While I like (and endorse) your DL additions though I might add different names, the thought is the same. However I STILL think you are overly optimistic about the LB area. Bently Hall and Jennings are all limited and marginal NFL players. Remember THIS is the year to add DEPTH as well as upgrade starters at the LB postion.
Then we add the additional complication which is, what exactly constitutes a LB these days. Can the Pats get by with SS's playing the position, or do they need to add someone who can stay on the field all three downs. Just look at the effect Devon White had on the Bucs D. I doubt there is his like at the #15 spot or even FA, BUT w (e can vastly improve our 3 down defense with a Milano or his like
That being said among our biggest needs, QB, TE, WR, DL, and LB, I'd rate LB as the 5th most important, BUT it should not be disregarded when there will be an vast upgrade at #15 and/or in FA at reasonable prices.
I think BB looks at these rebuilds as 3 year projects, I think the 2001 success came as big a surprise to Bill as the rest of us. Just as the disappointing 2002 season and successful seasons of 2003 and 4 where probably what he expected.
We have the long term cap space and draft picks to build a first rate roster over the next 3 years. If we are lucky enough to develop or obtain a top; 15 QB, we will be competing for Titles sooner rather than later in year 3. We will clearly be a better team than last, though so will all our opponents. It seemed 8 of games will be against teams who had 11 or more wins last season, so next year, I'm I'd be disappointed with anything less than 8 wins and if we catch a break up to 10. I would guess that that is what Bill thought about the 2001 team going into the season.....and then caught lightening in a bottle in the playoffs. (much like the Giants did in 07)
So my expectations for this year is to see a better team than last year regardless of their record. Then playoffs in 2022 and competitive superbowl contenders after that.
Good thoughts and i think a lot of us here are quite on the same page regarding D FA.
Im all in and also expect adding depth at LB for TC competition, but if they believe Hightower will start 100% upgrading starters might be more about opportunity than need looking at big picture regardless how any of us feels about certain LB on the contract. I am more on the patient side bc young players coming in need and deserve time to develop and they did not have that in covid season and on decimated roster. It happens again and again that fans trash young players first year or two and when Bill lets the same players leave in FA they call him cheap bastard
But lets say what you propose: trying to upgrade starting LB position (speed).
Everyone says Milano. Ok, nice addition & id love getting my binkie. Not sure he's a 3-down player for BB but lets say he can be.
His projected contract is 11-14M apy. Is that the $ you want to spend at upgrading LB position as your #5 positional need?
While still missing at least 3 starters on DL? (btw - the only LB id pay north of 10M is Devin White you mentioned)
The reality of this FA seems to be that you have 2 solid but far from dominant faster LBs both projected north of 10M and then a few bigger slower solid vets that don't add much to your core and will all likely be overpaid. Bringing back KVN unless nobody else wants him makes little sense if you want to develop Jennings and develop roster like you say.
Id prefer to look at mid to lower tier for some complementary faster LBs that can play ST: Malcolm Smith, Pierre-Louis, Todd Davis, or player id love to bring back - Kamu Grugier Hill. They will be in a 2-4M price range some even lower.
Id also look at some “reclamation“ projects who showed glimpses of starting material and are on the faster side like Anzalone and Jarrad Davis.
For possible upgrade id look at Draft despite using 2nd and 3rd at the position last yr. Zaven Collins could be next Jamie Collins, maybe Jamie Davis in similar mold in later rounds, they might like Parsons in 1st and if he falls to 2nd, id love to have my overall binkie Nick Bolton who could be close to what Mayo was, there's a lot to like with Cox in coverage capacity...
But no need to force it, esp. in line with your 2y plan: i believe Uche can grow into Collins role this year and Dugger can be a 3-down player sharing safety and some LB duties.
