Rhetorical question (because the answer is money via the broadcast deals) but given starters hardly play at all now what is the point of preseason? Teams can evaluate rookies and bubble players during joint practices and scrimmages - not sure what you really learn running your second/third...
PFF ranks Terry at #10 in the NFL. That feel about right. He’s under contract and team control so he’s not going to get the ‘new contract premium that would put him in the top 5 in terms of ACV and guarantee.
https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff-wide-receiver-rankings-top-32-2025-season. Feels...
Hartman just does not have the arm talent to be even a backup in the NFL. If Daniels likes having him around make him an assistant coach or something - but he’s not worth a practice squad spot let alone a roster spot.
He won’t be a FA next year - I can’t see a scenario in which he doesn’t either sign a long term deal with Cincy or get traded before the trade deadline this season. I could see a hold out and it being very messy if a deal or trade don’t get done before the season starts.
Somewhat better? Hendrickson is coming off back to back 17 sack seasons. He’s in a totally different tier of player compared to Fowler.
That said I don’t disagree with your point about being unlikely to give up significant draft capital for him.
It’s less the contract more the assets it would take to trade for him. But edge is the missing piece.
Blue chip positions
QB - JD. Tick
LT - Tunsil. Tick
WR - Terry/Deebo. Tick
CB - Lattimore. TBC but if he is healthy … (also love the Amos pick but let’s see him play before we start talking...
He’s more of a very solid run stopper set an edge guy. We (arguably) have that already. We need someone with the wiggle to create pressure.
Hard to find at this point in the calendar. I think we are going to have to be aggressive with play calling and scheme pressure.
MOF open and a bang 8 with a receiver isolated against a baker off a 3 step timing throw? That’s day 1 install stuff and a match up that your eyes light up when you see it pre snap.
But I do accept making that throw on the last snap of the game when it is shit or bust is a hell of a lot...
If you could crack that code you can make MILLIONS scouting and drafting QBs (and pretty much every other position as well) :)
For me the clutch aspect is not so much just that throw (which I still contend is relatively routine in a vacuum) - it’s the sequence of plays that get us down the...
Like I said - not a knock on the throw or JD at all. It’s a clutch play. But I disagree we couldn’t find examples of other QBs we have had over the last 10 years making that kind of throw. The situation in which he made that throw and the plays before that that lead to him being in a situation...
This is not a knock on JD at all - but thats a throw you expect a quality NFL QB to make. “1,2,3 put it on him” - they spend hours doing that against air and then in 7 on 7 drills.
Edge is a clear area of weakness IMO. An argument can be made we are better against the run/setting an edge - but getting pressure/sacks from that position has to be a concern.
The team clearly understands that. Reports are they are kicking tires on free agents pass rushers.
Mike Shanahan made his name as the QB coach at the Broncos (John Elway) and then OC of the 49ers (Steve Young) and then Head Coach back at the Broncos (John Elway).
In between the stints with the Broncos and 49ers he failed as HC of the Raiders - QBs Jeff George and Wade Wilson.
He wins his...