Gruden Says Start Cousins

Potential contract voids aren't factored in either I think. Fletcher and Morgan both have deals that can be voided, seems pretty likely to happen in both cases.

Potential contract voids aren't factored in either I think. Fletcher and Morgan both have deals that can be voided, seems pretty likely to happen in both cases.

thats huge. good job bruce allen

Apart from P Manning, I can't think of a single team that's gotten to the next level recently (great up to elite for example) based on FA. Brees before that. Hmmmm I see a pattern there with QBs lol. You can make the argument for Seattle here, based on Lynch, Harvin, Rice and several defensive players brought in via FA. But then you remember Rice and Harvin are non-factors, and Lynch never had this kind of success until paired with Wilson. The whole offense revolves around Wilson. And their drafted WRs are balling. Defensively, the best players are drafted guys like Sherman (6th rounder).

The point is it all comes back to the draft, with FA signings complimenting the core you build through the draft. I tried to give Mike lots of credit up to this year for building a core through the draft, but I think it's average at best given what we see. In four years he hasn't drafted a single impact WR and only one olineman (a can't miss prospect IMO). That's pathetic. Really, really pathetic.

I do agree that building through the draft is the way to go but I think your look at the importance of FA is too subjective. Ozzie newsome has struggled with drafting qb and wr (except for flacco) so he had to get McNair in FA to get them to the playoffs. Boldin too had to be brought in for the passing game. While I think you would use the term complimentary based on your analysis above, both acquisitions were integral in making the Ravens playoff contenders w McNair and Super Bowl contenders w boldin.

Building through the draft, for the most part, is how you get difference makers. Every once on a while a Peyton Manning will hit the market. But that's rare. The best players in the NFL stay with their teams for long periods of time. I've never been a big fan of giving other teams players big money.

Your build your core through the draft then you fill using free agency. Problem with the redskins they tried to build the core through both, just look at the offensive and defensivelines.

Copy what the Seattle did.