Skilled soccer groups, just like the Seattle Seahawks, typically search to enhance their roster by buying gamers who are usually not below contract with any staff. These potential acquisitions, unsigned gamers accessible to be signed, are evaluated primarily based on staff wants, participant efficiency, and wage cap issues. For example, if the Seahawks have to bolster their offensive line, they could consider accessible offensive tackles primarily based on components akin to pass-blocking proficiency and run-blocking energy.
This participant acquisition course of is essential for a staff’s success. Shoring up weaknesses and including depth by strategic signings can considerably affect a staff’s competitiveness. Traditionally, groups have leveraged free company to handle rapid wants and construct towards long-term rivalry. Efficiently figuring out and signing impactful gamers can rework a staff’s fortunes, whereas miscalculations can result in wage cap constraints and on-field struggles. The timing of those acquisitions, occurring inside a delegated interval annually, provides a strategic layer to staff administration and roster development.
This text will discover potential participant acquisitions for the Seattle Seahawks, contemplating numerous positions and particular person participant profiles, and analyzing their potential affect on the staff’s efficiency within the upcoming season. Detailed assessments of participant strengths, weaknesses, and projected match inside the Seahawks schemes will present a complete overview of potential roster additions.
1. Positional Wants
Positional wants straight affect which free brokers the Seattle Seahawks may goal. A radical evaluation of the present roster, contemplating participant efficiency, contract expirations, and potential departures, reveals areas requiring reinforcement. For instance, if the Seahawks expertise a decline in offensive line efficiency or anticipate the departure of key offensive linemen, focusing on free agent offensive tackles or guards turns into a precedence. Equally, a necessity for a extra dynamic cross rush could lead on the staff to pursue edge rushers in free company. The Seahawks’ particular positional wants will form their free agent technique and decide which gamers they prioritize.
This connection between positional wants and free agent targets is additional illustrated by sensible examples. If the Seahawks’ beginning middle struggles all through a season and no appropriate alternative exists on the roster, the entrance workplace will possible determine skilled facilities in free company. Conversely, if the Seahawks possess a robust, younger core of vast receivers, they’re much less prone to actively pursue free agent vast receivers, allocating assets to handle different wants. Understanding current staff strengths and weaknesses is prime to efficient free agent focusing on.
The significance of aligning free agent targets with positional wants can’t be overstated. Failing to handle important roster deficiencies can hinder a staff’s efficiency and restrict its potential. Conversely, strategically buying free brokers who fill particular wants can elevate a staff’s total competitiveness. Successfully matching free agent expertise with positional wants is a key factor of profitable roster development within the NFL.
2. Participant Skillset
Evaluating participant skillset is paramount when contemplating potential free agent acquisitions. A participant’s skills should align with the staff’s schematic necessities and handle particular positional wants. A complete skillset evaluation supplies insights right into a participant’s potential contributions and the way they could combine inside the staff’s current construction.
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Passing Proficiency (Quarterbacks)
For quarterbacks, passing proficiency encompasses accuracy, arm power, decision-making, and the power to learn defenses. A staff in search of a pocket passer may prioritize accuracy and decision-making, whereas a staff using a vertical passing scheme may prioritize arm power. A quarterback’s previous efficiency metrics, akin to completion proportion, yards per try, and touchdown-to-interception ratio, supply helpful insights into their passing proficiency.
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Move-Speeding Prowess (Defensive Ends/Outdoors Linebackers)
Evaluating edge rushers includes assessing their means to stress the quarterback. Key expertise embody pace, energy, method, and the power to transform pace to energy. Metrics akin to sacks, quarterback hits, and pressures present quantifiable measures of a cross rusher’s effectiveness. A staff in search of to enhance its cross rush may prioritize gamers with a confirmed observe file of producing stress and disrupting opposing offenses.
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Route Working and Palms (Large Receivers)
Large receivers are evaluated primarily based on their route-running precision, means to create separation from defenders, and sure-handedness. A staff in search of a possession receiver may prioritize dependable fingers and exact route working, whereas a staff in search of a deep menace may prioritize pace and the power to win contested catches. Statistics akin to catch fee and yards after catch supply insights right into a receiver’s effectiveness.
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Move-Blocking Approach (Offensive Linemen)
Offensive linemen are evaluated primarily based on their means to guard the quarterback. Key expertise embody footwork, hand placement, stability, and power. Metrics akin to sacks allowed and quarterback pressures allowed supply insights into an offensive lineman’s pass-blocking effectiveness. A staff in search of to enhance cross safety may prioritize linemen with a historical past of persistently defending the quarterback.
A radical evaluation of those skillsets, mixed with an understanding of staff wants and schematic match, supplies a basis for knowledgeable decision-making in free company. Focusing on gamers whose expertise align with staff necessities maximizes the potential for profitable free agent acquisitions and enhances the staff’s total efficiency.
3. Scheme Match
Scheme match is a important issue when evaluating potential free agent acquisitions for the Seattle Seahawks. A participant’s skillset, no matter how spectacular, should align with the staff’s offensive and defensive schemes. A mismatch between participant strengths and schematic necessities can diminish a participant’s effectiveness and negatively affect staff efficiency. For instance, a extremely productive working again accustomed to a power-running scheme may battle to adapt to a zone-blocking scheme, doubtlessly diminishing their dashing output.
The significance of scheme match is exemplified by sensible examples. A cell quarterback accustomed to a ramification offense may not thrive in a conventional West Coast offense. Conversely, a pocket passer with restricted mobility may battle in a system requiring frequent rollouts or designed runs. Equally, a defensive finish who excels at producing energy may not be a really perfect slot in a scheme prioritizing pace and finesse. These eventualities illustrate the importance of aligning participant attributes with schematic calls for. A deep-zone cornerback may not thrive in a man-heavy scheme, whereas a press-man cornerback might battle in a predominantly zone-coverage scheme. A linebacker specializing in cross protection could also be underutilized in a run-heavy defensive system.
Understanding scheme match enhances roster development and staff efficiency. Evaluating potential free brokers by the lens of scheme match minimizes the danger of buying gamers who’re ill-suited to the staff’s strategic method. A radical evaluation of a participant’s strengths, weaknesses, and stylistic preferences, mixed with a deep understanding of the staff’s schemes, permits for knowledgeable decision-making and maximizes the likelihood of profitable free agent acquisitions. Prioritizing scheme match contributes to a cohesive and efficient roster, optimizing participant efficiency and maximizing staff potential.
4. Age and Sturdiness
Age and sturdiness are essential components in evaluating potential free agent acquisitions for the Seattle Seahawks. A participant’s age supplies context for his or her previous efficiency and tasks their future potential. Whereas older gamers might supply expertise and management, they could additionally current the next danger of decline or harm. Youthful gamers, conversely, might supply higher upside potential however lack the confirmed observe file of veteran gamers. Sturdiness, reflecting a participant’s means to resist the bodily calls for {of professional} soccer, is crucial for constant availability and efficiency. A participant with a historical past of accidents may be much less dependable and pose a higher danger of lacking video games, impacting staff efficiency.
The interaction between age and sturdiness influences free agent selections. A staff may prioritize a youthful, sturdy participant with excessive upside potential over an older participant with a historical past of accidents, even when the older participant has a extra spectacular resume. For example, if the Seahawks search a beginning left deal with, they could prioritize a 28-year-old with a constant file of enjoying full seasons over a 32-year-old with a number of Professional Bowl alternatives however a historical past of knee accidents. The youthful participant provides an extended projected timeframe of high-level efficiency and a decrease danger of injury-related absences.
Understanding age and sturdiness permits groups to make knowledgeable selections, balancing short-term wants with long-term roster development. Evaluating a participant’s harm historical past, restoration timelines, and projected profession trajectory supplies a extra complete evaluation of their potential contributions. Prioritizing sturdiness mitigates the danger of buying gamers who’re continuously sidelined, guaranteeing a extra constant and dependable roster. Efficiently balancing age and sturdiness issues contributes to a extra sustainable and aggressive staff over time. Overlooking these components can result in disappointing outcomes and hinder long-term staff success.
5. Wage Cap Affect
The NFL’s wage cap system imposes a spending restrict on every staff, influencing roster development and free agent acquisitions. Wage cap affect is an important constraint on the Seattle Seahawks’ pursuit of free agent targets. Each greenback spent on a free agent reduces the accessible funds for different potential acquisitions and impacts the staff’s means to retain current gamers. Understanding the wage cap implications of every potential signing is crucial for accountable roster administration and long-term monetary stability.
For instance, if the Seahawks allocate a good portion of their accessible cap area to a high-profile free agent vast receiver, they might have restricted assets remaining to handle different wants, akin to bolstering the offensive line or defensive secondary. This trade-off necessitates cautious analysis and prioritization of wants, guaranteeing that free agent spending aligns with the staff’s total technique. Overspending on a single participant can create a ripple impact, limiting the staff’s flexibility in future free company intervals and doubtlessly hindering their means to retain key gamers approaching contract expirations. A staff may be compelled to launch helpful gamers or restructure contracts to accommodate a high-priced free agent, impacting long-term roster stability.
Strategic wage cap administration is crucial for sustained success within the NFL. Successfully navigating free company requires balancing the will to accumulate gifted gamers with the necessity to preserve monetary flexibility. Overspending can cripple a staff’s long-term prospects, whereas underspending can go away the staff missing the expertise essential to compete. A balanced method, contemplating each short-term wants and long-term implications, is essential. Understanding the wage cap’s affect on free agent selections is paramount for constructing a aggressive and sustainable roster inside the league’s monetary framework.
6. Market Worth
Market worth, representing the quantity a participant is predicted to command in free company, considerably influences the Seattle Seahawks’ decision-making course of. A participant’s perceived worth, typically pushed by efficiency, place shortage, and league-wide demand, dictates the monetary dedication required to safe their companies. Precisely assessing market worth is essential for allocating assets successfully and avoiding overpaying free of charge brokers. This necessitates cautious consideration of a participant’s on-field manufacturing, positional significance, age, harm historical past, and the general free agent panorama.
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Participant Efficiency and Manufacturing
A participant’s on-field efficiency straight impacts their market worth. Distinctive manufacturing, measured by statistics akin to passing yards, dashing yards, receptions, tackles, sacks, and interceptions, usually instructions the next wage. For example, a quarterback who persistently ranks amongst league leaders in passing yards and touchdowns will possible command a premium contract in comparison with a quarterback with common statistics. Equally, a cross rusher with a double-digit sack complete will command the next wage than a participant with a modest sack complete.
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Positional Shortage
The shortage of expertise at a specific place can inflate market worth. If few high-quality left tackles can be found in free company, groups needing to improve at that place could also be prepared to pay a premium to safe a top-tier participant. Conversely, if the free agent market is flooded with gifted vast receivers, particular person participant values might lower attributable to elevated provide relative to demand.
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League-Large Demand
The extent of curiosity from a number of groups can drive up a participant’s market worth. If a number of groups are vying for the companies of a extremely sought-after free agent, a bidding warfare can ensue, rising the eventual contract worth. A participant’s perceived worth is usually influenced by the variety of groups actively pursuing them, as competitors creates a way of urgency and will increase the value. For instance, a flexible offensive lineman able to enjoying a number of positions could also be extra helpful than a participant restricted to a single place, rising their demand amongst groups with numerous offensive line wants.
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Age and Damage Historical past
Age and harm historical past play a big function in figuring out market worth. Youthful gamers with clear harm histories usually command greater salaries attributable to their perceived long-term potential. Conversely, older gamers with important harm histories might expertise a lower in market worth, as groups are cautious of declining efficiency or recurring accidents. A participant with a latest historical past of concussions or knee accidents may be thought of the next danger, doubtlessly decreasing their worth in comparison with a participant with a pristine harm file.
Precisely assessing market worth permits the Seahawks to make knowledgeable selections, balancing the will for expertise acquisition with the necessity for accountable useful resource allocation. Overpaying free of charge brokers can limit a staff’s means to handle different wants and preserve long-term monetary stability. Conversely, undervaluing gamers can result in missed alternatives to accumulate impactful expertise. Successfully navigating the free agent market requires a nuanced understanding of market dynamics, participant valuations, and the staff’s total roster-building technique.
7. Competitors for gamers
Competitors for gamers considerably impacts the Seattle Seahawks’ pursuit of free agent targets. The NFL’s free company interval creates a aggressive market the place groups vie for the companies of accessible gamers. The extent of curiosity in a specific participant, pushed by perceived worth and positional want throughout the league, straight influences the Seahawks’ means to accumulate their desired targets. Excessive demand for a selected participant typically necessitates elevated monetary dedication, doubtlessly exceeding the Seahawks’ price range or requiring them to prioritize sure targets over others. Conversely, decrease demand might current alternatives to accumulate undervalued gamers at a extra favorable value. Understanding the aggressive panorama for every goal is crucial for creating efficient negotiation methods and maximizing the Seahawks’ probabilities of securing desired gamers.
For example, if a number of groups determine the identical offensive deal with as a key free agent goal, a bidding warfare can ensue, driving up the participant’s market worth and doubtlessly pricing the Seahawks out of rivalry. This competitors necessitates a proactive method, requiring the Seahawks to evaluate their monetary limitations, consider different targets, and develop contingency plans. Alternatively, if a gifted participant is ignored by different groups attributable to perceived weaknesses or scheme match issues, the Seahawks may need a possibility to accumulate a helpful asset at a decrease value. Recognizing these market inefficiencies and capitalizing on undervalued gamers can considerably improve the Seahawks’ roster with out exceeding budgetary constraints. The Seahawks may face competitors from groups with comparable positional wants or higher wage cap flexibility. Efficiently navigating this competitors requires strategic planning, efficient negotiation, and a willingness to adapt to altering market dynamics. Failing to account for competitors can result in missed alternatives and hinder the staff’s means to enhance by free company.
Successfully navigating the aggressive panorama of free company requires thorough market evaluation, proactive communication, and a practical evaluation of the Seahawks’ place inside the broader NFL panorama. Understanding the components driving competitors, akin to positional shortage, participant efficiency, and staff wants, permits the Seahawks to anticipate market traits and modify their methods accordingly. Failing to account for competitors can result in overspending, missed alternatives, and a much less aggressive roster. Recognizing the dynamic interaction between competitors and free agent acquisition is prime to maximizing the Seahawks’ probabilities of constructing a profitable staff.
8. Potential Affect on Crew
Assessing the potential affect of free agent acquisitions on the Seattle Seahawks requires a complete analysis extending past particular person participant statistics. Whereas a participant’s previous efficiency supplies a helpful baseline, projecting their future contributions includes contemplating scheme match, positional want, and the general staff dynamic. A free agent’s potential affect encompasses their means to raise staff efficiency, handle roster deficiencies, and contribute to a successful tradition. For example, buying a veteran cornerback recognized for management qualities may not solely enhance cross protection but additionally mentor youthful gamers and elevate the secondary’s total efficiency. Equally, signing a Professional Bowl-caliber offensive lineman might solidify cross safety, enhance run blocking, and improve all the offense’s effectiveness. Buying a dependable placekicker recognized for accuracy in high-pressure conditions might straight translate to successful shut video games, impacting the staff’s total file and playoff prospects.
The sensible significance of understanding potential affect is clear in roster development selections. If the Seahawks prioritize upgrading their cross rush, they could goal a free agent edge rusher recognized for disrupting opposing quarterbacks, even when their sack totals are usually not exceptionally excessive. The participant’s disruptive presence, although not totally mirrored in conventional statistics, might considerably enhance the protection’s means to stress quarterbacks, pressure turnovers, and finally win video games. Conversely, signing a statistically productive working again who struggles in cross safety or lacks the receiving expertise required by the offensive scheme may negatively affect the staff’s total efficiency. Due to this fact, evaluating potential affect requires a nuanced understanding of the staff’s strengths, weaknesses, and schematic necessities, extending past a superficial evaluation of particular person participant statistics.
Strategic roster development hinges on precisely projecting a free agent’s potential affect. Overlooking this significant side can result in disappointing outcomes, the place a participant’s statistical manufacturing fails to translate into tangible staff enchancment. Conversely, totally evaluating a participant’s potential affect, contemplating each tangible and intangible contributions, maximizes the probability of buying gamers who elevate the staff’s total efficiency and contribute to long-term success. This complete evaluation, integrating particular person participant analysis with staff wants and schematic issues, varieties the muse of efficient free agent acquisition methods.
9. Lengthy-Time period Outlook
Lengthy-term outlook performs an important function in evaluating potential free agent acquisitions for the Seattle Seahawks. Whereas addressing rapid wants is crucial, sustainable roster development requires contemplating a participant’s projected contribution past the upcoming season. A participant’s age, harm historical past, contract size, and potential for improvement all issue into their long-term worth to the staff. Signing a veteran participant nearing retirement may present a short-term increase however supply restricted long-term worth. Conversely, investing in a youthful participant with excessive upside potential, even when they require improvement, can yield higher long-term returns. For instance, signing a 30-year-old working again to a multi-year contract carries the next danger of decline in comparison with signing a 25-year-old working again with comparable potential. The youthful participant provides an extended window of peak efficiency and aligns with a long-term roster-building technique. Equally, a staff may prioritize a quarterback with a confirmed observe file and management qualities, even when their peak efficiency is behind them, to mentor a youthful quarterback drafted for the long run.
Sensible implications of prioritizing long-term outlook are evident in contract negotiations and roster selections. Providing a shorter, incentive-laden contract to an older participant mitigates the danger of declining efficiency whereas offering a veteran presence. Investing in a youthful participant’s improvement by teaching and mentorship can yield substantial long-term advantages, doubtlessly reworking them right into a cornerstone of the franchise. Drafting a younger quarterback after which signing a veteran free agent quarterback to a short-term deal permits the youthful participant to develop with out the stress of rapid efficiency expectations whereas benefiting from the veteran’s expertise and steering. This method demonstrates a dedication to each short-term competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
Strategic roster development requires a stability between addressing rapid wants and constructing for the long run. Overemphasizing short-term beneficial properties can jeopardize long-term stability, whereas neglecting rapid wants can hinder competitiveness. Efficiently navigating free company necessitates a complete evaluation of participant worth, contemplating each rapid contributions and long-term potential. This balanced method maximizes the probability of constructing a persistently aggressive staff able to sustained success. Ignoring long-term outlook can result in wage cap constraints, roster imbalances, and a diminished means to compete in future seasons.
Incessantly Requested Questions on Potential Seahawks Acquisitions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the Seattle Seahawks’ method to free company and potential participant acquisitions.
Query 1: How do the Seahawks determine potential free agent targets?
The Seahawks make the most of a complete analysis course of, contemplating positional wants, participant skillsets, scheme match, age, sturdiness, wage cap affect, market worth, and competitors for gamers. Scouting departments, teaching employees, and entrance workplace personnel collaborate to determine gamers who align with the staff’s total technique.
Query 2: What function does the wage cap play in free agent acquisitions?
The wage cap considerably restricts the Seahawks’ spending capability. Every signing should align with the staff’s total price range, requiring cautious consideration of contract construction, participant worth, and long-term monetary implications. Balancing expertise acquisition with accountable monetary administration is essential.
Query 3: How do the Seahawks stability short-term wants with long-term roster development?
Balancing short-term and long-term aims requires evaluating a participant’s age, contract size, and potential for future improvement. Whereas addressing rapid wants is vital, the Seahawks attempt to accumulate gamers who contribute to sustained success over a number of seasons. This includes contemplating a participant’s projected profession trajectory and aligning acquisitions with long-term roster objectives.
Query 4: How does scheme match affect free agent selections?
Scheme match is paramount. A participant’s expertise and enjoying type should align with the Seahawks’ offensive and defensive schemes. No matter expertise, a participant who doesn’t match inside the staff’s system might battle to carry out successfully. Evaluating scheme match minimizes the danger of buying gamers who’re ill-suited to the Seahawks’ strategic method.
Query 5: How do the Seahawks assess a participant’s market worth?
Assessing market worth includes analyzing a participant’s efficiency, positional shortage, and league-wide demand. Precisely figuring out market worth prevents overpaying for gamers whereas guaranteeing aggressive provides to draw desired targets. This requires an intensive understanding of participant valuations and present market traits.
Query 6: What’s the significance of competitors for gamers in free company?
Competitors from different groups considerably impacts the Seahawks’ means to accumulate focused gamers. Excessive demand typically necessitates elevated monetary dedication, whereas decrease demand might current alternatives to accumulate undervalued gamers. Understanding the aggressive panorama is crucial for efficient negotiation and maximizing the Seahawks’ probabilities of securing desired free brokers.
These continuously requested questions spotlight the multifaceted nature of free agent acquisition within the NFL. Strategic decision-making, thorough analysis, and a balanced method are important for constructing a aggressive and sustainable roster.
The next sections will delve deeper into particular positions of want for the Seahawks and analyze potential free agent targets who might handle these wants. Keep tuned for extra!
Ideas for Analyzing Potential Seahawks Acquisitions
Evaluating potential free agent acquisitions for the Seattle Seahawks requires cautious consideration of a number of key components. The following tips present a framework for assessing gamers and their potential affect on the staff.
Tip 1: Prioritize Wants: Give attention to positions requiring rapid upgrades. Addressing important weaknesses strengthens the general roster and maximizes the affect of free agent signings.
Tip 2: Consider Skillset Alignment: A participant’s expertise should align with the Seahawks’ offensive and defensive schemes. Scheme match is essential for maximizing participant efficiency and staff success.
Tip 3: Think about Age and Sturdiness: Steadiness short-term wants with long-term roster development. Youthful gamers supply higher upside potential, whereas older gamers might pose greater harm dangers. Sturdiness ensures constant availability.
Tip 4: Analyze Wage Cap Implications: Each signing impacts accessible assets. Accountable monetary administration ensures long-term stability and suppleness for future acquisitions. Overspending can limit future roster strikes.
Tip 5: Assess Market Worth: Precisely evaluating market worth prevents overpaying free of charge brokers. Think about participant efficiency, positional shortage, and league-wide demand to find out acceptable contract provides.
Tip 6: Account for Competitors: Competitors from different groups can inflate participant prices. Understanding the aggressive panorama helps develop efficient negotiation methods and anticipate potential bidding wars.
Tip 7: Challenge Potential Affect: Look past particular person statistics and think about a participant’s potential contributions to the staff’s total efficiency, each tangible and intangible. Assess their affect on particular items and staff dynamics.
Tip 8: Think about Lengthy-Time period Outlook: Steadiness rapid wants with future roster development. Think about a participant’s age, contract size, and improvement potential when making long-term investments. Prioritize sustainable roster constructing.
By contemplating these components, one can achieve a extra complete understanding of potential free agent acquisitions and their potential affect on the Seattle Seahawks. Efficient evaluation requires a holistic method, balancing particular person participant analysis with staff wants and long-term strategic objectives.
The concluding part will synthesize these key insights and supply last views on the Seahawks’ potential free agent technique.
Conclusion
Efficient roster development within the NFL calls for a multifaceted method, fastidiously balancing rapid wants with long-term imaginative and prescient. Buying gamers not below contract requires thorough analysis, contemplating components akin to positional wants, participant skillsets, scheme match, age, sturdiness, wage cap affect, market worth, competitors from different groups, potential affect on the staff, and long-term outlook. Every factor performs an important function in figuring out the success of roster additions. Overlooking any of those components can result in suboptimal outcomes, hindering a staff’s means to compete on the highest stage. The method necessitates strategic decision-making, balancing monetary constraints with the pursuit of expertise. Efficiently navigating this complicated panorama requires a deep understanding of participant valuation, market dynamics, and roster development rules.
The pursuit of impactful gamers stays an ongoing course of, demanding steady analysis and adaptation. Efficiently buying gamers who elevate staff efficiency requires diligent preparation, insightful evaluation, and a dedication to long-term roster well being. The selections made throughout this important interval considerably affect a staff’s trajectory, shaping its potential for fulfillment within the upcoming season and past. The continuing analysis of accessible expertise and strategic roster administration are important for sustained competitiveness within the NFL. Because the panorama {of professional} soccer continues to evolve, so too should the methods for buying and retaining top-tier expertise. The power to adapt to altering market dynamics and participant valuations will stay a key determinant of success for NFL franchises.
