My Ridiculously Early Start on a 2026 Offseason Plan

[mayoclinic]

Way too early, but some thoughts:

Cut or Trade:

- S Kyle Duggar
- EDGE Anfernee Jennings
- LB Christian Elliss

Cut or Extend:

- RG Mike Onwenu. Cutting him would save $17.5M. A 1 year extension with a reduction and significant cap savings might be an alternative, and would allow the IOL to be reasonably stable for 2026.

Extend:

The Pats could have as much as $90M in available cap space, depending on cuts. They should give priority to:

- CB Christian Gonzalez. Signed through 2026 with an option year, but he is the franchise on D.
- CB Marcus Jones. Sign the beast asap.
- TE Hunter Henry. Signed through 2026, but should be good for another 1-2 years.
- TE Austin Hooper. Not critical, but a solid #2 TE.
- WR Kayshon Boutte. Signed through 2026.
- DT Khiyris Tonga. Has been a revelation. Sign asap.
- EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson. Not critical, but has been solid.

Gonzalez is really the only really big money extension.

Possible FA additions:

- RB: Breece Hall or Kenneth Walker would complement TreVeyon Henderson nicely.
- EDGE: Haason Reddick, Kwity Paye, Jaelon Phillips and Boye Mafe possibilities. Kayvon Thibodeaux a trade possibility.

Neither if these would break the bank.

Draft:

BPA in general, but some possible targets at areas of need:

- LB: Arvell Reese 1st round or Jake Golday/Anthony Hill 2nd round would add a versatile LB opposite Spillane, who could also be used on the EDGE
- Alpha X WR:Chris Bell, Chris Brazzell, CJ Cummings, JaKobi Lane or Ian Strong day 2
- OL: Spencer Fano/Francis Mauigoa day 1, Isaiah World/Fa'alili Fa'amoe/Caleb Lomu/Cayden Green day 2
- S: Dillon Thieneman/Zakee Wheatley day 2, Amare Ferrell/Rod Moore day 3
- CB: Keith Abney/Chris Johnson day 2, Tacario Davis/Hezekiah Masses day 3, Jyaire Hill late day 3. D'Angelo Ponds or Jontez Williams possible day 3 slot CBs.
- Possible developmental IOL and TE
- Possible opportunity picks at DT, developmental QB, RB

That would leave a roster along the line of:

Offense (25):

QB (3): Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs, Tommy DeVito
RB (4): TreVeyon Henderson, Breece Hall/Kenneth Walker, Rhamondre Stevenson; PUP: Antonio Gibson, Lan Larison
WR (6): Rookie X, Stephon Diggs, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte, Mac Hollins, Efton Chism/Pop Douglas
TE (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, +1
OT (4): Will Campbell, Morgan Moses, Marcus Bryant, rookie RT
IOL (5): Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Ben Brown; either Mike Onwenu or rookie RG; +1

Defense (24):

DL (5): Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khiris Tonga, Josh Farmer, +1
EDGE (5): Harold Landry, FA, K'Lavon Chaisson, Bradyn Swinson, Elijah Ponder
LB (4): Arvell Reese/Jake Golday, Robert Spillane, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu
CB (6): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, rookie, + 2
S (4): Rookie, Craig Woodson, Dell Pettus, +1

Special Teams (4):

K: Andy Borregales
P: Bryce Baringer
LS: Julian Ashby
Specialist: Brendan Schooler

 

[DaBruinz]

Gibbons is a UFA. He's here on a 1 year deal.
Why should Onwenu take a cut when he's back to playing at a near All-Pro/All-Pro level? f

At this point, Pats need the following: OC / OG, TE, LB, FS, RB, OT

I'm not sold on Bradbury long term. Wilson seems to be the LG going forward. It remains to be seen if they switch him to OC.
They need a TE who can learn to be the new Henry.
They need a LB who can go Sideline to Sideline next to Spillane.,
Hawkins is mediocre at FS ad an upgrade would be nice,
They need a downhill back who can pass protect and occasionally catch a pass out of the backfield.
They need an OT to replace Moses on the Roster. Someone who can play both LT and RT if the need arises.

Question Marks:

Caedan Wallace & Layden Robinson - I hated the Robinson pick whe it was made. Still hate it. Vrabel and Marrone saw something in him which is why they kept him and then IRed him when he was injured. It remains to be seen if Wallace can become a starter full-time, but my hopes have dwindled.

Lan Larison & Brock Lampoe - In theory, he should be back and 100%. Only time will tell if they produce anything or were just TC flashes.

Elijah Ponder / Brayden Swinson - potentially promising. Both need to work on setting the edge. Ponder needs to wrap up better.

Dippre - He may or may not be that guy. He didn't show at all during TC. However, the Pats made him one of the first guys added to the PS.

Scott - He showed more during TC as a pass-catcher than Dippre. Remains to be seen if he can block or not.

 

[TheRainMaker]

There's no doubt this is Dugger's last season in NE. Absolutely the worst management of a player I've ever seen ala Sonny Weaver Jr. in Draft Day.

Jennings will be gone as well which will save NE $4M in cap and $1M in dead money.

Owenu will be a cap casualty. $25M for a mediocre G is not good business. Take the $7.5M dead money hit and save $17.5M against the cap.

Cutting Ellis will save them $5.1M against the cap to $3.5M in dead money.

They are stuck with Rham for one more year. I'd propose giving up draft picks (5th-7th) just so another team takes that awful contract off their hands.

If Gonzalez plays most of the year and makes ALL Pro/Pro Bowl again, he's getting an early extension.

 

[mayoclinic]

Gibbons is a UFA. He's here on a 1 year deal.

Good call, did not realize Gibbens was a 1 year rental. Pretty minimal deal. I'm ok re-newing him for similar money, or moving on. He's a backup, IMO.

Why should Onwenu take a cut when he's back to playing at a near All-Pro/All-Pro level?

If they truly believe that Onwenu is playing at a near All-Pro level, then the Pats should extend him and lower his cap hit. One less need to address. I personally see him playing at only an adequate level, not worth his $25M cap hit.

At this point, Pats need the following: OC / OG, TE, LB, FS, RB, OT

I agree with most, would add an X WR, EDGE and CB depth. Acuity and severity of need not equal. I have my version in my draft board thread. Manx would probably put EDGE at the top.

I'm not sold on Bradbury long term. Wilson seems to be the LG going forward. It remains to be seen if they switch him to OC.

I think Bradbury has been better than expected, and has bought another year. He is under contract through 2026, would not count on him beyond that, but do not critically need a starting LG or C for next year.

They need a TE who can learn to be the new Henry.

I agree, but I think Henry has a few years left, suggested a 1-2 year extension as well as re-signing Hooper. I don't not think they need an immediate impact TE in the draft, though I would not be averse to Kenyon Sadiq. Oscar Delp and Eli Raridon possible day 3 guys.

They need a LB who can go Sideline to Sideline next to Spillane.

Agree, and that's one of my highest priorities. Want a versatile LB who can be used in a bunch of ways. I like Arvell Reese (pipe dream), Jake Golday, Sonny Styles and Anthony Hill.

Hawkins is mediocre at FS ad an upgrade would be nice,

Agree, I do not have them re-signing Hawkins. Caleb Downs a pipe dream, but this safety class is loaded and deep.

They need a downhill back who can pass protect and occasionally catch a pass out of the backfield.

Agree, but not happy with this draft class, have suggested some possible FA targets. RB should not break the bank.

They need an OT to replace Moses on the Roster. Someone who can play both LT and RT if the need arises.

Hope to get 1 more year out of Moses, and that Marcus Bryant develops into a solid swing tackle. I want an RT to groom as the successor to Moses no later than 2027.

Question Marks:

Caedan Wallace & Layden Robinson - I hated the Robinson pick whe it was made. Still hate it. Vrabel and Marrone saw something in him which is why they kept him and then IRed him when he was injured. It remains to be seen if Wallace can become a starter full-time, but my hopes have dwindled.

I am not expecting anything out of either, not un my plans. Will be a bonus if either produces.

Lan Larison & Brock Lampoe - In theory, he should be back and 100%. Only time will tell if they produce anything or were just TC flashes.

I am not expecting much, certainly not counting on either.

Elijah Ponder / Brayden Swinson - potentially promising. Both need to work on setting the edge. Ponder needs to wrap up better.

I think at least 1 out of the 2 will be a developmental/depth guy. Swinson has a lot of talent, still hopeful, but not counting on anything more than depth at this point.

Keion White's failure to develop a huge disappointment, I would move on barring a miraculous turnaround.

Dippre - He may or may not be that guy. He didn't show at all during TC. However, the Pats made him one of the first guys added to the PS.

Scott - He showed more during TC as a pass-catcher than Dippre. Remains to be seen if he can block or not.

I am not counting on either. Camp competition.

 

[mayoclinic]

There's no doubt this is Dugger's last season in NE. Absolutely the worst management of a player I've ever seen ala Sonny Weaver Jr. in Draft Day.

Jennings will be gone as well which will save NE $4M in cap and $1M in dead money.

Cutting Ellis will save them $5.1M against the cap to $3.5M in dead money.

I assumed all 3 in the OP, would save about $17.1M in cap space.

Owenu will be a cap casualty. $25M for a mediocre G is not good business. Take the $7.5M dead money hit and save $17.5M against the cap.

I'm ok with that. DaBruinz thinks he's playing at a near All-Pro level. If the Pats believe that (I don't), I'd also be ok with an extension that lowers his cap hit.

They are stuck with Rham for one more year. I'd propose giving up draft picks (5th-7th) just so another team takes that awful contract off their hands.

I assumed we are stuck with Rham through 2026. Painful.

If Gonzalez plays most of the year and makes ALL Pro/Pro Bowl again, he's getting an early extension.

Top priority under extensions in the OP.

 

[BobDigital]

Way too early, but some thoughts:

Cut or Trade:

- S Kyle Duggar
- EDGE Anfernee Jennings
- LB Christian Elliss

Cut or Extend:

- RG Mike Onwenu. Cutting him would save $17.5M. A 1 year extension with a reduction and significant cap savings might be an alternative, and would allow the IOL to be reasonably stable for 2026.

Extend:

The Pats could have as much as $90M in available xao space, depending on cuts. They should give priority to:

- CB Christian Gonzalez. Signed through 2026 with an option year, but he is the franchise on D.
- CB Marcus Jones. Sign the beast asap.
- TE Hunter Henry. Signed through 2026, but should be good for another 1-2 years.
- TE Austin Hooper. Not critical, but a solid #2 TE.
- WR Kayshon Boutte. Signed through 2026.
- DT Khiyris Tonga. Has been a revelation. Sign asap.
- EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson. Not critical, but has been solid.

Gonzalez is really the only really big money extension.

Possible FA additions:

- RB: Breece Hall or Kenneth Walkerwould complement TreVeyon Henderson nicely.
- EDGE: Haason Reddick, Kwity Paye, Jaelon Phillips and Boye Mafe possibilities. Kayvon Thibodeaux a trade possibility.

Neither if these would break the bank.

Draft:

BPA in general, but some possible targets at areas of need:

- LB: Arvell Reese 1st round or Jake Golday/Anthony Hill 2nd round would add a versatile LB opposite Spillane, who could also be used on the EDGE
- Alpha X WR:Chris Bell, Chris Brazzell, CJ Cummings, JaKobi Lane or Ian Strong day 2
- OL: Spencer Fano/Francis Mauigoa day 1, Isaiah World/Fa'alili Fa'amoe/Caleb Lomu/Cayden Green day 2
- S: Dillon Thieneman/Zakee Wheatley day 2, Amare Ferrell/Rod Moore day 3
- CB: Keith Abney/Chris Johnson day 2, Tacario Davis/Hezekiah Masses day 3, Jyaire Hill late day 3. D'Angelo Ponds or Jontez Williams possible day 3 slot CBs.
- Possible developmental IOL and TE
- Possible opportunity picks at DT, developmental QB, RB

That would leave a roster along the line of:

Offense (25):

QB (3): Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs, Tommy DeVito
RB (4): TreVeyon Henderson, Breece Hall/Kenneth Walker, Rhamondre Stevenson; PUP: Antonio Gibson, Lan Larison
WR (6): Rookie X, Stephon Diggs, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte, Mac Hollins, Efton Chism/Pop Douglas
TE (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, +1
OT (4): Will Campbell, Morgan Moses, Marcus Bryant, rookie RT
IOL (5): Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Ben Brown; either Mike Onwenu or rookie RG; +1

Defense (24):

DL (5): Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khiris Tonga, Josh Farmer, +1
EDGE (5): Harold Landry, FA, K'Lavon Chaisson, Bradyn Swinson, Elijah Ponder
LB (4): Arvell Reese/Jake Golday, Robert Spillane, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu
CB (6): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, rookie, + 2
S (4): Rookie, Craig Woodson, Dell Pettus, +1

Special Teams (4):

K: Andy Borregales
P: Bryce Baringer
LS: Julian Ashby
Specialist: Brendan Schooler

I'd add in for Cuts Dobbs and Hollins. Dobbs is a hospital ball waiting to happen and they have Tommy D as an RFA. Get another QB late in the draft or as an UDFA. As for Hollins, they will hopefully have better options next year and I want them going youth. Diggs is for sure a keeper, but they need to focus on finding the next guys to carry that core, and it isn't Hollins. They also need to get Williams and Chism on the field and more targets.

I think they should extend Onwenu long term. He is still relatively young and when he plays RG is is very solid. Offer him a 3 year extension at guard. Solve the problem long term but bring him down to a guard level contract, not RT. If he isn't will to play for an RG like contract here, let him walk. I'd even be fine giving him an upper end RG contract at over 16-18M/per year even though i question if he is really worth that much. But with the youth they have on the left side they can afford to splurge a bit on 1 OL spot.

I agree with all your other signings and extensions.

As for Trades. I'd like to trade Pop Douglas. I just think with this new offense it isn't working. Considering his low contract i think a 5th for him is reasonable. I really want Chism in there.

FAs/Trades

Hendrickson! If they can get him i'm fine letting Chaisson walk too if this happens. I like him, but he is just solid. I know Trey will be 31 next year... but i think he will be able to play well into his early 30s. The question is can they afford it? I think so. If they extend Onwenu that opens up a lot of space.

They are probably done after this and signing their guys for FA... but do you really care if they are able to get this edge presence? And i think Hendrickson would love to come here. Maye shows he can take him to the promised land. The team has made a playoff run (hopefully) and show they are just a few players away. This gives them a big one.

Draft
R1 Boston/Lemon/Tyson - WR. We really need that top option here to be next to and replace Diggs.
R2 Sabb - Safety (they will need safety help as Hawkins just isn't good enough. Sabb can be a very solid rookie.
R3 Greg Crippen - IOL/C - Continue to rebuild that OL. If they make this pick they can potentially cut Bradbury and save enough more. And i do not think he is a long term option. He is having a career year. Maybe trade him and sell high?
RD4 Eli Rairdon - TE - They need someone to play this spot soon and Hunter/Hooper aren't getting younger. This guy could be our future long term TE. Also if they sign him they can leave Hooper unsigned and save some cash. BUT if they move on from Hollins, may as well keep Hooper for 1 more year.
RD4 - LB/CB. I don't really know who... i haven't looked at LBs much yet, but they should look to address it... if they just kind of stick with Gibbens though... i am okay with it considering how dominant our DL and DBs will be. As for CB at this spot... i've looked a little. Devin Moore seems interesting. So i will go with him.

In the later rounds look for any interesting RBs, OTs LBs or whatever else seems good value.

This is how my roster looks.

Offense (24):

QB (2): Drake Maye, Tommy DeVito (3rd QB on PS)
RB (4): TreVeyon Henderson, Rhamondre Stevenson, unknown rookie PUP: Antonio Gibson, Lan Larison (one may start on the 53 I think)
WR (5): Denzel Boston, Stephon Diggs, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte, Efton Chism
TE (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Eli Rairdon
OT (4): Will Campbell, Morgan Moses, Marcus Bryant, unknown rookie
IOL (5): Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu, Garrett Bradbury, Greg Crippen, Ben Brown (Maybe they keep Bradbury to not rush Crippen?)

Defense (25):

DL (5): Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khiris Tonga, Josh Farmer, unknown rookie/Durden?
EDGE (5): Harold Landry,Trey Hendrickson, Bradyn Swinson, Elijah Ponder unknown rookie
LB (4):Robert Spillane, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu, unknown rookie
CB (6): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Devin Moore, +2 Dial? Austin? Woods? rookies?
S (4): Keon Sabb, Craig Woodson, Dell Pettus +1? (maybe if Moore really works out Woods plays more Safety?)

Special Teams (4):

K: Andy Borregales
P: Bryce Baringer
LS: Julian Ashby
Specialist: Brendan Schooler

The only issues I see is RB where there are so many questions going into next year, but i think with Gibson/Larison and how it always seems possible to find interesting rookies they will figure it out. LB may well be a question, but safety is more important and R2 is such a sweet spot for it. And they can not continue to ignore WR1. That needs to be first pick.

I am making some assumptions with this roster. One being the young edge guys will work out enough that you won't need to worry about the depth there so much. Will they be elite depth? Who knows, but i am hoping they are solid enough.

As for the issues with LB, i think they can be schemed around if you have this kind of front and juice up your back end with someone like Sabb and solid CB depth. I see this roster as Super bowl worthy if the WRs step up and Stevenson is kept in the doghouse come playoff time so he can't fumble it away.

 

[mayoclinic]

Good thoughts, BobDigital.

I like my plan better, that's why it's mine. Of course, none of our opinions matter except for Manxman2601's, the Pats will do whatever he suggests, and end up crushing the draft.

Some thoughts:

I'd add in for Cuts Dobbs and Hollins. Dobbs is a hospital ball waiting to happen and they have Tommy D as an RFA. Get another QB late in the draft or as an UDFA. As for Hollins, they will hopefully have better options next year and I want them going youth. Diggs is for sure a keeper, but they need to focus on finding the next guys to carry that core, and it isn't Hollins. They also need to get Williams and Chism on the field and more targets.

I have expressed lack of confidence in Dobbs elsewhere. They should tender Tommy DeVito. Ok cutting Dobbs if they have confidence in Tommy, also OK with drafting a late round guy.

I don't see them cutting Hollins, Josh loves him. Wouldn't lose sleep over it, though.

I think they should extend Onwenu long term. He is still relatively young and when he plays RG is is very solid. Offer him a 3 year extension at guard. Solve the problem long term but bring him down to a guard level contract, not RT. If he isn't will to play for an RG like contract here, let him want. I'd even be fine giving him an upper end RG contract at over 16-18M/per year even though i question if he is really worth that much. But with the youth they have on the left side they can afford to splurge a bit on 1 OL spot.

I think people will be all over with Onwenu. If he can maintain motivation and pay, he is worth extending in the RG range, but I'm also ok moving on.

As for Trades. I'd like to trade Pop Douglas. I just think with this new offense it isn't working. Considering his low contract i think a 5th for him is reasonable. I really want Chism in there

I see Douglas as the odd man out. Doubt we would get a 5th for him, would be thrilled if we did.

FAs/Trades

Hendrickson! If they can get him i'm find letting Chaisson walk too if this happens. I like him, but he is just solid. I know he will be 31 next year... but i think he will be able to play well into his early 30s. The question is can they afford it? I think so. If they extend Onwenu that opens up a lot of space.

They are probably done after this and signing their guys for FA... but do you really care if they are able to get this edge presence? And i think Hendrickson would love to come here. Maye shows he can take him to the promised land. The team has made a playoff run (hopefully) and show they are just a few players away. This gives them a big one.

I'm not a fan of paying big money for a 31yo FA EDGE rusher. JMHO.

Draft
R1 Boston/Lemon/Tyson - WR. We really need that top option here to be next to and replace Diggs.
R2 Sabb - Safety (they will need safety help as Hawkins just isn't good enough. Sabb can be a very solid rookie.
R3 Greg Crippen - IOL/C - Continue to rebuild that OL. If they make this pick they can potentially cut Bradbury and save enough more. And i do not think he is a long term option. He is having a career year. Maybe trade him and sell high?
RD4 Eli Rairdon - TE - They need someone to play this spot soon and Hunter/Hooper aren't getting younger. This guy could be our future long term TE. Also if they sign him they can leave Hooper unsigned and save some cash. BUT if they move on from Hollins, may as well keep Hooper for 1 more year.
RD4 - LB/CB. I don't really know who... i haven't looked at LBs much yet, but they should look to address it... if they just kind of stick with Gibbens though... i am okay with it considering how dominant our DL and DBs will be. As for CB at this spot... i've looked a little. Devin Moore seems interesting. So i will go with him.

In the later rounds look for any interesting RBs, OTs LBs or whatever else seems good value.

The only issues I see is RB where there are so many questions going into next year, but i think with Gibson/Larison and how it always seems possible to find interesting rookies they will figure it out. LB may well be a question, but safety is more important and R2 is such a sweet spot for it. And they can not continue to ignore WR1. That needs to be first pick.

I would not put WR as my top need, not as high on Boston as you are. Love the day 2 options.

Your guys are not my guys, that's why it's fun.

I am making some assumptions with this roster. One being the young edge guys will work out enough that you won't need to worry about the depth there so much. Will they be elite depth? Who knows, but i am hoping they are solid enough.

As for the issues with LB, i think they can be schemed around if you have this kind of front and juice up your back end with someone like Sabb and solid CB depth. I see this roster as Super bowl worthy if the WRs step up and Stevenson is kept in the doghouse come playoff time so he can't fumble it away.

We disagree on importance of WR vs. LB.

I do believe that with a few changes and a healthy Maye the roster will be competitive with any in the NFL.

 

[mayoclinic]

Here's a thought, just for fun. What would people feel about the following trade:

- Pats trade EDGE Keion White to Houston for EDGE Darrell Taylor, +/- swap of late round draft picks.

White is signed to his rookie deal through 2026, has not made the leap.

Taylor was signed to a 1 year $5M contract and will be a FA after 2025. He is buried on the Houston depth chart and has been a healthy start. He has 24 sacks in his career.

Landry-Chaisson-Taylor might be an upgrade at the EDGE room.

 

[manxman2601]

Here's a thought, just for fun. What would people feel about the following trade:

- Pats trade EDGE Keion White to Houston for EDGE Darrell Taylor, +/- swap of late round draft picks.

White is signed to his rookie deal through 2026, has not made the leap.

Taylor was signed to a 1 year $5M contract and will be a FA after 2025. He is buried on the Houston depth chart and has been a healthy start. He has 24 sacks in his career.

Landry-Chaisson-Taylor might be an upgrade at the EDGE room.

I don't know enough about Taylor and have very little clue about trade value. All I know is that White offers very little and anything we can get for him would be a plus.

 

[mayoclinic]

Taylor was a 2nd round pick for Seattle out of Tennessee. Played for Chicago last year, signed to a 1 year reasonably cheap deal by Tennessee, hadn't been able to break into a deep DL. Better pass rusher than White, knock on him has been run defense.

I was very high on White, but as of year 3 he hasn't made the jump. Maybe a change of scenery would benefit both players.

Just a thought.

 

[BobDigital]

Good thoughts, BobDigital.

I like my plan better, that's why it's mine. Of course, none of our opinions matter except for Manxman2601's, the Pats will do whatever he suggests, and end up crushing the draft.

Some thoughts:

I have expressed lack of confidence in Dobbs elsewhere. They should tender Tommy DeVito. Ok cutting Dobbs if they have confidence in Tommy, also OK with drafting a late round guy.

I don't see them cutting Hollins, Josh loves him. Wouldn't lose sleep over it, though.

I think people will be all over with Onwenu. If he can maintain motivation and pay, he is worth extending in the RG range, but I'm also ok moving on.

I see Douglas as the odd man out. Doubt we would get a 5th for him, would be thrilled if we did.

I'm not a fan of paying big money for a 31yo FA EDGE rusher. JMHO.

I would not put WR as my top need, not as high on Boston as you are. Love the day 2 options.

Your guys are not my guys, that's why it's fun.

We disagree on importance of WR vs. LB
I do believe that with a few changes and a healthy Maye the roster will be competitive with any in the NFL.

Well liking your plan better is totally fine and reasonable. I think most fans will see near 90% of this the same way and it will be the details that matter.

Dobbs is someone i think they will look to upgrade, i think deep down they see him the same way a lot of fans here do. If Tommy can be as solid as we think, it makes this move easier. While i think cutting Hollins would be good for the youth development, it is my own personal opinion and i know Vrabel and co are very unlikely to do it. Extending Onwenu is just so much better than cutting him if the money doesn't become a huge huddle. If they extend him your to do list on the OL gets much easier going into next year. You can even punt on future RT for 1 more year. I don't want them having to start 2 rookies again and hope it works out as well as it is now.

Douglas for whatever reason just isn't working, and while he is cheap and the coaches like him if it isn't working for Maye that's mostly that. As much as i hate to say it.... and i never wish injuries on any player (unless they are Trash humans like Hill or something) then it may be better for the Pats if Douglas has to sit for a month and forces Maye and the team to throw to Williams more and put in Chism. Rip that band aid off.

As for Hendrickson.... I am typically not a fan of paying big money to older players either. But there is a history of most recent top edge guys still playing at elite levels into their early 30s... It certainly makes me nervous. But look at other top Edge near the same tier.

Cameron Jordan was a Probowler at 32 and 33. JJ Watt when healthy produce really well at 33 (not a great comp as his health issues make him hard to pin down). Ware was a pro bowler at 32 and 33. Peppers was a probowler at 32 and 35. Campbell was a pro bowler at 32 33 and 34. Mack was a probowler as 32 and 33. Straham was AP1 at 32 and and AP2 ar 34. These aren't cherry picked names just the guys i looked at who retired in the last 20 years or are still player and more or less on the same level than Hendrickson. There are of course examples of guys not doing well... and i am not saying every probowl was earned as there certain was some name recognition here. But it does show fear of these guys turning into pumpkins in their early 30s isn't as founded as some may believe. If they have shown an ability to remain healthy i think it is much more likely than not they continue to produce at a high level between the ages of 32-34... sometimes 35. But i think this is only true of if they were all pro level or so before hand.

Why i am happy to be in on Hedrickson is 2 fold. 1 is he has been very healthy the last 5 years going on 6 now. Has only missed 4 or so games and no major injuries. So i think it likely he'll be one of those players who plays at an elite level ar 32 and 33... maybe beyond if his health continues.

Assuming they can afford it, i am all over this kind of mood for 1 reason. The Maye window. I want them taking advantage of Maye's contract over the next 2-3 years. Getting Trey in here does that. He helps a position of need and makes your DL probably the best in the league upon signing. I also think they can do so and keep everyone else already on the roster they want to keep and extend who they want to extend. Trey is the ultimate 'win now' kind of move that happens as you enter the end of a rebuild. And i think this team does not need 2 more offseasons. Just 1 more good one potentially. That may be a reason why we disagree. Maybe you think we have to have 2 more off seasons to be ready for prime time. I'm not convinced we need that depending on how the rest of the year goes.

It's funny you disagree on WR being a huge need but then say you don't want to pay Hendrickson. WRs typically age much worse than DEs in recent years. This year will probably be singular for Diggs in production. I don't expect a repeat of it next year. Diggs will be 32 in a few months.. 33 next year. They badly need to address this next year. They don't need another #2 they need a #1. And you tend to find those in the first round. We saw against the Bills what having a #1 WR these days can mean. Not saying you are wrong either as the Hedrickson contract will be bigger with more guareenteed, so riskier in some ways unlike Diggs who could be a 1 year conract when all is said and done.

As for LB (true LBs) vs WR. I don't know how far we are apart on importance. But i will tell you LB typically is not a position i worry about as much these days. Mostly cause of the state of the game. It is an impossible job. Either be small and fast enough to stick to TEs and chase down these fast QBs and get run over, or be big enough to stop the run and have TEs eat your lunch and fast QBs make you look silly. There aren't many guys who don't at some point find themselves put in bad positions no matter how good they are as LBs. There are exceptions but they are super rare. You will probably end up having a weakness no matter what you do on D. And i'd rather have mine at LB. Have a guy who can call the plays and be pretty good, then cover for him when the O tries to put a RB or TE on him in space or run over him.

Spillane to me is kind of the perfect LB situation. He knows how to read a game and call one and is pretty good. Perfect. Paying for an elite LB to me is insane. use that money on DB or DL. Don't get me wrong... I'd love to get a great LB in here... but IMO Safety and WR are just too important to not go 1-2 on next year.

That is how i see it at least, but i understand if you disagree.

 

[mayoclinic]

In-fovosion trades are rare, but what about Keion White and a 2026 4th to Miami floor Jaelan Phillips?

Landry, Phillips, Chaisson, Swinson and Ponder a potentially solid young group.

 

[manxman2601]

In-fovosion trades are rare, but what about Keion White and a 2026 4th to Miami floor Jaelan Phillips?

Landry, Phillips, Chaisson, Swinson and Ponder a potentially solid young group.

Personally I'm not a fan of a trade unless it gets us a real game changer. Just looking at Phillips' stats, you could consider 2021/2022 Phillips a game changer but he really dropped off since then.

I think I'm AJ Brown/Hendrickson or keep the picks personally. You could convince me on Olave and Breece Hall but less sure on those two. Otherwise, keep building through the draft.

 

[mayoclinic]

I'm not a fan at all of Hendrickson/Brown trades. Transaction cost too high, Hendrickson on the wrong side of 30 and in a contract year, Brown a malcontent x 2 and too much personality in the WR room.

The only big name player I would consider is Jeffrey Simmons, and only if Vrabel & co felt Milt zwilluams could be used as a jumbo DR.

The thing is, there's a good chance Rueben Bain, Keldric Faulk, Arvell Reese, TJ Parker, David Bailey and even Sonny Styles could be off the board before we pick. Spending a 4th to add a solid young EDGE rusher might be the most cost-effective way to go.

Tyree Wilson might be someone else to consider.

 

[manxman2601]

I'm not a fan at all of Hendrickson/Brown trades. Transaction cost too high, Hendrickson on the wrong side of 30 and in a contract year, Brown a malcontent x 2 and too much personality in the WR room.

The only big name player I would consider is Jeffrey Simmons, and only if Vrabel & co felt Milt zwilluams could be used as a jumbo DR.

The thing is, there's a good chance Rueben Bain, Keldric Faulk, Arvell Reese, TJ Parker, David Bailey and even Sonny Styles could be off the board before we pick. Spending a 4th to add a solid young EDGE rusher might be the most cost-effective way to go.

Tyree Wilson might be someone else to consider.

Phillips is also in a contract year and as for transaction cost, it was reported yesterday that the Bengals are looking for a young player plus mid-round pick so roughly the same price as your Phillips trade. The only young players I'd move would be White or Douglas. ie NOT BOUTTE!

As for Simmons, yes please. They should move heaven and earth to make that trade and switch to a 3-man front with Barmore and Tonga sharing the load at Nose.

 

[stelfans]

The only thing I’d consider right now is a WR like Douglas for Thibodeaux.

 

[manxman2601]

The word “now” doing a lot of heavy lifting in that statement.

 

[manxman2601]

I like this line from the tweet below

"Any additions must align with age and contract terms focused on long-term planning, consistent with prior approach"

"

 

[manxman2601]

I wonder if the reported prioritising of EDGE and CB in trade talks tells us anything about how they view needs ahead of the draft. Obviously it depends on whether they actually trade for anyone.

 

[mayoclinic]

Or sign 1 in FA.

I think they may also realize that they have very little chance of getting a top pass rusher like Bain, Faulk, Parker or Bailey. I personally think Cashius Howell and R Mason Thomas will be limited by their size to sub roles. Quincy Rhodes is a possibility if he comes out. But not much depth.

CB more of a depth issue.