Lawson Asks For New Contract

San Francisco 49ers LB Manny Lawson is the latest football player to ask for a new contract in the middle of an existing deal. Lawson is entering the final season of a five-year deal worth $7.5 million he signed as a rookie. Lawson led the 49ers this past season with a career-high 6.5 sacks. The 49ers would like more production from Lawson, as they utilize a 3-4 defense which places emphasis on the outside linebackers' ability to get to the quarterback. Lawson did not attend voluntary workouts but has showed up for the mandatory minicamp.

Like with other free agents and other teams, the 49ers are going to tell him that with the league not having a collective bargaining agreement right now, it's hard to give players new contracts. Lawson is probably wasting his time asking for a new contract. Also, Lawson hasn't proved much to the 49ers yet, so there's no reason for him to want a new contract. The 49ers want more from him, and that is understandable because he should've had at least 10 sacks as a pass rusher at the linebacker position. Lawson needs to play out his contract and play well in order for him to get a new deal.

Among the players asking for new deals are Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson, Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne, New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis, and Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson. Those guys are on another level compared to Lawson. Those guys have produced very well at their positions, and have earned the right to be paid among the highest at their respective positions. Lawson has not earned that right yet, and the 49ers have not produced at all in the past several years. They need to focus on building on their mediocre season and make the push to the playoffs this upcoming season. No new contracts need to be handed to anyone on that team.