Wesson44 Posted January 18, 2014 Report Share Posted January 18, 2014 Below is a list of the top 25 free agents that might be on the market on March 11. Who do you think should be the best fit for our defense and maybe the offense too. My picks are in BOLD 1. Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints tight end 2. Greg Hardy, Carolina Panthers defensive end 3. Brian Orakpo, Washington Redskins linebacker 4. Jairus Byrd, Buffalo Bills safety 5. T.J. Ward, Cleveland Browns safety 6. Alterraun Verner, Tennessee Titans cornerback 7. Branden Albert, Kansas City Chiefs left tackle 8. Michael Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end 9. Lamarr Houston, Oakland Raiders defensive end 10. Brent Grimes, Miami Dolphins cornerback 11. Eugene Monroe, Baltimore Ravens left tackle 12. Vontae Davis, Indianapolis Colts cornerback 13. Linval Joseph, New York Giants defensive tackle 14. Jason Hatcher, Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle 15. Jared Veldheer, Oakland Raiders left tackle 16. Aqib Talib, New England Patriots cornerback 17. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Denver Broncos cornerback 18. Alex Mack, Cleveland Browns center 19. Eric Decker, Denver Broncos wide receiver 20. Michael Bennett, Seattle Seahawks defensive end 21. B.J. Raji, Green Bay Packers defensive tackle 22. Sam Shields, Green Bay Packers cornerback 23. Walter Thurmond, Seattle Seahawks cornerback 24. Donald Butler, San Diego Chargers linebacker 25. Randy Starks, Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scs787 Posted January 18, 2014 Report Share Posted January 18, 2014 Really hope Ward makes it to FA but I kinda doubt it. Cleveland has a ton of cap space and with a few key additions on offense they could be a fairly decent team. If we move to a 3-4 (writings on the walls) give me Ward and V. Davis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam Posted January 18, 2014 Report Share Posted January 18, 2014 Jairus Byrd, T.J. Ward, and Michael Bennett. I would love Mack, but I doubt we can afford him. We will hopefully get one of the other 3 I mentioned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskan Grizzly Posted January 18, 2014 Report Share Posted January 18, 2014 If the team transitions to 3-4, I think someone like Raji would be prime for the NT spot. And it takes a good player away from the cheese whizzers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scs787 Posted January 19, 2014 Report Share Posted January 19, 2014 If the team transitions to 3-4, I think someone like Raji would be prime for the NT spot. And it takes a good player away from the cheese whizzers. They can keep Raji. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedi...content.11.html Can probably get a rock in the middle in the 2nd-4th round who would be just as good as him or probably better.....Or give me Terrance Cody who will come much, much cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stinger226 Posted January 19, 2014 Report Share Posted January 19, 2014 They can keep Raji. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedi...content.11.html Can probably get a rock in the middle in the 2nd-4th round who would be just as good as him or probably better.....Or give me Terrance Cody who will come much, much cheaper. Just got back from a week in Honduras(warm weather) so I can rap my mind around all of things we are talking about. I think Cody is someone we could realistically get. This is my take: the Bears have set themselves up to be flexible with the cap so I think we get one FA with a good contract and a couple of lower end FAs. I think they release Peppers so we resign Wooten as one DE( will come back to us on low end contract) I think we go after one DE like a Bennett that we wont get raped. We are in best position to get a moderate contract with Ratliff,Collins and probably Melton on a incentive laden contract. I think we bring back Bowman and dont end up with Peanut. We are suppose to be going young, but a thought of mine is to bring in some defensive leadership, maybe go after Vilma,MLB , could be got cheap, NO has big time cap issues. I think he could add some grit to the middle of defense and was there defensive leader until he was hurt, will be 32 thou next year. JUST THINKING OUT LOUD With all of the cap issues in NOs and with Grahams contract expired maybe we could get Brian LePuerta beings he has ties with our OC. A young pro caliber center I think the rest of positions will be addressed in draft I think we will be signing a whole bunch of 1mil FAs similar to last year. If I want to play Fantasy FAgency I could throw out lots of names, the fact is we will grab one good FA and a bunch of fill in the blanks. wish is wasnt so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskan Grizzly Posted January 19, 2014 Report Share Posted January 19, 2014 They can keep Raji. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedi...content.11.html Can probably get a rock in the middle in the 2nd-4th round who would be just as good as him or probably better.....Or give me Terrance Cody who will come much, much cheaper. I seem to recall Urlacher always getting the title of ' overrated' year after year. Hmmm... But you're right, you can probably find an anchor for less in the draft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scs787 Posted January 19, 2014 Report Share Posted January 19, 2014 I seem to recall Urlacher always getting the title of ' overrated' year after year. Hmmm... But you're right, you can probably find an anchor for less in the draft. Ya, he's actually on that same list I linked. Some I agree on, some I don't. I agree with the list on Raji though. I don't think he's terrible, there's a difference between bad and overrated, I just think he's going to be paid way more than he's worth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stinger226 Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 Ya, he's actually on that same list I linked. Some I agree on, some I don't. I agree with the list on Raji though. I don't think he's terrible, there's a difference between bad and overrated, I just think he's going to be paid way more than he's worth. I wish to throw out the name of Stevie Brown/S/Giants. He is a free agent, 5/11 221/ 4 year veteran. Had a big year 2012, 78 tackles, 8 int,11 PDs, 2 FF. in 11 starts. He is coming off an injury in 2013, if healthy, a up and comer that be gotten for a decent price. I dont think we have the money to go after Byrd or Ward, so an alternate plan. Another name I like is Brian De La Puerta/OC/NO. he is a FA and with there cap problems, he may be ripe for the picking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scs787 Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 I wish to throw out the name of Stevie Brown/S/Giants. He is a free agent, 5/11 221/ 4 year veteran. Had a big year 2012, 78 tackles, 8 int,11 PDs, 2 FF. in 11 starts. He is coming off an injury in 2013, if healthy, a up and comer that be gotten for a decent price. I dont think we have the money to go after Byrd or Ward, so an alternate plan. Another name I like is Brian De La Puerta/OC/NO. he is a FA and with there cap problems, he may be ripe for the picking. Not a bad couple of names there. Brown, judging from a quick google search, seems to want to stay in New York, but then again 75% of players will say they wanna stick where they are and it doesn't necessarily happen. DLP probably hits the market and would be a good signing but I'm kinda mixed on spending any sort of "significant" money on the offense. The D could really use every penny spent on them, they need a plethora of starters and more quality depth. Also, I retract all previous statements about Micheal Bennett not fitting in a 3-4. After keeping a close eye on him in todays game I think he'd be more than big and strong enough to play in a 3-4. If they move to a 3-4 I want Bennett, Cody, a 2nd tier safety, a 2nd tier CB, and some depth. Give me Bennett and the top safety available if they stick with a 4-3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stinger226 Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 Not a bad couple of names there. Brown, judging from a quick google search, seems to want to stay in New York, but then again 75% of players will say they wanna stick where they are and it doesn't necessarily happen. DLP probably hits the market and would be a good signing but I'm kinda mixed on spending any sort of "significant" money on the offense. The D could really use every penny spent on them, they need a plethora of starters and more quality depth. Also, I retract all previous statements about Micheal Bennett not fitting in a 3-4. After keeping a close eye on him in todays game I think he'd be more than big and strong enough to play in a 3-4. If they move to a 3-4 I want Bennett, Cody, a 2nd tier safety, a 2nd tier CB, and some depth. Give me Bennett and the top safety available if they stick with a 4-3 If they bring back Garza, I suspect they will have to pay him around 3, in a new contract for DLP, that could probably get in done in the first year. Young guy, or Garza, lets move younger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Buck Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 I'd be damn happy if they came away with Byrd and Bennett. Resign Melton, if it is on our terms. Let Julius walk. Peanut probably does not return, rather opting to join Lovie in Tampa, so to be greedy, I'd look to see if there is a bargain CB who can compete with Bowman, if we don't draft one in the 2nd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GakMan23 Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 If they bring back Garza, I suspect they will have to pay him around 3, in a new contract for DLP, that could probably get in done in the first year. Young guy, or Garza, lets move younger. Was hearing good things about Taylor Boggs again last week on the Score. Not sure if he will pan out but it would be huge if he did and then they didn't have to find that next Center. Boggs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scs787 Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 Garza's cap hit this year was 2.1, I'd be surprised if he got a raise at his age. Call me crazy, not like a lot of you haven't called me worse, but I wouldn't count out Taylor Boggs being the guy next year. I believe in Kromer that much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scs787 Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 Uh oh, me and Gak agreed on something...were about to get another blizzard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GakMan23 Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 Uh oh, me and Gak agreed on something...were about to get another blizzard. It is because you are making sense, for once. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowlingtwig Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 Not a bad couple of names there. Brown, judging from a quick google search, seems to want to stay in New York, but then again 75% of players will say they wanna stick where they are and it doesn't necessarily happen. DLP probably hits the market and would be a good signing but I'm kinda mixed on spending any sort of "significant" money on the offense. The D could really use every penny spent on them, they need a plethora of starters and more quality depth. Also, I retract all previous statements about Micheal Bennett not fitting in a 3-4. After keeping a close eye on him in todays game I think he'd be more than big and strong enough to play in a 3-4. If they move to a 3-4 I want Bennett, Cody, a 2nd tier safety, a 2nd tier CB, and some depth. Give me Bennett and the top safety available if they stick with a 4-3 The more and more I think about it I don't see us switching to a 3-4. Call it a gut feeling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Buck Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 The more and more I think about it I don't see us switching to a 3-4. Call it a gut feeling Agreed, there is not going to be a full out change. Doesn't Tucker have more experience with the 4-3 rather than the 3-4; I'd rather he coach to his strength. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrackerDog Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 Agreed, there is not going to be a full out change. Doesn't Tucker have more experience with the 4-3 rather than the 3-4; I'd rather he coach to his strength. Ha! Not sure what that is. I think the only conjecture about switching to a 3-4 is due to SMc sucking so badly on the line they're looking to salvage that pick (and Emery's reputation) by moving him somewhere they think he can succeed. And I'm not a fan of changing things simply to make up for a bad pick by the GM. We're two years into the SMc experiement and the dude just plain blows. If there are other compelling reasons to make the switch, fine. Just make it work better than whatever it was we saw out there this season, for Christ's sake... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Buck Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 Ha! Not sure what that is. I think the only conjecture about switching to a 3-4 is due to SMc sucking so badly on the line they're looking to salvage that pick (and Emery's reputation) by moving him somewhere they think he can succeed. And I'm not a fan of changing things simply to make up for a bad pick by the GM. We're two years into the SMc experiement and the dude just plain blows. If there are other compelling reasons to make the switch, fine. Just make it work better than whatever it was we saw out there this season, for Christ's sake... SMC does suck and I hate to think they would switch to capitalize on the perceived strengths of one player. I thought when the false news about Pasquenelli's hire that perhaps they might try mixing it up with some hybrid 3-4 due to Pasq's background. I thought that would be a good hire because clearly Tucker needs help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scs787 Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 I really wouldn't be surprised either way. Right now the D needs so many players that they can fill holes for either defense. The players they DO have signed on defense fit both schemes IMO. Briggs- I've got no evidence to back this up, but it seems like when Briggs does blitz he has some good success. I think he fits in a 3-4 Jennings- Although cover 2 is still possible in a 3-4, man to man is more of the norm and Jennings has the speed to play m2m. SMC- Better fit in a 3-4. Not sure he has the coverage skills to play LB in a 4-3 Paea- I really think he can play the NT or even DE in a 3-4. Bostic- Some scouting reports coming into the draft said he's better suited to play ILB in a 3-4 Greene- I'm reading that Rutgers played some 3-4 groupings where Greene lined up inside, so he has some experience there Washington- Can be a freak as a rush LB Bass- See above Frey- Good enough size and speed to provide depth at CB. So player personnel can go either way IMO. It's going to be interesting to see what happens. I'm not sure if the Paul Pascuanelli as LBs coach rumors have been confirmed yet, but if true it may be telling sign that they run at least some sort of hybrid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stinger226 Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 I really wouldn't be surprised either way. Right now the D needs so many players that they can fill holes for either defense. The players they DO have signed on defense fit both schemes IMO. Briggs- I've got no evidence to back this up, but it seems like when Briggs does blitz he has some good success. I think he fits in a 3-4 Jennings- Although cover 2 is still possible in a 3-4, man to man is more of the norm and Jennings has the speed to play m2m. SMC- Better fit in a 3-4. Not sure he has the coverage skills to play LB in a 4-3 Paea- I really think he can play the NT or even DE in a 3-4. Bostic- Some scouting reports coming into the draft said he's better suited to play ILB in a 3-4 Greene- I'm reading that Rutgers played some 3-4 groupings where Greene lined up inside, so he has some experience there Washington- Can be a freak as a rush LB Bass- See above Frey- Good enough size and speed to provide depth at CB. So player personnel can go either way IMO. It's going to be interesting to see what happens. I'm not sure if the Paul Pascuanelli as LBs coach rumors have been confirmed yet, but if true it may be telling sign that they run at least some sort of hybrid. With the personal they still have, I think it wont be a true 3-4, the base will be a 4-3 and thhey will run a hybrid 3-4 with the same personal. Garzas money according to OVER THE CAP WEBSITE , it showed him being paid , 3.2 but it showed his cap space as 2.1 so I dont know if that means that was a bonus, and his salary was 1.1, so it covers the difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scs787 Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 Could be a hybrid, could be a straight 4-3, or it could be a 3-4. I don't see the player personnel leaning one way or the other to be honest. If the stick with a 4-3 they still need to sign 3 starting lineman(if Peppers is cut) 2 starting safeties and 1 starting CB. For a 3-4 you could argue that they need 2 starting lineman(assuming Paea gets a spot), 2 safeties, and a LB. So unless you don't think Paea is a good starting option as a DT/DE(whatever you wanna call it) then the number of starters needed is exactly the same.....One could argue that it may just be cheaper to sign our own though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stinger226 Posted January 26, 2014 Report Share Posted January 26, 2014 Could be a hybrid, could be a straight 4-3, or it could be a 3-4. I don't see the player personnel leaning one way or the other to be honest. If the stick with a 4-3 they still need to sign 3 starting lineman(if Peppers is cut) 2 starting safeties and 1 starting CB. For a 3-4 you could argue that they need 2 starting lineman(assuming Paea gets a spot), 2 safeties, and a LB. So unless you don't think Paea is a good starting option as a DT/DE(whatever you wanna call it) then the number of starters needed is exactly the same.....One could argue that it may just be cheaper to sign our own though. Some 2nd tier FAgents I would like to see us sign.(in no particular order) Dexter McCluster/KR/WR --------could play the slot and is a good KR we could get for the same money Hester will probably cost to bring back. 26 years old Brian De La Puente/OC-----------he wont command a large contract but wont be cheap either. It is an above average center with ties to Kromer who could probably get him here. 29 years old Vance Walker/DT------------------40 tackles, 3 sacks at 6-3 305, adds a little more beef to the rotation 27 years old Everson Griffen/DE---------------13+1/2 sacks the last two years in a part time role, may be able to catch cheap with upside 27 years old Jon Beason/MLB------------------ a team leader type, stout against the run 93 tackles-one interception at 29 years old Cris Cook/CB--------------------a high round pick that didnt pan out, 6-2 with 4.46 speed, maybe we can restart his career with a new home 27 years old Stevie Brown/S-----------------coming off of knee surgery but had a very good 2012, might be able to catch him cheap until he proves himself again 29 years old Other than De La Puente all of these players can come on team friendly contracts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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