CanesSkins26 wrote:What sets these teams apart from others is that for years they have been letting talented players who ask for more money go.
Ok, who are all of these talented players that the Colts, Steelers, Pats, and Packers let go that ask for more money? I'm not saying that they don't let some players go, but every team does. We did it with Antonio Pierce, for example. If anything, what has kept the teams that you mention successful is their ability to develop players and then retain them. Just think for how long Manning and Wayne, for example, have been together. Sure, you can point to guys like Asante Samuel (who the Pats still haven't adequately replaced) but there are examples like that with every NFL team. And for every Asante Samuel, you can also point to an Adalius Thomas that they've paid big money for.
I listed a bunch of Steeler LB's. in my previous post. I key is players who ask beyond their market worth. I didn't make that clear. My bad on that. Antonio Pierce is not a good example, he didn't price himself out of a job, he wasn't wanted by Snyder. The Giants offer to him was just above the Redskins and Pierce offered the Skins a chance to match it. He certainly was wanted by Williams. Right now, Cato June is coming to my mind about the Colts. I will get back to you on more Colts. Sure, sometimes it leaves a hole when you lose a talented player but that player did not stop the team from still being a winning franchise. Oh, Edge James was another that they refused to pay -I will come up with more when I do the research.
Packers were not going to re-sign AJ Hawk, but he opted to take a pay cut rather than test the market and re-signed before the lockout. This is the optimum.
Starter - Cullen Jenkins will be allowed to test the market.
3rd Receiver -James Jones WR- had a good year as a third receiver will be allowed to test the market.
Starter - Tyrone Williams CB - some rumors have him signing with the Falcons
Starter - Daryn Colledge G - had a bad 2009 but bounced back in 2010
Those are just the free agents for the Packers that started in 2010. The Packers only chose to sign one of the guys because he took a pay cut. They are not expected to out bid folks for these guys even though their contribution to the SB was meaningful. True a lot of teams decided not to sign their free agents because the lock out, but the Packers made it known that they do not want to get into any bidding wars.
It is understood that the Packers will make K Mason Crosby a priority. He fits the key talent that we agree is important. When you have a kcker that good- you keep him even if you have to pay top dollar.
Other Colts let go rather than pay -
Hunter Smith - proved to be a good move even though the year before Smith had a good move.
Mike Vanderjagt - elected not to re-sign him ans went after Vinetteri - great FO move again
David Patten (three Super Bowls) and Deion Branch (Super Bowl MVP) are two Patriot receivers that were not resigned.