Tyler Stearns |
The NFL market has been a lot different and much stronger than in recent years. The most notable players who have been let go are Russel Wilson, Justin Simmons, and Jordan Poyer. All of these former All-Pro and Pro Bowl football players have dominated for their teams. However, many organizations are deciding to let go of their players, seemingly out of nowhere. Why do new teams require or desire more cap space to go out and draft young players?
In recent years, teams have built through the draft and not through free agency. Teams like that are the Chiefs, the 49ers, and the Ravens. Each of those teams has drafted and developed all of their players and plugged some holes on either side of the ball through free agency. But as players grow older and their stock starts to diminish, it only makes sense to sell them high. Getting rid of defensive players on their second contract (first after their rookie) is the best way to build a team. It is a Moneyball situation. If you can build a great staff and develop players who fit your system that are drafted in each round of the draft, why wouldn’t you take that opportunity?
Certain teams haven’t. One is the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have certainly found gems that they have built up to stars; however, many of their best players are old, and a good amount of those were not drafted by Philadelphia. Last year most of the team was in their prime, but this year they greatly underperformed. Why? You had players playing poorly on high deals after their 2023 Super Bowl run that would have hurt them financially in the long run. Now this year they are left with a similar predicament, only they don’t have the hype of coming off of a great run in the playoffs.
The key to success in the modern NFL is the draft and no longer picking up the star player. The days of Peyton Manning going to the Broncos, Michael Vick going to the Eagles, and Drew Brees to the Saints aren’t over, but are increasingly less likely. If a QB isn’t playing well enough on their rookie deal they are forced to walk. Business has now overruled relationships in the NFL and only time will tell if this new mode of management is effective.
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