I have to agree with many of the comments here. I have honestly felt that Ted takes a lot of heat for the lack of FA which is not fair. Many players simply would prefer not to play here when they have the choice. Which means unless you overpay they will play elsewhere. And Ted only overpays with a known commodity. I think this is why Ted does quite well later in FA as then guys are less focused on destination and more focused on getting a contract.
Originally Posted by: TheKanataThrilla
It is true but that is the part of the frustration between Packers Inc and the fans.
Let's use Trevathan as the example. The Bears signed him for $24.5 million over 4 years. Roughly $6.1 a year. His cap hit for 2016 is actually $6.3 which places him 184th highest paid player. For illustration purposes Lang's hit is $6.18 million.
Just to make this simple let's ignore those who feel Trevathan benefited from being part of a great defense. Otherwise we will get sidetracked in the difference between CM3 & Co, the Broncos defense, the teams played and the altitude in Denver.
Arguably Trevathan would be an upgrade at MLB. At 25 he could be considered a longer term solution so the length of the contract should scare too many away. At $6 million a year he is affordable.
On the other side of the equation is the cold hard fact that even if he would be enough of an upgrade to take GB to 3 SB in a row (Not saying he would.) in the greater scheme of things he would not generate any more revenue for the organization than Joe Thomas.
Trevathan will sell more jerseys but that is about it. He doesn't help sell tickets. Which means no additional concessions or parking revenue. More people will not be flocking to the Packers Hall of Fame because of him.
Unlike in other sports due to revenue sharing teams do not make much because they are in the playoffs. A 2013 Forbes article said most teams only make a little additional revenue and some teams actually lose money. As an illustration because of their lease, the Falcons only got about $500,000 in concession sales revenue in 2012. The Pats over $2 million.
It is a wise business practice to not over pay for FAs. It is also a wise business practice for Packers Inc to not pay a player (FA or not) what he should get. Slightly underpay. Keep those current players who are loyal. Fill in with young players who don't have a choice and the revenue stream will continue unabated.
Some/many fans don't care about that. They want to see their team make the playoffs and then once that expectation is met, have long runs in the playoffs culminating with the SB. I bet the fans of Buffalo were not pleased with just making it to the SB from 91-94. Expectations met means people change their expectations.