Quote:
Originally Posted by SteelersMongol
Who is to say the Rooneys are cheap now? This could explain Joey's let go, I think. Also, I thought the Patriots were pretty spendy, but maybe not.
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You always have to look closer at what you are being told and who is telling you.
For a start, its an
agent that is pimping the 'mountains of salary cap space' theory.
The story is pretty much the same as it always was : the successful teams still have to pick and choose who they want to re-sign (Patriots, Colts, Steelers) whereas the bottom feeders (49ers,Browns) often have a boat load of salary cap space to throw at an overpaid freeagent.
Even if everyone has more salary cap space it makes little difference to the overall equation - the struggling teams will always have the ability to outbid the successful teams for free agents or guys your team wants to re-sign.
The Patriots always leave some breathing room in their salary cap for the injury replacemens that have to be signed as the year goes along.
The Patriots have not actually been 'spendy' at all - its another media generated myth, just like the 'good character, average talent' motto that follows them around.
Moss has been signed for a 4th round draft pick and a cheap 1 year salary.
Adalius Thomas was a free agent and got paid well, but not as well as if he had chosen San Franciso as his new home.
Wes Welker cost a 2nd and 7th round draft pick, which some say is a heavy price - I disagree - he is signed to a very reasonable contract and hasn't dropped a ball so far in a Patriots uni.
Stallworth is another very affordable, incentive based contract, acquisition.
The Patriots have been
aggresive this year - but certain circumstances have allowed them to get Stallworth and Moss on board at a much cheaper than expected price (they both want one good year with a successful team to negotiate a good contract next year).
What they haven't been is 'spendy'.