A day later, my only question is why this week? Per Rapaport, Doug was assured that he is safe through week 17, which I assumed would be the day everyone got the axe. Is this Baalke's audition? This late in the season, with as many teams depleted by injury and COVID as there are, what really are they going to see from him?

Unlike our previous GM, I do think that Caldwell should and will find work elsewhere. He does have a nose for talent, and anyone who could get draft picks for Blaine Gabbert will have a place at the bargaining table. His biggest flaw was the early round overemphasis of need vs. value (Bortles, Chiasson, Fournette especially), but like our prior GM, when the pressure of filling need waned, both were able to find solid contributors in mid-to-late rounds of the darft.

As others have acknowledged, Dave left the cupboard quite full for his successor, both in picks and cap room. Based on this, we should have our pick of the lot when interviews begin, and while it's an uphill climb, the opportunity to put your stamp on the team will be immediate for the next GM.

Here's hoping they hire the right guy (or gal!)

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