(03-04-2024, 10:59 AM)Caldrac Wrote:

(03-04-2024, 10:33 AM)Jaguarmeister Wrote: It's really no wonder you guys work yourselves up into clown paint.  You can't possibly know anything about the negotiations between Ridley and Baalke other than players generally want to test free agency for obvious reasons.  Just let it play out.  The player also has to be willing to sign while forgoing the potentially true higher value he has that he can only find out by testing the market.  Evans probably wanted to retire a Buc.    And also, Cleatwood specifically, weren't you just saying don't pay him AND give up the 2nd?  That's what you have to do to keep him IF he's even willing to forgo free agency.

For me, it boils down to, why did you even fork over a 3rd RD pick to begin with for Ridley? Correct me if I am wrong, but, wasn't that trade worked out before this offense showed any signs of life or competency during that turnaround in 2022? 

It felt like they had a long term vision for Ridley in this offense. I can understand trying to game the system, where, you technically tag him and you're not losing a 2nd RD pick in the deal, however, it does shows a little bit of lack of awareness or know how in these situations. 

Did he bank on Josh Allen NOT being as good as he was in 2023? 
Did he bank on NOT having to use the franchise tag potentially on two different players?

Just seems reckless. Funny enough, this is the year you would WANT both of your third round picks because you're looking at a deep WR class. So, again, shows a lack of foresight and tactfulness as a general manager. 

Again, we'll see what happens. I get that players can test the market and drive up their value, however, he could have and probably should have thought this through a little bit more to avoid being in this predicament to start with.

Like I said a moment after you posted this, wouldn't we be due some sort of compensatory pick should he sign a mega deal else where?  If so, it could have been viewed more as a free look on Ridley for a year by moving a 3rd from 2024 to hopefully a 3rd in 2025.  I think the compensatory picks are determined by net incoming and outgoing free agents, but a mega deal going out would certainly contribute to potentially getting something in return.

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