Agree that the Hogan signing could indirectly assist in providing pressure DA to restructure. It's a little funny that the main reason DA is considered overpaid is that he was paid as if he was expected to step in Welkers shoes, which we all know didn't totally work out that way, but now everyone on the Cut Danny train is sounding completely sold that BB is right about Hogan and DA is therefore expendable even though the only other proven Brady-friendly WR is on the roster is Jules, who has played exactly 2 games with a screw in his foot.
Well, I don't consider myself on the "Cut Danny train" nor do I think Hogan is necessary better.
I am, however, on the Belichick Value Train: Danny's contributions are not worth a $5M salary and $6M cap hit. That's just basic team management economics, and recognizing that fundamental economic reality doesn't make someone dislike DA or "want" to cut him -- instead it makes you recognize that the value you get doesn't work for you from an economic standpoint. In fact, I think Danny has been incredibly clutch for us and has value, and I hope he stays -- with a significantly restructured deal.
The notion that Amendola would somehow be hard up for work is funny, but in reality he'd have 10 phone calls before you were finished typing your self-congratulatory told-ya-so post on this forum. Acting like he'll somehow be unemployed if he waits too long to restructure...come on.
Who said he would be unemployed? Not me. I only said the market isn't going up over time as free agency and the draft approach and pass, which is precisely what BB does time and time again. He helps create a financial environment for the player in which they have a reduced chance of meeting the price that the Patriots are offering in the free market. But, in any event, there is NO way that ANY team is paying DA $5M a year, given his history and production. He would be lucky to get a $10M / 3 yr deal. His market price is about $3M year - is there any legitimate dispute to that? If there isn't, then he is not priced properly right now.
And the Patriots would be worse as a team for having lost him, which you would think would be your primary concern as a fan.
Wrong. I am acting
precisely like a Patriots fan: smart money management, buying low, selling high, finding value, long-term strategic team building vs. emotional, short-term "the window is closing!" thinking. Clinging to fan favorites at any cost is what
other teams' fans do.
If he saves $4m by cutting DA only to sign Nate Washington for - what $3m? - then he's an idiot. The only thing Washington has on DA is that he's 2 inches taller. I absolutely wouldn't be surprised that BB seeks to lower/alter DA's contract to redirect the money somewhere else it's needed - with the way FA has gone so far I don't see what they "need" that money for and cutting his pay in a vaccuum, essentially for the sake of cutting it, doesn't seem logical.
Then thank goodness you aren't running this team's personnel decisions.
