4 hours ago
Here we go again...
Before freaking over the Rats signing Jaire Alexander remember why he was available - he has had major injury issues and was stalled in contract negotiations. Green Bay took a 17 million dollar cap hit when they cut him.
As to the veteran Guards out there, it is not even clear if Scherf is retiring. That leaves Risner. Lucas Patrick has played starter at an average to slightly above average level and his two worst seasons (Chicago 2022 / 2023) were with having to block for Justin Fields with his zero pocket awareness and lack of pocket presence (as the Steelers learned last season). Fairchild was one of the Guard prospects holding a plug and play label (the last one I believe). Also add in the new OL coach whose strength is coaching players up.
Then you have defense. Once Trey and Stewart sign (they will) the DL will be ready. Slaton was a huge pickup both literally and figuratively. Our lack of a true NT last season caused issues and Slaton is also already asserting leadership on the line. Knight is doing the same at LB and remember we also signed Oren Burks and drafted Barrett Carter too. They retooled the LB room and remember the defensive picks were based on input from Golden who is installing his defense - note that the players brought in all have in common being good tacklers.
Nothing in life or football is guaranteed. but overall the moves this offseason make sense especially in light of the coaching changeovers and who was out there in the first place.
Before freaking over the Rats signing Jaire Alexander remember why he was available - he has had major injury issues and was stalled in contract negotiations. Green Bay took a 17 million dollar cap hit when they cut him.
As to the veteran Guards out there, it is not even clear if Scherf is retiring. That leaves Risner. Lucas Patrick has played starter at an average to slightly above average level and his two worst seasons (Chicago 2022 / 2023) were with having to block for Justin Fields with his zero pocket awareness and lack of pocket presence (as the Steelers learned last season). Fairchild was one of the Guard prospects holding a plug and play label (the last one I believe). Also add in the new OL coach whose strength is coaching players up.
Then you have defense. Once Trey and Stewart sign (they will) the DL will be ready. Slaton was a huge pickup both literally and figuratively. Our lack of a true NT last season caused issues and Slaton is also already asserting leadership on the line. Knight is doing the same at LB and remember we also signed Oren Burks and drafted Barrett Carter too. They retooled the LB room and remember the defensive picks were based on input from Golden who is installing his defense - note that the players brought in all have in common being good tacklers.
Nothing in life or football is guaranteed. but overall the moves this offseason make sense especially in light of the coaching changeovers and who was out there in the first place.
![[Image: 4CV0TeR.png]](https://i.imgur.com/4CV0TeR.png)
