Yes, it was a gamble and a tough break to the Chiefs. It's not often a player bust by that huge of a margin.
Carolina benefitted in the short term, but doesn't have a lot of leverage getting rid of some of their upcoming draft choices. Sure, some GMs will be enticed by the candy in the window and essentially overpay under the circumstances for Carolina's draft choices (especially those who mistakenly think they are close to the holy grail of a championship).
The fact is Carolina has 24 draft picks (16 of which requires bonuses) in the next to two drafts, only 7 expiring contracts during that time, and is now and will then be over the cap before and after the drafts. Carolina will have to get rid of a good number of those draft choices (if not all) or cut some of its high priced talent due to salary cap constraints over this and next season. It can't keep both. That's the leverage Carolina loses in negotiations with a savvy GM. Nevertheless, some GM will inevitably give away his draft choices in a fete of self delusion, overlook Carolina's urgent need to rid itself of these draft choices and bail it out. Word to the wise (and newbies).
