Report: Shanahan to DC done deal

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by Mc2guy

That and the advent of free agency. It wasn't as hard for small market teams to compete back then because through shrewd drafting they could assemble and KEEP a strong team even without spending as much as the big market teams. Once FA came in, the salary's sky rocketed and you cannot assemble a team over a long period. You have a couple years to get good before the strong contributors leave for greener pastures.

There is no way Dallas of the 90's, The Bills of the late 80s, or the Steelers of the 70s could have been competitive long term with free agency. Even the Skins would have had trouble since it's unlikely we could have retained the Hogs for a long period.

Good point Mc2guy. Free agency is the main culprit for so much turnover in the league and one of the things I dislike the most. I think you hit the nail on the head.