Are High Salaries Paying Off With High Performance

Two of pro football's highest money earners have not performed in proportion to the contracts they have received this season.  Remember the Buffalo Springfield's hit song in the 60's..."For What It's Worth"  Teams and their fans are now hearing that song over and over in their heads.  Let's take a look.

Le'Veon Bell is by far the most talented New York Jet and many believe he is the best skill player in the NFL.  He sat out all of the 2018 season giving up a minimum $14 million from the Pittsburgh Steelers to become a free agent heading into the 2019 season.  He signed a four-year $52.5 million contract with the Jets that included $35 million in guaranteed money. To date Bell has accounted for 349 rushing yards on 109 carries and one rushing touchdown.  So far he has caught 32 passes with one touchdown reception.  Last Sunday versus Jacksonville Bell carried the ball just nine times for 23 yards and caught three passes for 12 yards.  In Bell's defense The Jets' offense has been awful but how do you get him 12 total touches in a game ?  If you really believe he is worth his massive contract you need to use him.  Sam Darnold has struggled but Bell can't help if he seldom touches the ball.

How about Odell Beckham, Jr ?  He signed with the New York Giants  for a five year extension worth a reported $90.  According to published reports the Giants had to pay him $20 million of his $41 million signing bonus.  Along with his additional bonus money published reports indicate he is getting a salary of $16,750,000.  For that price tag Beckham has 34 total receptions in seven games good for 484 yards and just one touchdown. He is also working with a young quarterback in Baker Mayfield but the big plays he has sparked in the past have been few and far between this season. Yes, he is seeing plenty of attention and double coverage but that was to be expected.

Where do the stars go from here ?  Is it all about them or did they have enough supporting cast around them before to make it work ?