On the radio yesterday they were talking about an interview they had with Trotter a few years back. I think it was John & Sean on 97.5, anyways, they were asking Trotter if players really take less money to play for a contender or a hometown discount. He laughed, he said that if a team is willing to pay more money (even like $1-2M) that the players would absolutely chase that. That's not say that contracts couldn't be manipulated into giving more guaranteed money, or make the contracts front ended (more money up front, less at the back end). But players are mercenaries, they'll take the money and run. And as much as it hurts to say, it's not as if this team has been a perennial contender. I guess it depends on how you define a 'winning team'. What exactly have we won? We haven't won a playoff game since the 2008-2009 season. (Only three since the Super Bowl 10 years ago)

I mean yes we are an exciting team, but I don't know if being on the field more plays than any other team is all that attractive to a defensive player. I don't quite understand what you mean by can come in and start, I'd imagine that's going to be the case anywhere when you sign someone for a lot of money in free agency.

Yes this team has won 20 regular season games in two seasons. But we seemingly lack a franchise QB. I don't want to make it sound all doom and gloom, we have one of the best fan bases in the league (not sure how much that counts for, but rather have a great fan base than a shit one). We have great facilities, play in one of the biggest media markets in the country, in the biggest media division in the league. We play quite a few games on primetime. We'll see, I just don't want us to get too far ahead of ourselves, and I hope for the best truly. I just don't want everyone expecting the video games and shiny bike on Christmas, and we end up with sweater and socks.