I think this is the most likely outcome unfortunately. Trey is gonna get $21 million APY.
Hoping we can keep Hopkins, Hardman and Juju on fair deals, maybe Uche if he’ll agree to a fair deal and extend Thuney’s deal to free up cap space and push that can down the road a bit.
Hicks can replace Reid. Wanya will likely replace Trey and we’ll look for a LT somewhere. [Reply]
With players like this who do have semi-big holes in their game, I think you take the Belichickian path of offering them what is a fair contract relative to their skill set, and if they can get a lot more money elsewhere, you wish them well in their future endeavors.
But you only pay premiums for guys who do not have holes in their game. McDuffie being the prime example upcoming. Everyone else, make a fair offer and let the chips fall where they may. This isn't an easy place to leave for players even when there's a raise waiting elsewhere. A lot of guys are gonna come crawling back within 2-3 years.
I'd also pay a premium for outside free agents who are elite talents while finding the next Trey Smith, Nick Bolton, etc through the draft. [Reply]
Originally Posted by RunKC:
I mostly agree with Verderame’s thoughts on this. Here’s his plan:
-Let Bolton walk
-re-sign Trey
-Extend McDuffie
-Work on extending Watson, Chenal and Cook to reasonable deals
-Move Kingsley to G and continue developing as a backup)
-Wanya at swing tackle
-Do whatever possible to move up for a LT in the draft
-wait and see on Karlaftis. Depends on price. If a fair deal like 4/$60 million is agreed to then keep him. If he wants the bag let him walk.
Don’t agree with all of that but I do think they need to spend the cap on key guys from the
2022 class. McDuffie, Chenal and Watson.
Those three have proven their value here and need to stay. They’re young and ascending.
We need to pay them
I agree with everything except the Trey part. It truly does depend on the cost.
But I can't pay a guy $20m + to play guard and then have games like last Sunday where he is hindering the offense as a pass blocker.
A play here or there, like Joe Thuney has been for four years, fine. Take the money. But a whole game of ass? No way. Use that on another player. [Reply]