This is one of the reasons I was on board with Drake Maye at 3, rather than trading down and taking someone like McCarthy, Nix, or Rattler (later on). I think it's worth it to take the big swing at QB, because you don't want to get stuck in that no man's land: Where you can't get rid of the QB without regressing as a team to the point that the decision makers probably get fired, but you can't really consistently WIN with that QB either. I'd rather they take a chance on the high upside of Maye, and if he fails oh well, you try again. If he succeeds, you have a legit face of the franchise. No half measures at QB.
I agree, but I think that we overstate the case.
Let us presume that Maye's FLOOR is as an OK starter. In that case, we will have him through 2027, with us getting another QB in 2027 and Maye as the bridge in his 4th year, 2027. And then, we have another cycle, perhaps having to sign an additional bridge in 2028.
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The problem in 2023 was really twofold. Jones wasn't an OK starter. However, there were lots of other issues on the team in 2022 and 2023.
If those didn't exist, Jones might be the bridge, but perhaps not. However, it wouldn't be a huge deal to bring in Brissette as the bridge.
The OL (especially LT) was a disaster, as was WR AND quarterback. For years, the roster had gotten worse since Brady left. For years, it seemed that the team strategy was NOT to sign players to a second contract. Of course, if they just weren't good enough, that was a problem in itself.
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My BOTTOM LINE is as yours: swing for the fences to get a top QB on a rookie contract, have him play out his contract, and if necessary, rinse and repeat.