Peppers new deal almost done??

Take out some medical insurance.

 

Nah. They string guys along (for seemingly next to nothing) and lean on free agency don't they? I know that they have had some decent drafts but who have they kept off the market by opened up the wallet to? They sure as hell don't want to pony up for Samuel.
They're just some lucky ass bastards who land key FAs just about every year with the promise of putting a SB ring on their fingers.

 

Seymour and Brady. I also think they would have given a long-term contract to Samuel if the 49ers hadn't broken the market with that absurd Clements deal.

 

They paid Seymour a fair amount of money, though it wasn't that long term. Brady has a pretty good deal that was amoung the best when signed in 2005, 60 million over 6 years. And they opened up the coffers for some better WRs, but none of the contracts look too burdensome in comparison to what other teams did this offseason.

Other than that, they've drafted well, and have stockpiled draftpicks with trades. And they've been lucky enough to have good but not great players like Bruschi, Vrabel, and Harrison be satisfied with good but not great contracts.

 

I like how New England creates competition in camp. They get as many guys as possible at every position to battle it out, and I've always advocated competition. It makes everyone better. I wish the Panthers would do more of that, instead of seemingly handing over starting spots to guys who are undeserving.

 

Actaully, their starters are pretty much set. Their's some uncertainty as to who replaces Samuel while he's a holdout. Otherwise, no. One of their strengths is that guys tend to have well defined roles.

 

I mean competition for roster spots, not just starters. I believe it makes the fringe players much better, which helps overall depth. That's why the Pats are always so stacked.

 

They cut Milloy a few years back, but that was more a money/age issue. And they struggled that year with young guys so much they went out and got Harrison the next year.

Otherwise, I'm thinking of anyone of note they cut.

They really just manage their cap well, and allows for quality depth. Hard to get that when you overpay for average starters.

 

actually, they did have Harrison when they cut Milloy, in 2003

 

That's right. I got those years mixed up. 03 was the year they got back and rejuiced.

Still, I think the percieved competition has more to do with better depth and better drafting. You could almost say that it's harder for a UFA or a bubble guy to get in, due to so many certain to make the roster.