Says nothing about the tam having to lock into an option year. the player is locked in. If BC wants to stick it to Rourke, then they make him honour that OPTION year 3 at the stated grid you pointed out. What people here are saying, is that if BC was fair, they would negotiate a new contract with Rourke that would be a fair starter top end salary and once they get the agreement on the new contract... they would let the old contract expire without exercising their option for a 3rd year on the old contract, and then sign the new fair starting QB contract.
It sucks because these contracts are geared majorly towards the team's best interest... I think they had it in place to make draft picks and their investment into them more valuable.
Anyways, I see your point- if BC exercises its option for a 3rd year, Rourke has to take it @ the salary grid mentioned. The point you seem to be at odds with is whether BC can let the rookie contract expire after only 2 years if they decline to opt for the 3 year option- they can, hence why it is an option year. It would be more accurate to call it a 3 year team mandated option year...
ANyways- no flaming - just thoughtful discussion and clarification. I do appreciate the discussions you bring to the forum.