I'll Be The Judge Of That

It's June, and if you follow football, that only means one thing: it's holdout season. With so much down time between now and when we will inevitably have cameras on 24/7 Brett Favre watch, training camp holdouts have dominated the offseason NFL headlines over the last few weeks. Here's a look at the situations going on and my take on what employers should do with their disgruntled employees:

*Albert Haynesworth, DT, Washington Redskins

The Beef: Haynesworth was Washington's prize acquisition almost immediately after teams were given the green light to sign free agents last year. The Redskins gave the former Titan an unprecedented $100 million contract over 7 years($49 mil of it guaranteed and $32 mil of that $49 mil paid out in the first 13 months). After yet another dreadful Redskins season, Washington cut Jim Zorn loose as head coach and hired former 2-time Super Bowl winning head coach Mike Shanahan to take over. Shanahan's presence meant a switch from the 4-3 scheme(which Haynesworth had played in his entire pro career) to the 3-4(where Haynesworth would mainly clog up the middle as a nose tackle). The change in schemes annoyed Haynesworth to the point where he's refusing to show up for camp and demanding a trade. This, of course, coming just two months after the Redskins cut "Fat Albert" a $21 million bonus check.

The Verdict: CUT HIM. Haynesworth has an understandable concern, but his beef isn't legit. If he feels that the move to the 3-4 doesn't fit his skill set, then it makes sense for him to raise a stink. That being said, when you're being paid $100 million, that must mean you are talented enough to play in any formation a coach can dream up. Perhaps the pressure of being in a title-hungry town like the nation's capital and feeling like he has to live up to his large contract has worn on Haynesworth to the point that he's using the scheme shift as an excuse to kick rocks. Maybe the fact that his name was brought up initially in the Donovan McNabb trade talks gave him the impression that the Redskins didn't want him. Regardless, Haynesworth was paid nearly $40 million in the last year and a half for 12 games of work, 30 tackles and 4 sacks.....and that was in the scheme he was COMFORTABLE in. If Shanahan feels Haynesworth can't get it done or is unwilling to start his first year off in DC babysitting his overpaid nose tackle, then he has to show Haynesworth the door. Yes, there's the risk of Haynesworth signing with a division rival and rubbing it in Washington's face but what are the chances a team is willing to put up with this guy's antics? Also, what are the chances someone will want Haynesworth's contract? During the draft, only two teams stepped up with legit interest: St. Louis and Tennessee...and they weren't willing to sell the farm for someone being paid the biggest deal for a defensive player EVER. What's that say about his perception around the league? The 'Skins need to abort this thing now and just admit they messed up by opening up the checkbook too soon.

*Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets

The Beef: Revis emerged last season as not only the league's best corner, but probably the best defender in the NFL. He put on a show worthy, to some, of the Defensive Player of the Year(6 INT, 47 tackles, and most importantly, shutting down nearly every top WR in the game from Steve Smith to Randy Moss to Andre Johnson). For his troubles, Revis will be paid a grand total of $1 million this season. Compare that to a guy like Dunta Robinson, who is making around $9 million in his new contract with the Falcons but has never put on a season quite as grand as Revis' 2010 campaign, and you would come away thinking that the Jets are getting a bargain and "Revis Island" is getting jerked. Revis has hinted at holding out but has recently showed up at OTAs and had some discussion with head coach Rex Ryan on the matter.

The Verdict: PAY THE MAN. The Jets reportedly are willing to offer Revis an extension worth around $100 million. As they should. Revis is the face of the defense and, with him being able to opt out next year, would make a boatload of cash in free agency in an uncapped year. The Jets made some moves on defense in the offseason(DE/LB Jason Taylor, CBs Antonio Cromartie and rookie Kris Wilson) but none of that matters if Revis isn't locked up for the foreseeable future. Whatever Darrelle wants, the Jets should oblige because without "Revis Island", they are the ones who will be stranded.

*Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans

The Beef: Johnson's coming off a record-breaking 2010: NFL-record 2,509 yards from scrimmage, 2,006 of which coming on the ground, 16 total touchdowns(14 rushing). Still under his rookie contract, C.J. will make a paltry $550K this season. That's hardly a salary worthy of the best running back in the league. Naturally, Johnson's willing to sit on his ass as long as possible in order to get paid. For a Titans team that's already dealing with Vince Young's club incident and that just waved bye-bye to longtime defensive captain Keith Bulluck, they can't afford a prolonged holdout from its star runner.

The Verdict: PAY THE MAN....BUT BE CAREFUL. I invoke the name Shaun Alexander here. There's a danger in overpaying a running back for previous seasons' work. Johnson deserves to be paid like an elite back. That being said, he's a running back. The normal shelf life of a running back is around 8 years. With no passing game to speak of and no LenDale White to take the hits, Johnson's in line for more punishment this season. You're rolling the dice that he doesn't tear his ACLs throughout that new deal. Remember what happened to Jamal Lewis after HIS 2,000 yard season? He was out of Baltimore three seasons later and never came close to those numbers from his career year. Johnson has a legitimate reason to want a raise, but his demands get too high, the Titans shouldn't rule out a trade. Now, hold on, before you get in an uproar. Johnson's a great back with blazing speed, soft hands and is a threat to go the distance on every touch....but he's not Superman. Right now, Johnson's stock is at an all-time high. You can get a king's ransom for C.J. if you floated trade rumors out there. I'm not saying the Titans SHOULD trade him, but if it looks like this thing is going nowhere, maybe a trade to, say, St. Louis for Steven Jackson and a couple high picks will scare C.J. straight.

*Shawne Merriman, LB, San Diego Chargers

The Beef: Merriman isn't exactly a holdout, perse. "Lights Out" has simply refused to sign the tender offered by San Diego. So, some are looking for alterations to their contract, Merriman is looking for a contract. Period. Merriman is still property of the Chargers, but without his John Hancock on that offer sheet, he's untradeable. That means the Chargers are going to have to convince the former Defensive Rookie of the Year to sign his tender in hopes of a trade to follow or rescind the offer and let Merriman walk.

The Verdict: TRADE HIM. Merriman was once the face of the Chargers' defense and the most feared pass rusher in the game. Now, he's more known for his dealings with steroids and Tila Tequila than sacking quarterbacks. Look, Shawne, you play for the team that kicked L.T. and Antonio Cromartie to the curb in the last three months and fired Marty Schottenheimer after a 14-2 season. You haven't done squat since 2006. That might as well be 1986 in the NFL. You're replaceable, buddy. Sign the tender and then get shipped out. It worked for Brandon Marshall. It can work for you. Don't try to play hardball with these guys....you will lose. As a Packers fan, I'd love to see Merriman complement Clay Matthews on the opposite side of that 3-4. Certianly, other teams in need of a little boost in the pass rush department will be interested in Merriman....but at a discount. He's coming two injury-plagued seasons and steroid accusations. Nobody's paying DeMarcus Ware money for the kind of production Merriman's been offering. Sign the tender. Go elsewhere. Wreak havoc. Then, you can sign a big contract and rub it in A.J. Smith's face. Until then, quit trying to have a battle of wits when you're ill-equipped.

*Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego Chargers

The Beef: Jackson's coming off his second-straight 1,000 yard season and enjoyed a breakout 2010 with 1,167 yards and 9 touchdowns. Because of that, Jackson wants something a little better from San Diego than the $3.268 million he would be set to be paid for next season if he signs his tender. The problem for both Jackson and the Bolts is that the June 15 deadline for Jackson to sign his tender passed and Jackson's salary for next season will now be $583K. With the Chargers not budging on a new contract, Jackson will probably not be seen on the field until Week 10.

The Verdict: PAY THE MAN. Jackson is the best receiver the Chargers have had in quite some time. Yes, they have the leverage here by being able to slash Jackson's salary, but who's really the big loser in this one? Jackson is inevitably going to get paid. Can the Chargers win until he comes to his senses? I don't think so(especially with another costly holdout on the roster who I will get to next). Jackson's 6'5, 241 pounds, he runs like a gazelle and jumps like a flea. He's easily one of the game's top deep threats and among the best red zone targets in the game. Who's replacing him? Malcolm Floyd? Josh Reed? Please. Plus, how is QB Phillip Rivers going to feel when he has to be without his favorite target for the first 10 weeks of the season? You really want to risk irritating your franchise face by being frugal? Sure, Jackson has a recent DUI, but he's not a belligerent drunk. Look at Jared Allen. Two DUIs and the Vikings still paid him top dollar. Give Jackson the money. If you're going to continue to dominate a division that is slowly improving around you, you need your young nucleus and that includes your star wideout.

*Marcus McNeill, OT, San Diego Chargers

The Beef: Yup, that's right, San Diego has holdouts with three of their main stars. Like Jackson and Merriman, McNeill is turning his nose up at the Chargers' tender for $3.1 million. As one of the game's best pass protectors on one of the game's best aerial attacks, McNeill feels he should be paid like one of the elites....and rightfully so. After all, he's a two-time Pro Bowler and he's responsible for protecting the blind side of your $90 million quarterback, not to mention open holes for your new running back, Ryan Mathews. Like Jackson, McNeill's failure to sign by Tuesday will cut his salary to $600K and that means McNeill has no reason to show up before Week 10.

The Verdict: PAY THE MAN. Ask Aaron Rodgers how it felt last season to spend every snap running for his life behind an O-Line that couldn't protect him. You win in the NFL by dominating up front with line play. Being stingy with the cash on your elite offensive lineman is an easy recipe for disaster in this league. You think Rivers is pissed about being without Jackson? Imagine how he'll feel with McNeill in street clothes until Thanksgiving. It's one thing to be business savvy, it's another to be a complete idiot. There are positions you can skimp on. You can find a cheap pass rusher or safety. Offensive line and receiver? Not so much. Don't give any noise about Tra Thomas. He's 34, and he was last seen barely making a Jags team that was desperate for line help. San Diego got rid of LT, Cromartie, Jamal Williams and will eventually do away with Merriman. The money is there under the mattress, so who are you saving it for if it's not for an elite pass protector like Marcus McNeill?

*Logan Mankins, G, New England Patriots

The Beef: Mankins' troubles with the Pats stem from what he claims was a verbal agreement between his agents and New England's suits for the team to do right by their 2-time Pro Bowl guard after this past year(a deal agreed upon after Mankins did not want to sign a new deal with an uncertain CBA on the horizon). Mankins now feels like the team's gone back on its word and their recent offer of $7 million per over five years is not enough to keep Mankins from wanting a trade out of town.

The Verdict: TRADE HIM. Mankins' aggravation perplexes me. After all, unlike McNeill and a couple other holdouts, he's actually getting offered a legit deal. $7 mil per doesn't make him higher paid than, say Saints' guard Jahari Evans, but it puts Mankins in the top 5. You're really going to nitpick over a couple million, Logan? These are the Pats. They are a perennial championship contender. You'd rather be the richest man in Buffalo? What kind of message would that send? Don't claim to be a "team player" than turn your nose up at $35 million bucks when the franchise QB you will be protecting is due for a new contract at the end of the year. Sure, protecting Tom Brady comes first and foremost in Beantown, but the Pats have proven they won't be held hostage by disgruntled employees. See what happened to Richard Seymour, Logan? You want to spend your prime on a sinking ship like Oakland? Go right ahead. Guards like Mankins are bit tougher to come by, but they aren't impossible to find, especially for a team that drafts as well as New England. The Pats are also in need of a running back, which means they can dangle Mankins in exchange for maybe a Marshawn Lynch or a Marion Barber. I understand Mankins being upset over the principle of the matter, but the NFL is a business. Like in any business, the suits are going to lie to the underlings. So you got lied to? Big fucking deal. Find me an employee who hasn't been lied to by his employer and I'll find 100 guys who have just as fast. Take the contract, Logan, or give the team of list of places you'd like to go house hunting....but don't go crying about $7 mil a year being not enough in a nationwide recession.

*Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts

The Beef: After a stellar career as the Jerry Rice to Peyton Manning's Joe Montana, Reggie Wayne has decided it is time to barter for one last payday. Despite already having a contract that will pay him $8.2 million(with a base salary of $5.47 million), Wayne wants to go back to the negotiating table. The problem for Wayne is two-fold. One, he's going up again Bill Polian, who is less likely to budge than a statue when it comes to contract negotiations. Second, the Colts have someone on a the roster with a wee bit higher priority of getting a new contract....some guy named Peyton Manning. That doesn't give Wayne much of a leg to stand on in his search for a new deal(neither does the fact that DE Robert Mathis is also wanting a raise).

The Verdict: TRADE HIM. Like Mankins, Wayne needs to can it. Let me read you off a list, Reggie. Chad Ochocinco. Michael Crabtree. Anquan Boldin. Those are the most recent examples of guys at your position who stomped their feet for a new deal and lost....and, pretty soon, Vincent Jackson will be on that list as well. Here's another list: Randy Moss, Larry Fitzgerald, Crabtree, Calvin Johnson. Those are the only guys making more than you in the NFL, Reggie. Your deal puts you on par with Andre Johnson(better than you), Roddy White and Steve Smith(certainly, on your level). It also puts you ahead of Greg Jennings(on the verge of passing you) and Wes Welker(comparable numbers the last two years). Here's another list, in case you don't like the last two: Anthony Gonzalez, Austin Collie, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon. Those are the guys on the depth chart besides you. Guess what, Reggie? They can catch, too. Maybe not as good as you, but I don't think that bothers your buddy Peyton too much. Ask Peyton how much he missed Gonzalez last year or Marvin Harrison, for that matter. You're replaceable, Reggie. Not only that, you're 31. You're no spring chicken. This is the team that shipped out Edgerrin James. The team that made the Super Bowl with two rookie receivers. You're great, Reggie, and last season was outstanding, but you have absolutely NO leverage here. So just show up for work or be prepared to suit up for Tampa Bay this season.