It was a common opinion that such a rich contract made him untradable.
For their part, the workers and their union have incentives to insist on a rich contract.
Ryan received the richest contract ever given to a reliever, $47 million over five years.
The $18 million through the first three years is believed to be the richest contract for a right tackle.
Instead, James signed a rich contract to play for a team with a porous offensive line.
It is the richest contract in the history of professional sports.
But it seems likely that the pact could lead other unions to ask for richer contracts.
It remains the richest contract in the history of major league baseball for a catcher.
Melvin said the Rangers made no offer to the player who has been expected to gain such a rich contract.