Quote:That sounds like a sensible strategy.

 

The problem I see is that the roster is so devoid of young talent that would be deemed to be the nucleus that can be re-signed at this stage, there are few, if any players that could be re-signed under that paradigm.

 

Blackmon showed he could be star caliber, but he has been unable to be sober enough to stay on the field and not be suspended.  Branch has had moments, but is hardly a dominant guy.

 

Joeckel, Cyp and Gratz have been inconsistent.

 

Last year's rookies are still too early in their careers to be re-signed-see Russell Wilson.

 

The team expressed an interest in re-signing Alualu...but he can't possibly command a big contract that would make much of a dent in the money available.

That's why I suggested they'd use the incentives not likely to be earned strategy in any new deals with current players.  If they don't hit the incentives, they forfeit whatever the bonus money is.  The team has used this in the past to push money forward, and there's no indication they wouldn't do that again if it looks like they'll have a tough time spending it all. 

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