Quote:
Originally Posted by FatDT
Did I say either player was on Freeney's level? You are arguing against a point nobody made. The point is that these were talented, in-hand players and our staff just gave up on them. They haven't done enough to earn my trust in that kind of move. I think we will regret both moves.
|
I think we will especially regret the Hankins move. The Anderson move is unfortunate, but not on the same level of regret as the Hankins situation. Not only because Hankins is a superior player that excels in a niche role, but because other key target free agents will prefer signing with another team because the way Ballard structures the team friendly deals.
He could have had success in free agency this year, but I seriously think it gives other free agent players pause when Ballard offers a multi year deal and it turns out to just be a 1 year deal... especially when you played your ass off for the man renigging on his end of the deal.
There was blowback by letting Hankins go just to save a modest 8.5 million when we were close to $80 million under cap. Hankins is well worth that and he is a difference maker, not on the level as Freeney or Mathis, but that is because stopping runs for no gains isnt as gorious as the sack/strip masters.
Ballard is now sounding like Polian when it comes to free agency and building a team through a draft but it is an excuse for being snubbed by the players we ectended offers to. You can't build a team through free agency, but you sure can add a couple complimentary players and you can find guys to be part of the rebuild when some are just 24 yrs old, the same age as some rookies.