Several reports expected Arrington to sign with one of the Florida teams (Jax or Mia) this weekend. But, it's pretty clear that teams are shying away from tying up millions with a player that has suspect knees.
Arrington really needs to prove he can be productive and healthy for an entire season if he wants big-time money - even though he still has tremendous potential. He could be a very solid OLB for us as both a pass rusher and run stopper.
But, if we lose him b/c another team (Bengals or Jags) overpay for his services, so be it. Even though OLB is a need - we cannot wreak havoc with our cap to get this guy in and then he flops due to injury. There's little doubt imo that he would excel in Miami's system better than the others - even though he has played for Sherm Lewis before. He certainly hasn't played in a Miami/NE type system in the NFL.
Free agency is all about risk/reward calculations and Saban really seems to be doing a very good job of not overpaying for a guy. Now, if we were $20 Million under the cap like some teams, he could offer more $$ and the risk would be dissipated somewhat. But, given our cap situation, it's wise not to overpay for players that have such risks attached. That said, if he can be fit in the cap - then the upside is worth the risk, imo.
Arrington really needs to prove he can be productive and healthy for an entire season if he wants big-time money - even though he still has tremendous potential. He could be a very solid OLB for us as both a pass rusher and run stopper.
But, if we lose him b/c another team (Bengals or Jags) overpay for his services, so be it. Even though OLB is a need - we cannot wreak havoc with our cap to get this guy in and then he flops due to injury. There's little doubt imo that he would excel in Miami's system better than the others - even though he has played for Sherm Lewis before. He certainly hasn't played in a Miami/NE type system in the NFL.
Free agency is all about risk/reward calculations and Saban really seems to be doing a very good job of not overpaying for a guy. Now, if we were $20 Million under the cap like some teams, he could offer more $$ and the risk would be dissipated somewhat. But, given our cap situation, it's wise not to overpay for players that have such risks attached. That said, if he can be fit in the cap - then the upside is worth the risk, imo.