Quote:
Originally Posted by Bl00dyBizkitz
I dunno if its been mentioned because of how much we hate the Patriots, but didn't they constantly trade offensive stars about a year or two before they needed to be paid? They never signed that expensive vet contract or the BIG extension that would bog the team down, so they would have multiple 2-3 year windows hunting for championships, while most teams only have a single 4-5 year window.
If thats the case, then the Chiefs are stealing that strategy from the Pats and putting all their faith in Mahomes.
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Brandin Cooks and Deon Branch are two examples of Patriots receivers being traded since Belichick didn't want to have them on expensive contracts long term.
Even Rob Gronkowski was dealt to Detroit for picks but the trade stopped because Gronkowski said he would retire. The Patriots did sign Gronkowski to one extension after his rookie deal and it was a fairly high priced extension but still sane since the tight end market wasn't crazy high.
Also in part for financial/cap reasons, the Patriots got rid of star players on defense as well such as Richard Seymour and Chandler Jones.
The other strategy the Patriots deployed on several ocassions is trading away draft picks for future picks. Like a 2nd rounder this year for a first the following year.
As much as I think of Tyreek Hill as an underrated player nationally, Chiefs made a smart move trading him. It gives them lots of picks and cap space. It also frees up targets/catches so Mahomes can recruit veteran receivers to play for KC at a discount.
Chiefs had a top 5ish offensive line last year, a consensus elite tight end who is returning and now they have several good but not great receivers. Kelce may slow down but the other players may be good for longer.
Where the faith is being put is in the Chiefs GM not screwing up. If he just drafts average this year, Chiefs will stay contenders with just average injury luck.