Honestly, if he does sign with us on a one year, seven hundred grand deal, it kind of works out perfectly for us. I feel like that's about right, but it also doesn't tie us to him long-term, and we get another year to really watch his development and make sure he is consistently changing the course of games. If so, we can then talk a long-term deal worth more dollars. If not, he can chase money elsewhere, or resign with us at a commensurate rate.
If he wants to chase the money at the Titans, more power to him. I think it's too much, and will come with a hell of a lot of pressure. I think he'd still play well, but probably not to that value, not in that team. Does that then hurt his ability to get the same contract over a number of years? Maybe it does, maybe they throw it at him to keep him. And who knows, maybe he turns their fortunes around. Wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to have a competitive team on the Coast.
It's a shame, because I do think he's the most talented forward with the highest potential of our current crop - perhaps with the exception of Haas - but our cap management has been poor plus the circumstances around his management has led to us trying to tie him up last of all. If we lose him it's a blow, but not an insurmountable one. Use the cash saved on a decent half or hooker.