Adofo-Mensah’s veteran additions include quarterback Sam Darnold; tight end TJ Hockenson; running back Aaron Jones; offensive tackle Cam Robinson; defensive linemen Jerry Tillery, Harrison Phillips and Jonathan Bullard; linebackers Blake Cashman, Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard; and cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore, Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaq Griffin.
If you’re really good at identifying current NFL talent and not so good at identifying 22-year-old college talent, why not play to your strengths?
There is precedent for this in NFL history. Former Washington coach George Allen hated playing rookies, so he kept his veterans around as long as possible and expanded his roster with veterans he could acquire, although free agency wasn’t a big factor in the old N.F.L.
For all his fame, Patriots coach and de facto GM Bill Belichick drafted poorly for much of his time in New England, compensating for his lack of draft skill by keeping his most valuable veterans and expanding his roster with experienced free agents.
It is a more expensive strategy than building via the concept. It is also more reliable.
Look at the players the Vikings acquired last offseason. Now take a look at the players available for cheap on the trade market this season: Davante Adams, Diontae Johnson, Ernest Jones, DeAndre Hopkins and Amari Cooper. The highest price paid for these quality veterans: the conditional third-round pick the Jets sent to Las Vegas for Adams.
