Originally posted by Cjsloth:
Hi GEEK, absolutely love the idea of stocking up on future draft picks in an attempt to get Watson, but I think I would tweak your approach a little bit. Instead of trading down with the Bears I would probably try to trade down with a team that could potentially end up with a top draft pick next year. I bet the Lions will be the clear loser in the NFC North as they will be looking to do a rebuild with their new GM. Furthermore they are flush with future 1st rnd picks and therefore could be inclined to trade them in order to begin their rebuild a year earlier. I don't know what we would have to give up on top of our 12th to get the Lions 1st in 2022 and then the Rams 1st in 2023 (I expect Rams to be decent next year, but they could possibly implode in 2023) + Lions 2nd in 2021.
This way we would have a good package for Watson in case he becomes available or we have a good chance for a top pick without needing to trade up next year.
The second thing I would consider is to simply free up as much cap space as possible in order to be flexible for the influx of free agent cap cassualties later in the off-season. I even think I would not re-sign T Williams until we have seen what else becomes available. I think teams that re-sign FAs early this year will end up overpaying since the available altetnatives are not as competitive ad they will be later in the off-season.
What I would consider is to sign Verett since we simply need some consistency in our secondary unit. As it stands now, that unit will lose their leader in Sherman, the position coach in Odon and the DC in Saleh. Ideally we should prioritize another good vet in FA later, but also draft some prospects that could develop. I would not prioritize Hyder, I know he had a great season but Kocurek has shown he can develop guys every year, so here I would draft someone in the early rounds and find cheap vets to support.
I would let Jimmy go no matter what since he would hinder our FA flexibility and sign a cheap Vet (in case we don't get Watson) to compete with Rosen, Mond and Mullens. If we don't get Watson then we can use that cap on getting an insane roster through FA which should be able to carry any QB + Shanahan to the playoffs and we would be in a great position to go get a franchise QB in next years draft.
I am actually starting to consider going with this approach even if Watson becomes available. This approach would fit a lot better in the brick by brick mentality.
What do you guys think? Am I missing something obvious that woyld ruin this plan (despite half our team getting injured again)?
You pose some interesting questions that merit further discussion. Would love to see your own mock on this forum.
RE: Lions trade - it takes two to tango. Lions are committed to a long-term build. It makes no sense for them to give up their own 2022 1st round pick, especially if they pick QB w. their 1st round pick. The reason why I project the Bears to that is because of their clear void at QB + their GM and HC are on their last legs. They are more likely to be in a desperate situation to trade future assets to save their butts.
RE: Free up cap space now to sign future cap casualties - Not sure I buy this fully because we don't know WHO will actually get cut. My two main resignings - T. Williams, Hyder - are well deserving of their contracts and may be cheaper than overpaying for FAs. While the cap is lower in 2021, there are plenty of flush cap space teams that need EDGE and LT and would overpay to secure those. NYJ being one. We are not at the point of a rebuild, so I don't see why we would not resign some key vets.
RE: Verrett - yeah I think we do ultimately sign him to a reasonable deal. However, Shanahan and Lynch are likely skittish to give a mult-year contract to someone who's been super injury prone in his career. It's 50-50 at this point.
RE: Jimmy - I completely disagree with you on the Jimmy G approach. He's got a VERY reasonable contract with low GTD for 2021 and beyond. Until we actually find a true upgrade, we should keep a good serviceable starter on our roster.
