Lawrence Timmons on potential contract extension: "It isn't about the money to me"

[hawaiiansteeler]

Steelers ILB Lawrence Timmons on potential contract extension: "It isn't about the money to me"

By Jeff.Hartman  @BnGBlitz on May 28, 2016



The Pittsburgh Steelers have a decision to make when it comes to ILB Lawrence Timmons, but if you ask the player it isn't about the money.

The contract situation surrounding Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons has been well documented. Due to receive a whopping $15.1 million dollars in 2016, almost everyone expects the veteran linebacker to sign a new contract extension, like Heath Miller and Troy Polamalu before him, which would keep him in the black and gold uniform while decreasing his salary cap hit.

What is refreshing to hear from the player in this situation is how the money doesn't matter all that much. But is that even possible? You see players leave NFL teams every year to find their next big paycheck, but not for Timmons.

"It's not about money with me," Timmons told Jason Mackey of DKonPittsburghSports.com. "I already had two contracts. It's not about the money. It's about the love of the game."

Timmons is 30 years-old now, and although he has seen some of his most well-known characteristics start to diminish, he is still considered a legitimate starter alongside Ryan Shazier. In 2015, Timmons accounted for 119 combined tackles, 5 sacks and 6 pass defenses. Nonetheless, when Timmons was once thought to be the iron man who never left the field, he was subbed off the field for a reserve safety in specific sub packages last year.

Does that concern Timmons? Not in the least. He just wants the defense to improve.

to read rest of article:

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com...ension-it-isnt

[LloydWoodson]

It makessense to take the cap hit now while they can rather than overpay LT 2-3Meach year for 3 years etc.

I'm pretty sure he will be extended. LT was Tomlin's first draft pick.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Numbers stacked against Timmons

By Mark Kaboly



Lawrence Timmons recently took a glance at the Steelers roster. He really didn't like what he saw.

“It's not good, I will tell you that,” Timmons said.

Timmons' disgust had nothing to do with a defense that is seemingly on the rise after a couple of thin years while rebuilding. Instead, it all had to do with the number that is now next to his name — 30.

Timmons — Mike Tomlin's first draft pick a decade ago — turned 30 two weeks ago. Timmons is the third oldest defensive player on the team and is one of a dozen thirty-somethings on the Steelers roster.

Some grow old gracefully. Timmons doesn't want to be one of those guys.

“Having that number next to my name is a little weird for me,” Timmons said. “But I guess it is growing on me.”

As Timmons starts his 10th NFL season, his age isn't his only concern.

His contract situation could trump that.

Despite Timmons' still playing at a high level at his inside linebacker position, this could be his final season with the Steelers...

to read rest of article:

http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/...elers-contract

[steelreserve]

Now that we don't really need the cap space, an extension makes no sense. Might as well get rid of all that ridiculous amount of dead money at once if we can, rather than spread it out over 2 or 3 more seasons at 8-10M per. Maybe we learned our lesson from some of these other multiple-restructure contacts that we ended up paying for years later.

[86WARD]

Now that we don't really need the cap space, an extension makes no sense. Might as well get rid of all that ridiculous amount of dead money at once if we can, rather than spread it out over 2 or 3 more seasons at 8-10M per. Maybe we learned our lesson from some of these other multiple-restructure contacts that we ended up paying for years later.

This. It actually makes way more sense to get rid of it now by not extending him...if there is no need to extend him. There's absolutely no need.

[Rotorhead]

It depends, if we are planning on signing him for a few more years after this season, then why not extend him. $15m this year plus 3m for 2 more years is 21m (just random numbers guess, but you get the idea), extend him 2 years and take a big hit this year, say 10m, then 3m for 2 more years and we still take a big hit this year, and pay the same for the next 2 years for a total of 16m with a savings of 5m. So if they intend to sign him after this season, it makes sense to extend him. I doubt we just cut him after this year, it is not like he isnt productive. He easily has 3 more years of good solid play in him. Gives us the option to bring along his replacement in the next couple years.

[Psycho Ward 86]

Vince Williams can be our Larry Foote and Shazier is going to be a superstar. We'll be just fine there, if we really want to shore up the ILB spot we can save that for the draft next year. The only way I want Timmons back is if he's willing to come back at a price thats insulting to him. in which case, i kinda dont want him back and wish him the best

[Mojouw]

Weird. Over-priced player indicates through media that they are willing to take a pay cut rather than be unemployed. Never see that happen.

[LloydWoodson]

Timmons will get a 3 year deal in the offseason to close out his career. I'm surprised no one told him they can't spread his huge cap hit from this year into other years.

Bunch of contracts coming up to be signed.

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LT, Ben, Spaeth, Gay and Warren are the only Steelers left from the 43 Super Bowl.

[Rotorhead]

I think he will get a 2-3 year deal after this season also. Maybe they are waiting to see who is cut, and if they want anyone of the ppl getting cut to talk about extension / restructure. Keeping that card up their sleeves so to speak.