Now do you understand why the 49ers did that capless deal with Pro Bowl LB Patrick Willis? It was great PR for the franchise, rewarded with voter approval of a $937m. stadium deal with $114m. in public dollars attached.
This should also tell why the Panthers have not cobbled together a similar offer for DeAngelo Williams — they don’t have to, especially with Jerry Richardson running the austerity wing of the owners’ club. The battle lines are now completely clear. With billion-dollar stadiums becoming the new normal in large markets, the small markets will insist that the players give up more of their share of the total revenue in order to bank money to build their own stadium upgrades.
Anyone thinking that “of course” the owners and players will come to an agreement short of a work stoppage or lock-out just is not paying attention.
