag is going to come in around $24 million per year...plus you've got probably 3 guys who are going to rewrite Carr's record setting contract...very likely Rodgers deal dwarfs Carr's...the sooner a long term deal gets done, IF WARRANTED, the better...

#14 · Jun 27, 8:36 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"minny65" said:  If the decision is neither Sam or Teddy look like the answer then we can move on from one or both and move forward for a franchise = win!    
Seriously, this is a win? Finding out this team has NO QB is my nightmare scenario. I know the hype about the 2018 draft and all the allegedly-can't-miss QBs is probably making people think that starting over with a rookie QB would be OK, but I've seen that most "Year of the QBs" drafts produce more Tim Couch and Akili Smith players than anything else.
#15 · Jun 27, 9:07 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

I think the jury is still way out on whether this offensive line will be decent. Its no guarantee. 

#16 · Jun 27, 9:15 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"minny65" said: I'm all for using time to our advantage.  Let the season play out.  Then make the decision.  If the decision is that we have to sign Bradford to a huge deal because he does really well for us = win!  If the decision is Teddy is 100% healthy and plays some becuase Sam gets dinged = win!  If the decision is neither Sam or Teddy look like the answer then we can move on from one or both and move forward for a franchise = win!  The only real lose situation IMO is that we try and resign Sam to a huge deal well into the 20 million range and he flops.  So we would be trying to save money now hoping he is the answer moving forward?  I say don't do that let's use time (and maybe time healing all wounds/Teddy) on our side for once.

We have been making desperate and costly QB moves for so long that I think a cool hand will pay off in the long run.  


Just a nit to pick, but I don't see that as a WIN!. 

#17 · Jun 27, 9:17 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"StickyBun" said: I think the jury is still way out on whether this offensive line will be decent. Its no guarantee. 
On paper it's better...markedly better...No question...proof will come later, but as we sit here at the end of June...
#18 · Jun 27, 9:17 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0

Alabama's starting line would have been better than what we fielded last year. No joke

#19 · Jun 27, 9:37 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"Jor-El" said:
@"minny65" said:  If the decision is neither Sam or Teddy look like the answer then we can move on from one or both and move forward for a franchise = win!    
Seriously, this is a win? Finding out this team has NO QB is my nightmare scenario. I know the hype about the 2018 draft and all the allegedly-can't-miss QBs is probably making people think that starting over with a rookie QB would be OK, but I've seen that most "Year of the QBs" drafts produce more Tim Couch and Akili Smith players than anything else.
@"greediron" said:
@"minny65" said: I'm all for using time to our advantage.  Let the season play out.  Then make the decision.  If the decision is that we have to sign Bradford to a huge deal because he does really well for us = win!  If the decision is Teddy is 100% healthy and plays some becuase Sam gets dinged = win!  If the decision is neither Sam or Teddy look like the answer then we can move on from one or both and move forward for a franchise = win!  The only real lose situation IMO is that we try and resign Sam to a huge deal well into the 20 million range and he flops.  So we would be trying to save money now hoping he is the answer moving forward?  I say don't do that let's use time (and maybe time healing all wounds/Teddy) on our side for once.

We have been making desperate and costly QB moves for so long that I think a cool hand will pay off in the long run.  


Just a nit to pick, but I don't see that as a WIN!. 

Thats what I initially thought as well,  but it is a "WIN" if you consider that we will have found out that neither is a long term answer at the position and we didnt get locked into a cap killing deal before we found that out.

#20 · Jun 27, 9:41 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,342 posts
Rep: 0
@"AllBS" said:
@"NFL Draft Guru" said:
@"BarrNone55" said:
@"NFL Draft Guru" said: I'll say it again. Bradford is playing for the franchise tag in 2018. 
Most likely... And the franchise tag will be in excess of $20 million...watching what's happening in Washington, might not be a bad idea to wrap him up long term if he plays as well as I think he can with an actual OL and running game...
The nice thing about the tag is you have flexibility. I'm not a Bradford hater by any means and although you pay a bit more, the tag gives you options. Once Bradford sign an extension he is the guy for at least the next 2-3 years due to the dead money associated with a long-term deal. The tag allows you to carry Teddy if his contract tolls, allows for potential trades, and ultimately allows the Vikings to renounce Bradford's rights if they need the cap space later in the off-season. 

I don't agree with the flexibility statement at all.  In fact, I see it completely opposite of that.  To me, the franchise option also has the highest risk to the team. If the "plan" is to go back to Teddy the following year, Bradford walks with zero compensation to the team at the end of the year.  Setting yourself up for that is just stupid.  A look around the league shows that a QB of Sam's talent has a lot of value and teams will pay to get it.  If the plan is trade Teddy and stick with Sam, the 2-3 years of dead money "issue" isn't an issue.  No matter what 1/2 to 1/3 of that dead money at a minimum, has already been determined to be paid out  year 1 regardless.  Considering you have to do it again the following year, either by the franchise tag or contract, that's 100% to 66% of the year 1 dead money.  Not to mention it's far more expensive to the team overall.  If the idea is to go back to Teddy in 2 years, he might be a bit pissed off at the team as well.  1 year for the QB could worth more than 15-20 million dollars.  I'd be pissed, no doubt about it.  Will they immediately franchise tag Teddy the following year, to help minimize the injury risk? The longer the Vikings take in making a decision, the more likely team chemistry is being risked.  The locker-room could become easily divided.  I'm sure some prefer Teddy and some prefer Sam.  Maybe it's simply because of friendship and loyalty or maybe it's because they've done better while playing with one vs. the other.  That's human nature and to be expected.  On top of that, players are watching how the team handles situations and contracts.

In some cases the franchise tag has beneficial uses.  I just can't see that as being the case with us. 

     



The flexibility of the tag is most important in the spring of 2019 when the Vikings have a half-dozen large contracts come due. From a team perspective you can't lock yourself into Bradford until 1.) You know he is the long-term solution and 2.) Locking him up won't subsequently burn you in 2019. Presume Stafford gets extended and the franchise tag for Sam in 2018 is $23.5M. You wouldn't be locked into that amount until he signed the deal and there is no dead money left on the cap if he were traded. Teddy's trade value also directly plays into Sam's contract situation. Given that Teddy is healthy (still an unknown) the greater chance he has of becoming the Vikings long-term QB the stronger his external trade value will be. Come 2019 if Sam is the guy his extension would still be market driven and worth roughly $86M over 4 years with $45M guaranteed (signing bonus of $10M). The year one cap hit on that deal is around $24M.

2 year costs using the tag in 2017 - $23.5M + 24M = $47.5M (cash costs to team of $55M)
2 year costs of extending Sam in 2017* - $20.5M + 23M = $43.5M (cash cost to team of $49.5M)  

*If Sam were to be extended in 2017 assume a deal of $82M over 4 years with $43M guaranteed (signing bonus of $10M).     

Overall an extension saves the Vikings roughly $4M against the cap over two years and saves ownership $5.5M cash in years 1/2. However, year 2 is not a given under the tag and ultimately gifts the Vikings additional cap flexibility when they'll need it most. It also maximizes both Sam's and Teddy's trade values. 

#21 · Jun 27, 10:17 AM
Log in to reply.

Edit Post (mod action — author will see a notice)

Warn Poster

Suspend User (3 days)

The user will be suspended for 3 days and will receive an email with the reason and information about how to appeal.

Forum The Longship Condon May Ask For More Than $20 Million Per Year

Welcome to VikeFans!

Welcome back, Skol fans! This is our new home. Log in with your username or email and your existing password.


Be sure to check out the How To's and Questions forum for guides on getting around the new site, and use the Help Request forum if you run into anything that you need help with. Skol!