02-25-2024, 12:35 AM
(02-25-2024, 12:00 AM)Nepa Wrote: Jesse James analysis was, indeed, insightful. I do have some skepticism about his first point: "If the Tag is official, this allows for possible, fruitful trade discussions at the combine. Remember, teams cannot discuss trades involving players that are not on their roster. Until officially tagged or signed, Tee cannot “legally” be discussed regarding trades. Realistically, this would be the main reason Tee was tagged at this time. Otherwise, teams wait and see if an extension can be worked out due to the negative stigmas players and agents have of the tag.) "
The reason I'm uncertain, is that to be official Tee would have to sign the tag and who knows if he would do that before the combine. I suspect not.
His third point, however, is something I hadn't considered and is intriguing: "The double tag scenario is very much at play here. The tag next year would be roughly $26,160,000 (120% of Tee’s contract in ‘24) or whatever the tag amount is next year, whichever is higher. This is still less than I imagine DM (Tee’s Agent) is asking for. Between ‘24 & ‘25, Tee would be getting almost $48 million (also guaranteed). This # is less than the $25m aav I have seen is being tossed around (not verified). Considered a win for the Bengals."
Yeah I hadn't even considered the 2nd tag number either. Talks could get really messy, but that's a great chip to have. They can tag OR tag and trade next year, that's a lot better than waiting another calander year for a possible 3rd from a comp pick.
I think one thing that doesn't get talked about enough (probably because comp pick is a trigger phrase). For Cincy to recoup a 3rd from losing Tee, they'd have to navigate next offseason around not signing a similar FA. Even if they dont care about the comp pick, it may be wise to offer thia year's FA's a significantly bigger 2nd year number to get closer to the limit knowing they'll be off the books in 26 for Burrow and Chase's big hits. That may work well for bridge FAs at RT since they'll probably draft one at some point due to the class depth. The same could go for a stopgap NT or even older TE since you may not ger a plug and play rookie at those positions I'd rather overpay a guy in yr 2 than hope a lower pick contributes.
I know that is more of an offseason comment, but what they do with Tee is a critical decision and every step should be considered including that 2nd tag.
