And I am not saying I've lost complete faith, but I am disappointed the OL has not been addressed with a top tier or even 2nd tier guy at one of the 3 positions we lack any talent...C, RG, RT. Again, I am not saying we throw money at a player because he's "that" player. But there have been a few payers that would have been solid upgrades along the line without breaking the bank. I get Gruuden not signing Collins. If he didn't want him, not many have a better understanding of that player than his former OC.
What about player like Giacomini, De La Puente at C...either one of those 2nd to middle tier guys would have been upgrades over the players we have. Donald Penn is intriguing...has he been signed? he won't be too expensive.
What about safety? TJ Ward did not get a bank breaking contract with Denver. He was costly, but not out of hand. Not getting Byrd was fine with me, but Ward could have been here for years. Position of need filled.
I am glad we didn't pay Talib or Verner...both got huge paydays and I am fine losing those sweepstakes.
Again, I don't want a bunch of reckless big payday signings, but if you get arguably the best player in the league for 5 years for a hefty price when that is a position of absolute need...especially if that player is of high character.
As for Hatcher...I just don't know. I remember playing them when they were absolutely crippled on the DL last year and he stepped up HUGE against us. The year prior? He had a solid outing in the home game to end the season. He stood out because I kept thinking their DL has been decimated by age and injury and this dude stepped in to fill the void. But he's 31. I am all for stop gap players...maybe Tracy Porter works out. Lavauo? I mean, I know they haven't hit the field yet so we could have done enough and will be using the draft to fill other needs.
I am just not all that impressed and disappointed the OL has not been the main focus. We have plenty of money to fill 2 positions with more than just value signings.