Originally posted by BillWalsh:
Originally posted by CorvaNinerFan:
Teams like the Pats can pull off trades like the Seymour deal because they're dealing from a position of strength. Belichick knows when it's time to part ways with players...he understands while Seymour's still a good player, he's past his prime, therefore his value will continue to decline. Getting a #1 pick, even in the 2011 draft was an excellent deal for the Pats. Da Raidas are stuck with a guy who'll be a FA next year...and most likely won't sign with them. Why would Seymour want to play the rest of his career in Oakland...he won't, so this deal will be just the latest one to blow up in Al Davis' face.
I wouldn't say Seymour is past his prime. he's 30 and had his career high in sacks last year with 8 in a 3-4 defense and usually is double teamed on run plays. NE obviously felt like they weren't going to be able to re-sign him and wanted some cap space but I wouldn't say his play has declined and probably won't for a few more years.
What Belichick understands is 'Buy low, sell high'. Every other coach or GM in the league is so worried that they'll get fired after one bad season that they don't have the luxury of trading away pro-bowl DL in their prime.
That trade will hurt them this year, but it's a tremendous long term move for them. I think (hope?) McC understands this. The draft this year seemed to involve more long-term thinking than previous drafts. Trading for another first in 2010 when nothing was available and drafting BPA for a position that wasn't a need takes a considerable amount of discipline in today's NFL.
I don't know why they waited until this year. Maybe Nolan was such a stressball that he couldn't think more than a season ahead or maybe McC is learning. Lets hope he keeps it up and that it wasn't a fluke.