Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

Free agency begin a week from today, what's the plan? Tags have been handed out, some players resigned with their teams and some vets have been cut.

Where do we spend money? What are we hearing as rumors-wise? Who do you want on this team? Who do we avoid? Give me your list.

Give me one player we must have and give me the Vinny contract we must avoid.


The Vinny contract for me is Eric Decker. The must have...D'qwell Jackson..or maybe Andre Collins

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

Do you mean Anthony Collins?

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1061376]Do you mean Anthony Collins?[/quote]

LOL yes. But we still could use the help at LB too

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

Where's a good site for the remaining free agents? I used to get insider which had good stuff. Just wondering if there is a free site with a good list.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

Rotoworld.com has a list they update fairly regularly.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

There are very few "must have" players who ever hit FA. The last one I can recall was Peyton Manning. When you think about it, the "must have" FA is kind of a Vinny-like concept. That's how he got the Skins in so much trouble with Fat Albert. But I'd still like to play.

Like you, I would avoid Eric Decker and I would like to have Anthony Collins.

Here are some other FA players who I'd like the Skins to sign:

OT - Anthony Collins or Michael Oher
OG - Greg Schwartz and/or Chad Rinehart
OC - Evan Dietrich-Smith
WR - Kenny Britt
KR/PR/WR - Dexter McCluster or Jacoby Jones

FS - Mike Mitchell or Antoine Bethea or Chris Clemons (FS/SS)
CB - Aquib Talib or Sam Shields or Captain (USN) Munnerlyn
ILB - Perry Riley, and D'Qwell Jackson
DE - Randy Starks or Michael Johnson
NT - Terrance Cody

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

My plan is to watch the boards panic when we cant sign someone like Alex Mack or TJ Ward to a 5 year deal worth 8 million with nothing guaranteed

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;1061400]My plan is to watch the boards panic when we cant sign someone like Alex Mack or TJ Ward to a 5 year deal worth 8 million with nothing guaranteed[/quote]

ahhh ... so the typical Skins fan reaction.

Same one that said "I hate Vinnie" and "Sign big names from other teams!"

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

^ Damn thats alot of people KI. I dont like your DE. Michael Johnson is a high risk signing and I think Minnesota is gonna make that mistake. They average 1 horrible signing a year, that might be Johnson.

Randy Starks? Rather have Tony Starks

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;1061400]My plan is to watch the boards panic when we cant sign someone like Alex Mack or TJ Ward to a 5 year deal worth 8 million with nothing guaranteed[/quote]

I can't wait til we're on day 2 or 3 and people are pissed off wondering why we haven't signed... everyone.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=chico23231;1061403]^ damn thats alot of people ki. I dont like your de. Michael johnson is a high risk signing and i think minnesota is gonna make that mistake. They average 1 horrible signing a year, that might be johnson.

Randy starks? Rather have tony starks[/quote]

lol iron man

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

My plan would be to avoid jumping into the pool during the initial wave. Focus on the middle tier of available players. Focus on good fits vs names.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

As long as they fall in love with the value, and not the player, any signing should be fine.

Hopefully they go the Seattle route and sign players based on value.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=Mattyk;1061404]I can't wait til we're on day 2 or 3 and people are pissed off wondering why we haven't signed... everyone.[/quote]

Its going to be a beautiful thing, agents will be throwing the SKINS name around, don't they realize we are under new management we pay wholesale price now.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

Want:
Zane Beadles - G
Anthony Collins - OT
Julian Edelman - WR

Luxury Want:
Dexter McCluster - WR/KR
Vontae Davis - CB


Vinny contracts - Byrd and Decker

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=Chico23231;1061403]^ Damn thats alot of people KI. I dont like your DE. Michael Johnson is a high risk signing and I think Minnesota is gonna make that mistake. They average 1 horrible signing a year, that might be Johnson.

Randy Starks? Rather have Tony Starks[/quote]

Not [U]all[/U] of them, Chico. I'd just like to have some of them.

OK, then I'll name five that I'd most like to have: Mike Mitchell, Aquib Talib, Anthony Collins, Geoff Schwartz, and Dexter McCluster. Those five would improve our team in our areas of greatest need, IMO.

There is some risk with Michael Johnson but I wouldn't characterize him as high risk. He might not get as many sacks as we'd hope for but he is better than Bowen in that department. He's also strong against the run. Jay Gruden should know whether or not he is someone we should go after.

Randy Starks is a damn good all-around player who has produced in the 3-4 and the 4-3. He has speed and quickness, a good motor, and he seems to have a lot left in the tank. He could push the pocket for us.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

Wish list.



DEFENSE:

FS Mike Mitchell (play Thomas or Rambo at SS, Hall is backup FS if Mitchell goes down)

backup FS plans - Major Wright, , Chris Clemons, Louis Delmas


CB Alterraun Verner (start with Hall, Amerson starts if Hall plays FS),

backup CB plabns - Sam Shields, Captain Munnerlyn (who can also return kicks), Corey Graham


NT/DT - BJ Raji, Paul Soliai, Alex Carrington, Corey Peters

ILB - D'Qwell Jackson, Wesley Woodyard, Pat Angerer, Akeem Jordan,





OFFENSE:


WR - Emmannuel Sanders (will be WR2 behind Garcon)

WR/KR - Jacoby Jones (will be WR3, McCluster is likely staying in KC, they have the money)



T - GO after Eugene Monroe! The #1 tackle available and Baltimore did not tag him!

If we get him, do we move Trent to RT?



Backup plans at RT - Roger Saffold, Anthiny Collins, Breno Giacomini (was Seattle's Zone-Option RT), Zach Strief.


Guard - Jon Asamoah, Travelle Wharton, Chad Rinehart, Zane Beadles.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

I'm also in the camp of good mid level fits vs. big name splashes. I expect us to free up about another $8-12 million in cap room with cuts/restructures (Carriker, Bowen, Chester, Polumbus, Rocca) and enter free agency with around $26 million in cap space. Remember the graphic during the Eagles game that showed that with our $18 mil penalty, that equated to like 5 starters and 3 key reserves? The hand wringing over the Orakpo franchise tag is so silly when taking the true value of cap space into consideration. We still are able to be significantly active and productive in free agency. With that said...

Wish list-
DE- Everson Griffen: pass rushing specialist, makes impact plays and should make life easier for Orakpo and Kerrigan

ILB- Brandon Spikes: though he's a big name, coming off of injury and being a 2 down player, he's not going to warrant a huge contract. Spikes and Keenan Robinson can hold down one ILB spot.

RT- Zach Streif: A tier below the top tackles but solves the RT problem instantly

S- Chris Clemons or Malcolm Jenkins: Solid, dependable, not playmakers though

WR- Andre Roberts: Garcon 2.0, still young enough to grow, has produced with average QB play. Plus the draft is deep at receiver and I expect us to pick one at #34 so no need to spend big here.

ILB- Perry Riley: His value and fit are best here, although he will test it on the open market I suspect he will return

CB- Corey Graham: Solid vet in the secondary and special teams beast

C- Evan Deitrich-Smith: Upgrade on the interior OL, allows us to cut Montgomery and have Lichtenstieger compete with LeRib, EDS and Gettis for an interior starting OL role.


Luxury signings that I'd like but don't really see happening:
Dexter McCluster, Emmanuel Sanders, Linval Joseph

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=NYCskinfan82;1061405]lol iron man[/quote]

or Ghostface Killah...either one would work

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

I would pay the freight for Byrd, he's a free safety with serious range, a necessary ingredient to permit Haslett to run the scheme he wants to. If your CBs are going to be Hall and David Amerson - players whose strengths are reading the QB and jumping the route to grab INTs - then you need a bad ass safety to cover for their inevitable mistakes. (Rest in peace, Sean Taylor).

The impact safety also allows Haslett to blitz more creatively. It's the biggest hole on our entire team given the way we play.

Other than Byrd, I'm with Matty. Keep it cool calm and collected, and wait to see what falls to us.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=Schneed10;1061437]I would pay the freight for Byrd, he's a free safety with serious range, a necessary ingredient to permit Haslett to run the scheme he wants to. If your CBs are going to be Hall and David Amerson - players whose strengths are reading the QB and jumping the route to grab INTs - then you need a bad ass safety to cover for their inevitable mistakes. (Rest in peace, Sean Taylor).

The impact safety also allows Haslett to blitz more creatively. It's the biggest hole on our entire team given the way we play.

Other than Byrd, I'm with Matty. Keep it cool calm and collected, and wait to see what falls to us.[/quote]

I would definitely be on board with going after Byrd as our one big splurge. He could be a big difference maker as you point out.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=Schneed10;1061437]I would pay the freight for Byrd, he's a free safety with serious range, a necessary ingredient to permit Haslett to run the scheme he wants to. If your CBs are going to be Hall and David Amerson - players whose strengths are reading the QB and jumping the route to grab INTs - then you need a bad ass safety to cover for their inevitable mistakes. (Rest in peace, Sean Taylor).

The impact safety also allows Haslett to blitz more creatively. It's the biggest hole on our entire team given the way we play.

Other than Byrd, I'm with Matty. Keep it cool calm and collected, and wait to see what falls to us.[/quote]

With regards to Byrd, is there a question of philosophy meaning do you believe that coverage more benefits the pass rush or the pass rush more benefits the coverage? Can we spend less on the back end considering we just spent $11+ on Rak, plus will have to spend at ILB & DE (either by retaining or replacing Carriker/Bowen) and still get improved results?

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

I worry about Byrd's health and how he would play after he got paid. Questionable behavior in Buffalo

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

Offense: TE A. Quarless, RT A. Collins, WR A. Roberts

Defense: FS Clemons, ILB D Jackson

Those would be my initial targets.

I dont know enough about the Guards, but we need one at a good value to start opposite of Gettis, Collins, next to Silverblunt.

I would do my due dilegence with Britt and Nicks, looking at 1 year deals with either.

Would look at CB Sam Shields, find out what it take. Wouldnt over spend for him.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=Paintrain;1061444]With regards to Byrd, is there a question of philosophy meaning do you believe that coverage more benefits the pass rush or the pass rush more benefits the coverage? Can we spend less on the back end considering we just spent $11+ on Rak, plus will have to spend at ILB & DE (either by retaining or replacing Carriker/Bowen) and still get improved results?[/quote]

Coverage and pass rush certainly benefit each other. But for the specific defense that Haslett likes to run, even if the pass rush is great the coverage will break down regardless. Orakpo and Kerrigan both had good years, yet our defense left a lot to be desired. Sure you could get more pass rushers from the DL spot, but the way Haslett likes to get pressure is by blitzing in various forms.

Here's how a very fast FS allows Haslett to do his thing:

- the fast FS is capable of covering the gap left behind when a SS blitzes

- the fast FS is capable of covering the gap left behind on the seam route when a middle LB blitzes - the fast FS can successfully walk the line between covering the deep middle and covering the seam route, whereas a slower FS really has to choose either/or

- the fast FS lets the CBs play an off-zone the way it's meant to be played, with eyes on the QB ready to jump the route. Inevitably some of those gambles will go wrong, and the safety needs to be there to save the day.

- the fast FS just straight up reduces the risk of the long ball when a CB just gets flat burned

These are all reasons why we still miss Sean Taylor dearly. We'd be an entirely different defense.

If Haslett played a Tampa 2 then safety's not that important a position. Or if he played a conservative stop-run-first scheme like Blache always did, safety isn't as important. But to blitz and play soft-zone coverages, it's crucial.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=Chico23231;1061447]I worry about Byrd's health and how he would play after he got paid. Questionable behavior in Buffalo[/quote]

What was the questionable behavior?

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=Schneed10;1061437]I would pay the freight for Byrd, he's a free safety with serious range, a necessary ingredient to permit Haslett to run the scheme he wants to. If your CBs are going to be Hall and David Amerson - players whose strengths are reading the QB and jumping the route to grab INTs - then you need a bad ass safety to cover for their inevitable mistakes. (Rest in peace, Sean Taylor).

The impact safety also allows Haslett to blitz more creatively. It's the biggest hole on our entire team given the way we play.

Other than Byrd, I'm with Matty. Keep it cool calm and collected, and wait to see what falls to us.[/quote]

Exactly, and we have a winner.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=Chico23231;1061434]or Ghostface Killah...either one would work[/quote]

Went super hero did even think about Rapp, nice one.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

I would give Byrd a similar deal to Eric Weddle/Eric Berry which would be a little less than 10 million a year (average). If he thinks he is worth more than that and another team wants to pay that much to him, then I would be more than happy to let him go if I was Allen.

Set your value, and do not exceed it. No need to just fall in love with Byrd and let him dictate the terms.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;1061455]What was the questionable behavior?[/quote]

eh, more of a disgruntle employee. there were questions if he was really hurt early in the year and just chose not to play.

Its clear that Byrd wants to be the highest paid safety in the league, I hope we dont fall for that trap.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=Chico23231;1061460]eh, more of a disgruntle employee. there were questions if he was really hurt early in the year and just chose not to play.

Its clear that Byrd wants to be the highest paid safety in the league, I hope we dont fall for that trap.[/quote]

Or he has earned that check and he really was hurt.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=Monkeydad;1061419]Wish list.



DEFENSE:

FS Mike Mitchell (play Thomas or Rambo at SS, Hall is backup FS if Mitchell goes down)

backup FS plans - Major Wright, , Chris Clemons, Louis Delmas


CB Alterraun Verner (start with Hall, Amerson starts if Hall plays FS),

backup CB plabns - Sam Shields, Captain Munnerlyn (who can also return kicks), Corey Graham


NT/DT - BJ Raji, Paul Soliai, Alex Carrington, Corey Peters

ILB - D'Qwell Jackson, Wesley Woodyard, Pat Angerer, Akeem Jordan,





OFFENSE:


WR - Emmannuel Sanders (will be WR2 behind Garcon)

WR/KR - Jacoby Jones (will be WR3, McCluster is likely staying in KC, they have the money)



T - GO after Eugene Monroe! The #1 tackle available and Baltimore did not tag him!

If we get him, do we move Trent to RT?



Backup plans at RT - Roger Saffold, Anthiny Collins, Breno Giacomini (was Seattle's Zone-Option RT), Zach Strief.


Guard - Jon Asamoah, Travelle Wharton, Chad Rinehart, Zane Beadles.[/quote]

Why would you move the best LT to RT?

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;1061461]Or he has earned that check and he really was hurt.[/quote]

He's a great player, im just really concerned about giving him a ton a money.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

I'll never hold it against a player looking to get paid on their 2nd contract. It's the one shot to really cash in. Some players yeah, you need to be concerned about how they will play once they get that big payday (see Haynesworthless).

Is Byrd one of them? I really don't know much about the guy off the field. I can see where he's probably frustrated in Buffalo, for many reasons.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

We just had a week long discussion about Rak getting a very large guarenteed contract with a lot of disagreement. One thing about Rak, he gives 110%. Byrd would demand a contract just as large. That cap room would close very quickly and we have a ton of holes to fill and no #1 draft pick.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=donofriose;1061458]I would give Byrd a similar deal to Eric Weddle/Eric Berry which would be a little less than 10 million a year (average). If he thinks he is worth more than that and another team wants to pay that much to him, then I would be more than happy to let him go if I was Allen.

Set your value, and do not exceed it. No need to just fall in love with Byrd and let him dictate the terms.[/quote]

Agree w this. I think that $ would be about right for Byrd. I bet it gets it done.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=Chico23231;1061466]We just had a week long discussion about Rak getting a very large guarenteed contract with a lot of disagreement. One thing about Rak, he gives 110%. Byrd would demand a contract just as large. That cap room would close very quickly and we have a ton of holes to fill and no #1 draft pick.[/quote]

But Byrd doesn't just fill one hole, he would make the entire defense better. By turning the weakest link on the D into one of the strongest, at the most pivotal position, all of a sudden we're a possible top 10 D.

I truly believe that's the impact of a big rangy FS in Haslett's defense.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=Schneed10;1061468]But Byrd doesn't just fill one hole, he would make the entire defense better. By turning the weakest link on the D into one of the strongest, at the most pivotal position, all of a sudden we're a possible top 10 D.

I truly believe that's the impact of a big rangy FS in Haslett's defense.[/quote]

FS is pivotal for our defense, I agree. I dont think he just changes everything. We need a tackling ILB, something Fletch couldnt get done last year. We need Riley back. We need a SS who can tackle as well. Byrd doesnt fix those problems in the middle.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

It's not like signing Byrd and Rak to long term deals is out of the question. Gotta remember the first few years of the deals would be fairly reasonable hits against the cap.

Re: Free Agency Begins in a Week, Whats the Plan?
 

[quote=Schneed10;1061454]Coverage and pass rush certainly benefit each other. But for the specific defense that Haslett likes to run, even if the pass rush is great the coverage will break down regardless. Orakpo and Kerrigan both had good years, yet our defense left a lot to be desired. Sure you could get more pass rushers from the DL spot, but the way Haslett likes to get pressure is by blitzing in various forms.

Here's how a very fast FS allows Haslett to do his thing:

- the fast FS is capable of covering the gap left behind when a SS blitzes

- the fast FS is capable of covering the gap left behind on the seam route when a middle LB blitzes - the fast FS can successfully walk the line between covering the deep middle and covering the seam route, whereas a slower FS really has to choose either/or

- the fast FS lets the CBs play an off-zone the way it's meant to be played, with eyes on the QB ready to jump the route. Inevitably some of those gambles will go wrong, and the safety needs to be there to save the day.

- the fast FS just straight up reduces the risk of the long ball when a CB just gets flat burned

These are all reasons why we still miss Sean Taylor dearly. We'd be an entirely different defense.

If Haslett played a Tampa 2 then safety's not that important a position. Or if he played a conservative stop-run-first scheme like Blache always did, safety isn't as important. But to blitz and play soft-zone coverages, it's crucial.[/quote]
Nice breakdown, thanks. I am not opposed to Byrd by any means. My preference is to spread the wealth among multiple players but if the end result is a better, more effective (ie. fewer points against) defense, I'm in!