09-25-2019, 01:41 AM
(09-25-2019, 01:17 AM)Nicomo Cosca Wrote: I really don’t get the sudden fascination with trading/letting go of AJ Green.
We just saw a 33 year old WR win SB MVP last year, and Edelman has missed more games from injury than AJ has. Granted he makes a lot less money, but I don’t think AJ will get as much on his next deal as many here are suggesting.
And it’s obvious we need him to win games.
There are many moving parts to it. Are we truly rebuilding after this season? Are they serious about addressing issues on the defense and o-line?
Andy and AJ both will eat a ton of cap space if they are re-signed long term. Even individually. This coupled with the Atkins and Dunlap deals make our cap spend largely invested in guys over 30 who are going to inevitably fall victim to time.
We need linebackers, offensive linemen, and probably even a couple of upgrades in the secondary. We also have guys like Billings and Jackson that will need to be re-signed soon.
I don't see this team as one that's hurting for skill players on offense. Dalton is still racking up yards without AJ. Mixon and Gio are victims of an injured and talent-deficient line.
What helps them move forward to building a winner? A receiver that misses a ton of time lately, or an investment in the line/defense? They've tried for 4 straight years to trot the same group out there. It's failed miserably. They aren't going anywhere sinking tons of cash into 30 year old hurt dudes when there are multiple major needs elsewhere.
Then there's the rinse/repeat Hobson articles that will ensue if he and Andy are re-signed that will surface in March when the time arrives to acquire personnel (for most teams, anyway). "Oh, we can't afford a real linebacker or guard because we backed a Brink's truck up to our future HOF WR and franchise QB". "We have some very good players and just got snakebit by injury". No. Something needs to change. If we spend a 3rd of our cap on the same guys that have been here since 2011 and gotten the same results since 2016, things aren't improving. We'll be right back where we are now next September. Huge extensions for Andy or AJ will all but guarantee more free agency apathy from the organization. it gives them the excuse they want to stock the team with bums and shitbag backfill again, just like this year.
