MHS831

21 minutes ago, frankw said:

I guess some fans have already forgotten the Paradis/Elflein days.

Center should remain a top priority.

Blocked out.  Man, you flashed me back to some dark days.

Based on the research I just did this AM in my lab which is in my man cave in my secret lair--The OL market in free agency is terrible.  Mays will get top dollar--they are predicting about $12m.

I would love Linderbaum, but I am a realist.  first, the ravens will try to lock him down and he will get $20m or close to it.  

To me, we can get a rookie to do as well for about $2-3m by round 2 or 3.  

Due to the free agent Market, our draft should be focused on the offensive line and edge.  We need to sign a S, ILB, and maybe a TE in free agency.

Draft a T, C, WR, and Edge.  

We shall see. Mays would be a fool to stay--we cut him.  We played Corbett in front of him.

I fear that they will re-sign Corbett to a 1-year deal--maybe that would be smart.  
 

This list from Bleacher Report is from their top 50 free agents.  Considering the cap, needs, and available talent, it is essential to meet as many needs as possible.  In doing so, I look at positions on the Panther roster that must be filled to avoid a drop in performance, and areas of the roster that can be improved as economically as possible.  For example, if we add a top TE, do we improve more than we do if we add a wide receiver that costs more?  We have to replace Cade Mays, it seems, but can we afford to re-sign him or replace him for $12m or so when our guards cost $40m, our RT costs $25m, and we need to something at LT.  Spending $100m on the OL is not good balance. Furthermore, you need to examine needs that are not necessarily urgent or immediate needs.  

This is a reference--giving you my information so that you can form your own opinions and strategies--just sharing.  

Based on Bleacher Report’s “Top 50 free agents” list

Safety

Bryan Cook, S, Kansas City Chiefs

Estimated contract:  3 years, $30m

Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook has been a full-time starter for the last three years and has shown the versatility to play multiple roles in the secondary. While the 2022 second-round pick isn't a Pro Bowl-caliber defender, he's a starting safety who just turned 26 in September.

Jaylinn Hawkins, S, New England Patriots

Estimated contract: 3 years, $25m

Jaylinn Hawkins established himself as an above-average starter with the New England Patriots over the past two years and was a full-time starter in 2025. He has flashed positional versatility in New England and won't turn 29 until August.

Andrew Wingard, S, Jacksonville Jaguars

Estimated contract:  3 years $20m

Safety Andrew Wingard returned to being a full-time starter this season and has fared extremely well in the Jacksonville Jaguars' new-look defense. The 29-year-old can play both strong and free safety and hasn't allowed an opposing passer rating above 100.0 since 2021.

Coby Bryant, DB, Seattle Seahawks

Estimated contract:  3 years, $42m  (MHS Comment:  I likey)

Seahawks defensive back Coby Bryant has spent time as a nickel corner and at safety, and he's coming off a splendid season in Mike Macdonald's defense. The 26-year-old allowed an opposing passer rating of only 54.0 in coverage this past season, his first as a full-time free safety.

Reed Blankenship, S, Philadelphia Eagles

Estimated Contract:  3 year, $40m

Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship had a down year in coverage in 2025, but he's still one of the top young safeties slated to hit the market in March. The 26-year-old has started at least 15 games in each of the past three seasons, and while he might not do any one thing at an elite level, he does a little bit of everything well.

Center

Cade Mays, C, Carolina Panthers

Estimated Contract:  3 years, $37m  (MHS:  The Panthers could re-sign him, but at this price, the draft may be the better option. OL will make more than they are worth in this market. We can’t spend $100m per year on the OL–on the other hand, can we afford to start the season with Nijman or a Rookie at LT AND a rookie C?)

Cade Mays entered the NFL as a 2022 sixth-round pick, and he spent most of his early career providing depth at guard and center. However, he emerged as a dependable starting center for the Carolina Panthers this season and should cash in with a starting-level contract in March.

Tyler Linderbaum, C, Baltimore Ravens

Contract Projection: Four Years, $73 Million

There's a good chance that Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum doesn't actually reach the open market. Baltimore declined his fifth-year option strictly because of salary implications—the franchise tag and the fifth-year option values are determined by offensive line salaries, not just center salaries.  ESPN's Dan Graziano reported last August that the Ravens planned to extend Linderbaum.  If Linderbaum does reach free agency, though, he may be the most coveted lineman on the market. The 25-year-old was just named to his third Pro Bowl and has rarely missed time in his four seasons with the Ravens.

While Linderbaum may be a center-only lineman, he's durable, dependable, and just entering his playing prime.  Potential Suitors: Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns

Tight End

Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens

Contract Projection:  Predicted around 4 years, $36.365 million ($9.1M average).

Isaiah Likely has often been forced to play second fiddle to fellow Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, who received a contract extension in early December. However, the 2022 fourth-round pick is a quick, athletic pass-catcher who could shine as another team's top receiving tight end.  He is 25.  

David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns  

Contract Projection:  3 years, $45m.  (Note:  While his role has diminished a bit with the emergence of Fannin, but Njoku has a $25m cap hit unless he is extended)

Browns tight end David Njoku is coming off a disappointing campaign that included just 293 receiving yards, 12 games, and a knee injury that ended his season prematurely. However, the 29-year-old remains one of the league's better pass-catching tight ends when healthy, topping 500 yards in three straight seasons prior to 2025.

Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons

Contract Projection: 3 years, $45.  (Some say that Atlanta will prioritize re-signing him)

Kyle Pitts' value could vary wildly from team to team, depending on whether he's judged by his floor or his ceiling. A 1,000-yard receiver as a rookie in 2021, Pitts was merely an above-average tight end for the next four seasons before returning to Pro Bowl form late in 2025.  What's undeniable is Pitts' rare combination of size (6'5", 250 lbs) and playmaking ability.

Edge

Boye Mafe, Edge, Seattle Seahawks

Contract projection:  3 years $33m

Boye Mafe fell into more of a rotational role this past season and finished with just two sacks and 17 quarterback pressures. However, he's still a 27-year-old edge-rusher with 20 sacks and 24 tackles for loss on his resume. Mafe's best season was a nine-sack campaign in 2023.(His stock is down. Not elite, but enough here to consider)

Jaelan Phillips, Edge, Philadelphia Eagles

Contract Projection: Three Years, $80 Million

Few players boosted their stock over the second half of the season quite like Jaelan Phillips.

A 2021 first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins, Phillips tallied 22 sacks over his first two-and-a-half seasons before injuries became a significant issue. He was traded to Philadelphia at the 2025 deadline, and he quickly regained his early elite form.

Though Phillips only logged two sacks with the Eagles this past season, he recorded 17 quarterback pressures, four tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He wasted no time adapting to Vic Fangio's defense and becoming a legitimate difference-maker for Philly.

Phillips' injury history will likely lead to an incentive-laden deal that gives his next employer some insurance against another stretch of missed time—he played just 12 games between 2023 and 2024. However, the 26-year-old will be the top edge-defender on a lot of boards.

Potential Suitors: Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers

Trey Hendrickson, Edge, Cincinnati Bengals

Contract Projection: Three Years, $75 Million

Cincinnati Bengals pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson didn't have the sort of contract year he might have hoped for. Cincinnati's defense was an overall disaster, and Hendrickson logged just four sacks and 12 quarterback pressures before suffering a core muscle injury that ended his season.

Having turned 31 in December, Hendrickson probably will not command the same money he might have gotten had he signed an extension over the summer.

Of course, a more reasonable contract makes Hendrickson much less of a risk than he might be on a market-level deal. He's still a four-time Pro Bowler who recorded 17.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024. If healthy, he should provide double-digit sacks in 2026.

Expect Hendrickson to land a contract high on incentives and with a team option on the back end. He'll likely draw the most interest from teams that expect to contend over the next couple of seasons.

Offensive Tackle

Comment: “This year's line market is alarmingly underwhelming overall.”  MHS comment: We need to re-sign Nijman and draft an OT or two.   

Linebacker

Kaden Elliss, LB, Atlanta Falcons  

Contract Projection:  3 years, $28m

Kaden Elliss might be an overlooked member of the Falcons' defense, but he's a starting-caliber inside linebacker who can cover, tackle, and rush the passer. The 30-year-old just had his third straight season with at least 100 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and three passes defended.

Leo Chenal, LB, Kansas City Chiefs 

Contract projection: 4 years, $30m (his estimate ranges from $5m to $15m–lotta varying opinions)

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal is an intriguing defender. He's excelled in a starting role over the past two seasons but has never been an every-down player—he played a career-high 53 percent of the defensive snaps in 2025. Still only 25, Chenal should be heavily targeted by teams that believe he can be a full-time defender.

Nakobe Dean, LB, Philadelphia Eagles 

Contract Projection  (another estimate with a wide range of estimates–3 years between $27m and $60m)

Injuries continue to be a significant concern for Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, who has missed time in each of the past three seasons. As a player, though, the 25-year-old has shown elite upside.Dean amassed 55 tackles, four sacks, and seven tackles for loss in 10 games this past season. He may command a short-term "prove-it" deal, but his long-term upside is intriguing.

Quay Walker, LB, Green Bay Packers

Contract Projection:  3 years, $45m 

Though Quay Walker hasn't played a full 17-game season since he was a rookie, his injury concerns aren't quite as extensive as Dean's. A terrific all-around linebacker, the 25-year-old has recorded at least 100 tackles, two passes defended, and 1.5 sacks in all four of his seasons.

Devin Lloyd LB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Contract Projection: Three Years, $51 Million

Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd never quite played up to his draft status before the 2025 season. However, the 2022 first-round pick certainly made the most of his contract year.

Despite missing time with a calf injury, Lloyd racked up 81 tackles, 1.5 sacks, seven passes defended, 14 quarterback pressures, and five interceptions, while allowing an opposing passer rating of only 56.4 in coverage.

While the Utah product will turn 28 next September, he should have several good years in front of him.

Wide Receiver

Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Contract Projection:  Four years, $84m

After dealing with injuries early in the season, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings was back to being a go-to target by November. The 6'3", 212-pound possession specialist has delivered 83 first downs and 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Contract Projection: Four Years, $85 Million

Don't be surprised if Colts receiver Alec Pierce commands nearly as much attention on the open market as George Pickens this offseason.

While Pierce isn't a truly elite receiver—and won't get No. 1 receiver money, as a result—he's an explosive difference-maker with a great combination of size (6'3", 211 lbs) and speed. The 25-year-old just finished the first 1,000-yard campaign of his career and has led the NFL in yards per catch in back-to-back seasons.

Pierce averaged an impressive 21.3 yards per reception in 2025 and 22.3 yards per catch the previous season. Teams looking for a big-play threat will be extremely high on the former second-round pick out of Cincinnati, whose next contract may surprise some folks.

AS I, MHS831, SEE IT ON THIS 24TH DAY OF JANUARY OF THE YEAR 2026:

Point 1  CADE GONE?: Cade Mays sure seems to be expendable. Only Nick Samac (PS?) is on the roster as a center if Mays leaves.  However, you have to look at the draft and take one of the top Cs, in my view.  You can’t spend all your cap on the OL because your QB is tiny.  However, if I am Cade Mays, I might sign for about $8m if given a 3-year deal because I can start in Carolina.  However, he jumped from Bama to Tennessee in college, so it is his nature to seek greener pastures.  Furthermore, I am not sure he was show the respect to keep him in Carolina–they put him behind Corbett twice, waived him, etc.

Point 2  Good value at S:   Of the top 50 players in free agency (Bleacher Report list), there is value at S.  I like all of them on this list.  I guess we learn how much we like Ransom opposite Moehrig, but I think they are the same player–Ransom should be the #2.  At a cost of about $10m per year, a S might be a smart addition in free agency vs. the draft.

Point 3  Linebackers (ILB) seem to be a good value that meets a need:  If we could sign a LB and maybe a S or TE in free agency, we could add 3 starters in free agency and focus on needs in the draft.  Ellis could be a value in the $8 range per year for 2 years.  Better than Rozeboom, imo.  Chenal and Walker are more expensive options, but affordable.  

Point 4  I just don’t see the value at Edge:  At $25m per, if you miss, it is crippling.  Here is how we can improve in 2026:  A. We get Jones II back.  Not great, but he has had a 7 sack year and gets pressure.  B. Expect Scourton and Princely to improve.  In my view, a situational edge rusher might be all we need.  We should be able to sign a veteran like Reddick to do that.

Point 5  I am not seeing the top WRs to be worth over $20m:  As with the Edge players, our WRs will continue to improve.  Can we use Horn better?  Coker has yet to be a full-time starter.  We need a #3, and we can find one on the cheap or in the draft.

Point 6.  We can upgrade a lot at TE and the price tags are reasonable.   Bring Likely home at $9m per season.  As our #1, with Tremble, Evans, and Sanders (cuttable) on the roster, the TE room is respectable. Likely get the #1 role, he comes home, and should get more looks.

Based on this, I think we should focus on ILB, S, and TE in free agency, hoping to get 2 or 3 starters.  In the draft, OT, edge, WR, and C.  

LT is a need.  Big un.

6 minutes ago, Martin said:

I’m very intrigued by TJ Parker. Had a just ok year after two outstanding years. Still really young. Felt like the whole Clemson team was off this year. He could be a very good pick for us in the first round. 

Except we never take Clemson players--

but this year I think we break that rule.  Especially since our run on Gamecocks is not going well.  

On 1/16/2026 at 12:36 PM, firefox1234 said:

I hope we don’t reach for an edge at #19. I feel like this draft has a lot of edge talent day 2.

The value is in round 2.  Good call.  I think we are going OT in round 1, unless the top 3, maybe 4 are gone.

3 hours ago, Shocker said:

Came here to say this…he is a dog too and athletic.  He looks really good

I feel that the combine will send his stock up the board--I think he would be a great second-round pick.

21 hours ago, flagfootballcoach28 said:

This is the way. He’s no Luke, but who is? Golday is one of my draft crushes. I’d love him in the 2nd. 

Luke is also from Cincinnati.  They are about the same size.  They both run/ran under 4.6.  Both smart.  Both have pets but rarely talk about them.  Too eerie.

1 hour ago, CarolinaRideorDie said:

I'm staring to do research on the off ball linebacker class this year because I think we need a captain of the defense like the Luke days. Sonny Styles, Anthony Hill, CJ Allen are some names to keep an eye on. These guys seem to have the same traits of being instinctive, playmakers, and solid tacklers like Luke. 

Check out Cincinnati's Golday.   I am seeing Lukish qualities (smarts, size, speed, etc)

2 hours ago, kungfoodude said:

Yeah, that was such a bad decision. The Titans are awful. 

He really must be HC desperate.

My first reaction was, "As a head coach, this could be a career buster."  He must have confidence in the QB--

I will be honest--I wonder if the decision to try to score at the end of the half--the Allen Fumble FG play--was the deal breaker.  Now I am back to being dishonest.

2 hours ago, PanthersNCSU said:

Too many job openings this year for McD to not get another HC job

the only way he comes here is if they fire Canales.  Now that McD might be an option, one never know how one might view one situation over an other one once you realize that you can only have one head coach once.

13 hours ago, jopie87 said:

Forget Dan, give that QB credit for Mingo having a catch. Thats high level QB play.

stuck the ball in his facemask.  Took the jaws of life to get it out.

• Here is how I see it:

Hendrickson is 4-5 years past the normal prime for an edge rusher.  However, the smart, elite edge rushers can play into their 30s.  So we would be taking a risk against the odds.  I see him as an elite, smart player,  but in 2025, he only played an average of 15 snaps per game.  

We'd be paying him about 1.5 million per game, or $100,000 per snap at that rate.

Hendrickson is 270, which makes him a guy who can rush inside or outside, hold the edge, and thus, be productive vs. the pass or run.   We have 2 guys (Scourton and Jones II) who do that pretty well.  Jones' salary is $10m.  

I see our need as a pass-rushing specialist, hoping that Princely picks up that role rotationally at least, in 2026.

Here is what AI says about age, and it does not lie:

• Early 20s (21-23): Players develop, with younger cohorts showing less immediate impact, but 23-year-olds often show significant pressure generation.
• Mid-to-Late 20s (24-28): This is the sweet spot, with the 27-year-old age group frequently leading the league in pressures and elite seasons occurring in this window.
• Early 30s (30+): While some decline begins, many top edge rushers remain highly effective, with stars like T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett demonstrating exceptional play well past 30, defying the average career trajectory. 

• Physicality & Technique: Edge rushers need strength and speed, but mastery of pass-rush moves often develops later, allowing for sustained success.
• Individual Variation: Elite players like Bruce Smith and T.J. Watt show that exceptional talent and health can extend prime years significantly, with some even having more sacks after 30 than before. 

I am going to agree with Linville this time--I think we need to get a veteran edge (We have Jones II, Scourton, and Princely--2 developmental guys and a decent veteran).  We don't really think of Jones because he had a hamstring injury weeks 3 and 4 and a back that required surgery Week 6-17.  He still managed 10 pressures, and he will be 28.  Princely Umanmielen only played in approximately 18-20% of the snaps and he struggled at times.  Basically, he was a situational pass rusher.  He got 1.5 sacks and 10 pressures.  He should improve, but for now, he is what he is.  Scourton gives us hope.  For a rookie (and thanks to Jones II's injuries, he was given more PT), he had 8 sacks--and held the edge.  He played at a first-round draft pick level.  He has the potential to become "that guy" in 2026.

We lose Wonnum, who played nearly 700 snaps and amassed 3 whole sacks.  For a person raised a Gamecock, I would not be upset if we purged our roster of all South Carolina alumni.   However, I see it this way:  Wonnum was decent holding the edge, something Patrick Jones II and Scourton have demonstrated at a high level.  He is a liability, if you ask me.   

Jones had 7 sacks one season in Minnesota and is known for his inside rushing ability--not what you would call a speed rusher.  I think Princely was a bit disappointing, but he was a bit raw.  Out of college, they described him as being a bit predictable.  I see no reason he will not improve in 2026 and become a situational pass rusher.  

Basically, with Scourton and Princely expected to continue to develop and Jones II returning from injury, I think we need another veteran (if we can get a good one) to give us balance and depth.  A third developmental player is not ideal.  

Draft:  OT, LB, WR, OL depth, S.

Free Agency:  Edge, possibly a WR;  re-sign Mays, Cuhran, BC (??), and Nijman.  Let walk:  Wonnum, Scott, Dowdle.  I see about $20m per year after signing the OL depth.  Spend it on a veteran edge.  

Players like Reddick (Tampa), Bosa (Buffalo), Khalil Mack (LAC) could be available on a one or two year deal in the $15m range.  We could splurge here, but I think a veteran situational pass rusher (depending on Jones II's back) is all we need while our 2 young guns develop.

2 hours ago, kungfoodude said:

BC cannot be involved in the plan because if Mays gets injured for any reason, we have zero players capable of playing center on the roster. That only works if we also re-sign Corbett, which I am a fan of making that move, provided the price is correct....which is as a backup IOL. Also, expecting BC to suddenly be back to 100% in the middle or end of the season is also unwise, IMO.

I think most are going to realize what they did with BC last year, this theoretical free agent market for him is small to nonexistent. I don't think resigning him will be expensive or difficult and we should do so.....as a backup.

I would personally try very hard to get Linderbaum and/or draft a center. Preferably with the ability to be a backup guard.

I like Mays, as a backup. I do not like him as a starter. I like him more than Corbett as a starter but Corbett as a center was always insanely stupid.

Serious question:  Who was the backup center when Mays was C and Corbett and BC were out (I think both were out in September-October.)  That might give some indication of how they approach the C position depth.  (DId they bring Corbett back when BC went down?)  

21 minutes ago, electro's horse said:

This is a positive tbh

Same page.

58 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

All the top centers in this draft are pretty light guys. I am not against that body type but if you miss and they aren't elite(Kalil types) they are often getting abused.

Definitely want to finally address center. 100% expect that will not happen.

If we sign Mays and BC, I bet we do nothing at C---even if BC will not be ready until October or so.  Not sure I like the plan, they are a bit light in the loafers.  All are developmental too. I am higher on Mays than most, fwiw, because at 26 he is entering his prime and he has been improving since settling into one position.  I think he is going to be solid and he does a lot of things well.  There are days, however, when I want A gap more secure--I won't lie.  Mays could test the waters, in fact.  If I were him, I would.  He was released, re-signed, put behind Corbett twice when he was arguably better.  C will be interesting.

1 hour ago, chknwing said:

I would follow up an LT pick in the 1st with Jake Slaughter in the 2nd.  LT and a C for the future

I think we have to go edge in free agency now if we can find one, and maybe LB.

1 hour ago, rebelrouser said:

PFF Big Board has Mauigoa at number 19.  Some others have him as the top LT. A consensus seems to be emerging that Styles will not be there at 19.  

I think the combine separates OTs as much or more than any other position.  I think we will be drafting a T from utah. 

1 hour ago, TD alt said:

Stefanski is too busy trying to fit players into his scheme than actually putting players into the best situation to succeed. That's a pet peeve of mind. I want my coaches to adapt, in-game, personnel-wise and opponent-wise. I know it can be considered a big ask, but that's what makes great coaches great. I want to see coaches continually do more with less, not do less with more. 

I agree.  Just not sure about all the dynamics.  I know his relationship with Watson was dysfunctional, Myles talked about wanting out, etc.  However, I am not sure how versatile he is.  Specifically, who was out of position in your estimation?  What adjustments did you want to see against what teams?  I did not keep up with the Browns like you did, so I am just curious.I do, however, agree 100% with your premise.  For the past year, I have been working 60 hours per week, so I am out of the loop.

I think it is funny that we label coaches without considering their circumstances.  Bill Belichick has a .449 winning percentage as a head coach when Tom Brady was not under center.  He will be a Hall of Fame coach. Stephanski, on the other hand, was asked to function in the shadow of the Watson crippling signing, one that he opposed (as it came out recently).  I am not quite sure what to think of him, but I am not dismissing him as a bad coach.  He had the worst situation in the NFL the entire time he worked there.  Frustrations mounted between him and the players over the six years he was there, but the dysfunction was manufactured in the front office.     

26 minutes ago, Shocker said:

They ain’t got no QB.  Same as the Browns

Did they get a new GM too?  That Cousins signing before drafting a Q--after drating TE and RB in round 1 for the past two years or so--what?

I read an article that said he and  Daboll were really unpopular with their players.  If that is hard to believe, I will repeat it....I read an article.

23 hours ago, Donald LaFell said:

Plus all those high and side snaps 

When he plays.  He has missed more games than he has played.  this is lazy writing.