Poles has more cap space than nearly all GMs. Therefore, if he really wants Cushenberry or McKinney, he can outbid nearly anybody. The 2024 free agency auctions will tell us very clearly what he wants — and doesn’t want.
You are aware, of course, that those two would take like 25mil or more of our space? And we need to sign a lot of guys. For instance starting DE and DT.
Yes, I am aware. They would be $20-25M. Signing all the rookies is $16M. He currently has $62.7M according to over the cap. He will spend the money somewhere, and we’ll soon see where.
You are aware, of course, that those two would take like 25mil or more of our space? And we need to sign a lot of guys. For instance starting DE and DT.
Yes, I am aware. They would be $20-25M. Signing all the rookies is $16M. He currently has $62.7M according to over the cap. He will spend the money somewhere, and we’ll soon see where.
He can draft a DE at #9 if that’s what you want.
I hope they don't. We need to put more resources into the offense. We can afford one draft of ignoring the defense.
Poles has more cap space than nearly all GMs. Therefore, if he really wants Cushenberry or McKinney, he can outbid nearly anybody. The 2024 free agency auctions will tell us very clearly what he wants — and doesn’t want.
Yes he could. But we do not know what he has in mind for FA. We should see how this shakes out. And do not worry, we can still go back and crucify him for this and many threads can be started. All is not lost.
Poles has more cap space than nearly all GMs. Therefore, if he really wants Cushenberry or McKinney, he can outbid nearly anybody. The 2024 free agency auctions will tell us very clearly what he wants — and doesn’t want.
Yes he could. But we do not know what he has in mind for FA. We should see how this shakes out. And do not worry, we can still go back and crucify him for this and many threads can be started. All is not lost.
If he were planning to bid on McKinney, why did he just spend $15M for a free safety? Makes no sense. Same applies to Bates and Cushenberry. A backup center shouldn’t cost $8M for two years. Like it or not Bates and Byard are all we’re getting. Now watch him roll out the BIG $$$ on Wilkins or some other DL to keep Flus happy.
Yes he could. But we do not know what he has in mind for FA. We should see how this shakes out. And do not worry, we can still go back and crucify him for this and many threads can be started. All is not lost.
If he were planning to bid on McKinney, why did he just spend $15M for a free safety? Makes no sense. Same applies to Bates and Cushenberry. A backup center shouldn’t cost $8M for two years. Like it or not Bates and Byard are all we’re getting. Now watch him roll out the BIG $$$ on Wilkins or some other DL to keep Flus happy.
No, I don't think McKinney was his FA target. Nor Cushenberry (Although I was hoping that either or both would be). And I agree, I think they are what we are getting. I would not mind a top DT. It is needed. But if we do that, the inequity in $$$$ between D and O grows larger, and that does bother me.
If he were planning to bid on McKinney, why did he just spend $15M for a free safety? Makes no sense. Same applies to Bates and Cushenberry. A backup center shouldn’t cost $8M for two years. Like it or not Bates and Byard are all we’re getting. Now watch him roll out the BIG $$$ on Wilkins or some other DL to keep Flus happy.
No, I don't think McKinney was his FA target. Nor Cushenberry (Although I was hoping that either or both would be). And I agree, I think they are what we are getting. I would not mind a top DT. It is needed. But if we do that, in inequity in $$$$ between D and O grows larger, and that does bother me.
I agree. I am now in the “max support for Williams in 2024” camp, although I would love to have Illini Johnny Newton as our 3-tech.
If he were planning to bid on McKinney, why did he just spend $15M for a free safety? Makes no sense. Same applies to Bates and Cushenberry. A backup center shouldn’t cost $8M for two years. Like it or not Bates and Byard are all we’re getting. Now watch him roll out the BIG $$$ on Wilkins or some other DL to keep Flus happy.
No, I don't think McKinney was his FA target. Nor Cushenberry (Although I was hoping that either or both would be). And I agree, I think they are what we are getting. I would not mind a top DT. It is needed. But if we do that, the inequity in $$$$ between D and O grows larger, and that does bother me.
My hope is that through these D signings in FA, Poles is setting up the draft so that he truly can invest in the offense - beginning with that 1st overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft. Begin there and add some more key pieces to the offense through the draft. In particular the WR room needs a solid WR or two added. This would be the draft to do that.
Huh.... how about that. Didn't think they would sign him because of age.
I wanted McKinney, but I guess that’s off the table now.
Byard is same age as Eddie Jackson. He peaked in 2021. From these first two deals, my impression is that Poles simply doesn’t value the center and safety positions high enough to pursue the premier players at those positions.
McKinney and Simmons were/are the top-of-market guys and its no surprise Poles didn't pursue either of them. He has big contracts on D at all 3 levels now and needs to spend some money on O. Every fan wants the biggest name at every position but that isn't how it works. Gotta make some business decisions.
Byard is fine as a vet stopgap for 2 years. He's obviously not the long term answer at 30 yo.
At least he can tackle which BoJack had to be shamed into doing.
I wanted McKinney, but I guess that’s off the table now.
Byard is same age as Eddie Jackson. He peaked in 2021. From these first two deals, my impression is that Poles simply doesn’t value the center and safety positions high enough to pursue the premier players at those positions.
McKinney and Simmons were/are the top-of-market guys and its no surprise Poles didn't pursue either of them. He has big contracts on D at all 3 levels now and needs to spend some money on O. Every fan wants the biggest name at every position but that isn't how it works. Gotta make some business decisions.
Byard is fine as a vet stopgap for 2 years. He's obviously not the long term answer at 30 yo.
At least he can tackle which BoJack had to be shamed into doing.
Here is what he could have done: 1. Cushenberry and McKinney ($25M) 2. Williams at #1 3. Odunze/Nabers if possible at #9. If not, trade down to 16-25 and draft JPJ if you don’t have Cushenberry or WR Thomas if you do. Use second round pick from the trade to take WR in second round. 4. Take BPA offensive player in 3rd round at #75. Maybe a TE.
This is the “max support in 2024 for Caleb” plan. Wait for 2025 to finish the DL.
