Whoops. I see that now, but my point remains. If they were signing 1 to 2 year deals, then it's a different ballgame. But when it's very possible this is the last contract you will ever sign, you maximize that $$$$.
It's why Mike Hampton signed to pitch in the worst pitchers park in MLB history, he didn't have a ring yet. But when you can become the highest paid player in MLB history, you do it.