When teams evaluate their willingness to re-sign an unrestricted free agent-to-be, the equation involves multiple dynamics. In many cases, the first is a cost-benefit analysis: What price are we willing to pay for this player based on his projected performance over the life of the deal? Another factor is: If we lose this player in free agency, what are the avenues available to fill his role for the next season and beyond?
From the outside looking in, our instinct is to suggest that if a team loses a player in free agency, there automatically arises a need to fill that player's position via the draft or free agency. But one of the most overlooked aspects of roster construction is talent development. The NFL is a league that features substantial turnover from one year -- or a few years -- to the next, but among the teams that have consistently reached the playoffs of late (be it the Packers, Patriots, Seahawks or Ravens, for example), there is a common thread: development of young players and gauging the right time to allow a veteran player to walk in free agency if his price point exceeds his future value.
Below is a look at five players who offer "in-house" solutions should a team lose a player in free agency when the league year begins on March 10.
Gore
Hyde
49ers running back Carlos Hyde replacing Frank Gore
There isn't a lot of mystery surrounding this one, as Hyde was already a factor in the 49ers' offense during his 2014 rookie campaign. But if Gore finds work elsewhere (and I'd expect teams to pursue the veteran early in free agency), don't be surprised to see Hyde spring into a workhorse role.
