Sounds like business as usual in free agency

[*SHRacerX*]

(01-24-2020, 04:01 PM)Bengalholic Wrote: I just got done listening to Dan Horad's podcast with Lap. They were discussing free agency and both guys pointed to Duke's statement about 'not forcing it' and neither Lap or Hoard sounded very enthusiastic about free agency this year. Couple that with Hobson saying that they wouldn't go out of their 'comfort zone' in pursuing free agents, and it sounds like a repeat of the same old approach, unfortunately.

I sure as hell hope it isn't, and that once free agency gets started, they will aggressive and willing to paying a better caliber of player than usual, but it doesn't sound that way so far. Last year was one of the laziest and least inspiring free agents periods I've ever seen from this franchise and that' saying something. Having the chance to draft a potential franchise QB and having guys that can come off the books like Andy and AJ creates a great opportunity to be aggressive in free agency and attempt to make this team as competitive as possible, as soon as possible. 

If they simply use the draft and sign a couple lower tier free agents like last year, then IMO, they've decided once again to take the route which requires the least effort and willingness to do whatever it takes to win.

We are best to not get our hopes up (like every year).  However, this is what I do.  I plan.  I design.  I dream.  If they don't see it happening for other teams and only focus on their turd FA acquisitions (Antonio Bryant) than they will continue to just flounder along below real competitiveness.  

Their stands are, for the most part, empty.  The fan base is very excited about Burrow, but not stupid enough to think a QB will solve even half of their problems, if any at all.  

The money saved on Dalton's eminent departure (yes, it is only one year) and the potential savings behind trading guys (largely to get out of the contract...Don't expect higher than a 3rd round pick for either) like Kirkpatrick and Gio would allow for the signing of Whit to play LG and Thuney to play RG.  Maybe someone will offer something for Billy Price that needs a center and get out of his contract as well.  They would have enough depth with Miller and Jordan, as he played center as well.  

Defensively, although they certainly played better toward the end of the year, they need a playmaker at SS, a true sideline to sideline LB, and depth at DE/DT.  Of course, they could also use a RT, and if Bechton is there in Rd 2, you take him (supposed to be gone now, but who knows...since he is a RT).  

My dream is that they get those FA I mentioned, get picks for Dalton(2nd), Dre(3rd), and Gio(3rd) and address all those positions I mentioned.  Sure, most rookies don't make a huge impact as rookies, but if you can get the SS and LB with your second round picks, and a RT, DE, and possibly another LB with your third round picks, you have at least given this team a chance.  

I have no doubts the offense will roll but the defense needs a lot of help and you could add as many as 3 top 50 players to help there if you slide a bit in Rd 2 and pick up an additional 2nd rounder (dolphins and bills have all kinds of draft capital). 

Fingers crossed that they approach this offseason differently.