Would you have thought the Fins would have won 11 games and a playoff appearance last season with a new HC? Probable? Maybe not, but not impossible by any means.
Who? Gilmore? He may prove to be a very good corner in NE, but he was mediocre here and never embraced Buffalo. Signing him for that contract would have hindered this team for years. He never wanted to play here. NRC? Lots of heart but limited slot cover man who is replaceable. TD Mike? Would have loved to retain and certainly a front office blunder, but remember he was a street FA. Shouldn't be too hard to replace. Woods? Good, not great. Did you see that contract? Z. Brown? Used last season as a platform for a payday elsewhere. Again, didn't want to be here unless we overpaid.
Agree. Never know until everything shakes out. One or two of those teams will finish .500 or less. Happens every season.