How out of whack is the NFL salary structure?

   Matt Ryan, the third pick in this year's draft, signs a 6-year deal worth $72-million.  Of that, Atlanta guarantees more than $34-million. 

   Ryan will make an average of  $12-milliion per season.  Not bad for a quarterback that has yet to throw a real NFL pass.

   Let's put that into persepective for Buccaneer fans.  Jeff Garcia makes a base of $2-million dollars this season.  Garcia is coming off a Pro Bowl season and the Falcons would love to Ryan do for them what Garcia has done for the Bucs. 

  What really makes this scary, Ryan is making more per year and has more guaranteed money than Tom Brady. 

  It is becoming more and more obvious, the NFL is desperate for a rookie salary structure.  I have no problem with Ryan making money once he proves he's worth it.  But year-after-year,  top draft picks are setting records with guaranteed money in long-term deals.  This doesn't bother NFL superstars...they will get their money.  The lower level players will always have their place.  They will make minimum.  But veteran players that are borderline starters, or role players will lose jobs.  The NFL is becoming a classic case of haves and havenots.

   The NBA has figured it out.  The NBA has a rookie cap.  The NFL players uinion must give ground...to save veteran jobs.  That is more important that establishing a high ceiling for high draft picks. 

   Buc fans would you rather see Bruce Allen throw money at Aqib Talib or Barrett Ruud?  Talib may become a star.  Ruud may not be a Pro Bowl linebacker, but he means everything to the Bucs defense.  Talib is probably staring at a 5-year deal worth $14 mill.  That's close to what last year's 20th pick signed.  Ruud is still working on his original 5-year contract for $4.9 million.  Ruud has proven his worth.  Talib has yet to take an NFL snap, but he'll probably triple Ruud's salary.

   For the game's sake, something needs to be done.

   Al Keck