Burn Some Cash 2: Jerod's Ghost

[Hawaiipatsfan2]

Kraft should Have built the new training facility on the NH border.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

Some here are really good at criticizing Wolf, but when you ask them who they would have signed they clam up and say nothing. The truth of the matter imo is that the Patriots are much better off for Wolf hanging on to that cap space for this years free agency.

Now it’s up to Vrabel, Wolf, and Cowden to spend it wisely.

FA was slim pickings for reasons we all know about. I fault him for the draft. The Polk and Baker picks were awful.

 

[Tunescribe]

or is New England still too undesirable due to taxes, weather, nightlife, etc.

This stuff essentially has been debunked and is WAY overblown.

 

[patfanken]

Two starting tackles means you need to bring in roughly 6 players. Two vets, two rookies and two UDFA's or late round picks. If you bring in six, you increase your chances of finding two. For the sake of cleanliness here are the F/A tackles I like assuming the medicals check out... from youngest to oldest:

Jedrick Willis (26 years) would be a good target for one tackle spot if healthy. Cleveland is in a terrible cap situation with Deshaun Watson's contract, they have a capable young backup behind Willis and can draft another as insurance.

Robert Hainsey (27) has played well for Tampa, he showed amazing versatility back when Brady was there sliding inside to play center.

Dillon Radunz (27) from the Titans is a plus athlete and would look better on an offense that has an actual QB.

Mekhi Becton (27) has had a year in a better more competent situation in Philadelphia, might be worth taking a look at on a cheap "show me" deal.

Tommy Doyle (27) suffered a bad injury early in his career, much like Becton might be worth a look on a one year "show me" deal.

Oli Udoh (28) is a year removed from serious injury and should be better prepared to contribute, play well and would be cheap.

Andre Dillard (29) is having a late career resurgence for a former #1 pick who didn't reach his potential, he has played well for the Packers.

Joe Noteboom (29) would be a great addition but he's one of the Rams few really good linemen and they're not exactly in cap trouble, he'd be an instant starter though.

I'd also bring restricted free agent Demontry Jacobs back and make sure he had his own personnel strength, conditioning and footwork coach working with him this offseason. They can cut every other tackle on the roster, they should also move Onwenu back inside to guard and make sure Sidy Sow has his head screwed on right this offseason.

Free agent DT's:

I agree we should raid the Super Bowl champs, but DE Milton Williams is a stud. I want him over Sweat or Baun... and I think both are great. Williams is a power/speed rusher who can play DT, a legit 290 pounds and stupid strong. He's a poor man's Aaron Donald, left school as a junior and his best football is ahead of him.

Sweat is a stud, but more OLB speed rusher who's not playing DT, love to have him but he'll also be really expensive. Baun is a stud, but we have a lot of strong safety/weakside LB'ers under contract and need to get bigger upfront. Love to have him, but see a bigger need on the line and he'll also get a fat contract. Christian Ellis might be a cheaper option here.

BJ Hill has been the Bengals only good DT for some time now, DJ Jones can still stuff the run if you just want a slightly older big bodied NT. There's a bunch of older guys who can still stuff the run but not much else. Ideally they would sign Williams and one of these big run stuffers.

Free agent WR's:

I'd bring Terrace Marshall in for a look. The only time he's played with an okay QB was Baker Mayfield on the Panthers in 22' who sucked as a team but he caught 490 yards at 17.5 YPR. He's also only 24 years old and might develop with a good QB for the first time in his pro career. He's big bodied at 6'3" 205 pounds and has 4.4 speed, plus he came from a factory in LSU, he just left college too early. Kick the tires.

Tutu Atwell is thin, he is light as can be, but he's really fast and has been productive and improving for the Rams. He's only 25 and maybe has better ball in front of him.

Simi Fehoko is an interesting athlete, he was a good special teams player for Harbaugh last year, he's tall, fast, mobile, great athlete but he's had some hands issues in his college past and you wonder why if they were desperate for WR help didn't he emerge last season. He did lead the team in yards per catch. Might be another kick the tires type.

Marquise Brown probably wants to run it back with Mahomes after missing most of the season with injury, but if not he's a small but fast target.

Darius Slayton would be a good cheap option to add some speed with a 6'1" frame. The Giants tried to bury him on the depth chart and he had one of the worst QB's in the league, but he kept producing on bad teams. Maybe a good team would give him a late career boost.

Chris Godwin would be my favorite signing as long as it wasn't for too long. He's already 28 and getting long in the tooth. But he has size and speed, what they need most.

There's not a lot of blocking TE's, but Pharaoh Brown is back out there and only 30.

Big CB's:

Noah Igbinoghene has some good size, speed and mobility. He's also the youngest CB free agent available and has upside.

Marco Wilson would be worth bringing back with a better coaching crew.

Carlton Davis would be a good big #2 next to Gonzo on a short deal.

In the draft I want another LT or a DT. They need big dudes along both lines.

Love the PBrown Comment. He did nothing but produce in 23. We need a strong blocking TE with proven hands. A great niche pick up

 

[patfanken]

WAY too many fans just looking to spend as much money as possible. We DEFINITELY need to improve the WR, but just throwing money at a WR just because we can is foolish. We spent a LOT of money in 21 with very mixed results. Remember you don't have to necessarily change all the personnel in the WR room to improve it. Josh really is good at the OC job. Let's see how Polk. Baker, Bourne, Boutte and Douglas look with THIS offense before you throw away the baby with the bathwater. Now I DEFFINITELY want to see us pick up a top 5 WR in FA, but this "Higgins or nothing" talk makes no sense.

We ABSOLUTELY need to add at top 5 starting OT and we need to add another in the first 2 days of the draft. But before we start naming names and making demands, can anyone tell me what kind of offensive blocking schemes will we be running next season ? I think THAT question has to be answered before we run out and add talent

The more I think about it the more I believe that with the first 4 picks in the draft we need to add a DT/ Edge/ OT/offensive skill player (rb/wr/TE) and then do the same in FA- Let those 8 players be the catalyst for the START of the turnaround. The rest of the FA money should be invested in solid pro types who add strong depth and overall strength to the roster and take our swings at the 3rd day of the draft like Everyone else. You know the things we USED to do when we were a successful organization.

Don't spend all the cap space. Spend 60-65% of it this year. We'll need the rest to have a healthy amount to spend next year to fine tune the big 8 additions of 25 and recover from, hopefully, the few mistakes we will inevitably make

 

[PatsFan2]

Two starting tackles means you need to bring in roughly 6 players. Two vets, two rookies and two UDFA's or late round picks. If you bring in six, you increase your chances of finding two. For the sake of cleanliness here are the F/A tackles I like assuming the medicals check out... from youngest to oldest:

Jedrick Willis (26 years) would be a good target for one tackle spot if healthy. Cleveland is in a terrible cap situation with Deshaun Watson's contract, they have a capable young backup behind Willis and can draft another as insurance.

Robert Hainsey (27) has played well for Tampa, he showed amazing versatility back when Brady was there sliding inside to play center.

Dillon Radunz (27) from the Titans is a plus athlete and would look better on an offense that has an actual QB.

Mekhi Becton (27) has had a year in a better more competent situation in Philadelphia, might be worth taking a look at on a cheap "show me" deal.

Tommy Doyle (27) suffered a bad injury early in his career, much like Becton might be worth a look on a one year "show me" deal.

Oli Udoh (28) is a year removed from serious injury and should be better prepared to contribute, play well and would be cheap.

Andre Dillard (29) is having a late career resurgence for a former #1 pick who didn't reach his potential, he has played well for the Packers.

Joe Noteboom (29) would be a great addition but he's one of the Rams few really good linemen and they're not exactly in cap trouble, he'd be an instant starter though.

I'd also bring restricted free agent Demontry Jacobs back and make sure he had his own personnel strength, conditioning and footwork coach working with him this offseason. They can cut every other tackle on the roster, they should also move Onwenu back inside to guard and make sure Sidy Sow has his head screwed on right this offseason.

Mekhi Becton worked with the Best OL Coach in the business and turned his career around. He's getting a payday in FA: Becton have Guard and Tackle flexibility he would make a fine RT. Wouldn't mind Jedrick Willis on prove it type deal.

 

[cmasspatsfan]

WAY too many fans just looking to spend as much money as possible. We DEFINITELY need to improve the WR, but just throwing money at a WR just because we can is foolish. We spent a LOT of money in 21 with very mixed results. Remember you don't have to necessarily change all the personnel in the WR room to improve it. Josh really is good at the OC job. Let's see how Polk. Baker, Bourne, Boutte and Douglas look with THIS offense before you throw away the baby with the bathwater. Now I DEFFINITELY want to see us pick up a top 5 WR in FA, but this "Higgins or nothing" talk makes no sense.

We ABSOLUTELY need to add at top 5 starting OT and we need to add another in the first 2 days of the draft. But before we start naming names and making demands, can anyone tell me what kind of offensive blocking schemes will we be running next season ? I think THAT question has to be answered before we run out and add talent

The more I think about it the more I believe that with the first 4 picks in the draft we need to add a DT/ Edge/ OT/offensive skill player (rb/wr/TE) and then do the same in FA- Let those 8 players be the catalyst for the START of the turnaround. The rest of the FA money should be invested in solid pro types who add strong depth and overall strength to the roster and take our swings at the 3rd day of the draft like Everyone else. You know the things we USED to do when we were a successful organization.

Don't spend all the cap space. Spend 60-65% of it this year. We'll need the rest to have a healthy amount to spend next year to fine tune the big 8 additions of 25 and recover from, hopefully, the few mistakes we will inevitably make

Overall good plan but I think we have to spend 105 mill to be cap compliant, so much has to be spent every few years. Don't remember the details but read about it last year. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[patfanken]

Overall good plan but I think we have to spend 105 mill to be cap compliant, so much has to be spent every few years. Don't remember the details but read about it last year. I'll see if I can find it.

Fine do whatever is required, BUT people forget, and this year was a good reminder, that the NFL is a league of ATTRITION and seasons can easily be lost due to untimely injuries and illness. There is wisdom in believing that having 2 or 3 good players is better than having one great one (unless you know for a certainty that the great one will be there for every game.

 

[Hawaiipatsfan2]

Overall good plan but I think we have to spend 105 mill to be cap compliant, so much has to be spent every few years. Don't remember the details but read about it last year. I'll see if I can find it.

I wonder if you work around that by singing a player or two to decent contracts with fully voidable years 25-26

 

[TommyD4207]

Don't spend all the cap space. Spend 60-65% of it this year. We'll need the rest to have a healthy amount to spend next year to fine tune the big 8 additions of 25 and recover from, hopefully, the few mistakes we will inevitably make

Sorry Ken, I'm not going into another year with 50 million in cap space (actually more like 60 million in your scenario), and all the best players the Wal-Mart dumpster has to offer.

 

[mgteich]

Sorry Ken, I'm not going into another year with 50 million in cap space (actually more like 60 million in your scenario), and all the best players the Wal-Mart dumpster has to offer.

I get it. You want to get rid of players after this year. Or perhaps you are truly a burn the case guy, signing 1-year contracts.

Surely, you realize that most contracts have twice the cap effect in 2025=6 than they will have in 2025 (use henry as an example.
-------------------------------------
Do the math. Spend $100M in 2025 cap money and then see the effect on 2026 and 2027.

 

[VJCPatriot]

I hear we're going to burn some cash in FA. At least Pelissero thinks so. Patriots Expected to Be 'Very Active' in Free Agency

I will judge them by results of free agency. Talk is cheap.

Open up that checkbook Mr. Kraft. It's time for an earnest rebuild.

We were arguably even WORSE under Mayo than in BB's last lameduck year.

That's NOT a good look. Talent needs massive upgrades across the board but particularly on offense.

Sign that LT and WR1. Then fill in the rest. I wouldn't mind adding one elite defender from the Giants' free agent class either but they are unlikely to want to join a rebuilding project. But maybe money can talk?

 

[TommyD4207]

I get it. You want to get rid of players after this year. Or perhaps you are truly a burn the case guy, signing 1-year contracts.

Surely, you realize that most contracts have twice the cap effect in 2025=6 than they will have in 2025 (use henry as an example.
-------------------------------------
Do the math. Spend $100M in 2025 cap money and then see the effect on 2026 and 2027.

You'll still have at least 50 million in cap space next year, and probably about the same in 2027.
I don't think you understand just how far under the cap 130 million is.

I don't want one-year contracts. I want young talent, however you can get it. If you can get it without using draft capital, and only costing money, you do it. That's a no brainer isn't it?

They cost money. No picks, just money. You have lots and lots of money that you have to spend on someone.

You have 4 more seasons with an affordable quarterback salary. THIS is when you spend money on young talent in free agency. Because you're not going to be able to do it in 5 years, and those players have to be *in place* here by the time we get there.

This clock's ticking. You can't **** around another year bringing in Chuks and KJ Osborn and Takitaki as your big free agent signings. It's bad enough that Onwenu and Dugger fell off a cliff after you paid them.

 

[mgteich]

I will judge them by results of free agency. Talk is cheap.

Open up that checkbook Mr. Kraft. It's time for an earnest rebuild.

We were arguably even WORSE under Mayo than in BB's last lameduck year.

That's NOT a good look. Talent needs massive upgrades across the board but particularly on offense.

Sign that LT and WR1. Then fill in the rest. I wouldn't mind adding one elite defender from the Giants' free agent class either but they are unlikely to want to join a rebuilding project. But maybe money can talk?

how about free agents from PHI's UFA class?

 

[VJCPatriot]

how about free agents from PHI's UFA class?

Oops that's what I meant. Eagles have a tasty free agent class if any make it there, we should poach some of them.

 

[mgteich]

You'll still have at least 50 million in cap space next year, and probably about the same in 2027.
I don't think you understand just how far under the cap 130 million is.

I don't want one-year contracts. I want young talent, however you can get it. If you can get it without using draft capital, and only costing money, you do it. That's a no brainer isn't it?

They cost money. No picks, just money. You have lots and lots of money that you have to spend on someone.

You have 4 more seasons with an affordable quarterback salary. THIS is when you spend money on young talent in free agency. Because you're not going to be able to do it in 5 years, and those players have to be *in place* here by the time we get there.

This clock's ticking. You can't **** around another year bringing in Chuks and KJ Osborn and Takitaki as your big free agent signings. It's bad enough that Onwenu and Dugger fell off a cliff after you paid them.

I think that we might spend $100M of 2025 cap money if you include amounts spent after the draft including incentives.

I doubt very much that we will spend any more than $80M before the draft.
==========
BTW, we don't have $130M. We have closer to $110M after pay the rookies. Spending $80M of the $100M before the draft would be a lot, and sort of the maximum. BTW, cutting it that close would make it difficult to make any meaningful major trade late in camp or early in the season. Obviously, it would make 2026 much more difficult.
=========
BTW, you speak of 4 more affordable seasons with Maye. How does that work? The fifth year option for QB's will likely be over $40M this year. Are you considering that to be affordable?

 

[cmasspatsfan]

• Teams must spend at least 89% of their salary cap over a four-year rolling period, I think this is year 4 but not positive. Miguel would know.

 

[TommyD4207]

• Teams must spend at least 89% of their salary cap over a four-year rolling period, I think this is year 4 but not positive. Miguel would know.

It's actually year 2.

 

[Toofy]

WAY too many fans just looking to spend as much money as possible. We DEFINITELY need to improve the WR, but just throwing money at a WR just because we can is foolish. We spent a LOT of money in 21 with very mixed results. Remember you don't have to necessarily change all the personnel in the WR room to improve it. Josh really is good at the OC job. Let's see how Polk. Baker, Bourne, Boutte and Douglas look with THIS offense before you throw away the baby with the bathwater. Now I DEFFINITELY want to see us pick up a top 5 WR in FA, but this "Higgins or nothing" talk makes no sense.

We ABSOLUTELY need to add at top 5 starting OT and we need to add another in the first 2 days of the draft. But before we start naming names and making demands, can anyone tell me what kind of offensive blocking schemes will we be running next season ? I think THAT question has to be answered before we run out and add talent

The more I think about it the more I believe that with the first 4 picks in the draft we need to add a DT/ Edge/ OT/offensive skill player (rb/wr/TE) and then do the same in FA- Let those 8 players be the catalyst for the START of the turnaround. The rest of the FA money should be invested in solid pro types who add strong depth and overall strength to the roster and take our swings at the 3rd day of the draft like Everyone else. You know the things we USED to do when we were a successful organization.

Don't spend all the cap space. Spend 60-65% of it this year. We'll need the rest to have a healthy amount to spend next year to fine tune the big 8 additions of 25 and recover from, hopefully, the few mistakes we will inevitably make

Totally agree 100% on this. Don't spend the entire cap this year. We will make mistakes in FA. Sign 8 and hope 5 stick this year. Repeat and rinse next year .

If we have 2 successful drafts and are diligent in free agency , 2027 we might be competing for the Superbowl .

So we need players who will be primed in 2027 and not someone who will max out in 2026.

So if that assumption of mine is accurate we might be signing fre agents less than age 27 and as for their in 29 or 30 will be bought for veteran leadership, depth and to instill winning culture .

That's why I feel we should draft the youngest player from the respective positions so that we allow room for further growth and maturity. We are competing for 2027 and 2025 and 2026 are years where we are going to improve our win record and hopefully reach playoffs .

 

[PancakeBlockPaul]

Don't forget the redneck pickup truck factor thrown in on top of the blue hairs. ****ing terrifying to even drive a car in Florida never mind a motorcycle

It’s not just the blue hairs….people are honest to god stupid down here.