2013 Draft Versus Free Agency

[unvrsty07]

On the eve of the free agency period I propose a thought experiment to the forum.

 

Consider the origination of the cap space we have this year to use on pending free agents: the release of veteran colts’ players with large contracts that hurt the financial viability of the organization with the institutional structure of the cap space. Now consider the purpose of free agency: to provide teams the opportunity to sign veteran players from other teams demanding large contracts. It is therefore imperative the Colts organization ‘hit’ on their free agent contracts more so than on this year’s draft class.

 

The draft allows for smaller contracts and cap friendly maneuverability that veteran free agent contracts are incapable of providing, ceteris paribus. Thus it is imperative each free agent the front office targets, regardless of whether it is a starter or for depth, fits the scheme and is a long term solution over the life of the contract. Otherwise, we will be in a similar position in a couple of years. As important as the draft is for building depth and finding young potentially successful talent, the free agency period this year is more important for Grigson to work his magic. Missing talent in the draft will not hurt nearly as bad as missing on a player in free agency this year. Roughly 30% of our cap space is available for spending. Thus, the roster needs to be improved by a minimum of 30% come preseason.

 

 

[The Peytonator]

Agreed....

 

That's why I'm not keen on the idea of spending more than 8 mil a year for Kruger.

[unvrsty07]

Agreed....

 

That's why I'm not keen on the idea of spending more than 8 mil a year for Kruger.

 

I agree entirely. There seems to be only two ways to approach free agency in a wise manner which are very similar. The first is a simple utility analysis of costs and benefits. If the contract is going to be higher than than the benefit received from the player then do not sign them. The second is a ratio of percent of cap space as a factor of the increase in value of the team by signing a player. If for example Kruger demands $12 million per year then his percentage of the cap space has to be present in the percentage of contribution and team value.