Tom Brady may have impressed fans with his decision to take a pay cut, but there's one player who won't be following suit.
Tight End Jermichael Finley said in no uncertain terms that he wouldn't be open to taking a pay cut to remain with the Green Bay Packers. In an interview with ESPN, Finley made clear his stance about taking less money to stay in Green Bay. "I'd have to walk for sure, meaning I couldn't take a pay cut," Finley said. Finley is scheduled a $3 million roster bonus on March 27. He was a topic of trade rumors last year, but they never materialized. Whether they trade or keep him, money will be a factor. The Packers would save $8.25 million if they trade or release him.
With the draft just weeks away, Finley is far from untouchable. The 25-year old caught only 61 passes for 667 yards and two touchdowns in 2012. Those number didn't quite measure up to his 2011 campaign where he had 55 catches for 767 yards and 8 touchdowns. The 11-5 Packers, led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers were defeated by the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs 45-31.
So, would there be any circumstances where he'd follow in Brady's footsteps?
"I'm not that guy...taking a pay cut or restructuring doesn't sound good to me at this time. I like my deal. I start training in Minneapolis [on Thursday] and I'm more inspired than ever to start next season off right and be the tight end I know I can be. It's all business at the end of the day. I love what I do.
This week, it was announced that New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady agreed to a three-year, $27 million extension through 2017. The extension represented half the going salary for a QB of his stature.