It doesn't have to be his last year. And we are spending the 19 but at that we really are still saving over what a lot of teams are being charged for quarterback services. Sure, a franchise tag scenario would be ugly or could be, but tough ####. All the face cards belong to Tepper. Cam can huff and puff but if he wants to cash in 150 million or better from somebody he has to put the tape out that gets that interest. We might actually get a motivated QB next year which isn't bad in any way. One good solid year from him probably rehabs his value.
Best case or a very good case is a below league average contract on Cam for 2020 is great asset allocation if he produces. And a bonus if he is still a weapon next year is we could control him still with that tag and trade him still when the 2021 year starts with his value high for someone with cap and a pretty good team that wants to win now. And get ourselves something.
This has no chance at working if Cam just retires rather than have to prove himself but if he wants to and can play we could be good to go. So why not keep him then? Well I personally think the great HOF pocket QB Cam is a pipe dream, with huge risk because of his health stacked on top. Let someone else have that. But that is why the leaders in the NFL make all that money, to make those judgements.
And, you buy time to develop what you have, can only help Grier. Not a fan now, but in 2021, maybe.