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My Ridiculously Early Start on a 2026 Offseason Plan

DC Patriots said:
Majority of the overhaul probably needs to be on offense. That said, I had a couple of names for the defense I thought I might toss out there who are projected to reach free agency.

1) Alec Anzalone. 31, but he excels at pass coverage and is worn the green dot for Detroit. I think he would be a super fit. Makes up for Spillane’s shortcomings in coverage and offers someone to take over running the defense if Spillane needs to miss time again. And to be clear, I think Spillane is great.

2) Kwitty Paye from the Colts at edge. Coming off a down year but has been productive at edge and isn’t too old.

Both these guys should be affordable, particularly Anzalone.
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I am a fan of Paye and Mafe and am intrigued by Ossai. Mafe and Ossai are projected about 9 mil a year as is Chaisson and Paye is projected 17 mil annually according to spotrac.
 
If they can sign Linderbaum for Center, he would be the leader of the middle of that line for the next 5 or more years. He is excellent at both run blocking and pass protection, and from what I've read, Baltimore is not expected to go out of their way to resign him given their other needs. I'd have Wilson work throughout the off-season at Center (his natural position, as having a competent backup Center is almost a must). When Campbell's knee is 100% by training camp (which it should be), in the meantime he needs to be in a serious strength and conditioning program to reduce is body fat and significantly increase his upper, core, and lower body strength. I'm not willing to give up on him at LT just yet (Rashawn Slater has the same arm length as Campbell and is 2 inches shorter).

A solid Veteran FA, preferably on the young side, or a can play Day 1 Draft Pick at LG (who's an actual LG), would go a long way to helping Campbell. This Draft has a RT that can be had where they'll be picking in the 1st and possibly 2nd Round. Also, Let's see what Marcus Bryant can bring with another off-season under his belt (as he could be out RT of the future).

Even if they resign Chaisson, they need another Edge. They also need a younger FA OLB, the most likely route to obtaining one, that'll see Landry as a rotational piece. Also need a legit "In the Box" Safety. I wouldn't say no to Riq Woolen, who excels at Man Coverage. He's young and could be a long term piece next to Gonzo (although that's less likely to happen). Need a TE that can block. And yes, I WANT Alec Pierce!!! Boutte should be extended and would be a solid #2 who can play out of multiple formations. Trade Douglas (I know I'll get hate for this, but Boutte is much better and Douglas hasn't moved the needle for me in the 3 years he's been here.

Keep Diggs another year. And draft a Chris Bell or similar WR. Lastly, for now. We need more than 2 talented RB's. If Nicholas Singleton checks out physically, I would absolutely draft him (or a similar RB). And if the money was right, I'd take Breece Hall, even if it meant unloading Stevenson. These are just a few thoughts. I do trust that Vrabel will make the right decisions in FA and the Draft. He has a good record in those areas by and large.
 
manxman2601 said:
You better hope we're trading Gonzo to a team that's going to suck. I suspect Simmons will be the first pass rusher drafted next year (with the usual it's far too early caveat).
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Of course. Cardinals seem like a good option.
 
DC Patriots said:
At the risk of being mercilessly flamed, Tyler Linderbaum would be amazing, but . . .

He’s the the top of everyone’s Christmas list. Most teams with cap space are listed as potentially in the market for him. And I think the Ravens will probably not let him reach free agency. So I think realistically the odds of him being the Patriot’s center next year are about 10%
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I've read from sources that cover the Ravens, that given their other needs and for other reasons, Linderbaum is actually more likely to leave Baltimore. We'll see.
 
JohnJH said:
If they can sign Linderbaum for Center, he would be the leader of the middle of that line for the next 5 or more years. He is excellent at both run blocking and pass protection, and from what I've read, Baltimore is not expected to go out of their way to resign him given their other needs. I'd have Wilson work throughout the off-season at Center (his natural position, as having a competent backup Center is almost a must). When Campbell's knee is 100% by training camp (which it should be), in the meantime he needs to be in a serious strength and conditioning program to reduce is body fat and significantly increase his upper, core, and lower body strength. I'm not willing to give up on him at LT just yet (Rashawn Slater has the same arm length as Campbell and is 2 inches shorter).

A solid Veteran FA, preferably on the young side, or a can play Day 1 Draft Pick at LG (who's an actual LG), would go a long way to helping Campbell. This Draft has a RT that can be had where they'll be picking in the 1st and possibly 2nd Round. Also, Let's see what Marcus Bryant can bring with another off-season under his belt (as he could be out RT of the future).
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I agree wholeheartedly on signing Linderbaum, and even would cut Onwenu to save the money to pay Linderbaum. Wilson was not that bad by the end of the year. With proper training and year 2 leap Wilson might be a good guard. Wilson is athletic and strong.

Campbell said he has a torn knee ligament. It is 5 months to training camp. What knee ligament heals in 5 months? A torn MCL takes 5 months for anyone to be walking and running, but I don't think he will be full impact by training camp if any ligament is torn. Maybe it is a small Grade 1 or 2 tear that will heal on its own? Who knows.

Campbell might be a better LG, and we can draft a solid LT. There are a few that might be available at the end of R1.
 
What about signing offensive guards instead, since Bradbury played better at center than Wilson did at guard. My thought is it'd be a bigger upgrade to go from Wilson to a good OG.

Linderbaum is expected to earn a big salary. Wouldn't it be better to spend less than that on a good guard like Seumalo, and have Bradbury and Wilson at center? Then they'd have the savings to spend on other needs, like edge or TE.


JohnJH said:
If they can sign Linderbaum for Center, he would be the leader of the middle of that line for the next 5 or more years. He is excellent at both run blocking and pass protection, and from what I've read, Baltimore is not expected to go out of their way to resign him given their other needs. I'd have Wilson work throughout the off-season at Center (his natural position, as having a competent backup Center is almost a must). When Campbell's knee is 100% by training camp (which it should be), in the meantime he needs to be in a serious strength and conditioning program to reduce is body fat and significantly increase his upper, core, and lower body strength. I'm not willing to give up on him at LT just yet (Rashawn Slater has the same arm length as Campbell and is 2 inches shorter).

A solid Veteran FA, preferably on the young side, or a can play Day 1 Draft Pick at LG (who's an actual LG), would go a long way to helping Campbell. This Draft has a RT that can be had where they'll be picking in the 1st and possibly 2nd Round. Also, Let's see what Marcus Bryant can bring with another off-season under his belt (as he could be out RT of the future).

Even if they resign Chaisson, they need another Edge. They also need a younger FA OLB, the most likely route to obtaining one, that'll see Landry as a rotational piece. Also need a legit "In the Box" Safety. I wouldn't say no to Riq Woolen, who excels at Man Coverage. He's young and could be a long term piece next to Gonzo (although that's less likely to happen). Need a TE that can block. And yes, I WANT Alec Pierce!!! Boutte should be extended and would be a solid #2 who can play out of multiple formations. Trade Douglas (I know I'll get hate for this, but Boutte is much better and Douglas hasn't moved the needle for me in the 3 years he's been here.

Keep Diggs another year. And draft a Chris Bell or similar WR. Lastly, for now. We need more than 2 talented RB's. If Nicholas Singleton checks out physically, I would absolutely draft him (or a similar RB). And if the money was right, I'd take Breece Hall, even if it meant unloading Stevenson. These are just a few thoughts. I do trust that Vrabel will make the right decisions in FA and the Draft. He has a good record in those areas by and large.
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rads2005 said:
What about signing offensive guards instead, since Bradbury played better at center than Wilson did at guard. My thought is it'd be a bigger upgrade to go from Wilson to a good OG.

Linderbaum is expected to earn a big salary. Wouldn't it be better to spend less than that on a good guard like Seumalo, and have Bradbury and Wilson at center? Then they'd have the savings to spend on other needs, like edge or TE.
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I like the logic but we need to be able to run between the tackles. With Bradbury or Wilson at center will we be able to run inside? There was a reason the Vikings cut Bradbury who is super athletic but weak.
 
The more clips and film comes out about the SB, the more i want nothing to do with Wilson next year. Im really souring on the guy, good backup but thats about it.
Go get Linderbaum or draft a new C.
 
stelfans said:
The more clips and film comes out about the SB, the more i want nothing to do with Wilson next year. Im really souring on the guy, good backup but thats about it.
Go get Linderbaum or draft a new C.
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Clonamery said:
Too early.
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I find the performance of the left side of our line frustrating as hell too, but I am more disappointed in the coaching. I thought we had a coaching advantage and boy was I wrong.
 
One-If-By-Sea said:
I find the performance of the left side of our line frustrating as hell too, but I am more disappointed in the coaching. I thought we had a coaching advantage and boy was I wrong.
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Easy. Remember...we weren't supposed to win many games and we played in 21. That's a lot. 30 new players, making them gel, reinforcing the message daily. It's a lot. The coaches themselves dealing with the same newness and unknown expectations. I am not distressed as if this was 2015 and we suddenly see flaws in things we believed were solid.

Last year was a good draft & FA in spite of the ending. Let's see where that goes again. Give the youngins a 2nd Training Camp. They'll need it because the fun's over.
 
Clonamery said:
Easy. Remember...we weren't supposed to win many games and we played in 21. That's a lot. 30 new players, making them gel, reinforcing the message daily. It's a lot. The coaches themselves dealing with the same newness and unknown expectations. I am not distressed as if this was 2015 and we suddenly see flaws in things we believed were solid.

Last year was a good draft & FA in spite of the ending. Let's see where that goes again. Give the youngins a 2nd Training Camp. They'll need it because the fun's over.
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Agreed. I don't want another year of being so reliant on rookies which is strange for me to say. Give them time to find their feet in the NFL. Just make sure you have a plan for them. In normal years, 3rd and 4th rounders don't normally start day one.
 
I also want to say, and this isn't meant as a dig at anyone who disagrees, that I feel a sense of loyalty to this team and the ride they gave us this year. I'm happy to keep most of them and draft their future replacements. The only issue is ensuring you have enough roster spots to accomodate your rookies in august.
 
mayoclinic said:
A rookie IOL struggled against one of the best IDLs in the NFL. And we want nothing to do with him?
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Serious frustration. All you can do is hand them a paper bag and say, "Breathe." Or depending on their age, send them to their room.
 
Sounds like the GDTs. Panic.
 
mayoclinic said:
A rookie IOL struggled against one of the best IDLs in the NFL. And we want nothing to do with him?
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Thats not what happened..but if thats what you want to tell you, great!
Wilson struggled all year, the gap between him and Bradbury was the weakest link ALL year. What happened in the SB was not exactly a surprise, actually thats exactly why it happened because Seattle knew exactly where and who to attack.

Maybe he will be great one day. Maybe he becomes the best center ever in the NFL. Right now? He's awful and shouldnt be counted on to play.

Anyway lets have some fun, draft season is here.
 
stelfans said:
Thats not what happened..but if thats what you want to tell you, great!
Wilson struggled all year, the gap between him and Bradbury was the weakest link ALL year. What happened in the SB was not exactly a surprise, actually thats exactly why it happened because Seattle knew exactly where and who to attack.

Maybe he will be great one day. Maybe he becomes the best center ever in the NFL. Right now? He's awful and shouldnt be counted on to play.

Anyway lets have some fun, draft season is here.
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At the same time, we shouldn't be writing rookies off after just one season. They do need time. Wilson is a couple of years younger than Woodson so development curves will be different.
 
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