The truth about free agency

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(03-23-2019, 09:48 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: No one said there were no tales of free agent flops (especially health related ones). Just that it's not the norm.


I think that was more true before, but free agency has evolved recently with the window to talk with agents. Most of the deals come through in the first day, and I don't see many massive overpayments like the Suh deal. Teams are less prone to overreact, as they have plenty of time to talk with agents before FA starts.

The mid-range guys actually get paid like mid-range guys (usually). Something that I think confuses people is that the salary cap constantly goes up and people see some of these deals and think they're crazy, but as other players start getting re-signed, it starts to make sense.

Heck, we're looking at some of our own deals (Hart) like that right now.


Fake news. Players are cut for a myriad of reasons. Salary cap issues. Scheme/coaching changes. Off-field issues. Sometimes they're cut at their own request. 

- The Cards cut Tyrann Matthieu for whatever reason. He's just as fantastic now as he's been through his career.
- The Packers cut Josh Sitton after he made a Pro Bowl at 29 years old. 
- Desean Jackson was cut after a career year (1332 yards)
- DeMarcus Ware was cut at 31 years old due to big salary cap issues, he went on to make 2 more Pro Bowls
- Darrelle Revis was cut in his prime by the Buccaneers. He went on to be a key player for the champ Patriots the following year.
- Peyton Manning. Sure he had the neck issue, but it was pretty clear he'd be back.
- Jerry Rice was cut by the 49ers while still performing at a high level.
- The Steelers cut James Harrison for salary cap purposes while he was still producing.
- The Falcons cut Tony Gonzalez after a Pro Bowl season. He wound up retiring.

That's just some of the bigger names. Producing players get cut pretty much every year. 

Exceptions dont make a rule. More players are cut because they aren't producing than cap casualties.

Players that are producing are more likely to be traded even if it's for late picks.