#1 Target in the Free Agency [2016 Sign the Beast thread #006]

HawaiianPatsfan said:

Im really surprised more people aren't advocating O-linemen via FA. First off, its the deepest of all the FA portions, which should help with keeping the prices at reasonable figures. Second like me and @manxman2601 were talking about a little earlier, It's already very difficult to to find a Tackle or even guard, who is a rookie starter, with a high pick. Finding one at the end of the 2nd is basically just a dream. It doesn't help that this years draft isn't stacked with a lot of O line talent either.

If Brady has 3 season left, I say we pay up for OT for the next two seasons, and draft a replacement next season.

Heres a article highlighting some of PFF top graded O lineman did yesterday. Yeah, I know its PFF and their info can be skewed, but Oline ratings are one of their more accurate and true ratings.

With the offseason underway for all but the final two teams, we are beginning to look ahead to free agency. Emphasis on offensive line performance has grown the last few years, particularly in pass protection as the league continues to evolve into a pass-heavy league and college players continue to run spread-heavy offenses. We are taking into account more than just each player’s 2015 grade, but also previous seasons, age, skill-sets, among other aspects, to give you the top 10 free agent offensive linemen of 2016.

To see every 2016 free agent, be sure to check out PFF’s free agency tracker.

(Editor’s note: Each players’ overall season grade for only 2015 is noted next to his name; grades fall within PFF’s new 1–100 scale.)

1. Cordy Glenn, OT (85.0)
2015 team: Buffalo Bills

2. Kelechi Osemele, G/OT (79.6)
2015 team: Baltimore Ravens

3. Kelvin Beachum, OT (79.4)
2015 team: Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Mitchell Schwartz, OT (86.6)
2015 team: Cleveland Browns

5. Donald Penn, OT (84.6)
2015 team: Oakland Raiders

6. Richie Incognito, G (90.0)
2015 team: Buffalo Bills

7. Evan Mathis, G (89.6)
2015 team: Denver Broncos

8. Ryan Schraeder, OT (87.0)
2015 team: Atlanta Falcons

9. Brandon Brooks, G (66.7)
2015 team: Houston Texans

10. Stefen Wisniewski, C (72.5)
2015 team: Jacksonville Jaguars

.

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Maybe you should stop and think about things for a second instead of just posting.
The 1st 4 players you listed are all going to get hit with the Franchise tag.
Richie Incognito is a cancer.
Evan Mathis already told us to pound sand once..
The Pats passed on Wisniewski even when they knew that Connolly wasn't coming back.
Brandon Brooks has medical issues that have kept him out of games, sometimes at the last minute. He missed two games this season because of it..
Donald Penn is 32..

Schraeder seems like a good option. But do you really want to replace Vollmer? And does Schaeder have what it takes to be a swing tackle?

P.S. Please familiarize yourself with the Guidelines Ian has posted in regards to copying material from other sites.

I have no particular player targets, I almost never do.

OFFFENSE
We need re-sign or replace Chandler, Wendell, Blount, Cannon and LaFell.

DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS
We need to re-sign Brown, Coleman, King and Ebner.
We could use an ILB to replace Mayo on the roster.

So, we do need to spend the FA money we have adding some vets on offense at TE, OG, RB, OT and WR. An ILB is about all we need on defense, other than extensions. As usual, I don't see us signing any high priced players.

mgteich said:

OFFFENSE
We need to replace Chandler, Blount, Cannon, Fleming, Kline, Dropson, Harper and LaFell...

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Fixed it for ya.

Does Anquon Boldin have anything left? He went to the 49ers in 2013 and did great at first but didn't he fall off big time?

edit: oh sh.it I just looked it up, he's turning 36 this season. No thanks

VectorPrime said:

Does Anquon Boldin have anything left? He went to the 49ers in 2013 and did great at first but didn't he fall off big time?

edit: oh sh.it I just looked it up, he's turning 36 this season. No thanks

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The prospect of having Boldin as a physical type of possession receiver who still has the capacity to effectively run short/mid routes continues to intrigue me, despite his age. There's absolutely no reason to believe that he can't handle duties here for 2016. Hell, how in the world could it be any worse than what we just got from LaFell, and we still almost went to the SB?

In other words, if a guy like Steve Smith was able to come over (probably prior to the injury, of course), I think we'd have all been pretty happy, and he's going to turn 37 in May. Boldin "just" turned 35 in October a few months ago, so I don't think we should just automatically look past him due to that alone. He could be a great value signing in my opinion on a one-year pact.

His past 3 seasons:

85 receptions
83 receptions
69 receptions (without much help in the offense from the run game or QB)

mgteich said:

I have no particular player targets, I almost never do.

OFFFENSE
We need re-sign or replace Chandler, Wendell, Blount, Cannon and LaFell.

DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS
We need to re-sign Brown, Coleman, King and Ebner.
We could use an ILB to replace Mayo on the roster.

So, we do need to spend the FA money we have adding some vets on offense at TE, OG, RB, OT and WR. An ILB is about all we need on defense, other than extensions. As usual, I don't see us signing any high priced players.

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I agree with your conservative FA outlook, aside from a middle tier guy like we saw last year with Jabaal Sheard. Coleman, King, and Ebner are almost all locks to stay in my opinion.

I think you may have forgot to include Hicks, though, on defense. Even though he only played in 27 percent of the snaps, he's a guy who looked pretty decent. I'm sure you'd much rather retain him vs. let him leave, but should that happen, I'm not going to overreact like many here on the forum will.

I wouldn't mind taking a shot at one of the OSU LBs in the draft. I think we can afford to do that, for sure, and I think either one would make a terrific acquisition. It would also provide a backup plan and a bit of leverage during the HT/Collins negotiations, and a replacement for the expected loss of Jerod Mayo. Normally, I wouldn't include LB at such an early point of the draft, but in this case I think we have that luxury. There's also the aspect of HT/Collins getting banged up at key points and leaving us high and dry, and while we're all expecting both to be retained, it's certainly not written in stone.

Are there any backup tackles in that they can sign? I never want to see Marcus cannon in a pats uni ever again.

primetime said:

lol what

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Did you see him play at Texas A&M? There's a reason Seattle used a second round pick on him. I don't know why he's bounced around the last year or so, but he was thought to be the heir apparent to Lynch just last season. Plus, he ran almost exclusively out of the shotgun at A&M which is a huge positive given how much we play with one back shotgun sets. Reminds me a little of Maurice Jones Drew with the short stocky build, the way guys bounce off him, and the extra gear he has to separate at the second level.

Some of his college film:

@ESPNCleveland
The #Browns understanding is that Josh Gordon is under contract for the next two seasons and then an UFA in 2018. But, technicalities apply.

Wow. An extra year of just taking up about 1 million in cap room.

Easily my #1 offseason wish/gamble. We'll have 9 draft picks with comp picks. and don't need anywhere near 9 more rookie picks. Gambling on Gordon and keeping Lafell would allow us to spend cap $ elsewhere (the OL) too, as well as not spending draft capital on more rookie WRs that won't mesh with Brady.

DaBruinz said:

Maybe you should stop and think about things for a second instead of just posting.
The 1st 4 players you listed are all going to get hit with the Franchise tag.
Richie Incognito is a cancer.
Evan Mathis already told us to pound sand once..
The Pats passed on Wisniewski even when they knew that Connolly wasn't coming back.
Brandon Brooks has medical issues that have kept him out of games, sometimes at the last minute. He missed two games this season because of it..
Donald Penn is 32..

Schraeder seems like a good option. But do you really want to replace Vollmer? And does Schaeder have what it takes to be a swing tackle?

P.S. Please familiarize yourself with the Guidelines Ian has posted in regards to copying material from other sites.

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Not sure how you can chastise someone for lack of understanding, and then claim 4 OT/Gs are going to get franchise tags.

Buffalo, Pitt and Baltimore are three of the worst cap situations in the league, and you want 12mil+ tied up on a tag? They could be worked in to their respective teams plans, but they won't be tagged.

Hue Jackson is not going to trade or cut Gordon he is a offensive guy im pretty sure he has already stated he has spoke with Gordon and is excited to work with him.

You would have to give up high capital a third and possibly a player and again I dont think they would trade him but I would welcome it.

Getting Andre Holmes back or Rod Streater is more realistic.

Would be insane to add Marvin Jones and trade for Josh Gordon put Julian back in the slot.
Sign Chris Ivory to a two year deal rebuild the O line.
Sign Marcus Cooper and coach him up.
That is my ideal free agency.

ChrisR2223 said:

Hue Jackson is not going to trade or cut Gordon he is a offensive guy im pretty sure he has already stated he has spoke with Gordon and is excited to work with him.

You would have to give up high capital a third and possibly a player and again I dont think they would trade him but I would welcome it.

Getting Andre Holmes back or Rod Streater is more realistic.

Would be insane to add Marvin Jones and trade for Josh Gordon put Julian back in the slot.
Sign Chris Ivory to a two year deal rebuild the O line.
Sign Marcus Cooper and coach him up.
That is my ideal free agency.

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OK, New possible trade/CAP cut scenarios. Justin Hunter? Big WR, young with speed. Plays backup in TN. Why? Who knows. He's had 8 TDs and had 68 catches in three years but the Titans passing game has been in a flux. Was a 2nd rounder.

How about Cordarrell Patterson? He had 45 receptions in 2013 out of 78 targets so that is not bad at all, and yet has been buried on the depth chart. He's only 24 and solves our KR issue. Blazing speed. 1st rounder in 2013. TB and a change of scenery might help.

Here is one nobody discusses. Mike Wallace. Only 29 not a Vikings style fit. Not small at 6' and 205lbs. RW" It's a no-brainer. Wallace isn't worth his $11.45 million salary and it's unlikely he'd take a pay cut to stay with Minnesota.The 29-year-old should fare better in a more pass-oriented offense" Pats? Would he be willing to work with us for a two year incentive ladden deal?.....that is if he is cut. Or would the Vikes do a sign and trade with us? Speed?........ Check!
DW Toys

BillBelichickFan79 said:

Did you see him play at Texas A&M? There's a reason Seattle used a second round pick on him. I don't know why he's bounced around the last year or so, but he was thought to be the heir apparent to Lynch just last season. Plus, he ran almost exclusively out of the shotgun at A&M which is a huge positive given how much we play with one back shotgun sets. Reminds me a little of Maurice Jones Drew with the short stocky build, the way guys bounce off him, and the extra gear he has to separate at the second level.

Some of his college film:

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What does Micheals college film have to do with anything, all that matters is his performance in the pros and it doesn't qualify as mediocre. The Patriots need a high quality RB not a prospect. This is a good free agent class for RBs and they should go after the top RBs as they won't command top RB money, they can get one for five million and should do just that.

DW Toys said:

OK, New possible trade/CAP cut scenarios. Justin Hunter? Big WR, young with speed. Plays backup in TN. Why? Who knows. He's had 8 TDs and had 68 catches in three years but the Titans passing game has been in a flux. Was a 2nd rounder.

How about Cordarrell Patterson? He had 45 receptions in 2013 out of 78 targets so that is not bad at all, and yet has been buried on the depth chart. He's only 24 and solves our KR issue. Blazing speed. 1st rounder in 2013. TB and a change of scenery might help.

Here is one nobody discusses. Mike Wallace. Only 29 not a Vikings style fit. Not small at 6' and 205lbs. RW" It's a no-brainer. Wallace isn't worth his $11.45 million salary and it's unlikely he'd take a pay cut to stay with Minnesota.The 29-year-old should fare better in a more pass-oriented offense" Pats? Would he be willing to work with us for a two year incentive ladden deal?.....that is if he is cut. Or would the Vikes do a sign and trade with us? Speed?........ Check!
DW Toys

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Uuuuugggghhhhhh


Sorry DW but those are the worst suggestions ever. I don't want busts, especially those who aren't team players and don't read playbooks.

Mike Wallace was a total bust for the Dolphins. The Steelers were right to let him go.

Justin Hunter would be worth a looksee

BillBelichickFan79 said:

Did you see him play at Texas A&M? There's a reason Seattle used a second round pick on him. I don't know why he's bounced around the last year or so, but he was thought to be the heir apparent to Lynch just last season. Plus, he ran almost exclusively out of the shotgun at A&M which is a huge positive given how much we play with one back shotgun sets. Reminds me a little of Maurice Jones Drew with the short stocky build, the way guys bounce off him, and the extra gear he has to separate at the second level.

Some of his college film:

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The Seahawks gave him to the Cowboys for nothing, the Cowboys cut him to sign journeyman Robert Turbin, the Redskins signed him to the practice squad and then released him. He's bad.

Ivan said:

What does Micheals college film have to do with anything, all that matters is his performance in the pros and it doesn't qualify as mediocre. The Patriots need a high quality RB not a prospect. This is a good free agent class for RBs and they should go after the top RBs as they won't command top RB money, they can get one for five million and should do just that.

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primetime said:

The Seahawks gave him to the Cowboys for nothing, the Cowboys cut him to sign journeyman Robert Turbin, the Redskins signed him to the practice squad and then released him. He's bad.

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Disagree on both accounts.

You don't go out and pay five million dollars a year for a middle aged running back with a lot of tread on his tires. You can always find guys in the mid to late rounds of the draft that are capable and often good starters, as the position has been devalued and the age of the 300 carry back like LT or Larry Johnson is long gone. You just have to make an actual commitment to running the ball and establishing a physical mentality on the offensive line. Paying five million for a middle aged RB - That's just not wise cap management IMO.

His college tape does matter because he has clear talent and belongs in the league IMO. That's why i brought it up. I watched a good amount of his games in college so I'm familiar with his game and skill set.

He was "so bad" that when Seattle needed to start a RB down the stretch and in the playoffs with Lynch and Rawls out, he was chosen to step in and played well.

And i would consider it a bit ignorant to just judge a guy as "bad" because he's bounced around a few rosters and hasn't been given a full chance. That is somewhat lazy analysis. Just because a guy doesn't work out somewhere or has been cut by certain teams doesn't mean he's an automatic failure everywhere else.

According to that logic, Rob Ninkovich never should have been picked up by the Patriots. Bounced back and forth between Saints and Dolphins practice squads and official rosters, toiling away in anonymity. He's "bad "because teams keep cutting him and giving him away for nothing. Instead, Pats saw something in him, he comes in and becomes one of the most important pieces in rebuilding the defense, essentially becoming the new version of a Mike Vrabel.

Deion Branch anyone? All you heard out of Seattle was how he's done he's shot he's not a good receiver anymore blah blah blah. We trade for him and he comes in and gives us two years of very good production late in his career.

One team's trash is sometimes another team's treasure. Priest Holmes, Wes Welker, Kurt Warner, etc. Just like How many people on this board years ago thought Adam Seward was that type of guy?

There's countless guys throughout the history of the league who were toiling away in anonymity, bouncing around rosters for a few years undervalued by many who wind up turning into key contributors.

BillBelichickFan79 said:

His college tape does matter because he has clear talent and belongs in the league IMO. That's why i brought it up. I watched a good amount of his games in college so I'm familiar with his game and skill set.

He was "so bad" that when Seattle needed to start a RB down the stretch and in the playoffs with Lynch and Rawls out, he was chosen to step in and played well.

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If every guy with great college tape was great in the pros, Chad Jackson and Laurence Maroney would be in the middle of Hall of Fame careers right now.

Michael was "chosen to step in" because the Seahawks had a hole blown through their running back corps by injury, and Michael was available (because, as noted, he is terrible) and knew the offense. He had exactly two decent games, one against the Browns and another against the Cardinals. Even against the Cardinals, take away one 45 yard run and he averaged 3.5 yards per carry.

This is like saying Steven Jackson should be a hot commodity because the Patriots "chose" him to step in.

primetime said:

If every guy with great college tape was great in the pros, Chad Jackson and Laurence Maroney would be in the middle of Hall of Fame careers right now.

Michael was "chosen to step in" because the Seahawks had a hole blown through their running back corps by injury, and Michael was available (because, as noted, he is terrible) and knew the offense. He had exactly two decent games, one against the Browns and another against the Cardinals. Even against the Cardinals, take away one 45 yard run and he averaged 3.5 yards per carry.

This is like saying Steven Jackson should be a hot commodity because the Patriots "chose" him to step in.

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We're not going to find common ground on this. Just gonna have to agree to disagree.

I'm not implying that because he was good in college he will be headed to the Hall of Fame. Nor am I implying that he should be wanted just because Seattle played him down the stretch.

The point is I've watched him a good amount in college and when he's played in the pros (preseason and this regular season). Always kept an eye on him because i believed in his talent.

If you just want to look at stat sheets and roster transactions, then go ahead. Did you watch those games or just look up his game log?

There's been plenty of guys released in this league a number of times who were thought to be trash but turned out as valuable pieces.

We've seen this time and time again on our own team with guys like Welker, Ninkovich, and Woodhead and the re-acquisition of Branch. It happens all over the league.


Some of his pro footage for you @primetime in case you're wondering why i like what i see from him beyond the box score.