Possible 2021 Free agents

[*ochocincos*]

(11-20-2020, 11:23 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: As much as I know and like Joe Thuney, I don't want to spend that on the line if Spain can show he belongs and maybe XSF with Jordan learning/backing him up.  What the offense needs is a vertical weapon.  A Brandin Cooks-type player.  

The defense is horrible and needs a ton of help, starting on the line.  Not just edge rushers, but guys that can penetrate from the inside.  I don't think Geno is worth much anymore, but hoping to see more from him now that his wife and new baby have made it in to the world without complications from being 5 weeks premature.  

They have an outstanding safety in Bates, and solid CBs, but the front 7 is awful.  LBs asked to cover too long and defensive line doesn't generate near enough pressure nor do a very good job stuffing the run.  The easy way out is to blame the coach, but when these guys are engaged, they are done.  No one separates from their blocks, and no one maintains their edge very well.  Losing Reader was a big blow, but he is one guy.  

This team will never be competitive if against the best teams they are never allowed to punt because their defense can't get any stops.  

I'm honestly curious how much that really will help.
I'd like to not put Brandin Cooks-type money into a vertical weapon unless we know Burrow can actually hit him in stride and prove that it elevates the offense. Would you want to spend $12+ mill a year on Cooks if he ends up just being WR3 in terms of production? I'd prefer to just draft a vertical weapon.