No other option for our fourth best DE than overpaying Raji? If we're only replacing the fourth best DE on the team (or, if you prefer, the 3rd best NT on the team), then there should be plenty of options available.
Only if people think Raji is the best or second best (i.e., our #1 player in key packages) should overpaying be a possibility.
Now it may be possible that TT/MM/et al consider him that way --- I would hope they don't, but it wouldn't surprise me if they do; in which case overpaying is a real possibility. See, e.g. Brad Jones. Personally, I think Raji should be behind Daniels and Jolly at this point, and arguably behind Jones on the theory that "his potential hasn't been tested yet (unlike Raji's)" theory. But that's me, and my view doesn't count.
And I have no idea what TT/MM might be thinking. Had you told me they would have considered Brad Jones essential a year ago, I would have laughed at you. And we see where that went.
Originally Posted by: Wade