"Top tier" players, in this context, are defined as players who will command a multi-year contract of over six million dollars per year ( my definition-not Webster's). It does not necessarily mean they are one of the top 5 players at their position, although that may be the case. Based on that definition, Odrick (8 million/yr.) and Thomas (9 million/yr) would have been considered top tier while Skuta and Parnell were mid-tier (about 5 million/yr. each).

 

Sorry, but there is no way that Irvin, Gipson, Trevathan or Sean Smith would be considered mid-tier by that definition even though none of them are pro bowl players (Gipson was 2 years ago).

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