Also, I feel a lot of us are missing the bigger picture of 2011.
Let's say that a CBA is worked out. It's for certain that the requirement to become a UFA goes back down to 4 years of experience...
Look at the RFA list right now. Take a look at how many players would instantly become UFAs when a new CBA is signed. Granted, some RFAs will be taken care of, but my point is that the talent pool is vastly, vastly greater for the UFA market of 2011 than it is right now, even if all the players who are RFAs now do not become UFAs by signing an extension.
You can get by with Bigby and a draft pick this year. If you still find you need to upgrade the position, then you've potentially got a very strong FA pool to go after to do so. Chances are you can still get a decent player later on in Free Agency, as Uncle Ted loves to do.
Now, of course, if there is a lockout next year then many of the RFAs this year still become UFAs. Whenever a new CBA is done, the threshold for UFA is going to go back down to four years.
My point is: in 2011 or 2012... the UFA talent pool is going to be pretty good. More than anything else, it's going to include a lot of above average YOUNG talent.
It might be good to plan with an eye to the future.
"all_about_da_packers" wrote: