Jerry Angelo Reveals a Typical Offseason Blueprint

[srrono]

The Value of the "Second Wave"

There are always teams that do next to nothing until the first wave has ended because they feel the second wave of players offers much better value. This is a good tactic and can work well because you’re getting more value for your money while still addressing your needs.

When I was in Chicago, we got some terrific values in the secondary marketplace. Thomas Jones, Tim Jennings, Rubin Brown, Fred Miller and Roberto Garza were just a few acquisitions signed during the second wave of free agency who played prominent roles on our team.

The third and final wave takes place following the draft. What teams didn’t accomplish during the first two waves and the draft, they will now look to address during this phase. These players won’t be household names or popular in the jersey sales department, but they address concerns and create good competition going into camp.

Teams will have a good sense of the players included in this final wave due to what transpires during the draft. ‘Bubble’ players due to age and/or expensive contracts are often released if their team finds a replacement via the draft. This is not an uncommon post-draft practice. It will create a small, but new market for players. When teams go into free agency or the draft with a feeling of desperation, it usually works against them.

As you can see, there is a strategy to this entire process. Teams will go into free agency with as many as three plans to accomplish their goals. The key is to be patient and not become a hostage to any position or player, unless he is truly special.

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[thunderkyss]

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Teams will have a good sense of the players included in this final wave due to what transpires during the draft. ‘Bubble’ players due to age and/or expensive contracts are often released if their team finds a replacement via the draft. This is not an uncommon post-draft practice. It will create a small, but new market for players. When teams go into free agency or the draft with a feeling of desperation, it usually works against them.

At the same time, when you see the teams who are winning address their needs; Patriots, Broncos, Seahawks, 49ers, even the Colts... it makes you wonder.

 

[TexanBacker93]

At the same time, when you see the teams who are winning address their needs; Patriots, Broncos, Seahawks, 49ers, even the Colts... it makes you wonder.

I think a lot depends on where you are as a team. The Broncos are in a win in the next 2 years mode and have clear targets. The Patriots jumped in to get someone to replace Talib, but they normally wait until later to make a splash. The Seahawks won the Super Bowl last season after making a few 2nd wave signings, but they didn't go all in on the first day. The 49ers haven't made huge signings over the past 2 seasons.

The teams that made the biggest noise last year were the Colts, the Dolphins, and the Eagles. 2 of them made the playoffs, but none of the free agent acquisitions could be directly linked to that. The Colts were already a playoff team with very good QB.

The year before the Bills made the most noise, yet they are still the one team that hasn't been in the playoffs since the Texans have been in the league.

If you are one player or a couple of specific positions to upgrade away from being a SB contender I say go after that guy. Even without Revis, Ware, Talib, and Ward the Patriots and the Broncos are the top 2 teams in the AFC. Nobody else is in the picture. The Texans can get back in the playoffs this season with a few small changes, but without a QB in the Brady, Manning, Rodgers level they aren't a Super Bowl contender. They could draft one that might get there in a couple of years, but none are there yet.

Build smart and in 2 years when the team is a player away from jumping to that level then go after a Revis type of player. Besides, does anyone think those guys are coming here right now for the same money?

 

[bah007]

The teams that consistently spend big in FA are consistently at the bottom of the league standings.

Use FA to patch holes, not to bring in the meat of your team. If you can wait out the initial onslaught you will get more for your money.

 

[ThaShark316]

At the same time, when you see the teams who are winning address their needs; Patriots, Broncos, Seahawks, 49ers, even the Colts... it makes you wonder.

Teams with QB already SOLIDIFIED. And SEA got Bennett back on a discount, lost Tate.