Should have gotten him a bump? For heavens sake why?
Well he led the Vols at a 10-2 season and their first ever college football playoff. AS A FRESHMAN. Did he do this alone? No, of course not. Vols lose the Alabama game without him, probably the OU game without him. He had a stinker at Arkansas and Vols lose to Florida without him. They all got their asses kicked at Columbus.
Just like Heupel getting a raise, or bonus, I think you sit down with your Freshman QB and give him a bump. Could have been a small one, a drop in the bucket compared to how much UT takes in and you do this behind closed doors and no one even knows it happens. You also evaluate other key players that excelled throughout the year and bump them too. It's called a meritocracy. Nico's original deal was to come play at UT and while maybe there weren't "provisions" in there, it's good business to give extra incentives to key "employees" or they may go elsewhere.
Should Nico have asked for and did he deserve over 2 mil more this year? Probably not. But does 250k-500k framed as a bonus, go along way with morale? Who knows, likely, coupled with the promise to try everything they can to bring in better linemen, more depth and a few WRs.
If after that he's kicking and screaming and wants more and more than maybe you just part ways as he'll likely NEVER be satisfied.
I think the Vols blew an opportunity to handle a good business transaction back in late Jan and Feb and I think Nico pulling this in April did NOBODY any favors.....