This is true, we have a policy it seems of not paying high contracts
Smart list management? Aren't Geelong the same and they get lauded for it? Can also say the same for NFL teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens and New Englamd Patriots. All these teams have a steady stream of 'stars' regularly walking out the door for bigger money and then they slot in their replacement who they drafted in the preceding years and they don't miss a beat.
The 'star' player goes off to another team where he usually doesn't succeed because all of a sudden they're playing in a completely different system that isn't as player friendly and allows for a player to use their natural athleticism and talent. Often that player then gets cut only a year or so later and ends up back on their original team for less money and the team is laughing all the way to the bank because when that player left they received a compensation pick because they lost more free agents than they signed.
So the team eventually gets the player back on a cap friendly contract and then uses the compo pick to draft new players on top of their usual draft picks they get!
Sorry that was long winded and only partially relevant to AFL but you hopefully get the idea. I think the Crows are taking a similar strategy where each player is alloted a value and that's the max they can get paid. Go outside that and it throws everything out of whack. Reckon JJ is gone unless he takes far less than what Brissy are offering. Our forward line will still be good but replacing his versatility and unique big man athleticism just won't happen.
Are we going to get a top ten pick for him?