Frank Reich Still the Problem?

[rm1369]

Originally Posted by Racehorse

Not really. We have just 39 players under contract for next year. Means we have to fill 12-14 spots with that $39M. If we add 12 players at 1.5M per, that leaves $21M to use to bid on free agents. You might get one real stud, or two almost at that level with that money. By real stud, I mean a top 5 player at his position, and those rarely even make it to free agency without being tagged.

The team doesn’t need a “real stud” in free agency. They need to shore up the weak areas with average level players. Major weaknesses get exposed. That has always been my issue with Ballard’s use of free agency and his roster management. Every year they have one of two major holes that he expects to be filled with a rookie or a basement level player until he can fill it in the draft. And damn near every year it bites them.

The team also has the least amount of prorated money owed in the future in the league. They straight line their contracts more than every team in the league. You can argue that’s a good thing. But it comes at a cost - leaving major holes year after year.