Let’s Make a Deal: Derrick Morgan

First off, I’d like to thank everyone who commented on the initial Let’s Make a Deal post; great job keeping the conversation going! Here is the second installment, so get your research done and hit me with some counter-offers!

Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

6’4″, 272 pounds

1st round, 2nd overall selection to the Detroit Lions

Requested Contract:

• 6 years, $30 million guaranteed ($5 million/year)
• I would like the total contract amount be worth around $63 million
• More money in the first year (due to lockout threat)

Derrick Morgan is one of the most explosive defensive ends to enter the NFL Draft. Here in Detroit, I feel that Morgan will make an instant impact on not only the defense, but the team as a whole.

Here are the 2nd overall contracts from the years 2007-2009 (percentage increase/decrease from the previous year is shown and reflects the per year amounts):

• 2007 – Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech – 6 years/ $55.5 million
  • $27.178 million guaranteed ($4.53 million/year)
• 2008 – Chris Long, DE, Virginia – 5 years/ $48 million (+3.78%)
  • $33 million guaranteed ($6.6 million/year)
• 2009 – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor – 6 years/ $61.775 million (+7.24%)
  • $22.385 million guaranteed ($3.73 million/year)

Listed are the defensive ends chosen in the first round of the 2007 draft:

• Gaines Adams (R.I.P), Buccaneers/Bears (4^th)– 6 years/ $42 million
  • $18.56 million guaranteed ($3.09 million/year)
• Jamaal Anderson, Falcons (8^th) – 5 years/ $30.9 million
  • $15.361 million guaranteed ($3.0722 million/year)
• Adam Carriker, Rams (13^th) – 5 years, $12.8 million
  • $9.4 million guaranteed ($1.88 million/year)
• Jarvis Moss, Broncos (17^th) – 5 years/ $14.95 million
  • $8.06 million guaranteed ($1.612 million/year)
• Anthony Spencer, Cowboys (26^th) – 5 years/ $7.453 million
  • $6 million guaranteed ($1.2 million/year)

Listed are the defensive ends chosen in the first round of the 2008 draft:

• Derrick Harvey, Jaguars (8^th) – 5 years/ $23.8 million
  • $17.1775 million guaranteed ($3.4355 million/year)
• Lawrence Jackson, Seahawks (28^th) – 5 years/ $11.25 million
  • $6.1 million guaranteed ($1.22 million/year)

Listed are the defensive ends chosen in the first round of the 2009 draft:

• Tyson Jackson, Chiefs (3^rd) – 5 years/ $57 million
  • $31 million guaranteed ($6.2 million/year)
• Aaron Maybin, Bills (11^th) – 5 years, $17.6 million
  • $15 million guaranteed ($3 million/year)
• Brian Orakpo (LB/DE), Redskins (13^th) – 5 years, $15.4 million
  • $12.1 million guaranteed ($2.42 million/year)
• Robert Ayers, Broncos (18^th) – 5 years, $18.34 million
  • $9.7 million guaranteed ($1.94 million/year)

Here is how my Morgan stacks up against these players statistically:

At first glance, it would seem that my client’s statistics are strikingly lower than the others (and they are). However, you need to take into consideration the fact that my client only played two full seasons of football. Had he played four full seasons, the statistics would be comparable to the likes of Chris Long and Gaines Adams.

The average amount per year (guaranteed money) given to the second overall pick from 2007-2009 has been approximately $4.95 million. I am requesting $5 million per year for six years. Considering the fact that the total amount of first round contracts increased about 5% per year, my request of a 2% increase is definitely worth your while. Derrick Morgan is a proven run stopper and can provide immediate help for the Detroit Lions’ run defense. Derrick is not just a great football player, but he is the building block for the future!