Originally Posted by BossChief (Post 14803140)

The OL could use a couple upgrades, but they are a top 10 OL as it sits right now by just re-signing Wis. I could see them using a pick on a center, but that’s about it.

Originally Posted by saphojunkie (Post 14803135)

This reasoning is emotional, and therefor I do not trust it.

I know you all WANT to keep Jones, and it might happen. If it does, great. I will be happy to cheer for him. But make no mistake, it is not the most prudent move.

In a game massively affected by injury, you are tying a TON of capital up in the health of one man. If you trade for a 1st and two 3rds (a la Jared Allen), plus have $15M to spend on free agents (after paying your new 1st rounder), then you might potentially have 5 or 6 players who can START for this team. That is a significant diversification of risk, as well as a significant diversification of potential.

If you sign Jones, you are guaranteed one elite player. If you trade him, you have the potential to have an elite player at multiple positions.

Originally Posted by saphojunkie (Post 14803137)

Kelce
Hill
Hunt
Jones
Thornhill
Hardman

All of those worked out, and none of them were even first rounders. In a vacuum, you're right. But this isn't in a vacuum. This regime has shown a consistent ability to identify, acquire, and develop talent.

Those are just the elite players, much less the guys like Chavarious Ward, Breeland, LDT, Mitchell Schwartz, Mike Pennel... guys that were identified and brought in to surprising success.

I know the response is going to be "exactly! Sign Jones and find those guys!" Okay, great.. but you're applying the same logic as me: trust that Veach will identify talent and bring them in while making the cap work. I just have MORE faith in his ability to do that with multiple day 1 and 2 picks, as well as financial flexibility. I want Veach to have more capital, not less.

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup (Post 14803151)

I would rather have the elite talent that is Chris Jones that is a bigger difference maker than any one of those players and possibly even all them together.

Originally Posted by The Franchise (Post 14803148)

You’re trading an elite player for what basically amounts to lottery tickets.

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup (Post 14803151)

I would rather have the elite talent that is Chris Jones that is a bigger difference maker than any one of those players and possibly even all them together.

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup (Post 14803151)

I would rather have the elite talent that is Chris Jones that is a bigger difference maker than any one of those players and possibly even all them together.

Originally Posted by wachashi (Post 14803169)

A long-term deal with Jones is a bet on his continued elite output and health. A "lottery ticket," as you put it, but one with significant downside risk.

Originally Posted by The Franchise (Post 14803178)

Then you can make the same argument for Mahomes.

Originally Posted by The Franchise (Post 14803178)

Then you can make the same argument for Mahomes.

Originally Posted by smithandrew051 (Post 14803187)

Except elite QBs impact the game far more and take less physical punishment than a DT, which prolongs their careers.

Mahomes could lose some athleticism and still be an elite QB. We’ve seen guys like Brady and Brees stay effective for 15+ years.

DT’s are essentially in a car wreck every Sunday. Betting on a DT’s health is much riskier.

Originally Posted by DaFace (Post 14803188)

For those who are strongly advocating for signing Jones, does our experience with Houston not terrify you? He had 22 sacks, got paid, then proceeded to be hurt every year and never topped 10 sacks again. Sub in Eric Berry if you want another example.

What about Jones makes you confident that he's not going to fall apart similarly? I get the "draft picks are lottery tickets" take, but I don't understand how signing a guy like Jones to a huge contract is any different. And the former option comes with a bag of money.