Is Ware Worth It?

Is Ware Worth It?

DeMarcus Ware will soon be the highest paid defensive player in the NFL, which leads to the question “Is Ware worth it?”  Is DeMarcus Ware deserving of the millions of dollars he will be getting from Jerry Jones?  The obvious answer is a BIG YES.  However, that doesn’t mean that the average fan can’t play devil’s advocate.  Let’s just look at Ware’s qualifications, and if justified, make Ware the highest paid defensive player in history.

A couple of weeks ago Albert Haynesworth set the new standard for defensive players and big contracts.  As of now, he’s the highest paid defensive player in history.  Should Jerry pay Ware the same amount or more?  If you were an owner, would you pay Haynesworth that kind of money?  I believe it was 41 or 42 million guaranteed.  Haynesworth has been playing at a very high level for two years now; he’s been the most dominant tackle in football, commanding double teams, wreaking havoc in the backfield, and intimidating quarterbacks, offensive lineman, and running backs.  Can you make the same case for Ware?  YES!  Ware commands double teams, harasses quarterbacks and running backs alike, and his speed is intimidating.  Ware also covers tight ends and running backs, has a non stop motor, and plays every down.  Unlike Haynesworth who has only been playing at this level for two years now, Ware has been playing at this level since 2005.  Remember in 2006, when Haynesworth was manhandled by Gurode and Kosier which led to the stomping incident?  I don’t think Ware has ever been manhandled like that, he has too much speed.  What more can you ask for?  If Haynesworth got paid, pay Ware too.  Is Ware the best defensive player in football?  Not yet, but he’s on the cusp and is still improving.  You saw that last year in midseason when he picked up a couple of pass rushing moves.  Next year, with this progression, he will be the best defensive player in football, so pay him now.

Injuries are part of the game, but Ware has been injury free since he came into the league.  Part of it is luck, part of it is preparation, and part of it is hard work.  Ware plays hard every down and that’s one of the ways to avoid injury.  Coaches and players always say that people get hurt when they take plays off.  Ware never does.  If only that work ethic rubbed off on all his teammates.

People like me will never let the Ware, Merriman comparison die.  They will be linked together forever because they were drafted consecutively.  Some of you will be annoyed that I brought it up again, but you have to admit it’s fun though.  Ware is better than Merriman.  The comparison might not be fair at this point because Merriman did not play except for a few games last year, but if he did play his sack totals would have totaled or surpassed Ware’s, which would have made the argument much closer.  Even if he did play Ware is better.  At the end of their careers Merriman might have the better sack totals, but he is not the better player.  Merriman is a sack machine, Ware is too, but he can do all of the things I mentioned above.  Do you recall when he covered Frank Gore step for step and deflected the ball?  Merriman can’t do that.

I believe Ware is worth it.  Jerry, make Ware the highest paid defensive player in the NFL.  If Haynesworth received $100 million give Ware $101.  Ware is just as disruptive as Haynesworth who is generally considered the best defensive player in the NFL.  He’s better than his counterpart, Merriman.  And like I stated before, he will be the best defensive player in the NFL next year.  Jerry, save some money and pay him now.  Ware will get paid.  The question is “how much?”  How much should Ware receive?