So........where are we next year?

Right. Understood, but I wouldn't think it would be fair to just implement something like that immediately no matter whom the salary cap is intended for. I just don't see it happening without a couple of years forewarning.

Believe the collective bargaining agreement expires at the end of 2009 and they'll sign a new agreement effective for 2010 and the owners will try to implement some sort of rookie pay scale in that 2010 agreement and that's when it would also take affect. There lies the problem these kids are facing.

Let's face it.... if you were projected as the #1 player drafted out of college would you stay. Only Peyton would do something like that. i have said that money is not an issue with the stafford family they live in a rich part of Dallas. money is not the issue...... it's being the #1 pick. so expect a new QB under center next year, i don't think it will be Murray due to his injury. you can't set out Spring practice and expect to start in the SEC. Cox will be the starter and Gray and Murray will be battling out for 2nd team. Funny thing is though, i would like to see Gray as a WR.

There is a possibility of a strike in the NFL next year. This exist because the owners have said they will exercise a clause in the current contract that allows them to renegotiate the contract. I think one of the points they will try to get is a rookie pay scale. This will eliminate salaries like Vince Young ($50M over 5 years-$20M guarunteed.) This has a big impact on the salary cap, and what is left for the veterans on the team under the salary cap.

I would think the players currently in the NFL would love this. It would free up a lot more money for the veterans to get paid for performance vs the teams using this money on rookies that have potential, but have not shown they can do it in the NFL. Vince Young looks like he's going to be a bust.

There in lies the problem these Juniors are facing. Get the big bucks now, or settle for whatever the scale allows in 2010. It will not take very long to implement, just sign the contract.

Stafford's family may be will off, but a $10M to $20M contract would only be turned down by Bill Gates's son.

How many times has a QB left college early and gone on to have a successful NFL career?

I honestly don't know the answer. Surely one of you guys do and can share it with me?

he is the #1 pick why would he stay. before that i thought we had a chance because it is not all about the money. what happens next year in the NFL is up to the NFL to decide. fact is he is gone and it doesn't matter what happens next year in the NFL, he will be there. Say the Lions trade the #1 pick then he will be a top 10 pick. Either way he is getting paid. Peyton would have been the #1 pick his Junior year but he loved the college game and stayed. i don't see that in Stafford. i see someone that wants to play in the NFL.