You're getting a whole lot more cost certainty with the first group Perhaps, but you're likely getting more payroll flexibility with the 2nd group, and with the second 3 you have a much better shot at 1 or more going nuts for a year than with the first group. How? Shorter duration, smaller amounts for the individual players. It's easier to unload 2 guys making 5 million than it is 1 guy making 10 million. It's easier to unload one guy who's good than 2 guys who aren't.