Could Patrick Mahomes dice up the defenses of yesteryear like Steve Young? Might Myles Garrett have outdone Bruce Smith?

Hiring the right people has never been easy—or cheap. Over the last few years, the cost of recruitment has risen sharply.

Like a secret handshake among food enthusiasts, those in the know exchange knowing glances when the restaurant’s name comes up in conversation. The metal roof catches the Florida sunshine, creating a ...