Quote:
Originally Posted by GMScud
I don't think we should get rid of ALL of our older players, but we should be selective and not be so damn worried about keeping together a core group for a "one last run at it" kind of thing. The Ravens, Flacons, and Dolphins all proved that if you build the lines, you can succeed (overnight) in spite of other weaknesses. IMO, we should adopt that strategy and move forward.
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i agree with you 100% that we don't HAVE to be horrible next year in order to rebuild - it IS possible to succeed "overnight" but addressing the lines... but the Ravens and Dolphins both had far more draft picks last year than we do (at this time), far more salary cap space, and far more accomplished men making the decisions. I would love for us to build through the lines and have instant success, but right now, i dont think we can "count" on it. Miami and baltimore greatly improved in one year, but neither of them are playing in Tampa this sunday.
Anyone who is not in our plans for
2010 and beyond, and is eating up a large chunk of salary and a roster spot should be jettisoned now. theres no reason to waste salary cap room and roster spots. Yes, we may or may not take a hit in performance in 2009 because of it. But for every old declining veteran we get rid of, it opens up another spot on our roster and/or practice squad to develop future talent.
Guys like Griffin, Washington, Taylor, Thrash, Daniels, and Springs should be cut. If Springs or Griff wanted to come back at a reduced salary, i'd consider it, but it would depend on what else is out there. Kendall may be worth keeping, but in the end, he's not in the plans for 2010 so he'd be more of a stop-gap depth guy at the vet min. anything more and i'd look elsewhere.
Guys like Jansen, Rabach, and ARE or Moss may stick around another year because theyre more valueable to us this year than they are cut (price v. performance v. depth), but we need to start looking for their replacements as well.