Monstrous defensive end Cam Wake, who played two CFL seasons almost in a league of his own, is also about completely outgrow the league's relevant salary structure.
It has been nearly two weeks since the two-time defensive player of the year with the B.C. Lions has been eligible to sign an option-year NFL contract, but time has had no downward effect whatsoever on his market value.
Wake has told friends the signing bonus being discussed is fast approaching the $500,000 US mark, a staggering sum by CFL standards which would more than ensure he will not simply be training camp fodder in the NFL. Some 12 NFL teams have shown varying degrees of interest, with the Tennessee Titans believed to be the club discussing the biggest offer.
The signing bonus might represent the amount the Lions have to spend under the CFL's salary management system in order to extend current contracts, sign all their remaining free agents and make upgrades for the coming season by plucking players off the open market.
It won't, however, be spent all on one player, even if Wake might deserve to become the highest-paid defender in league history after recording 39 sacks in 38 games.
Coach Wally Buono said after meeting with Wake and his parents during Grey Cup week in Montreal that he would not make an offer to the 26-year-old because there was no way the club could be competitive. In addition to his signing bonus, Wake would make $310,000 US as an NFL rookie.
"Obviously we're never going to say we're not interested in re-signing him, but they've got some firm offers that they are weighing against each other that I don't think we're going to able to (compete)," Lions personnel co-ordinator Neil McEvoy said yesterday.
"Until he goes through the process you really don't know what's going to happen. But he's getting top-two (second-round) draft pick money."
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