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Time of India
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Julian Edelman calls out NFL's ‘cheap' playoff pay: Even Tom Brady got screwed
Julian Edelman speaks out on NFL's 'cheap' playoff pay (Getty Images) When fans watch NFL stars like Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes dominate in the playoffs, most assume they're pocketing millions for every throw, every touchdown, every win. But as former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman recently explained, that assumption couldn't be further from the truth. NFL players take a major pay cut during the playoffs—even the superstars Appearing on the Games with Names podcast, Edelman peeled back the curtain on how playoff compensation works in the NFL. Unlike the regular season, where paychecks are determined by massive contracts and performance bonuses, postseason pay is a fixed structure. Everyone—from the franchise quarterback to the backup kicker—earns the same per game, regardless of their regular-season salary. 'For the first round you'd get like twenty grand, twenty-five grand to the winner,' Edelman shared. 'The next round, you'd get like an additional thirty grand. We would get the first-round bye, do the same amount of work, and not get paid. It was only twenty grand, but I was making like one hundred grand at the time.' How NFL Contracts ACTUALLY Work | Games With Names That pay gap becomes even more jarring when you look at elite quarterbacks like Brady and Mahomes. 'Tom Brady usually gets $2 million a game,' Edelman explained. 'He's going to play for $20,000. Patrick Mahomes is getting $50 million a year, and now he's getting twenty grand, thirty grand… Same as the long snapper.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thousands Are Saving Money Using This Wall Plug elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Click Here Undo The league's playoff pay system, though controversial among players, does reinforce one unique NFL value: team unity. 'Everyone in the organization earns the same amount of money for playoff games,' Edelman pointed out. For trainers, assistant coaches, and lesser-known players, the extra checks are meaningful, even if they seem like a rounding error for top-tier stars. Brock Purdy's big contract strikes a chord with Edelman Edelman also took a moment to celebrate 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's new five-year, $265 million deal. As a fellow seventh-round pick, Edelman knows the grind of proving oneself. 'As a former player, you always like to see guys get paid,' he said. 'Especially a guy that went his route. I was a seventh-round guy, he's a seventh-round guy. Now he's making $54 million per year.' Also Read: Tom Brady risks it all at Indy 500: NFL legend trades football fame for 200 mph thrill ride with Jimmie Johnson Purdy's new contract averages nearly $3 million per week—a staggering rise from the $2.6 million total he earned in his first three seasons. His story is a reminder that in the NFL, humble beginnings can lead to massive paydays—just not in the playoffs. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Puka Nacua cautions 49ers against massive Brock Purdy extension: 'The window closes'
Los Angeles Rams star wideout Puka Nacua has some unsolicited advice for the division-rival San Francisco 49ers: don't break the bank to sign quarterback Brock Purdy to a massive extension. Nacua made those comments while appearing on Julian Edelman's podcast, "Games with Names," on Wednesday. Edelman asked Nacua if he thinks Purdy will sign a contract with an average annual salary in the $50 million or above range. Nacua responded by saying he thinks something in the mid-40s is more accurate and explained why that's the case. "He seems like a smart guy. They have a chance to still be in their window. And I think if he goes for [$50 million annually,] the window closes, right?" Quarterbacks who average at least $50 million annual salaries are pretty commonplace around the NFL. Ten different quarterbacks will enter 2025 with an average annual salary over $50 million in 2025. That doesn't mean they'll make $50 million next season. It means they will average at least $50 million when you divide the total number of years on their contract by the total amount of money in their contracts. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott leads the way in that category. After signing a four-year, $260 million extension last September, Prescott has an average annual salary of $60 million over those four years. Trevor Lawrence, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Jordan Love, Tua Tagovailoa, Jared Goff, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts are the other nine players set to average at least $50 million over the course of their contracts. Purdy, who has gone 23-13 in three seasons as the 49ers' starting quarterback, certainly has an argument to be in that group. After being selected with the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy has played like a superstar. He's thrown 64 touchdowns against 27 interceptions with the team, and helped lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in 2023, when the team lost in overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs. Given his draft position, Purdy has yet to receive a massive payday compared to his peers. He could be looking for an enormous pay raise in his next deal, and the 49ers have already hinted they're willing to hand out an extension. If the 49ers do wind up giving a deal to Purdy that exceeds a $50 million annual salary, would that really put the team in a bad spot? At this point, you probably have to consider the source. What does Nacua have to gain from commenting on a division rival's contract status? Personally, not much, but it never hurts to try to sow the seeds of discord among your opponents. Maybe Nacua is trying to scare the 49ers into reconsidering a deal? Maybe he's trying to make Purdy so angry that he insists on being paid more than some of the less accomplished quarterbacks in that top 10? Maybe Nacua truly believes what he said, but that's doubtful. Nacua seems to hint at as much immediately. After turning the question back to Edelman, Nacua can't help but flash a guilty smile. He knows he's being an agent of chaos. Whether the 49ers ink Purdy doesn't personally affect Nacua, though it could make his life miserable on the field. The 49ers are undoubtedly a better team with Purdy under center, and making him the long-term option could be a massive thorn in the Rams' ability to contend in the future. For that reason — and probably many more — it's no surprise Nacua wants those negotiations to turn sour.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Puka Drops 'Insane' Opinion On 49ers 'Closing Window' And Purdy
I get it. I guess. We live in a time and place in sports (and in life) in which cameras and microphones are everywhere, in which everybody with a Facebook page or an X account or IG is a self-styled "influencer.'' Advertisement But Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams went temporarily insane with his hot-take opinion on the San Francisco 49ers and how they going about signing quarterback Brock Purdy the wrong way if they expect to ever win a championship again. Nacua's comments come on the heels of 49ers owner Jed York having said thaqt Purdy is a top-10 quarterback. ... and that the owner understands the team is going to have to pay him like one. That is of course the Niners' business and the Niners' problem. The Rams, their NFC West arch rivals, should love that it's a problem. And they should leave it at that. Instead, though, the Rams receiver is sticking his nose in a place where it does not belong and thereby creating an impression for the public that he lacks class. Advertisement Nacua appeared on Julian Edelman's "Games with Names" podcast and let his feelings be known on the subject ... 'I don't think so,' Nacua said about Purdy being worthy of a $50 million-plus contract. 'I think (mid-$40 million) range. I think so. He seems like a smart guy. They have a chance to still be in their window, and I think if he goes for ($50 million-plus), then the window closes." We can treat this take seriously if we choose. For example: That $10 million one way or another is not the gauge as to whether a team's roster can be competitive. Irrespective of that: There used to be a rule. Players didn't talk about other players' money. Men didn't dig inside other men's pockets. Advertisement What's Purdy worth as his resume boasts a 23-13 regular-season record, a 4-2 postseason record, 9,518 passing yards and 64 touchdowns while playing for peanuts? Nacua can have an opinion. But in a smarter, classier place and time? He'd be the "smart guy'' - like he says Purdy - and keep his mouth shut. Related: 49ers Controversial Brock Purdy Contract Offer Update Leaked
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Patriots' Great Rob Gronkowski Has Intriguing Career Update
Rob Gronkowski has managed to be one of the more entertaining figures in sports media since his retirement from football. The former New England Patriot regularly featured on his friend and former teammate, Julian Edleman's podcast, "Games with Names", before starting a separate show with Edelman aptly named "Dudes on Dudes". Advertisement Some interesting rumors caught fire earlier this year that Gronkowski could be returning to pro football with the Denver Broncos - ones that were swiftly batted down by "Gronk" and his team. But it seems like the 4 x Super Bowl champion will have some new role in the near future, according to NFL insider, Ian Rapoport. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images This is fun: @RobGronkowski is headed to Indianapolis." Rapoport writes, "..to give the command to start the "party" at the Indy 500 on May 25. Gronk will be the grand marshal of the infamous Snake Pit (by Turn 3), while his buddy on @NFLONFOX, @MichaelStrahan, is the honorary pace car driver." Advertisement Although it may be a surprise to see the future Hall of Fame tight end featured in a sport other than football, his role will not be a shock to many. The 4 x All-Pro's designation as a party starter at one of the most raucous sporting events of the year is perhaps one of the better pieces of inter-sport matchmaking produced over the past few years. Gronkowski was well-famed for his off-the-field partying antics during his time in New England - so much so that he even fell asleep on the floor during pre-draft visit with the Patriots. An apt person to get the party going in Indy! Related: Patriots' Move For New #1 Receiver Ripped As One Of Free Agency's 'Worst'
Fox News
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Rams' Puka Nacua: 49ers' 'window closes' if Brock Purdy gets $50 million per year
Arguably the most pressing long-term matter for the San Francisco 49ers is Brock Purdy's contract, as the quarterback is now extension-eligible and would be a free agent after the 2025 NFL season without a new deal. Should San Francisco pay Purdy top dollar? A player in the QB's division, Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua, offered his take on what the 49ers should do with Purdy — and the impact his new deal could have on San Francisco's future. "I think [Purdy] seems like a smart guy. They have a chance to still be in their window, and I think if he goes for [$50 million per year], the window closes," Nacua said of the 49ers on a recent edition of "Games with Names." Nacua added that he thinks Purdy will get in the ballpark of $45 million per season. Making 15 starts last season, Purdy totaled 3,864 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 96.1 passer rating, while completing 65.9% of his passes. He ranked 14th among quarterbacks with an 82.4 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus, in a season in which the 49ers went 6-11 and missed the playoffs. In 2023, Purdy threw for 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns, while posting an NFL-high 113.0 passer rating in 16 regular-season games en route to helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl LVIII. If Purdy receives an extension with a $50 million average annual salary, it would put him 11th among active quarterbacks. As for other contractural matters, the 49ers released defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, traded wide receiver Deebo Samuel — who has one year remaining on a three-year, $71.6 million deal — to the Washington Commanders and traded running back Jordan Mason — who had 789 rushing yards last season with superstar Christian McCaffrey missing 13 games — to the Minnesota Vikings. The Niners are reportedly open to moving wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who's recovering from a torn ACL and MCL and beginning a four-year, $120 million deal next season. In free agency, San Francisco lost safety and 2022 All-Pro Talanoa Hufanga and linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Leonard Floyd. Meanwhile, star tight end George Kittle is entering the final season of a five-year, $75 million deal. As for additions, San Francisco signed defensive backs Tre Brown, Richie Grant and Jason Pinnock, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and quarterback Mac Jones, among other players. As for Nacua, who was a Pro Bowler in his 2023 rookie campaign with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns, the wide receiver totaled 79 receptions for 990 yards and three touchdowns in 11 regular-season games in 2024. He then tallied 11 receptions for 141 yards in the Rams' two NFC playoff games. Nacua ranked first among wide receivers with a 92.8 overall grade, per PFF. The Rams swept the 2024 season series with the NFC West-rival 49ers and have won each of the past three matchups, which followed San Francisco winning nine of the previous 10. Last season marked the first time since 2018 that the Rams swept the season series. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
