There's no way we can afford the FA approach being similar to what we saw last season, correct?

[Huckleberry1]

I think the strategy has to match the market. I think they played it right last year. There was no sense in burning cash because what was available wasn't great. the worst is throwing gobs of money at someone who isn't better than what you have, and then you're right back in the same place the next year. The tough case this year will be left tackle. will there be anyone out there worth big bucks? Doesn't look like it.

Agree with this 100%. People are so desperate to “ win now” that they want them to overspend for guys that simply aren’t worth the money they end up getting. And if a team follows that philosophy they end up being the Jets.

As for Left Tackle this is not a strong draft for them. The top prospect could end up being a guard, the 2nd ranked prospect should go back to school, and the third is coming off an ACL tear. Their best hope is to sign Alaric Jackson in free agency. He’s only 26 and is coming off a strong season. If that fails there are a number of others, Ronnie Stanley, Cam Robinson etc… who would be shorter term answers until they can draft a franchise LT.

You are right in your approach to the offseason. You have to maximize free agency and the draft, so you add the best players you can get, and don’t overpay for lesser players,

 

[PatsFan2]

I think the strategy has to match the market. I think they played it right last year. There was no sense in burning cash because what was available wasn't great. the worst is throwing gobs of money at someone who isn't better than what you have, and then you're right back in the same place the next year. The tough case this year will be left tackle. will there be anyone out there worth big bucks? Doesn't look like it.

Their strategy sucked last year because they overpaid for all their guys. Rham - Duggar and Onwenu all whom regressed for guys who got paid. Barmore was just unfortunate. Our FA Strategy should be to get a LT Stanley or Robinson and go all out for WR Tee Higgins. Go 50/50 with the Draft picks Defense/Offense.

 

[UrbanCowboy]

Their strategy sucked last year because they overpaid for all their guys. Rham - Duggar and Onwenu all whom regressed for guys who got paid. Barmore was just unfortunate. Our FA Strategy should be to get a LT Stanley or Robinson and go all out for WR Tee Higgins. Go 50/50 with the Draft picks Defense/Offense.

haha, sometimes the "right" decision doesn't work out. I haven't given up on them three yet. maybe under a new regime....?

 

[mgteich]

The tough case this year will be left tackle. will there be anyone out there worth big bucks? Doesn't look like it.

I don't think that this is right question.

For me, the question is whether there is a starting quality LT available at a reasonable price. I am talking about an average starter. We also need an average starter at RT who also can be our backup LT.

There is no such thing as "overpaying". The question is what the market cost is at various levels of quality. I do indeed believe that we should be able to find value in a couple of average starters. It also possible that some team will be willing to trade their backup. After all, a backup could very well be average starter quality,

 

[mgteich]

haha, sometimes the "right" decision doesn't work out. I haven't given up on them three yet. maybe under a new regime....?

I agree that there is no stud LT in the draft; that is, no one who SHOULD be drafted the top 10.

However, I do think that we may be able to find quality potential future starters in the 2nd through fourth rounds.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Man, it's night and day between Mayo and Vrabel, Vrabel actually knows what he's doing, I think they can be over 500 this year and maybe slip into the playoffs, a good draft might help them do better.

Mayo said he would be better in Y2.

 

[Clonamery]

Mayo said he would be better in Y2.

So did Miracle Whip.

 

[UrbanCowboy]

I don't think that this is right question.

For me, the question is whether there is a starting quality LT available at a reasonable price. I am talking about an average starter. We also need an average starter at RT who also can be our backup LT.

There is no such thing as "overpaying". The question is what the market cost is at various levels of quality. I do indeed believe that we should be able to find value in a couple of average starters. It also possible that some team will be willing to trade their backup. After all, a backup could very well be average starter quality,

well, I understand what you're saying re: no overpaying in a market. In a free market, maybe, but I would say that the cap limits the market. Maybe it semantics, but giving those piles to Daniel Jones, Deshaun Watson, Russell wilson etc. ... what would you call that?

 

[mgteich]

well, I understand what you're saying re: no overpaying in a market. In a free market, maybe, but I would say that the cap limits the market. Maybe it semantics, but giving those piles to Daniel Jones, Deshaun Watson, Russell wilson etc. ... what would you call that?

I would call what they paid those players negligence, although one might make an argument for competence with regards to Wilson.

 

[PancakeBlockPaul]

It’s hard for any OL to look good when those around him suck. I think Onwenu will return to better form with good coaches and a better line around him.

Needs to be put in at G and needs to stay at G.

 

[Vindicate]

Agree with this 100%. People are so desperate to “ win now” that they want them to overspend for guys that simply aren’t worth the money they end up getting. And if a team follows that philosophy they end up being the Jets.

As for Left Tackle this is not a strong draft for them. The top prospect could end up being a guard, the 2nd ranked prospect should go back to school, and the third is coming off an ACL tear. Their best hope is to sign Alaric Jackson in free agency. He’s only 26 and is coming off a strong season. If that fails there are a number of others, Ronnie Stanley, Cam Robinson etc… who would be shorter term answers until they can draft a franchise LT.

You are right in your approach to the offseason. You have to maximize free agency and the draft, so you add the best players you can get, and don’t overpay for lesser players,

It is very unfortunate we come into all this cap space and it isn't a super hot FA period for the past two years. I'd love to see Godwin here, I think having a reliable tool like that in Maye's arsenal introduces not only a weapon but opportunity for Maye to work with a great route runner, which helps him grow as a QB. We'd still need a #1 but I feel like Higgins is working with the Bengals to stay in Cincinnati.

I'm also not convinced of Hunter being an NFL starter WR, let alone WR1. I'd want to see him at CB and in a few offensive packages. 10/15 snaps a game.

Not a lot of great LT options in FA...

 

[Huckleberry1]

It is very unfortunate we come into all this cap space and it isn't a super hot FA period for the past two years. I'd love to see Godwin here, I think having a reliable tool like that in Maye's arsenal introduces not only a weapon but opportunity for Maye to work with a great route runner, which helps him grow as a QB. We'd still need a #1 but I feel like Higgins is working with the Bengals to stay in Cincinnati.

I'm also not convinced of Hunter being an NFL starter WR, let alone WR1. I'd want to see him at CB and in a few offensive packages. 10/15 snaps a game.

Not a lot of great LT options in FA...

In which case you do your best to fill those holes for the time being, and take the best players you can get to build up your roster. There is always the next free agent period, trades, and the next draft. Not everything has to be fixed for good long term.

 

[Drunken Cicerone]

Jeffrey Simmons, Tenn D tackle liked a "Tweet" about him coming to NE. He loves Vrabel and thinks very highly of Drake Maye. Has a 20 per contract for the next two seasons,

Do it. 3rd? for him?

For the extra 3rd they have? My god yes

 

[Drunken Cicerone]

Honestly the majority of this board seems so terrified of giving somebody above their market value. If you have a guy you want, you reach for him, you pay him and you keep building.

We’re also so traumatized by the garbage drafting we’ve had for the most part. You draft well, and get good players on reasonable contracts you can push that money elsewhere

Or we can keep having teams like this years team that’s just void of talent

 

[mgteich]

Needs to be put in at G and needs to stay at G.

I'm OK with that. It simply transfers the need to RT, although perhaps Wallace will be ready soon.

Onwenu isn't a very good RT. Putting him at RT simply means that we will try to trade him and get a RT as soon as we can.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Honestly the majority of this board seems so terrified of giving somebody above their market value. If you have a guy you want, you reach for him, you pay him and you keep building.

We’re also so traumatized by the garbage drafting we’ve had for the most part. You draft well, and get good players on reasonable contracts you can push that money elsewhere

Or we can keep having teams like this years team that’s just void of talent

It’s not fear, it’s math. Overpay good players and you won’t have the money for great players.

 

[Real fan 02]

A.J Brown isn't getting traded. If you listened to Vrabel on Greg Hills show, he wanted WRs that are big bodied, fast, and have large and contested catch ability.

Thats D.K to a T.

I've been in on the DK trade for a while. I hope it comes to fruition! I still believe we make 2 significant trades one on offense and one on defense.. Last season you can't sell a first time unproven HC and Jacoby Brissett to FA WRs.

 

[Drunken Cicerone]

It’s not fear, it’s math. Overpay good players and you won’t have the money for great players.

Unless you can actually draft well and have faith in your draft picks and get guys on rookie deals

 

[WhatJustHappened]

The Pats have to be willing to submit the highest offer on the table to any good free agent they want a chance to sign.

Last year they backed off Ridley when he got an offer that was bigger than they liked. If they continue to have that mindset their free agency will be just as bad.

I know every front office wants good value contracts but with the way the league is going the cap will be increasing every year and deals that seem like too much now will probably be good value later. Every gm wants to be seen as the guy who signs players to team friendly contracts, but if Wolf/Vrabel stick to that they won’t sign anyone.

Ridley would have been a big mistake.
Dude has mental issues.
Bah