Wake sitting out....

[Rammer]

#91 hits it big time with a 4-year $49 million dollar deal of which $20 million is up front and guaranteed.

Congrats to Cam! He signed a 4-yr extension, so the $49 million is over 5 seasons (averaging $9,800,000 per season.) Not sure if the $20 million signing bonus is all upfront but his base salary will balloon from $600k this season to $7 million in 2013 through 2016...in addition to $4 million of the signing bonus applied to the Cap each season.

Regarded as the No. 1 OLB in the NFL, Cam is still underpaid despite his annual salary equaling 2 CFL teams.

$20M guaranteed is a long way from where the Lions found him, great story for anyone that believes in themselves and how a fortunate break or two can pave the way to one's dreams.

[DanoT]

What makes a player really great is often the players and coaches around him and the situation that he is in. Many would consider Lawrence Taylor the greatest OLB of all time but his main responsibility was to rush the passer and not worry about run stop or pass coverage. I don't think Cam Wake has that same latitude given to him so a situation can affect a players stats.

[Lions4ever]

You think Wake is more highly regarded than DeMarcus Ware, or even Clay Matthews?

Pro Football Focus identified Cam Wake as the #16 best player in the NFL in 2011. That's first among OLBs.

http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/20 ... -20-to-11/

Also read here:

http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/05/07/ ... n-the-cfl/

[WestCoastJoe]

You think Wake is more highly regarded than DeMarcus Ware, or even Clay Matthews?

Pro Football Focus identified Cam Wake as the #16 best player in the NFL in 2011. That's first among OLBs.

http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/20 ... -20-to-11/

Also read here:

http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/05/07/ ... n-the-cfl/

I remember Porter and Taylor being reluctant to give him much praise when he got there. Hmmmm I guess he has shown more than a few people.

Very happy for him.

[Hawkballer 14]

You think Wake is more highly regarded than DeMarcus Ware, or even Clay Matthews?

I'd take Ware first, because he's been doing it consistently for his whole seven year career. Clay Mathews by a nose over Cam, because he's five years younger.

That said, awesome news for Cam. Keep balling.

The $20M signing bonus is guaranteed, the check has been written by Stephen Ross and probably already cashed by Cam.

[DanoT]

Of the guys that have used the CFL as a stepping stone/career revival to get to the NFL, Cam is one of the greatest talents and definitely the most appreciative of the CFL. Way to go Cam.