The 2025 Free Agency Thread

I got a number of FAs I like still but am not putting it out there this time because whenever I do hours later they get signed by another team. :confused:

But am good with what they are doing. There is some beef and depth on the D line now. I am ok with them being older (heck that's this years FA). I like the Jones signing for corner. I want another CB, another WR. Another O lineman for depth. And as far as edge, I am satisfied as to stopping the run. Need a guy now with juice as a pass rusher.

I am not worried about PFF grades. See VOR -- I told you in the past I am either a fan or critic of PFF depending on context. :). the PFF grades of these guys are fine regardless, it depends on what you focus on. But some IMO take them way too literally. For exampe, for whatever reason following PFF they love to give big boys tough grades as to doing big boy things. For example, I mentioned they see John Bates as a poor run blocker while Ertz said he's the best he's ever seen. But plenty of other weird examples like that over the years. So lets take Goldman. I recall him well in that draft, big boy, nose tackle who stuffs the run.

Heck by PFF measures, they lauded his run stuffing earlier in his career, now they are higher on him as a pass rusher and down on the run stuffing. So am listening to a dude on 106.7 go on about he's more of a pass rusher, not much of a run blocker. But that's ridiculous if you follow his career. I don't take PFF that literally. Even the PFF guys don't take their own scores that literally if you listen to them as talking heads.

So that's my long winded way of saying, big boys with good reputations as setting the edge -- I'll trust Peters and company and their takes about players who match that profile over taking every PFF score that literally. It doesn't surprise me when speed rushers who aren't big boys struggle to set the edge. Conversly, big boys who are stout, who at times get good PFF scores against the run, and some years don't, but with reputations for stopping the run..in those cases, I'll buy into Peters and their reputation over taking every PFF score literally. And this is coming from a dude who has subscribed to PFF forever and I do like it as a tool but I don't live and die with it and take every score literally.
 
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That number is skewed a little by re-signings Tress, Bobby, and Ertz—guys that we wanted back and we all think have another good year in them. A stud left tackle like tonsil can usually play effectively until 35. And most of the others are on one-year contract. So that number is deceiving but still a little concerning.
It would’ve been nice in theory to pay up for one of the younger FAs… Jevon Holland, DJ Reed, and Dayo (edge from the Colts) were all 25 for example. But if AP didn’t think they’d hit their upside to justify a sure overpay, so be it. Good thing is veterans bring experience, leadership, and professionalism to the locker room.
 
I got a number of FAs I like still but am not putting it out there this time because whenever I do hours later they get signed by another team. :confused:

But am good with what they are doing. There is some beef and depth on the D line now. I am ok with them being older (heck that's this years FA). I like the Jones signing for corner. I want another CB, another WR. Another O lineman for depth. And as far as edge, I am satisfied as to stopping the run. Need a guy now with juice as a pass rusher.

I am not worried about PFF grades. See VOR -- I told you in the past I am either a fan or critic of PFF depending on context. :). the PFF grades of these guys are fine regardless, it depends on what you focus on. But some IMO take them way too literally. For exampe, for whatever reason following PFF they love to give big boys tough grades as to doing big boy things. For example, I mentioned they see John Bates as a poor run blocker while Ertz said he's the best he's ever seen. But plenty of other weird examples like that over the years. So lets take Goldman. I recall him well in that draft, big boy, nose tackle who stuffs the run.

Heck by PFF measures, they lauded his run stuffing earlier in his career, now they are higher on him as a pass rusher and down on the run stuffing. So am listening to a dude on 106.7 go on about he's more of a pass rusher, not much of a run blocker. But that's ridiculous if you follow his career. I don't take PFF that literally. Even the PFF guys don't take their own scores that literally if you listen to them as talking heads.

So that's my long winded way of sayinfg, big boys with good reputations as setting the edge -- I'll trust Peters and company and their takes about players who match that profile over taking ever PFF score that literally. It doesn't surprise me when speed rushers who aren't big boys struggle to set the edge. Big boys who are stout, who at times get good PFF scores against the run, and some years don't, but with reputations for stopping the run. I'll buy into Peters and their reputation over taking every PFF score literally. And this is coming from a dude who has subscribed to PFF forever and I do like it as a took but I don't live and die with it and take every score literally.
It sure is apparent that DQ and Whitt have realized focus is needed in the run defense up the middle and setting the edge! I figure they work on speed and penetration in the draft.

Staring at the revamped depth chart makes the WR, LB, an OL depth as needing depth or starters along with the Edge. All of these FA moves this far are creating a much more comfortable draft situation. The roster needs are not nearly as strong allowing them to be in much more of a BPA situation. If they make the Handrickson trade or bring in a WR like Cooper and AP can have his way the board, especially if he can make a few trade backs for more picks
 
It's certainly a risky strategy to trade so many draft picks and get older in the process, they better nail the draft or our long term outlook could be shaky.

Short term though a locker room with this much experience and leadership could gel like last year and put us over the top.
 
The draft capital was well spent. We've beaten this to death but a top 5 LT does not come on the market often, this is the price you pay for such a premium player. I don't see how anyone can be worked up about giving up a 5th for Deebo in a contract year. We all know Lattimore came pretty cheap.

Now they fill in holes with vets at reasonable costs, as mentioned guys on 1 year prove it deals are motivated. So they pick and choose the ones they want to keep and reward them with a better contract and cut the others loise and find better replacements on 1 year deals. Worry about the age of a vet on a 1 year deal is kind of silly to me.

I still don't understand the Kinlaw signing, I'll take a wait and see on that. But I'm excited about Jones, I really wanted Ward but Jones looks like a good signing. Initially I thought Chinn to Harris was a lateral move but with more research I think it's an upgrade. Harris lays the wood like Chinn and is apparently better in coverage. Love the big spacing eating DT that I can't find the name of.
 
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It's certainly a risky strategy to trade so many draft picks and get older in the process, they better nail the draft or our long term outlook could be shaky.

Short term though a locker room with this much experience and leadership could gel like last year and put us over the top.
Ironic thing is if we were bad to mediocre last year, I think picking in the top half of this years draft would have changed how we approached free agency. I higher first and of course higher 2nd etc changes things. RR leaving the cupboard bare will take a few off-season's to climb out of.
 
That number is skewed a little by re-signings Tress, Bobby, and Ertz—guys that we wanted back and we all think have another good year in them. A stud left tackle like tonsil can usually play effectively until 35. And most of the others are on one-year contract. So that number is deceiving but still a little concerning.
It would’ve been nice in theory to pay up for one of the younger FAs… Jevon Holland, DJ Reed, and Dayo (edge from the Colts) were all 25 for example. But if AP didn’t think they’d hit their upside to justify a sure overpay, so be it. Good thing is veterans bring experience, leadership, and professionalism to the locker room.

All very true. It just places even more importance on hitting in the draft, especially with the reduction in picks with the clock ticking on Daniels rookie salary clock.

Thanks Ron.
 
You fill your needs in free agency and take BPA in the draft. I firmly believe they are doing this but in the draft I totally expect them to take a RB so they may be forced to reach a bit there. Hoping for a trade back to recoup that 2nd for next year but every fan wants their team to do that.
 
All very true. It just places even more importance on hitting in the draft, especially with the reduction in picks with the clock ticking on Daniels rookie salary clock.

Thanks Ron.
Just have to keep reminding yourself….without Ron’s incompetence there’s no Jayden! Gonna be another few years of drafting to build up a young homegrown base, but we will be fine continuing to fill holes with available vets until then thanks to Jayden’s rookie salary.
 
The draft capital was well spent. We've beaten this to death but a top 5 LT does not come on the market often, this is the price you pay for such a premium player. I don't see how anyone can be worked up about giving up a 5th for Deebo in a contract year. We all know Lattimore came pretty cheap.

Now they fill in holes with vets at reasonable costs, as mentioned guys on 1 year prove it deals are motivated. So they pick and choose the ones they want to keep and reward them with a better contract and cut the others loise and find better replacements on 1 year deals. Worry about the age of a vet on a 1 year deal is kind of silly to me.

I still don't understand the Kinlaw signing, I'll take a wait and see on that. But I'm excited about Jones, I really wanted Ward but Jones looks like a good signing. Initially I thought Chinn to Harris was a lateral move but with more research I think it's an upgrade. Harris lays the wood like Chinn and is apparently better in coverage. Love the big spacing eating DT that I can't find the name of.

I wouldn’t characterize the Lattimore trade as cheap…unless he can recapture his previous level of play and stay on the field, which has been a struggle for him over the past 4 years.

I’m not overly concerned with the age of the signings for the reasons you stated. Peters just needs to be really good at maximizing the picks he still has. In his limited time as the main bearer of the weight as the head personnel honcho he has, so far, shown the ability. In Peters in trust.
 
It sure is apparent that DQ and Whitt have realized focus is needed in the run defense up the middle and setting the edge! I figure they work on speed and penetration in the draft.

Staring at the revamped depth chart makes the WR, LB, an OL depth as needing depth or starters along with the Edge. All of these FA moves this far are creating a much more comfortable draft situation. The roster needs are not nearly as strong allowing them to be in much more of a BPA situation. If they make the Handrickson trade or bring in a WR like Cooper and AP can have his way the board, especially if he can make a few trade backs for more picks

Feels like for sure a DE in the draft, especially one who can set the edge ala Landon Jackson, JT, Ivy, Sawyer, etc. Maybe CB in play. I think a sneaky way this coming season can come off the rails is if Lattimore is truly as bad as he looked and or his injury issues resurface -- I think that one can be a ticking time bomb. I think for now the D line is at least OK considering i expect them to bring at least one more in.

My fear is they wait to the late 4th to address RB. Considering some of their scheduled meetings --Woody Marks (my fav late round RB) and Jordan James. These aren't dudes projected to go early especially post combine with their mediocre 40s. So it wouldn't shock me if they come out of the draft without that speedy or elite RB, some of us crave.

My hope is they trade down and they use one of their 2nd or early 3rd (assuming a trade back) is addressed for RB. RB is stacked and special in this draft. I want one of the top guys, not the left overs. Heck I can deal with a high end 2nd tier one too like a Sampson, Skattebo. I like Tuten too but I doubt he falls to the late 4th but maybe.
 
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Just have to keep reminding yourself….without Ron’s incompetence there’s no Jayden! Gonna be another few years of drafting to build up a young homegrown base, but we will be fine continuing to fill holes with available vets until then thanks to Jayden’s rookie salary.

Indeed. Silver linings are always appreciated. 😉
 
As for the age of the FAs, part of me likes it with depth guys. I like to have experienced players as backups generally. But as for the FA approach, its actually low risk. These 1 year deals. Heck even the Kinlaw deal which is the one most often criticized is basically a 2 year deal.

Where you get screwed in FA is giving major guaranteed money to decent but not great players and then being stuck with albatross contracts when they underperform. They haven't risked that at all. It in effect allows you deal with acquistions in a low risk way and ensure cap room going forward.
 
I wouldn’t characterize the Lattimore trade as cheap…unless he can recapture his previous level of play and stay on the field, which has been a struggle for him over the past 4 years.

I’m not overly concerned with the age of the signings for the reasons you stated. Peters just needs to be really good at maximizing the picks he still has. In his limited time as the main bearer of the weight as the head personnel honcho he has, so far, shown the ability. In Peters in trust.
I remain concerned about his performance until proven differently. But it was still a low price to pay for a player who is considered one of the top corners in the league. He just needs to play that way but there was nothing wrong with the deal.
 
The only thing that gives me pause about Adam Peters' free agent policy is his love of 1-year deals is going to mean constant churn. Hopefully, we do eventually replace those one-year guys with draft picks, but I do want to see year over year progress and that's going to be tough if so much of the team needs to be replaced every year.
 
You fill your needs in free agency and take BPA in the draft. I firmly believe they are doing this but in the draft I totally expect them to take a RB so they may be forced to reach a bit there. Hoping for a trade back to recoup that 2nd for next year but every fan wants their team to do that.
Right there with you. It would be a shame to not take advantage of the DL and RB depth this draft (the strength of class matching up with our needs), but with our current picks, that would leave us w/ 1 early-mid round pick.
Adding to the OL pipeline as well as a young corner would be great, and of course I’d like to be open to taking a TE and WR.

In terms of FA, if we at least land a pass rushing DE, another decent corner and a quality vet WR (Noah Brown level or above), I think we can feel pretty good about how we stand currently.
I feel pretty confident we’re going to sign 2 DEs, a linebacker, and probably a couple receivers and corners (perhaps an Olineman), though most of those will wind up competing for back end depth.
 
We just have different definitions of cheap DGF. Time and performance level will tell.
 
The only thing that gives me pause about Adam Peters' free agent policy is his love of 1-year deals is going to mean constant churn. Hopefully, we do eventually replace those one-year guys with draft picks, but I do want to see year over year progress and that's going to be tough if so much of the team needs to be replaced every year.

I think he is just playing the hand he was dealt about the best you can. That dearth of starters form the previous drafts left the club bare. I think we will see these one year deals until enough time passes to fill in from the draft. But that could be a few years with the way Rivera left this squad. Also they were probably thinking mid round picks and now due to this instant success are picking at the bottom, which can also slow down the restocking of young players.
 
Feels like for sure a DE in the draft, especially one who can set the edge ala Landon Jackson, JT, Ivy, Sawyer, etc. Maybe CB in play. I think a sneaky way this coming season can come off the rails is if Lattimore is truly as bad as he looked and or his injury issues resurface -- I think that one can be a ticking time bomb. I think for now the D line is at least OK considering i expect them to bring at least one more in.

My fear is they wait to the late 4th to address RB. Considering some of their scheduled meetings --Woody Marks (my fav late round RB) and Jordan James. These aren't dudes projected to go early especially post combine with their mediocre 40s. So it wouldn't shock me if they come out of the draft without that speedy or elite RB, some of us crave.

My hope is they trade down and they use one of their 2nd or early 3rd (assuming a trade back) is addressed for RB. RB is stacked and special in this draft. I want one of the top guys, not the left overs. Heck I can deal with a high end 2nd tier one too like a Sampson, Skattebo. I like Tuten too but I doubt he falls to the late 4th but maybe.
YES! I want them to hit on an Edge and OL early in the draft at least. It would be sweet if they could have hit on a RB, CB and WR early as well.

I can see them go for a LB in FA, right now there are a number of good ones still available and the draft is meh on them.

Back up Center is something that doesn't look that good in the draft so I could see them looking at that in FA
 

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