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JamesJM
really, I promise.
It's a 'dumb fan question who doesn't understand any of this'.
Why even have a contract? What purpose does it serve, exactly, since none of it is binding? - JamesJM
It is binding---except in circumstances where either the team or the player believe that the contract is too much or too little, respectively.
And then a few things can happen. If a player wants more and the team says no, then the player either has to retire, accept it, or demand a trade. All of which has happened with the Rams.
Or the team can agree the contract is unfair and agree to negotiate a new one.
But no team goes "enh we're going to pay you less than the deal says this week."
And no player says "I know it says 5 years but I will just call myself a free agent this year anyway."
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