My Initial Offseason Outlook

[TylerVagyler]

The core of this team is so strong it definitely allows the front office to be more open to which direction they go this offseason. With that said, DE and DB are obviously weaker areas but I think this can be fixed rather easily. I'd like to see Tre and Coleman as our duo at safety. Adding a depth player can be done in free agency or draft. Norman will stay, and of course be paired with Bene. However, we don't really have a reliable nickel. Brandon Boykin is the name I'd look into. When he's actually given playing time he delivers. I'd also keep McClain for depth.

As far as DE is concerned, I wouldn't be surprised if CJ is given an extension that drops his cap number down rather than a straight release. That'd leave him and Ealy as the starters. Once again, we just need to add depth (Maybe Quinton Coples and a 2nd rounder from the draft). I don't see Allen returning. So while these two areas seem concerning, I believe they can be fixed fairly easy.

Despite the offense putting up such impressive numbers, I think this is the side of the ball we need to seriously address. Kelvin returning, combined with the consistent improvement from Funch, will instantly be an upgrade. Philly Brown is a solid WR 3-4 but still has a small hands issue. Ginn emerged as our top deep threat but was very unreliable. In the backfield, I think it's worth keeping Stew one more season. If we cut him, we save $2m with $7m in dead money. In order to sign a decent FA running back, we will have to spend more than $2m (the amount we saved by cutting Stew). What's the point? However, I do not see Tolbert returning. Maybe Lee Ward gets his shot? On OL, I think Oher will stay at LT. Remmers and Williams will battle at RT. Depth added everywhere.

If that were our team heading into next season (basically the same as the previous with some depth added), we'd be looking like contenders. However, we need to be more than that. We need to continue our dominance. We need to come back bigger and better. How do we do that? With the acquisition of two players: Alshon Jeffrey and Derrick Henry.

Kelvin Benjamin (6'5") and Alshon Jeffrey (6'3") on the outside with Devin Funchess (6'5") in the slot, and Greg Olsen (6"5") at tight end. Those are four huge, and very talented targets. Add in Philly/Ginn and we have the best receiving options in the league. Then you look at the backfield. Cam Newton (6'5") with the duo of Jonathan Stewart (not tall but we know what he brings) and Derrick Herny (6'3" workhorse) would be a lot to handle for any defense. Put it all together and you're looking at an extremely talented and overwhelming offensive attack. 

[heel31ok]

We have built depth now time to bring in some long-term starting talent. Boston is a good backup now lets get a starter,same with Remmers ,Ginn, and McClain.

[rwoods3428]

I like the idea of adding eric weddle. He seems to still have a lot offer to the game and he isnt seeking a big contract. Seems like he wants to be with a contender. He would fill the void left by harper as well. Its a move that makes sense for both parties.

[rwoods3428]

On Friday, February 12, 2016 at 2:41 PM, TylerVagyler said:

The core of this team is so strong it definitely allows the front office to be more open to which direction they go this offseason. With that said, DE and DB are obviously weaker areas but I think this can be fixed rather easily. I'd like to see Tre and Coleman as our duo at safety. Adding a depth player can be done in free agency or draft. Norman will stay, and of course be paired with Bene. However, we don't really have a reliable nickel. Brandon Boykin is the name I'd look into. When he's actually given playing time he delivers. I'd also keep McClain for depth.

As far as DE is concerned, I wouldn't be surprised if CJ is given an extension that drops his cap number down rather than a straight release. That'd leave him and Ealy as the starters. Once again, we just need to add depth (Maybe Quinton Coples and a 2nd rounder from the draft). I don't see Allen returning. So while these two areas seem concerning, I believe they can be fixed fairly easy.

Despite the offense putting up such impressive numbers, I think this is the side of the ball we need to seriously address. Kelvin returning, combined with the consistent improvement from Funch, will instantly be an upgrade. Philly Brown is a solid WR 3-4 but still has a small hands issue. Ginn emerged as our top deep threat but was very unreliable. In the backfield, I think it's worth keeping Stew one more season. If we cut him, we save $2m with $7m in dead money. In order to sign a decent FA running back, we will have to spend more than $2m (the amount we saved by cutting Stew). What's the point? However, I do not see Tolbert returning. Maybe Lee Ward gets his shot? On OL, I think Oher will stay at LT. Remmers and Williams will battle at RT. Depth added everywhere.

If that were our team heading into next season (basically the same as the previous with some depth added), we'd be looking like contenders. However, we need to be more than that. We need to continue our dominance. We need to come back bigger and better. How do we do that? With the acquisition of two players: Alshon Jeffrey and Derrick Henry.

Kelvin Benjamin (6'5") and Alshon Jeffrey (6'3") on the outside with Devin Funchess (6'5") in the slot, and Greg Olsen (6"5") at tight end. Those are four huge, and very talented targets. Add in Philly/Ginn and we have the best receiving options in the league. Then you look at the backfield. Cam Newton (6'5") with the duo of Jonathan Stewart (not tall but we know what he brings) and Derrick Herny (6'3" workhorse) would be a lot to handle for any defense. Put it all together and you're looking at an extremely talented and overwhelming offensive attack. 

Love the idea of adding jeffrey, but might cost alot. Just not sure we have the money for especially after we tag norman.

[TylerVagyler]

I've cooled off from this scenario lol

If we were going "all in" I'd be good with it. But that's not what we need to do.