06-07-2017, 10:40 AM
(06-07-2017, 10:19 AM)ochocincos Wrote: I understand that, which is why it gets more frustrating to see proven players leave for the sake of getting a mid-late round comp pick that may or may not be any kind of solid O/D contributor (although in some cases like Sanu, I'm glad they left because IMO they got way overpaid). It just sucks that if such a good player like Zeitler leaves, the best return it can bring is the 97th pick in next year's draft. Zeitler was a first rounder, and it's very difficult to replace someone that talented with a third round comp pick (or worse).
I think you're analogy is a bit off. The Bengals don't let those players walk so they can get a comp pick, they are not signing FAs to replace those players and in doing so are getting extra draft picks. So for example, letting Zeitler walk because the browns made him the highest paid G in the NFL, not because they wanted an extra mid round pick. And the players they are letting walk, usually already have planned replacements waiting in the wings. The Bengals knew they were losing Andre Smith and Whit, and used two 1st round picks to try and plan for that....they didn't try to replace them with mid round picks. But by planning to replace them by drafting their replacements rather than signing some FA tackles got them some extra draft picks for the future, plus keeps their salary cap manageable. FA signings can be just as big a crap shoot as draft picks, and theyre way more expensive.
