Post by riczaj01 on Jan 18, 2023 6:56:55 GMT -6
All three of these players would be upgrades at positions of need.
It's still way early and initial FA in March may alter priorities but right now, I'm leaning toward Nelson. Leaning but certainly open to changing my mind. Here's why:
Cody Whitehair has been a solid player but is done as a Bear. He's over 30 now, hasn't played that well last 2 seasons, and has a $14.1m cap hit in 2023. He will be traded or more likely released this offseason. Nelson is younger, way better, and would cost us only $2.5m more as his signing bonus stays on INDY'S BOOKS not ours. Out of guaranteed money after just one more year.
Nelson is instant massive upgrade at LG. Add a C like Bozeman in FA + draft pick at RT and you suddenly have a rock solid young OL. You want to "protect Fields"? This is a huge step forward toward that goal.
Pittman is my 2nd choice cuz he's young and has produced despite crap QB play. But Poles would need to negotiate a contract extension with him as part of the deal as you're not making this trade for a one-year rental. Thus, he's not as "cheap" as his current contract suggests. Still, if you want to give Fields better weaponry, you're getting a 6'4" 90 catch receiver who's only 25 yo.
Buckner is my last choice at this point. Good player don't get me wrong, but 28 yo and has a big contract. If Carter is all that and a bag of chips, why not draft him for a way cheaper and younger player? Plus, he's a DT and not a surrounding cast piece for Fields.
PS: Correction--Nelson is only due $6m in salary this year and that's the last of his fully guaranteed money. He's actually 1/2 the cost of Whitehair. Nelson is my #1 target
He not going anywhere, also Leatherwood.
Only OL we could get rid of is Lucas, and I hope we do that.
dead cap is 8mil, but saves the team 6mil, that's how you justify it. I'm over Whitehair, but if they keep him, as long as they make him earn the spot if he stays I'll be okay.