2016 free agency

[usmccharles]

Alshon will def. make more than $10M and he has all the leverage in the world. He pretty much saved the Bears offense from collapsing and has been on a tear lately. Chicago can't afford letting him go allowing him to command a very high salary.

I think he gets between 10-12 a year...no way we could ever compete with that

[52liveforever]

Time to put this to death

It's time for a lesson in basic anatomy. And here, we have our first contestant, Dwayne the Rock Johnson

Link

And here we have our second contestant, our very own Crockett GIllmore....(closest height weight comparison I could find)

Link

Who's body looks better.

The Rock, by far. He makes me feel like less of man when I type this.....

Who is stronger??

Well lets see. Bulk does not always equate to strength. The Rock has more of it, but guys like Crockett specifically train for strength. Tbh, the Rock would probably get destroyed if he had to take on NFL olinemen today(when he was at Miami different story). Who looks better? Easily the rock. But if the Rock and ZDS had to arm wrestle today, ZDS would win.

In fact, most nfl players that are not QBs, Kickers, Punters, and so on could probably do it. They're not cut.. They're strong in certain areas of their body. They're also EASILY in better shape the Rock hopes to be.

And if you really look at Maxx, his problem is long speed. Which isn't his game anyway. Maxx has short area quickness, burst and great hands, and when he develops more as a route runner will easily be the best TE on the roster. And when we get a deep threat and the middle is open, we just might have found a version of Dennis Pitta who blocks for us. Which scares the hell out of me btw. I expected him to have this kind of year. He needs work getting up to NFL speed. And even then, he leads rookie TEs in receptions and yards. With an injury mind you. I wouldn't be surprised if that happens sooner rather than later(in terms of years).. I mean, we have a good track record with TES(Heap, Pitta, Gillmore has turned into a good TE).

And yes, I understand that Boyle looks better now, but so did Dickson his rookie year.

What some people are failing to realize is, that in the future we're going to be able to use two TE sets. So yes. I EASILY prefer Maxx to any of the FA TEs.

I completely agree. I put somewhere some stats of great and som HoF TE's and Maxx and Boyle are both on track to similar years. Thing about Maxx is his age and the fact he isn't even fully developed yet. He's going to improve in every possible area which should be an exciting thing for people.

[PurpleCity5]

I think he gets between 10-12 a year...no way we could ever compete with that

We can't and I def. see him getting more than that. He's the real deal and Chicago has rejuvenated(Sort of) in large part because of him. Cutler has played a bit better this year than last, so I'm sure they're encouraged and want to continue to build on that and letting Alshon go would halt that. 

[usmccharles]

We can't and I def. see him getting more than that. He's the real deal and Chicago has rejuvenated(Sort of) in large part because of him. Cutler has played a bit better this year than last, so I'm sure they're encouraged and want to continue to build on that and letting Alshon go would halt that.

I don't see him making the same as Dez, dtomas, or Julio. But I think he's right there. I highly doubt he will see FA as he is Chicago's best player. I wouldn't be shocked did Chicago drafted a qb this year.

[PurpleCity5]

I don't see him making the same as Dez, dtomas, or Julio. But I think he's right there. I highly doubt he will see FA as he is Chicago's best player. I wouldn't be shocked did Chicago drafted a qb this year.

He could definitely negotiate a deal similar to the deal they got. He's been on a tear since returning and the biggest piece of the Bears offense. I wouldn't be shocked if he commanded a top-5 salary for WRs. 

[Drew P]

Alshon will def. make more than $10M and he has all the leverage in the world. He pretty much saved the Bears offense from collapsing and has been on a tear lately. Chicago can't afford letting him go allowing him to command a very high salary.

 

Teams will be cautious to fork over big money to WR's with the Lions and Cows as an example that it doesn't equate to guaranteed wins...

[rmcjacket23]

Teams will be cautious to fork over big money to WR's with the Lions and Cows as an example that it doesn't equate to guaranteed wins...

Doesn't appear that way.

 

$13.5M roughly per year for Julio Jones... signed less than four months ago.

$13M roughly per year for AJ Green...signed about two months ago.

 

Both of those players come with recent injury concerns AND play on teams who have largely accomplished nothing in this league for many, many years, including while they played for them.

 

$10-12M is the range he will get from just about anybody. There's really no evidence that teams are hesitant to pay top tier money to WRs, regardless of W/L record, which is why so few of them ever actually make it to FA.

[usmccharles]

Teams will be cautious to fork over big money to WR's with the Lions and Cows as an example that it doesn't equate to guaranteed wins...

Cowboys lost their starting qb and said wr for an extended amount of time. They were the clear favorites in that division, however I think they made a huge mistake in not bring in a rb. Chris Johnson there would be a perfect match

Detroit should never be looked at as how to do anything...

It just depends what kind of team your building.

Edited November 13, 2015 by usmccharles

[Drew P]

Cowboys lost their starting qb and said wr for an extended amount of time. They were the clear favorites in that division, however I think they made a huge mistake in not bring in a rb. Chris Johnson there would be a perfect match

Detroit should never be looked at as how to do anything...

It just depends what kind of team your building.

 

Point is you dont build a squad around a WR as your center piece

[usmccharles]

Point is you dont build a squad around a WR as your center piece

we aren't disagreeing here lol. I'd never want to be a team with an elite wr and mediocrity everywhere else. I think Cowboys are a well balanced team. I think the Falcons are trending up finally. Detroit is Detroit. Bears are a dumpster fire. Denver built a very balanced team although we shall see when Peyton leaves this year. All teams with elite wrs and good pieces else where Edited November 13, 2015 by usmccharles

[redrum52]

Hindsight is his job. I would really like a play for Alshon Jeffrey. A youmger faster more athletic Boldin. I don't think he will get a mega contract. At 31 yrs old we will have to wait to see if Yanda is a good signing. Guards seem to decline after that age. Look at Faneca, Hutchinson,Allen,Mankins. If Yanda signing does go sideways it is a signing that makes sense being he is a stud and leader. And it was relatively cheap for a top guard.

Post of the year candidate...

Can I just ask how us mere mortals are suppose to be able to predict the future?

Also, Torrey got about 45-50 miles I think. Jeffery will most likely get more.

Edited November 14, 2015 by redrum52

[usmccharles]

Post of the year candidate...

Can I just ask how us mere mortals are suppose to be able to predict the future?

Also, Torrey got about 45-50 miles I think. Jeffery will most likely get more.

some people just don't know how to use logic and be realistic. Of course everyone would Love Jeffery... but there's this thing, it's not a very well know thing, called the cap... It kind of Matters

[Cillmatic]

Anyone who actually thinks we have the chance or the desire to go after the imminently overpaid and currently injury prone Alshon Jeffery is crazy.

[-Truth-]

I have my doubts that we have a serious chance to land Jeffery given our cap situation, but if he plays close to this level for the rest of the season, it'll be difficult for him to be considered overpaid. He's playing like one of the best receivers in the game at the moment and he's arguably been a Top 15 receiver over the two seasons prior. Has definitely had his share of nicks and bruises though.

[PurpleCity5]

I have my doubts that we have a serious chance to land Jeffery given our cap situation, but if he plays close to this level for the rest of the season, it'll be difficult for him to be considered overpaid. He's playing like one of the best receivers in the game at the moment and he's arguably been a Top 15 receiver over the two seasons prior. Has definitely had his share of nicks and bruises though.

Yeah the injuries are there but he has been nothing short of amazing since returning. Nearly unstoppable. We have very little to no chance.

[January J]

Yeah the injuries are there but he has been nothing short of amazing since returning. Nearly unstoppable. We have very little to no chance.

anythings possible it would just have to be at the expense of another position.

[PurpleCity5]

anythings possible it would just have to be at the expense of another position.

I'm not in favor of that either. I'd rather have VJax+Mike Neal+FS/CB than just Alshon. 

[January J]

I'm not in favor of that either. I'd rather have VJax+Mike Neal+FS/CB than just Alshon.

I agree. Unless we have a very good draft and can actually afford to swing it. Still would be smarter to just bolster the team with depth bc who's to say if we did bring him in that he wouldn't get injured? Then were right back to square one and then the other positions are suffering as well.

[PurpleCity5]

I agree. Unless we have a very good draft and can actually afford to swing it. Still would be smarter to just bolster the team with depth bc who's to say if we did bring him in that he wouldn't get injured? Then were right back to square one and then the other positions are suffering as well.

Agreed, I don't think its even worth our time to go after him and allow key FAs to slip out of our grasp. 

 

Also, T.Y Hilton and Mike Wallace got deals that net them an average salary of $12-13M per year. I don't see how Alshon doesn't get pass that. 

Edited November 14, 2015 by PurpleCity5

[Boddiebroadus]

Josh Gordon??

[-Truth-]

I'm not in favor of that either. I'd rather have VJax+Mike Neal+FS/CB than just Alshon.

In terms of free agency, I might prefer his mate in Nick Perry over Neal. I personally have my doubts that Neal would be a long-term solution. He's made the conversion relatively recently, so he deserves some slack, but I thought he fared better as a pass rusher when he was an odd-front end. He has a surprising initial burst and overall agility for a player his size but the cupboard is otherwise bare when it comes to the rest of the arsenal. The upper-body strength is evident but his upright playstyle doesn't allow him to leverage. His hands aren't particularly violent or active, and he lacks countermoves to nudge himself free when he's locked up with the OT. Conversely, he was superior as a rusher as a lineman since he was able to overwhelm guards with his athleticism, but he struggled with block shedding in the running game so it's a bit of a catch 22 in terms of becomming a dual contributor. He still has time to get himself more acquainted with the position but he'll be 29 before the start of next season. He's had ample opportunities to rush the passer and he's been a relative non-factor in that department, especially this season. I understand how enticing it is to view him as Pernell McPhee replacement given that they both made a similar change, but it's hard to envision a notable upsurge at the moment. He might be better suited as a role player. That's just my opinion.

Edited November 14, 2015 by -Truth-

[allblackraven]

In terms of free agency, I might prefer his mate in Nick Perry over Neal. I personally have my doubts that Neal would be a long-term solution.......

 

I did not recognize you!

[Cillmatic]

Josh Gordon??

Might as well say Rodgers and Odell...

[DomMcRaven]

Might as well say Rodgers and Odell...

Add Gronk, Chris Harris Jr. and Watt as well. 

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

FA's I'd be interested in:

Eric Berry FS*

Josh Norman CB

Mohammed Sanu WR*

Marvin Jones WR*

Michael Crabtree WR*

Brandon Boykin CB*

Tamba Hali OLB*

Nick Perry OLB*

Tarrell Brown CB

Walter Thurmond CB/FS**

Nolan Carroll CB

Terence Newman CB

Janoris Jenkins CB

Reuben Randle WR

Travis Benjamin WR

Jeremy Lane CB*

Nate Washington WR

EJ Biggers CB

Will Blackmon CB

Prince Amukamara CB

Sean Smith CB

Greg Toler CB

Leon Hall CB

Chad Greenway OLB

Reggie Nelson FS

Obviously some are more/less likely than others, and some will be pricey and maybe out of our range.

I starred the ones that I would want the most or I think are likely targets.

I love Walter Thurmond and think he'd be a perfect fit for what our secondary needs. He'd start right away at FS and would partner well with Hill and allow him to finally do what he does best. Plus he just made the transition to FS from CB so he's got cover skills and could help cover slot WR's, RB's and TE's.

Eric Berry might be in play since KC has a plethora of safeties, they may not push to resign him. He might command more than we're willing to pay but I think FS is the biggest hole on the team and should be priority #1 in FA or draft.

OLB and WR are a close 2a and 2b as far as need goes.

[-Truth-]

I did not recognize you!

 

lol Sorry about that. I think it's the first time I've changed it in possibly as long as 5 years or so. It might be a temporary change. Just fits my reaction to some of the notions I've seen thrown around this season. It's also one of my favorite pictures.

[PurpleCity5]

In terms of free agency, I might prefer his mate in Nick Perry over Neal. I personally have my doubts that Neal would be a long-term solution. He's made the conversion relatively recently, so he deserves some slack, but I thought he fared better as a pass rusher when he was an odd-front end. He has a surprising initial burst and overall agility for a player his size but the cupboard is otherwise bare when it comes to the rest of the arsenal. The upper-body strength is evident but his upright playstyle doesn't allow him to leverage. His hands aren't particularly violent or active, and he lacks countermoves to nudge himself free when he's locked up with the OT. Conversely, he was superior as a rusher as a lineman since he was able to overwhelm guards with his athleticism, but he struggled with block shedding in the running game so it's a bit of a catch 22 in terms of becomming a dual contributor. He still has time to get himself more acquainted with the position but he'll be 29 before the start of next season. He's had ample opportunities to rush the passer and he's been a relative non-factor in that department, especially this season. I understand how enticing it is to view him as Pernell McPhee replacement given that they both made a similar change, but it's hard to envision a notable upsurge at the moment. He might be better suited as a role player. That's just my opinion.

The Packers can only keep one of them I believe and quite frankly I think they're going with Perry over Neal. But we're talking about hypothetical's, so it's fair to talk about both as potential signs for this team, but I still prefer Neal over Perry. 

 

I feel like as a pass rusher, he offers a bit more versatility than Perry. You can line him up any where on obvious passing situations. Everyone knows he won't be taking most of his snaps in two or three man fronts consistently because he doesn't have the muscle anymore, but he's still effective in there "NASCAR" package where he functioned as an inside rusher. I will admit, he's still adjusting to OLB as he made the transition in 2013 but he's worked so hard and shredded 50 Pounds to make the change, that's a positive for me. 

 

As far as run-stopping goes, I agree that Perry is the better run stopper but Neal hasn't been poor in that department. The transition to OLB has just halted his progress at being effective there. Shedding blocks has always been a problem since his college days, but he's improved with cut-blocks, and tends to hold his ground. I don't think he's an edge-settler but he's not poor against the run, though GB has been more efficient against the run with Mathews and Perry on the field. 

 

Back to rushing the passer, he's pretty underrated overall. Last season he was second on the team in QB hurries and that's just of an important statistic as sacks. I think that can go a long way for any team, especially our own given how we struggle with turnovers. His leverage is inconsistent, but his explosiveness isn't.

 

Here's also some notable statistics in his first transition to OLB: 

 

"Neal ranks fourth on the defense in tackles per snap with one every 7.9, trailing Sam Shields, Brad Jones and A.J. Hawk (Matthews has one every 8.9, Perry one every 11.6)."

 

"Neal and Matthews lead the team in "pressures" (sacks, knockdowns, hurries) with five, three more than anyone else (Perry has one)."

 

"And Neal, who has dropped into coverage only half a dozen times or so, has the team's only interception."

 

Per: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-mike-neal-surprisingly-good-after-shift-to-linebacker-b99100981z1-224739952.html

 

 

I also feel that Neal is the cheaper option given the position we are in cap wise. He won't command an overly expensive contract, not to mention he's a leader and mentally tough, I admire that in any player. 

[-Truth-]

The Packers can only keep one of them I believe and quite frankly I think they're going with Perry over Neal. But we're talking about hypothetical's, so it's fair to talk about both as potential signs for this team, but I still prefer Neal over Perry.

I feel like as a pass rusher, he offers a bit more versatility than Perry. You can line him up any where on obvious passing situations. Everyone knows he won't be taking most of his snaps in two or three man fronts consistently because he doesn't have the muscle anymore, but he's still effective in there "NASCAR" package where he functioned as an inside rusher. I will admit, he's still adjusting to OLB as he made the transition in 2013 but he's worked so hard and shredded 50 Pounds to make the change, that's a positive for me.

As far as run-stopping goes, I agree that Perry is the better run stopper but Neal hasn't been poor in that department. The transition to OLB has just halted his progress at being effective there. Shedding blocks has always been a problem since his college days, but he's improved with cut-blocks, and tends to hold his ground. I don't think he's an edge-settler but he's not poor against the run, though GB has been more efficient against the run with Mathews and Perry on the field.

Back to rushing the passer, he's pretty underrated overall. Last season he was second on the team in QB hurries and that's just of an important statistic as sacks. I think that can go a long way for any team, especially our own given how we struggle with turnovers. His leverage is inconsistent, but his explosiveness isn't.

Here's also some notable statistics in his first transition to OLB:

"Neal ranks fourth on the defense in tackles per snap with one every 7.9, trailing Sam Shields, Brad Jones and A.J. Hawk (Matthews has one every 8.9, Perry one every 11.6)."

"Neal and Matthews lead the team in "pressures" (sacks, knockdowns, hurries) with five, three more than anyone else (Perry has one)."

"And Neal, who has dropped into coverage only half a dozen times or so, has the team's only interception."

Per: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-mike-neal-surprisingly-good-after-shift-to-linebacker-b99100981z1-224739952.html

I also feel that Neal is the cheaper option given the position we are in cap wise. He won't command an overly expensive contract, not to mention he's a leader and mentally tough, I admire that in any player.

That's fair. Perry is younger than Neal and they've invested an early selection in the former. He does offer more versatility in that he can be utilized on inside stunts or even shift inside on obvious passing downs. The work ethic is an obvious positive as well. Any player who successfully undergoes dramatic changes to their physique in order to fulfill the physical qualifications of their new role earns a well deserved nod in the dedication department. Neal has by no means been below average as a run defending OLB in recent seasons. My comment was regarding his struggles in the running game as a down lineman before the transition. I personally feel that it's currently his biggest strength.

That being said, the statistics you're referring to came from an article that was posted in September of 2013, a few weeks into the first season of the switch. After that season, Neal finished well out of the Top 10 among his teammates in tackles per snap with one per every 15.6. The INT is a promising figure, but it should be noted that it was the end result of a pop-up drop by Josh Morgan which traveled several yards directly into Neal's mitts. He was targeted 6 times in coverage and allowed 6 receptions. Though he does deserve credit in that he's looked more fluid in dropping back than you'd expect. He actually finished 1st in total disruptions among his teammates in 2013, though it was largely due to both Matthews and Perry playing a mere 44% of the allotted snaps due to injuries. Neal struggled mightily as a run defender the running game in 2013, specifically with missed tackles, which was partly forgivable given the newfound responsibility of playing in space. It was arguably his best season as a rusher in his three years at OLB; however, he was in the bottom half at his position in pass rushing productivity per snap in what was an uneven campaign in this department.

With regards to last season, the numbers dwindled notably. Neal finished 4th in pressures and 4th in all disruptions on the team in 2014 despite seeing the 2nd most pass rushing attempts among his mates. To further that point, Neal was allowed the 10th most rushing attempts at his position in the league, he finished 37th of 45 qualifiers in pass rushing productivity. He's been even worse this season as he's currently 41st among 47 qualifiers. He's currently 13th in attempts, just one attempt behind Elvis Dumervil and one head of Pernell McPhee, so it's tough to argue in favor of yielding better numbers with more chances. I've observed him specifically in several games this season and I didn't find the assessment to be favorable. I personally found him to be mostly underwhelming as a pass rusher. He's graded out as the worst and 2nd worst OLB per PFF in 2014 and 2015, respectively. I do admire his mental toughness and I feel that he'd be an asset. I thought he was more effective in 2013 when he utilized the speed bull rush by exploding off the edge, cutting inward, getting under the pads of the OTs and driving them into their QB. If he gets back to the basics, he could very well improve. But considering that he's seemingly regressed despite a large workload while playing alongside of several high caliber players, I don't have much to support predicting a significant uptick in a starting role.

Edited November 15, 2015 by -Truth-

[Dr. Kelley]

Right on the head. We can't use comp picks in need while taking BPA next draft. We don't have that luxury right now. The way our season is going, we will draft in the top 8. Been a looooooong time since Oz drafted so high. Having high picks in each round will bring back the luster to our dull team.

We also need to hold Pees accountable for his inability to influence the defense. His time has come and gone. If Harbs can't let him go, it's Ozzies responsibility to locate a strong DC and get him in here.

This is worth bumping again because its all true

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

Le sigh.

 

We have pieces to build around. CJ, Maxx, Crockett, Boyle, Allen, a solid oline, Jernigan, Williams, Davis, Jimmy, Hill. We need another pass rusher, another corner, and another WR..