My biggest concern was Shaq's numbers prior to last year weren't as good as they were last year. He has even said on social media that the Bills not taking his option fueled his play for 2019 to earn a contract. It just screams pay me and I go back to what I was, which was a solid run tackling DE. I don't mind adding another edge rusher to compete with Trent. Infact I'd add a veteran and am leaning toward drafting a kid in Round 1 too.
He's a list of DEs making $7M - $8M in 2020 and their sack numbers from 2019.
Clelin Ferrell 4.5
Myles Garrett 10.0
Trent Murphy 5.0
Matthew Ioannidis 8.5
Solomon Thomas 2.0
DaQuan Jones 1.0
The fact replacing Murphy is no easy task, look over the list of UFAs and then come up with a list of guys you think we can sign for a salary less than or equal to Murphy who will produce the same sack totals at DE. Remember that there are 31 other teams that are going to be competing with us for their services as well.
I'm a Murphy fan and agree cutting him makes no sense. I'm not opposed taking an Edge rusher in Round 1 but more to replace Shaq and eventually Hughes.
His contact is way too much even if we have the cap room. He isn't what he was and doubt ever gets there again. Give me an Isaiah Crowell or career backup on the cheap.
It happens in all walks of life, like in my job that people are supposed to follow certain protocols yet not everyone follows them despite supervisors best efforts, it's a big part of reason I won't go into management.