So, Connolly ($3m) + Amendola-sized contract (call it $5m) =
Solder
Mankins
Mack
Cannon
Vollmer
Amendola*
Dobson
Thompkins
Boyce
bargain basement WR
Gronk
Hooman
TE draftee
?
*Or Amendola as a 'post-june' cut, with the bullet bitten in both 2014 and 2015 so that Edelman can take his salary slot (?)
Cousins, Looking at the "talent" that is listed here above is depressing. The point is we did NOT have enough talent around TB. This is long winded, sorry!
Why is it Cousins on this forum completely ignore the fact that the 36 year old QB can't wait for those beloved "Draft" picks to mature? He was dealt a bad hand trying to form Dobson, Kendrick and Boyce along with some replacement parts like Amendola and Hooman (agree Gronk was hurt but there was no guarantee with his other injuries he was recovering from in 2012 that he was going to be a factor Day one of 2013 or at all). I have said that for years and this is what I meant. It takes time with the kids.
This is like owning a Ferrari (TB) and putting bald tires on it. When it goes straight, good, no problem but if there is a curve watch out Ferrari or not.
Don't expect a massive up-tick with these guys Dobson, Kendrick and Boyce in 2014. A little would be great. 2105 more so but an older TB.
Therefor I believe that Edelman will get even better in 2014 and maybe not so productive on another Team. It is a good marriage for him here and if he can stay healthy he brings the kicking game too for another good season.
BUT.........
BB's best WRs he has had are those he has traded for. Not Draft picks other than Branch. I say just one of those three kids becomes a "good" player, not elite. This was such as the case of Givens. The rest my bet is two are JAGS. It is interesting to see which one takes the next step.
As far as I am concerned, if Edelman can be resigned, and one of these guys betters himself, you STILL need a #1 receiver and a Starting TE. Gronk is a luxury if he is back in good form in 2014.
Now let's get to the O-Line. Mack would be great and you can afford to put Cannon at LG because Mack can help out.
Here is the litmus test. If Mack can give Brady
just one more second to throw, doesn't that improve the passing game massively? Don't the above parts and pieces WRs get better because they have an extra second to shake loose? Brady had an off year with WR infancy and a O Line that did not protect well at all. Look at his sacks.
I'd have to go with Mack because he can make a difference in the passing game. If Edelman walks, you can take another run at Sanders who might even be a cheaper option but PLEASE no more rookie WR experiments.
I have mentioned both of these moves in prior Threads. Here is some idea, although not perfect to get some talent. Frees up money.
We have
1. S Adrian Wilson ($672k)
2. Tommy Kelly ($1.74mm)-redo at $1mm?
3. Steve Gregory ($1.86mm)
4. Isaac Sopoaga ($2.01mm)
5. Dan Connolly ($2.51mm)
6. Vince Wilfork ($7.51mm) – redo at $3.75mm?
$11,542,000
gained of players to be cut or adjusted.
Amendola cut might gain another $1.2m but just this year
These players would make the Pats better in 2014. This is about their ask and some are trades so bear with me Cousins as I continue:
DE Michael Johnson $7 m (WAS OF INTEREST IN 2013)
Alex Mack $6.5m
Jared Allen $6.5m
Talib $5m
E. Sanders $3m (WAS OF INTEREST IN 2013)
Edelman $3m
WR Andre Johnson $4.5m
TE Owen Daniels $2m
Blount 1.75m
NT Terrance Cody $1mm
Antrel Rolle $4.5m
Justin Blackmon $1.75m
My opinion on who helps the Pats. You might differ but this is for fun.
If Mack is a priority there must by compromises. He will cost at least that $6.5mm. I think Talib is a must. To replace him is a rookie(!!!!) or a top vet is about the same $.
I would like to keep Edelman in the slot because he is great in the kicking game.
I would resign Blount and trade Ridley. Ridley has squatters rights to BB's dog house anyway. To who? How about the NYG for S Antrelle Rolle next to McCourty. BB does not use SS and FS rules. There is a few bucks saved on Ridley and he would be what the Giants need. They are discussing Stevie Brown anyway because the Rolle CAP number. He would have to adjust his money here.
As rumors have Mallet going to the Texans, Let's play there. They say a second pick form the Texans might do it but how does this sound? The 32 year old WR Andre Johnson who has a realistic CAP of $4.5m in 2014 (sorry Larry F.), the broken leg recovered TE Owen Daniels who is a superb move TE only 31 and he should restructure or will be a CAP cut there and the Texans 2nd round pick for Mallett, our first, second an third round picks and a WR (possible Amendola for continuity or Boyce or Kendricks)? Johnson is still a stud and #1 WR. Over 100 catches from a crap QB core. The Texans second round is close to a first so no "BB would never do that".
My last kink would be WR Justin Blackmon from the Jags. The Jags would take a pick. This kid has as much talent as any NFL WR. He had alcoholic problems. WR Cris Carter is in the Hall of Fame after overcoming them when he left the Eagles for the Vikings. Pretty good comparison. Blackmon is only 24. Take a shot on a Team friendly deal. A pick is a luxury to the Jags for him. He has more talent than Dobson, Kendrick or Boyce.
On Defense, we are still pourus against the run and VW might not round into form for the whole season or much of it.Terrance Cody was superb at Bama. He has had good coaching in Baltimore and he is still young at 25. He has underachieved. He would be a great talent to work under Vince and between he and Ngata, Cody can learn from the best. I think a worthy inexpensive choice to the DTs like the Bennets or Meltons of the FA market, alternative.
We need more pass pressure. Jared Allen on a "ring" deal works for me. BB also took a shot at DE Michael Johnson of the Bengals last year. About the same $. We need one of these two without question. Allen and Jones as your outside guys and how about this experiment. Nink in the ILB slot? Now you have flexible rotation with Hightower, Buchanon etc.
We are about $10mm under CAP and perhaps another $15m saved here from Cuts and re-dos (approx>). We can fit most for around $30mm. Not all though.
It is just a thought but Talib back with a player like Allen or Johnson on the edge , S Antrel Rolle in a Trade the the Giants would consider if Stevie Johnson is the direction they go at Safety, and Maybe a young Cody might be all you need on Defense, but think of the offense.
Our Red Zone receptions were down after Gronk. A center piece in Mack (he helps the passing game) , Johnson, Blackmon, Edelman (if he stays) and one of the kids say Dobson, with a very talented TE in Daniels and add a second round pick like Amaro at TE who can play slot as well. Now Gronk comes back down the stretch.
So I guess I want Mack. If we can get a combination of the above mentioned, maybe not so much Edelman then, but think of the possibilities for TB to beat Mannings new records! And our Defense gets better.
DW Toys
