To my mind, if you have an all-world QB, you should be pulling out the stops to win, period. Thinking that you'll have time because Peyton doesn't have as much in the tank as Rodgers is forgetting that BOTH of them are one injury away from becoming less-than-all-world. It only takes one severe shoulder injury or one concussion and Rodgers' time horizon is shortened by several years.
I've never liked Elway. But whatever else you might say about the guy, he has demonstrated his willingness to take major risks. And he got his team closer to the championship contention more quickly with less than Thompson has, and he looks to be doing more to try to keep his team there than Thompson has. IMO.
Overspending is relative. IMO committing a hundred million to a quarterback is overspending if you don't match it with a willingness to do what it takes to leverage that investment into becoming a serious championship contender (as opposed to a regular playoff wildcard/NFC North title winner).
Leveraging is about taking risks. Overspending somewhat isn't a vice if it yields championships. Insisting on never overspending before the contract works its way out isn't a virtue.
Yeah, Denver may end up being in cap hell sooner than GB. GB under Thompson may never enter cap hell at all. And that to me is irrelevant. What matters is what approach is likely to maximize the likelihood of having championship-quality teams for multiple years.
But apart from my desire as a fan for Elway, Manning, and company to fall on their ass, I think it is likely that this Denver team is likely to be more of a contender for longer before they end up in cap hell. And, apart from my desire as a Packer fan for this team to get to the SB every year, I don't see this team as close at all to being that consistent championship contender. Given the competition of the NFC North, the playoffs, sure. Get past one-and-done? -- I'd rather bet on drawing to an inside straight than draft-and-develop-and-insist-on-bargain-and-never-ever-overpay-for-anyone-else's-FAs.
Rodgers is a better quarterback than Manning ever has been. Ted Thompson and company should be doing everything they can do that he has more championship chances to prove it.
Are they?
Not in my opinion. Not so far in his tenure as GB's starting quarterback.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)