Pack93z
  • Pack93z
  • Select Member Topic Starter
16 years ago
Good article..

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2008/11/free-agency-buyer-beware/ 

Readers of my columns may have a sense by now that I am not an advocate of prolific spending on free agents as a method to improve a team. It is a purported quick fix to a problem that, in more cases than not, becomes more of a problem than the problem it was designed to fix. Spending good money on a free agent usually means that another method of improving the team at a certain position usually the draft has failed, leaving a hole to fill that becomes an expensive problem. Free agency thus often becomes a price that teams pay for not drafting well. It may well compound the problem.

When a team signs a free agent, there is instant gratification. The media trumpets the move, the public and fans think the team is doing what it needs to get better, the incoming player and agent are all smiles with their new team and financial windfall, and the moment is all good. At some point in the future, reality sets in that the team is sitting with a big contract that it cannot rid itself of for a few years. The hope is obviously that the player becomes what everyone wants and expects him to be. The reality is that it doesnt happen nearly as much as teams believe it will.

Football is different than baseball, where free agency is more seamless. Baseball players hit, field and pitch and can take those skills into different teams, albeit with some strategy differences. Basketball is a team game, but a game involving five players that play offense and defense. Football is schematic, with dramatically different schemes and coverages from team to team. A free agent may have had great success in one scheme only to find limited to no value in another. Thus, free agency can be a dangerous game for easy transfer of ability from one team to another.

In the NBA, there were 10 players who signed contracts in the offseason valued at more than 55M. Three are not playing due to injury, and five of the six others are averaging less than 16 points per game (only the Warriors Andris Bierdins is averaging more). So far that money does not seem to be well spent.

In the NFL, there are probably at least three teams re-thinking their 2008 strategy in free agency. The Raiders just released one of their marquee signings, DeAngelo Hall, after sinking 8M of a potential 70M into him. Javon Walker is now lost for the season with15 catches in nine games for his 12M in guarantees; Tommy Kelly has four sacks to go with his 15M in guarantees.

The Jaguars paid top-of-the-market price for Jerry Porter, [img_r]http://www.thefantasykickoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/jerry-porter-jaguars_nc.jpg[/img_r] a former Raider, and Drayton Florence, a former Charger. Porter has seven catches, and Florence has been underwhelming, especially in light of his 36M contract with 13M in guarantees, with no interceptions.

And the Miami Dolphins can be none too pleased with their high-priced acquisitions. They were able to salvage a 7th round pick from the Panthers for Josh McCown and the 2.5M they gave him in February. Ernest Wilford and his 6M bonus is playing behind Greg Camarillo who just go his own new contract, as the Dolphins learn from experience that rewarding their own may be more productive than rewarding those from other teams. Wilford has produced the following for the Dolphins after ten games: one catch, 15 yards.

Recent years spending has proven to have similar underwhelming results. The 49ers just placed their marquee signing of 2005, Jonas Jennings, on injured reserve after less than two games played this season, marking the third time he has had surgery on his shoulder. His 36M contract with the team will likely be terminated prior to next season.

And what do you think the Cardinals think now of the 30.5M contract they gave to Edgerrin James in 2006? (probably about the way the Seahawks feel about the 62M contract they gave to Shaun Alexander that same year). The likelihood of James receiving next years salary of 5M is about the same as you or I receiving that salary from the Cardinals.

To be fair, there are large free agent signings that work. Charles Woodson has been a wonderful addition for the Packers. [img_r]http://www.spokesmanreview.com/stories/2007/oct/15/woodsonpic15_10-15-2007_58BP8EO.jpg[/img_r] Kawika Mitchell was a productive free agent for both the Giants and the Bills. Micheal Turner is certainly helping the Falcons this year; Bernard Berrian has provided a deep threat for the Vikings.

Much more often than not, however, free agents provide little bang for the buck. In working for a team, we were shown statistics every year by the NFL Management Council reminding us of the meager production from unrestricted free agents, a subtle message from the NFL that money does not buy winning teams. These cautions would fall on deaf ears to the teams that were always in the free agent game and probably not needed for the teams that already were practicing that avoidance, but the message was clear and given out every year: the free agent route is a minefield that has potentially dire financial consequences.

Like this year and every year since the start of Free Agency in 1993, however, teams will line up to throw stupid money at the prime free agents in the first week of March. A few will be stars, some will be middling, and many will be no better than what the team already had at that position, just more expensive.

There is often a reason players are free agents and not previously re-signed by their teams. The phrase buyer beware resonates with this form of improving ones team.


"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"
dhazer
16 years ago
Not a bad story but it did strike me funny that for the busts he mentioned where just average players. Also he didn't even get the facts straight so im not reading much into this. Hall was traded to the Raiders for one ( not a Free Agent). But i see your point of the post wasn't bad.
Just Imagine this for the next 6-9 years. What a ride it will be 🙂 (PS, Zero should charge for this)
UserPostedImage
HoustonMatt
16 years ago

Also he didn't even get the facts straight so im not reading much into this. Hall was traded to the Raiders for one ( not a Free Agent).

"dhazer" wrote:



And then subsequently rewarded with a huge contract. I can't speak for Andrew, but it seems to me that he's arguing more against handing out huge contracts to players outside your organization. It's a risky proposition that turns out bad more often than not.
blank
dfosterf
16 years ago
Excellent article, I assume it was Brandt.

I agree with it 99.99%

Good one to post, Pack!
Zero2Cool
16 years ago
Good stuff ... I can see why he and Ted got along so well.
UserPostedImage
longtimefan
16 years ago

Not a bad story but it did strike me funny that for the busts he mentioned where just average players. Also he didn't even get the facts straight so im not reading much into this. Hall was traded to the Raiders for one ( not a Free Agent). But i see your point of the post wasn't bad.

"dhazer" wrote:



so an known cap guru for the packers for how many years, has ties to numerous insiders, players, agents, coaches etc, and you are not going to "read to much into it"

As someone else epointed out he finialzed a deal BEFORE being traded...

So while not a true free agent, he did sign a huge NEW deal before the trade could be ok'd by him.

Free Agent= player gets new team with a new deal

DeAngelo Hall= player that agreed to a new deal before allowing atrade



maybe read this then 

Atlanta Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall says he will finalize a contract with Oakland by Thursday morning, allowing the trade sending him to the Raiders to be completed.

alharrisdude31
16 years ago
the falcons picked up BIG in the free agency,as well as the draft
Matt ryan is one deadly qb already!!!
Rockmolder
16 years ago
I do agree that the chance of a FA not being that good, while getting a big contract, is pretty big. I mean, look at Desmond when he went to Oakland or Scott Mitchell from Miami to Detroit.

The chance of your rookie being a bust though, is alot higher. Even the first round picks seem to be 60/40 or something into living up to their hype.

I don't get why they don't study these FAs more closely. I mean, before getting Hall, couldn't the Raiders have looked at him and seen themselfs that he isn't a great man-to-man cover CB?

That seems to be one of the strengths of the Packers organization though, getting players that fit into their system and contribute alot, while not giving up to much for them.
Fan Shout
dfosterf (4h) : How long until Jeff Sperbeck's family sues John Elway ?
Zero2Cool (6h) : Packers are exercising the fifth-year option on DT Devonte Wyatt, locking in a guaranteed $12.9M for the 2026 season.
beast (11h) : Sounds like P Luke Elzinga has a rookie try out opportunity from the Titans
dfosterf (14h) : Luke Elzinga Punter Oklahoma stil unsigned. Green Bay has been mentioned as good fit
beast (21h) : The Packers re-signed three exclusive rights free agents WR Melton, P Whelan and RB Wilson.
Zero2Cool (29-Apr) : February 5, 2002 (age 23) ok no. packers.com is wrong
Zero2Cool (29-Apr) : Micah Robinson is only 19??
Zero2Cool (29-Apr) : 6 first rounders on Packers defense now
Zero2Cool (29-Apr) : LB Isaiah Simmons. Signed. Called it!!! Oh yeah!
Martha Careful (29-Apr) : ty bboystyle...fat fingers
bboystyle (29-Apr) : Tom*
Martha Careful (28-Apr) : RIP Packer Safety Tim Brown
beast (27-Apr) : Yeah, but also some of the wording suggestions Jax only pranked called the QB, not the others... and if he had an open spreadsheet & 3 calls
beast (27-Apr) : Thank goodness he's not leaving the Turtle in the Red Tide
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : Cowboys 1st round pick Tyler Booker will indeed be bringing his pet turtle to Dallas with him
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : that contained all prospects info and contact
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : beast, according the Falcons statement Jax came across it on an ipad. If I had to guess, probably an open spread sheet or something
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : Simmons put up an emoji with cheese.
beast (27-Apr) : Not sure anyone is interested in Isaiah Simmons... Collin Oliver might of taken his potential slot
beast (27-Apr) : I'm going with Jax Ulbrich is not telling the whole truth... he accidentally came across it? Why would a defensive coordinator have a QB #?
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : He's not that great, but final piece of the script.\
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : If we add Isaiah Simmons, book your Super Bowl tickets
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : Colts 1st round TE Tyler Warren also got prank called, was that Jax Ulbrich as well?
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : Jax Ulbrich, Jeff Ulbrich’s son, released an apology for his role in the Shedeur Sanders prank call.
Martha Careful (27-Apr) : apparently he did not participate in practice or play on the east west shrine game nor the NFL combine. The kid was a mediocre spoiled brat
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : Yeah that one that was a super wounded duck that Sanders supporters are highlighting to prove a point
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : Shough is the guy who missed guys at combine isn't he?
beast (27-Apr) : It's not official until I'm dead! I have a chance still! (Not really)
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : I could feel my body decomposing in real time when I read that
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : @MIKEYSAINRISTIL Tyler Shough will officially be the last person drafted to the NFL born in the 1900’s
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : saw the tweet, he meant the city
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : Was that for the team or the city?
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter · 3m Draft grade is in: Green Bay gets an A. The people, the city, the venue were all superb. NFL Draft’s next
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Matt LaFleur says Jaire Alexander is participating in #Packers offseason program, which has been conducted virtually during this first week
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : ✅ ...
buckeyepackfan (26-Apr) : Check
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Matthew Golden cahanged 81 to 22??
TheKanataThrilla (26-Apr) : Sam Howell to Vikings...guess no Aaron
Martha Careful (26-Apr) : 1 round 7 min, with one extra minute if there is a trade. 2nd round 4 minutes, 3rd -3, 2 thereafter IMO
Martha Careful (26-Apr) : Agree
dfosterf (26-Apr) : Great idea imo
dfosterf (26-Apr) : 1st round to 7 minutes with one extension
dfosterf (26-Apr) : NFL comissioner wants to shorten the 2st
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : @jalenreagors They’re discussing if Sheduer can go back to college on NFL Network LMFAOOOOO
beast (26-Apr) : Great point Martha
beast (26-Apr) : Buddy Ryan used to say if a candy bar goes missing, there are two to blame, Rex and Rob 🤪 jk 😁
Martha Careful (26-Apr) : Bum Phillips used to say there are two ways to get better. Get better players or get players to play better. We have a new DL coach
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Yes. Look at the losses last year. They can win.
beast (26-Apr) : Can Packers win with their current DL?
bboystyle (26-Apr) : waiting for a pass rusher.
Please sign in to use Fan Shout
2024 Packers Schedule
Friday, Sep 6 @ 7:15 PM
Eagles
Sunday, Sep 15 @ 12:00 PM
COLTS
Sunday, Sep 22 @ 12:00 PM
Titans
Sunday, Sep 29 @ 12:00 PM
VIKINGS
Sunday, Oct 6 @ 3:25 PM
Rams
Sunday, Oct 13 @ 12:00 PM
CARDINALS
Sunday, Oct 20 @ 12:00 PM
TEXANS
Sunday, Oct 27 @ 12:00 PM
Jaguars
Sunday, Nov 3 @ 3:25 PM
LIONS
Sunday, Nov 17 @ 12:00 PM
Bears
Sunday, Nov 24 @ 3:25 PM
49ERS
Thursday, Nov 28 @ 7:20 PM
DOLPHINS
Thursday, Dec 5 @ 7:15 PM
Lions
Sunday, Dec 15 @ 7:20 PM
Seahawks
Monday, Dec 23 @ 7:15 PM
SAINTS
Sunday, Dec 29 @ 3:25 PM
Vikings
Sunday, Jan 5 @ 12:00 PM
BEARS
Recent Topics
2h / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

10h / Green Bay Packers Talk / dfosterf

29-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

29-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

29-Apr / Packers Draft Threads / Mucky Tundra

29-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

29-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

27-Apr / Packers Draft Threads / Mucky Tundra

27-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

27-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

27-Apr / Around The NFL / bboystyle

27-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

27-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

27-Apr / Packers Draft Threads / wpr

27-Apr / Packers Draft Threads / wpr

Headlines
Copyright © 2006 - 2025 PackersHome.com™. All Rights Reserved.