Jerry Jones was discussing the benefits of the new collective bargaining agreement at the Cowboys’ annual Kickoff Luncheon on Wednesday when he paused, and made what started as a joke about Jay Ratliff’s decidedly modest contract, but which may become the catalyst for renegotiation.
"Jay Ratliff will tell you, ‘You’ve got a big issue, Jerry, with my salary. I need a little more money,’” Jones said, per ESPN Dallas. “We all want more money."
We can say this, at least: it's not often you hear an owner admit, particularly in front of more than 2,000 people, that a player is underpaid.
Ratliff signed a five-year, $20.5 million deal after becoming the starter back in 2007. He has since earned three Pro Bowl appearances, and a First Team All-Pro nod back in 2009. In reaction to Jones’ try at contract humor, Ratliff’s agent Mark Slough hinted that some discussion over a new or reworked deal could be forthcoming.
“I would not characterize our position as unhappy, but I would agree with the characterization that he’s outperformed the contract,” Slough said. “We’ll let all the other discussions happen behind closed doors. Jay wants to be a Cowboy for life.”
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