You may be right but even though X is not the player he once was, he is still better than a lot of guys you would get on a vet min contract.
If he's gone, and I believe he will be, there will be a hole that requires filling.
1) Will it be filled by someone now on the team?
A lot depends on our new DC in terms of who we play were and how we play them. It could be that someone now on the team will be a good fit. We will know by the season's opener.
2) Will it be filled in the draft? I have read that this draft is stronger for offensive players than defensive players, so that could have the effect of not drafting a replacement. We may take a swing with a later draft pick. A lot will depend on who might fit our teams' requirements, and that would probably be influenced by our new DC.
3) Will it be filled by a UDFA? My response is the same as the one I gave for a drafted player. I would add that we have had better than usual success with some of our UDFA's.
4) Will it be filled by a FA? Possibly, depending on our cap situation and who is available and for how much.
When it's all said and done, I feel we fans are going to be in for a fast, and possibly bumpy ride, with our "Howard" situation.