Post by JABF on Mar 19, 2023 15:54:56 GMT -6
I agree. And Poles will extend good veterans within the team budget. If a player wants more money that the Bears feel he is worth to the Bears, then they will be disciplined enough to let that player go. As fans we often think it's just a bit of overpay for players, but the cumulative effect of not living within a budget hurts the future of the team. Of course the key will be keeping a healthy inflow of quality draft talent to backfill for players leaving. The stronger that inflow, the better to sustain long-term winning here. I know that seems like football 101 stuff, but so many Bears teams have failed to do it. It sounds like Poles (with Cunningham) have installed a great infrastructure to support player evaluation now. Poles seems to be a thoughtful guy. More planning and discipline than being reactionary and emotional. Definitely a more delayed gratification guy, willing to take a longer term perspective of things. LOL, of course that is a polar-opposite to most fans who - want it all, and want it now :-)
+1 to that statement in bold. I would just add that the $$$ value Poles assigns to a player COULD be the same as full market value that other teams assign to that player. It just depends upon the player and the roster situation. I think Poles $$$ value of a player simply means "value to the Bears" and not what other teams are willing to pay. Montgomery is a good example. He was replaced by a player who runs the ball better. He paid less for him too. That is a good value to the Bears. But, I really expect Poles to pay full market value in situations where that particular player is going to cost what other teams are willing to pay... if that is a player we really must keep because there really isn't a cheaper option. Those guys will get those extensions. But he won't extend players (like Monty) who can be replaced with a player of equal or better talent, and save cap money. And (hopefully) he doesn't keep old players here beyond their shelf-life. "Sell" them before their talent drops like a rock. Get chump teams to "buy" high, what Poles got at a low price (drafted and developed guys). Off load those guys (and their big salaries) and backfill with young players from the draft (or young FAs). That can result in some good comp draft picks too. That is what I want to see from our GM. Built the best overall team within the constraints of the Cap budget.