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Teams that lost a great player at one position and went the longest without replacing him


Apparition

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What teams have historically lost a great player at one position (to retirement, injury, free agency, etc.) and have gone a decade or more without finding someone to adequately fill his shoes?

The most glaring example, to me, was the Lions not having a 1200-yard rusher in the 20 years since Barry Sanders retired.

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When Jimmy Smith abruptly retired in May, 2006, The Jaguars spent a decade trying to find even a somewhat competent WR. And outside of 2016, they still haven't found one. Every one they think they found ends up getting multiple injuries or into drugs and never ends up being the player they think they found.

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Took awhile for the Vikes to replace Moss. They immediately drafted Troy Williamson with the pick acquired from Oakland. Harvin and Rice never panned out long term, though Rice was brilliant in 2009. Berrian was a free agent bust. Moss returned in 2010 for a few games. Jennings was a free agent bust. Patterson and Treadwell were busts. 

Finally struck gold with Diggs and Thielen who ironically went in the 5th round and undrafted, respectively. MN has invested heavily at the WR position since Moss was traded. Pretty good WRs before Moss in Cris Carter and Jake Reed too.

Edited by vikingsrule
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