I really don't get the "cheap" talk, every organization, especially a successful one that just won the Superbowl, has to make consequential decisions about who they keep and who they let walk. The downside of drafting successfully for multiple years on end is that you are going to end up with more than a few guys that you can't afford the 2nd contracts on. We aren't the Raiders or Jets who burn through their draft picks like there's no tomorrow. Letting Walker, Mafe, and Bryant walk was an inevitability. Besides the stretch that Mafe had three seasons ago when he racked up a sack a game for half the season, has he done anything to earn a $20M/year payday? Walker was exceptional this last season, and really turned it up a notch when it counted, but there is a mountain of evidence that half-backs on their 2nd contract rarely earn it, especially if they already have an injury history. And Bryant was a solid mid round pick that successfully transitioned from corner to safety, but he is hardly irreplaceable. Also, let's not forget that we are due to get back three comp picks for those guys next year in a better draft, you know, mid-round picks that Schneider has often hit paydirt with. I'm perfectly fine letting them walk, and waiting to see what happens in the draft, in the "scraps" phase of free agency, with undrafted free agents, during training camp as guys get released closer to cut-down day, etc. The marathon just started and we're near the back of the pack....yeah, but just because half the field sprinted out in front don't mean they are going to contend as we near the 26th mile.
