Here are a couple of reasons why I think Michel is and should be cautious with his first contract:
- Being a first round pick, his contract is for 4 years. The current CBA expires in 3 years.
- While first round running backs have longer shelf lives than other running backs, the average NFL career for an RB is 2.5 years.
- Running backs in New England frequently have more receptions than many wide receivers, unfortunately come negotiation time, you are are what you are (of course this may change under the new CBA).