How the NFL decides who to pay

                                                               Source: SBNation

Economic Principle: Because of scarcity, people choose. All choices have an opportunity cost.

 Overall Question: How should NFL teams allocate scarce resources like payroll & draft picks to maximize their profitability & chances of winning?

 Sub questions:

•  How does a team like New England, arguably the most successful team in the NFL allocate its resources to build a dynasty? 
•  When signing a franchise player to the team, meaning signing a big hefty contract, what are the opportunity costs of this signing? What is the team losing out on? 
•  In the NFL is it more important to owners to be profitable or to win games? 
•  What is the most important asset to have in the NFL and how much is it worth? 

 Sources: 
SB Nation Cincy Jungle
Forbes
The Football Educator

Future Research Question:

• What makes more money for a football team, Tv contracts or ticket sales and fan items?