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]
Spend the money in FA at positions that make a bigger impact.
There are some free agent tackles that I would try to pay if given the chance over Trey Smith. Cam Robinson, Garrett Bolles, Jedrick Wills, Ronnie Stanley, Joe Noteboom.
There are pass rushers I'd focus on first, too. If Omenihu looks recovered or close to it, I'd prioritize signing him over signing Bolton for sure. Josh Sweat would be an interesting addition if he hits the market. Etc. [Reply]
Bolton has taken a half step back and unfortunately needs to be in the Top 3 of his position to justify a second contract. I recommend re-watching our 2022-2023 playoff games. Bolton was everywhere, and I mean everywhere. I had forgotten just what a constant force he was on nearly every play. Since his wrist injury, he occasionally has put together a game like that, but it seems like he might just be a half-step more timid compared to his 2022 form. I love Bolton, but I do not think his position (even if he’s in the Top 10 at the position) justifies a second contract.
But, Spags really, really values the QB of his defense (it’s why we played an unplayable Hitchens a season too long), so we’ll see how it shakes out. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Chiefspants:
We need to let both walk.
Bolton has taken a half step back and unfortunately needs to be in the Top 3 of his position to justify a second contract. I recommend re-watching our 2022-2023 playoff games. Bolton was everywhere, and I mean everywhere. I had forgotten just what a constant force he was on nearly every play. Since his wrist injury, he occasionally has put together a game like that, but it seems like he might just be a half-step more timid compared to his 2022 form. I love Bolton, but I do not think his position (even if he’s in the Top 10 at the position) justifies a second contract.
But, Spags really, really values the QB of his defense (it’s why we played an unplayable Hitchens a season too long), so we’ll see how it shakes out.
Don't forget that he had Gay running shotgun and taking the sideline to sideline responsibility then. Now he has Tranquil who's a very smart player but a clear step (probably two steps) slower and less athletic than Gay.
Losing Willie has exposed Bolton, IMO. I'd be fine letting Bolton walk, signing Gay in the off-season for the Will role and putting Tranquil at Mike. [Reply]
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut:
Don't forget that he had Gay running shotgun and taking the sideline to sideline responsibility then. Now he has Tranquil who's a very smart player but a clear step (probably two steps) slower and less athletic than Gay.
Losing Willie has exposed Bolton, IMO. I'd be fine letting Bolton walk, signing Gay in the off-season for the Will role and putting Tranquil at Mike.
I’m still bewildered about how we handled Gay. He was a pretty big cog in our gameplan against significant rivals (the Ravens and Bills) and that alone seems like it should have justified us matching NOLA’s deal with him. NOLA did have him as a healthy scratch early in the year, so maybe there really is more than meets the eye there? [Reply]