The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[Boone]

 

[NickyJ]

That is definitely a shape

 

[skinsinparadise]

I wonder what NE was saying about Boutee after his rookie year, or Troy Franklin in DEN.

If your point is maybe Peters is too impatient with Lane and McCaffrey. I don't know, possibly?

For what its worth my best guess about their prospects who haven't exploded is what are the beat guys hearing from the team, you get some hints as to the guys they think who haven't emerged yet but they think they will.

And on that front, nothing hits me where they are privately really high on Lane and McCaffrey and expect a big step purely based on their actions and general gossip. But again, they don't need to emerge as legit weapons considering they are both killer special teams players so they have some use no matter what.

As far as my podcast listening, etc as for dudes they seem privately high on who haven't taken that next step yep -- that dude seems be Johnny Newton. And they seem to think Sainristil bounces back. And also there is some odd buzz about Cager at TE.

Specifically as to McCaffrey, I recall hearing he's struggled in both camps so maybe the third is the charm.

 

[burgold]

About a month ago, JD5 invited McLaurin and Dyami to join him in LA to train with him. I think we all remember the videos. Neither McCaffrey nor Lane were there. I don't know if they were not invited, couldn't attend, or something else, but it struck me as something to pay attention to.

Mind you, if I am misremembering and they were there let me know.

I'm on the record as hoping that either or both take a big step forward. It felt like something was starting to click for Luke just before his injury. Still, I do wonder why they were excluded and how much we should read into it.

 

[Primus Porcus]

If your point is maybe Peters is too impatient with Lane and McCaffrey. I don't know, possibly?

For what its worth my best guess about their prospects who haven't exploded is what are the beat guys hearing from the team.

And on that front, nothing hits me where they are privately really high on Lane and McCaffrey and expect a big step. But again, they don't need to as to being useful considering they are both killer special teams players.

As for dudes they seem privately high on who haven't taking that next step yep -- that dude seems be Johnny Newton. And they seem to think Sainristil bounces back. And also there is some odd buzz about Cager at TE.

Specifically as to McCaffrey, I recall hearing he's struggled in both camps so maybe the third is the charm.

I thought we were hearing glowing reviews coming out of 2024, and into 2025. Specifically that Luke was open a lot, and he seemed to be so far down the read of the play he just wasn't being seen. If I remember correctly, some of the guys like Marc Bullock and others were actually showing clips and screen shops showing it.

 

[skinsinparadise]

About a month ago, JD5 invited McLaurin and Dyami to join him in LA to train with him. I think we all remember the videos. Neither McCaffrey nor Lane were there. I don't know if they were not invited, couldn't attend, or something else, but it struck me as something to pay attention to.

Mind you, if I am misremembering and they were there let me know.

Yeah I watched the whole thing. No Lane, No McCaffrey. It was also good to see Dyami there because I recall Jayden did something similar his rookie year and at least for one of those sessions and there was no Dyami.

As to those two players, they are so good on special teams and considering they are both basically day 3 picks -- one was taken late third, the other late 4th, so as far as draft picks to me they are solid if they are special teams studs, who can also fill in as a #4.

Part of why I was super jazzed that they took Antonio Williams was besides loving the prospect, I didn't love what seemed to be a gamble to have Lane-McCaffrey handle the slot this season. Actually I feel better about Burks, Dyami or even McCaffrey playing some Z versus some sort of Lane-McCaffrey platoon at slot.

I wasn't sure if the team felt the same way as I did about the slot position and lol it was good to see they did.

The more I digest this off season and think about it, i don't think Peters is happy with the status quo at WR. He talked about it in his presser at the end of the season, they aggressively went after two WRs in FA. They took one in the draft. All of it is good but IMO they need to finish the job and sign one more. Months back, Aiyuk seemed like a no brainer way to help complete the puzzle but it feels more chancy now but beggars can't be choosers.

 

[Primus Porcus]

About a month ago, JD5 invited McLaurin and Dyami to join him in LA to train with him. I think we all remember the videos. Neither McCaffrey nor Lane were there. I don't know if they were not invited, couldn't attend, or something else, but it struck me as something to pay attention to.

Mind you, if I am misremembering and they were there let me know.

I'm on the record as hoping that either or both take a big step forward. It felt like something was starting to click for Luke just before his injury. Still, I do wonder why they were excluded and how much we should read into it.

No they were not there.

Lane and McCaffrey were both on IR at the end of last season, so I wonder if that comes into play? I know the players and team have limitations on contact with each other during the off season. I also don't think that applies to the training staff, but it's possible they 'suggested' they dont get too involved with stuff like that? If they're still on a specific rehab plan.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I thought we were hearing glowing reviews coming out of 2024, and into 2025. Specifically that Luke was open a lot, and he seemed to be so far down the read of the play he just wasn't being seen. If I remember correctly, some of the guys like Marc Bullock and others were actually showing clips and screen shops showing it.

Not as far as camp. And I recall crystal clear especially as last camp Keim, Nicki among others saying he was having a poor camp.

As far as seperation score, I talked about this in another post, one other film junkie type, I think it was Logan but I am not 100% sure its been a long time, they went on about how more or less Luke was often the dude in the flat as an outlet WR and teams played off against him, giving him built in cushion that inflated that score. That same reviewer wasn't down on Luke but felt that seperation score was yawn. I recall the context of that was fans beating hard on this score and that Jayden wasn't taking advantage -- and I am pretty sure it was Logan who said everyone needs to calm down because that number was deceiving.

It's been many months since I've gone though going through rewatches with All-22. I've never specfically bothered to study Luke specifically. But I do know from my many years of taking some time studying QBs-WRs, its rare to not see plays every game where the WR is wide open and the QB doesn't spot them or throw their way.

As far as me personally, I said as recent as yesterday, if it were me and I had to pick among the four #4 type WRs this team has right now who can play Z, assuming Antonio plays slot, I'd pick McCaffrey. Not because I love the player. But he is a good blocker and has the reputation of being a hard worker -- though he is more of a natural slot than Z.

But back on point, if this team is privately super high on McCaffrey, I have missed any mention like that and their actions this off season doesn't seem to indicate it. As I said I've heard that about some young players but not McCaffrey. Though nothing negative either. And he IMO is a plus player no matter what considering he can return kicks, block and kick in as a sub at slot-Z. Those type of players are valuable, brings me back to James Thrash.

But poor camps, I've heard. Mixed reports I recall the first season. Last summer, the ones who spoke about it, I can recall three different beat guys say it including Keim and that is he struggled.

As to Bullock, just researched it, and pulled a segment he did on him. He thought Luke had some missed opportunities where Jayden could have gotten the ball so was unlucky at times. At the same time, he also talked about him being a raw route runner, and that could be a reason why he doesn't get a lot of reps and not always the best fit with Jayden who is a timing based thrower who seems to like the veteran WRs who can be trusted more to be at the right spots. But to your point, Bullock comes off somewhat intrigued.

I like Bullock, he of course isn't always right, like all of us, he's had some good hits and some big misses. But he's a smart dude. And I am not saying he's missing on McCaffrey, I just listened to like a 15 minute rap from him about him on a podcast and lol its hard for me to tell what is his conclusion about him. He also said he likes what he saw more from Lane in season 1, then McCaffrey in year 1.

I watched a lot of college Lane and some of college McCaffrey. I liked the college tape better for Lane than McCaffrey. Didn't love either one. But liked Lane, was unsure about McCaffrey. Bringing it to the pros, love both players on special teams. And McCaffrey is a good blocker. Not sure about either as route runners. I wouldn't trust either with a starting spot yet, neither earned it. And per my post the other day here, I've been to a zillion camp practices and if there is a position that you can ball at and get people's attention its WR. So if Lane and McCaffrey have taken their game to a new level, you would very likely see it in camp.

 

[burgold]

The only thing I specifically remember and this was from their rookie years was that Luke was a hard worker and that he and Jayden got to camp super early to study tape together around the same time. So, the want to is probably there with Luke as is the pedigree. The interesting thing is that you always hear analysts talk about the advantage of a receiver who makes the switch because they can see the field and "think" like a QB, but that "positive" could also backfire. If JD really likes a play to be run exactly as designed and Luke sees what the D is doing and instinctively adjusts his route using his QB brain I wonder if that causes him to get open but open in a place where the QB is not expecting to look.

 

[skinsinparadise]

 

[skinsinparadise]

The only thing I specifically remember and this was from their rookie years was that Luke was a hard worker and that he and Jayden got to camp super early to study tape together around the same time. So, the want to is probably there with Luke as is the pedigree. The interesting thing is that you always hear analysts talk about the advantage of a receiver who makes the switch because they can see the field and "think" like a QB, but that "positive" could also backfire. If JD really likes a play to be run exactly as designed and Luke sees what the D is doing and instinctively adjusts his route using his QB brain I wonder if that causes him to get open but open in a place where the QB is not expecting to look.

It plays off what I mentioned the other day, if I had to bet on one of the #4 WR types on the roster it would be Luke because among that group he seems to be the one touted the most for his intangibles.

I don't like betting on Luke, Lane, Burks, Dyami, Van Jefferson as a starter. But I am good with them as a backup. And if I was forced to bet on one, I'd bet on Luke.

And again if any of these guys are taking their game up a notch, its hard to miss in camp. Camp is such a showcase for the WR spot. So many reps for WRs at the camps I've gone to -- and plenty of one on ones versus a mix of different CBs.

 

[burgold]

Peters' patience can be frustrating. I don't know how he views Diggs, but it seems to me that grabbing the bird in the hand is better than waiting for the one in the bush to make an appearance. Diggs was practically begging Peters to call him.

 

[burgold]

I don't like betting on Luke, Lane, Burks, Dyami, Van Jefferson as a starter. But I am good with them as a backup. And if I was forced to bet on one, I'd bet on Luke.

Luke might actually be a much better starter than back up if my theory above is correct.

I remember a story from Jayden's rookie season where at one point Terry pulls him aside and says, "Trust me. I'm open. Just throw me the ball." and Daniels did. After that, McLaurin's season exploded. Possibly, Luke needs those reps where Daniels really gets what Luke is doing in order to trust him. Mind you, Luke had the same deficit in targeting when Marcus was QB so that theory may not hold, but if trust in his receivers are that big a part of Daniels' psyche then he needs positive reps to build it.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Luke might actually be a much better starter than back up if my theory above is correct.

I remember a story from Jayden's rookie season where at one point Terry pulls him aside and says, "Trust me. I'm open. Just throw me the ball." and Daniels did. After that, McLaurin's season exploded. Possibly, Luke needs those reps where Daniels really gets what Luke is doing in order to trust him. Mind you, Luke had the same deficit in targeting when Marcus was QB so that theory may not hold, but if trust in his receivers are that big a part of Daniels' psyche then he needs positive reps to build it.

He could be. I wouldn't bet on it myself but it also doesn't sound crazy. But like I said if I had to pick one on the roster it would be him -- just a hair over Lane. But to me you let that play out in camp versus bank on it if you aren't a rebuilding team and feel like you are a contender.

With Terry he's not the best seperator, contested catches is his thing, so his point makes sense.

But overall, Jayden by reputation is similar to Kirk in that they both are very timing based QBs. Plenty are the same way. They throw to a spot. And if the WR isn't in the right spot it ends up a pick or at best an incomplete.

That to me is on the WRs to run precise routes. And playing off of that point it makes a lot of sense why this FO-coaching staff seems already smitten by Antonio Williams. Antonio is a dude who can run a full route tree, and is a precise route runner -- good releases to help the timing of the route, the right route, the right steps, the right timing

 

[Commander Wraith]

I could see Lane and Luke making strides this year, but I do wonder if the scheme change could have a negative impact in terms of the two of them trying to get the route running down.

 

[Riggo44]

If your point is maybe Peters is too impatient with Lane and McCaffrey. I don't know, possibly?

I'm looking at Lane more than McCaffery. His route running has improved through out the year (I heard Bullock mention that, unprompted). Even if he give us 35/500/3, that's a really good player, added to his punt returns. If LMC goes 25 rec and averaged 16-17 YPC, something he was on pace for last year. That would be another useful guy defenses have to account for across from McLaurin. We'll see. I am not looking for either to become All Pro receivers, but they have the ability to contribute a lot more.

I think many of us are still haunted by the specter of Taylor Jacobs. To this day, on quiet, moonless evenings in Ashburn, you can still hear the whispers "Jacobs had a great practice...he's going to break out at any moment...any moment...any moment"

 

[burgold]

Yeah, we're beginning to stray off the purpose of this thread and talk about the offense more than free agents, but I'll indulge at least once more. It's also possible that Kingsbury's overreliance on the hurry up was also a limiting factor. It seemed in year two, defenses had figured it out and that defenses were jumping on routes a lot. So maybe the hurry up had less variation than other offenses which means that to beat it execution is even more crucial. After all, a perfectly executed play can work even when the defense knows what's coming, but it really does need to be perfect. Sinnott, McCaffrey, and Lane are not known as perfect route runners but guys with wiggle or power.

To move it back towards free agency, Diggs seems like the type of a receiver that a QB can be trusted to exactly hit his mark.

 

[Riggo44]

Lane was a 4th round rookie too. I don't think our receivers are much different than what the Broncos rolled with last year--and our QB is way better. I'd love to add Diggs, more so than Aiyuk, but I think there is upside to this receiving corps. To your point burgold I don't think Sinnott or Lane were used to their strengths last year.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I'm looking at Lane more than McCaffery. His route running has improved through out the year (I heard Bullock mention that, unprompted). Even if he give us 35/500/3, that's a really good player, added to his punt returns. If LMC goes 25 rec and averaged 16-17 YPC, something he was on pace for last year. That would be another useful guy defenses have to account for across from McLaurin. We'll see. I am not looking for either to become All Pro receivers, but they have the ability to contribute a lot more.

I think many of us are still haunted by the specter of Taylor Jacobs. To this day, on quiet, moonless evenings in Ashburn, you can still hear the whispers "Jacobs had a great practice...he's going to break out at any moment...any moment...any moment"

Yeah Jacobs was purely a practice dynamo, did nothing on game day.

For me both McCaffrey and Lane are good picks, they are great special teams players. McCaffrey is also a good blocker. If they are great special teams players and can be a #4 type WR, that's useful.

As far as Lane goes, he wasn't much of a deep threat in college, most of his catches were in the flat. Tough for me to gauge him based on one season.

For me my theme with WRs if they are really developing and are becoming great, you can see it in camp, so i am not worried of the idea of upgrading that spot and somehow a younger WR gets lost.

If you forced me to put money on betting on either one ending up a bonafide #2 in the league, I'd bet against them. But its not because I don't like the WRs. I was high on the Lane pick when it happened. I watched my share of him before the draft.

But ironically watching McCaffrey-Lane college tape made me really into Bernard, A. Williams and to some extent Sarratt in this draft assuming this team skipped taking a WR in the first round. When you watch those guys, they can do a bit of everything. When you watched college Lane and McCaffrey they were not nearly as polished as those three WRs or as well rounded. And that was part of the reason, I ideally didn't want a raw boom-bust type WR in the third -- and thereby I was thrilled when they took Antonio.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Yeah, we're beginning to stray off the purpose of this thread and talk about the offense more than free agents, but I'll indulge at least once more. It's also possible that Kingsbury's overreliance on the hurry up was also a limiting factor. It seemed in year two, defenses had figured it out and that defenses were jumping on routes a lot. So maybe the hurry up had less variation than other offenses which means that to beat it execution is even more crucial. After all, a perfectly executed play can work even when the defense knows what's coming, but it really does need to be perfect. Sinnott, McCaffrey, and Lane are not known as perfect route runners but guys with wiggle or power.

To move it back towards free agency, Diggs seems like the type of a receiver that a QB can be trusted to exactly hit his mark.

Yeah Diggs is in the mode of Antonio, quick seperator, good route runner. Obviously, Diggs is established. Antonio is a rookie. But I agree with whomever talked to Keim and told him Antonio and Diggs would work well together even if their strengths overlap some.