Offseason player acquisition thread

[DaBruinz]

Sorry, but signing 2 guards when they need 2 tackles makes absolutely no sense at all.

They need a LT and a Swing Tackler who can push Wallace. Matt Peart would be a great candidate for that.

 

[WhatJustHappened]

You have SERIOUS issues. No one is bullying you. You were asked a simple question and you're response is to fly off the rails with what can only be described as a drunken rant of moronic stupidity.

You clearly have no idea what you saw from Douglas. You have no idea what routes were called, so you have no idea who was right or wrong.

Why don't you follow your own advice.

I know that You're a fkn BULLY, and I'm not having it.
You try and bully everyone that doesn't agree with your Horseshit.
I've been watching your crap for years.and you will NOT BULLY ME.
Bah...

 

[KCSVEN]

You think adding a guy who isn;'t as good as Onwenu and cutting Onwenu makes the team better? Where is your proof that Smith can play either guard position? 4 years in the league and Trey smith has only ever taken snaps at RG.

WTF is a "Pro-Bowl" Caliber lineman? The "Pro-Bowl" is a Flag football game now. It's certainly nothing to be touting as some kind of standard of excellence.

Trey Smith is not even the best free agent GUARD available, let alone the "best free agent player".

The tape last year, the review of other analysis online clearly showed Smith was better than Onwenu. Many have him as a to 10 guard, I have him around 20th best. PFF has him as 11th best. Onwenu is probably around 40 based on last year. Onwenu looked out of shape last year, he was solid but he wasn't as good as Smith. Last year was concerning for Onwenu, he got big money and had his worst year, not out of the realm after 2025 to cut him and save money if he regresses again. I don't expect it but not out of the realm of possibility. 25 million on the cap and could save 17.5 million after next season.

Most lists have Trey Smith as the top free agent.

You disagree with the general rating on Smith, that's fine, obviously if I thought he wasn't that good like you do I wouldn't have this opinion and would agree with you, so it just comes down to whether you are right about Smith as a player vs what I think.

Smith played LG in college in the SEC for 2 years well enough to be all conference. He only played RG due to Thuney being at LG.

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[KCSVEN]

I think that they have players at both guard positions that can be more than adequate with the proper coaching, which includes not trying to mix and match on a daily basis. Consistency on the O-line, in terms of personnel and position is paramount for the O-line. That's a concept that is as old as the game itself.

Based on what? Onwenu at least did it. Nobody else has shown it yet,. Wolf made it very clear that last year he expected internal improvement, like from Sow, and that he would not out stock in that in the future because he got burned.
Sow, Robinson, Jordan, Onwenu. By tape and all ratings you can find everyone but Onwenu really stunk last year. Jordan is a journeyman, the other 2 are 4th round picks, it's not like they were top round picks you expect to have the talent and just need coaching, there is a reason they went in the 4th and while Robinson, out of the 3, has potential, he struggled all year on tape. I hope he develops but if he does not you have nobody that can play the other guard position.

 

[KCSVEN]

If you look at Robinson's stats, he got worse after week 14. Something happened. My speculation is that he was injured and trying to play through it. Because from Week 15 - 18, he gave up 2 sacks, 4 hits and 15 hurries. Compared to 1sack and 15 hurries in the previous 6 games. And, as you pointed out, he gave up a sack and 11 hurries against the Rams.

I watched tape every week, Robinson wasn't good in any game, stats don't adjust for tape. He looked better against certain players and certain schemes but he has a lot of work to do and is not a starting guard you can count on.

 

[PatsFan2]

So nobody likes that Guy below former Jets player who looks the part for the Eagles. Was supposed to be a Franchise Tackle but found a home @ Guard. Mekhi Becton got excellent Coaching in Philly and might now be reaching his potential he's 25 I think... thoughts.

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View the profile of Los Angeles Chargers Guard Mekhi Becton on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.

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[Huckleberry1]

It does when you consider that our guards were pretty bad, Owenu did alright pass blocking but his run blocking was bad and that could be cuz of the crap on either side of him, but maybe it wasn't. Someone mentioned moving him back to RT and I think that would be a bad move.

I just disagree with you and HPF. I think the interior OL will be good with this coaching staff, and Tackle is the priority. I think they should sign 2 starting tackles in free agency.

 

[imahobgoblin]

Based on what? Onwenu at least did it. Nobody else has shown it yet,. Wolf made it very clear that last year he expected internal improvement, like from Sow, and that he would not out stock in that in the future because he got burned.
Sow, Robinson, Jordan, Onwenu. By tape and all ratings you can find everyone but Onwenu really stunk last year. Jordan is a journeyman, the other 2 are 4th round picks, it's not like they were top round picks you expect to have the talent and just need coaching, there is a reason they went in the 4th and while Robinson, out of the 3, has potential, he struggled all year on tape. I hope he develops but if he does not you have nobody that can play the other guard position.

To be fair, almost everyone carried over from the 2023 roster stunk in 2024. It was all bad coaching. I think this year will be different. My fantasy offensive line is Alaric Jackson LT, Will Campbell LG, Cole Strange C, Try Smith RG, Mike Owenu RT. That line is actually possible, but not probable. I think Drake would kill it behind that like.

 

[Real fan 02]

I read that he either only played 7 games this past season, or it was 7 games this past 2 seasons. Despite the talent, I'd rather go in another direction at CB. The potential with Gonzo is undeniable, but unlikely given his injury history.

You mean gonzo injury history or Jaire??... injuries are a funny thing becuase a player could be unhappy with something scheme, contract, or whatever and chose to make business decisions not to play. Not saying Jaire is doing that.. but if we did pick him up he would be the 2nd best CB on the roster

 

[KCSVEN]

To be fair, almost everyone carried over from the 2023 roster stunk in 2024. It was all bad coaching. I think this year will be different. My fantasy offensive line is Alaric Jackson LT, Will Campbell LG, Cole Strange C, Try Smith RG, Mike Owenu RT. That line is actually possible, but not probable. I think Drake would kill it behind that like.

I agree with much of what you say but it's hard to tell if Robinson and Sow were bad coaching or bad players They were not highly thought of coming out of college.

That line would be an incredible improvement. I'd like to see Carter available at 4 though. Pass rush is so bad right now.

 

[JohnJH]

I am alright paying OGs as much as OTs because an inside pass rush is more disruptive than an outside pass rush. That is why I am leaning Graham over Carter if both are available. I been on the Alaric Jackson wagon since mid season when I realized that he was a free agent and while he is not a perfect LT he is, imo better than anyone in the draft.

Jackson is not only young and can be a long term solution at LT, but he can be even better with the proper coaching. And yes, he's absolutely better than any of the LT's in the draft.

 

[JohnJH]

You mean gonzo injury history or Jaire??... injuries are a funny thing becuase a player could be unhappy with something scheme, contract, or whatever and chose to make business decisions not to play. Not saying Jaire is doing that.. but if we did pick him up he would be the 2nd best CB on the roster

Alexander's injury history. I also suspect that the minor injuries that Tee Higgins has had over the last 2 seasons are because the Bengals haven't given him a long term contract, and that by tagging him (now probably two years in a row), he's being hindered from getting a bigger deal and being another teams #1 WR.

 

[Real fan 02]

Alexander's injury history. I also suspect that the minor injuries that Tee Higgins has had over the last 2 seasons are because the Bengals haven't given him a long term contract, and that by tagging him (now probably two years in a row), he's being hindered from getting a bigger deal and being another teams #1 WR.

Yes, you and I are definitely In alignment with that. I believe alot if "injury " with certain players is tired into business decisions.

 

[hornetfb85]

Sorry, but signing 2 guards when they need 2 tackles makes absolutely no sense at all.

Agree. Remove Jenkins and add in Morgan Moses at RT. Leave Onwenu at G.

 

[dliverey]

Mike Green is actually someone I've been advocating as an alternative at 4 as he's not much of a drop off from Carter IMO.

I'm not alone on that idea either...

Originally I was for picking him early, but I am not sure he is a 3 down guy and that makes me pause.

The more I think about it and watch old Titans defense. I think Mason Graham is the way to go. I feellike he can be a version of Jeffrey Simmons.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Wr thoughts with tee out of the picture

Christian kirk may be released soon, id take a look. Very productive player, injury shortened season last year but i think collarbones are less concerning than leg injuries on wr’s (staying way clear of diggs). Hes 28 and shouldn’t cost a ton.

Amari cooper? He didn’t produce much last year but that can happen when youre traded midseason. Prior to that he was very productive. Hes 30 so not young but much less likely to hit a cliff than adams or kupp.

Deebo- love watching him but i dont know if hed fit with jmd. The fact that jmd couldn’t get more out of jonnu smith makes me worry about these slasher types, deebo isn’t known for seperation. Not that interested.

Godwin- pass. Kupp and adams are 32

With tee out of the picture I don’t have as much hope at wr just yet, look for help but don’t force anything. Maybe look at kirk or cooper if the salary avg is mid teens, or a cheaper sign like slayton/dyame brown/elijah moore. Unless a young stud becomes available for trade.

 

[JohnJH]

The tape last year, the review of other analysis online clearly showed Smith was better than Onwenu. Many have him as a to 10 guard, I have him around 20th best. PFF has him as 11th best. Onwenu is probably around 40 based on last year. Onwenu looked out of shape last year, he was solid but he wasn't as good as Smith. Last year was concerning for Onwenu, he got big money and had his worst year, not out of the realm after 2025 to cut him and save money if he regresses again. I don't expect it but not out of the realm of possibility. 25 million on the cap and could save 17.5 million after next season.

Most lists have Trey Smith as the top free agent.

You disagree with the general rating on Smith, that's fine, obviously if I thought he wasn't that good like you do I wouldn't have this opinion and would agree with you, so it just comes down to whether you are right about Smith as a player vs what I think.

Smith played LG in college in the SEC for 2 years well enough to be all conference. He only played RG due to Thuney being at LG.

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If I could get any team to take Onwenu and give us even a 7th Round Pick, but they take at least 75% of his contract and we replace him with Smith, I'm good with that. More importantly, we need Alaric Jackson at LT!!! Maybe Vrabel gets Onwenu to get off of his ass and get down to the weight that he needs to be at, and get his conditioning to and maintain at the proper level.

 

[mgteich]

They need a LT and a Swing Tackler who can push Wallace. Matt Peart would be a great candidate for that.

Matt Pearl is a RT. yes, perhaps he can push Wallace.

However, we NEED a backup LT, and one that can ALSO push Wallace at RT.

I suspect that Lowe will be in camp since he is under contract and is a possibility for the 4th OT spot. This is the role that some thought he came here for: backup bottom of the roister swing OT. That he has been injured and a failure as a starter on a truly horrible line is somewhat beside the point.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

I just disagree with you and HPF. I think the interior OL will be good with this coaching staff, and Tackle is the priority. I think they should sign 2 starting tackles in free agency.

I think that's easier said than done. There are 4 starting caliber LTs available, IMO: Stanley, Jackson, Moore Jr., Robinson. I think signing two of them would be incredibly difficult because it's such a scarce position. Once you take one off the board, everyone else gets that much more desperate. I think the price on all 4 will be sky high so signing a second wouldn't make sense, IMO.

The next tier of OTs (left or right)...

Tyron Smith - old, can't be counted on as more than 1 year stop gap, no RT experience if he's the second addition after one above for LT
Morgan Moses - old, can't be counted on as more than 1 year stop gap
Kelvin Beachum - old, can't be counted on as more than 1 year stop gap, limited RT experience
Jedrick Wills Jr. - reclamation project, hasn't been good
Trent Brown - been there, done that

Then a bunch of part time starters and swing tackle types.

Realistically, I don't see much flexibility to sign 2 long term starting OTs because I can't see anyone being the high bidder on two of those top 4 FAs. Position is too premium to land both at what costs will be IMO.

You could sign a stop gap RT, but then I go back to Onwenu's deal being set up to be let go next year. Effectively, he's a stop gap himself at RG. And since Andrews is here for probably 1 year at most, Strange's long term position might be center if he sticks around. Sow and Robinson have been garbage so far, so even if guard is just a need for now, it could be our biggest team need next year when Onwenu is cut for cap savings and Strange is either a FA or back and moved to center to replace Andrews. And while I don't see a long term RT for us to sign (after landing one of the top 4 for LT, of course), I do see some long term Guard options available. So I'd rather sign one of those guys and make Onwenu that stop gap RT, to accommodate a long term option at guard.

That's really what i care more about than any positional priority this offseason. Maye and Gonzo and maybe Barmore/White are the only guys on the entire team I'm actually happy to be projecting as starters for us in 2 years. Every other player we start is a JAG, sucks, or is old IMO. No one else projects to be someone I'm stoked to envision starting for us in 2-3 years. The whole roster basically needs to be churned over in that timeframe, so I don't care what positions they do now vs. next year. Just get as many long term solutions as you can and configure it the way you need to around that. We should get one of those top 4 OTs (ideally Jackson or Moore because of youth), but beyond that, I'd rather target OL guys who are longer term solutions than just jam a stop gap because they pigeon holed themselves into only signing guy at their biggest needs despite an overall terrible roster everywhere.

 

[JohnJH]

To be fair, almost everyone carried over from the 2023 roster stunk in 2024. It was all bad coaching. I think this year will be different. My fantasy offensive line is Alaric Jackson LT, Will Campbell LG, Cole Strange C, Try Smith RG, Mike Owenu RT. That line is actually possible, but not probable. I think Drake would kill it behind that like.

I'm not crazy about Onwenu at RT. He was overweight and out of shape when he played RG this past season. I'd put Wallace in their at RT right from Mini-Camps and beyond to see if he can be the solution at RT. And, there are options in FA for even an improvement at RT in the short-term. Then use a later round draft pick for someone who could step in at RT in their 2nd season. I absolutely want Jackson at LT. I wouldn't take Campbell in the Top 10 (as there would be plug and play LG's after the 1st Round in the Draft). And even in a trade back in the 1st Round I'd rather have Jalon Walker, Tyler Warren, and a couple of other players before Campbell.

It would be nice if Strange turns into a solid Center (but I'd still draft one).