Jump to content
  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

FREEAGENCY FRENZY


TheSpecialJuan
 Share

Recommended Posts

First, at this time of the offseason, there is a reason someone is still on the board--it requires a team to take a chance on some bottom feeding and try to find some damaged goods with upside. 

Convince me that I am wrong about Elijah Moore. I don't know more than what seems to be the case on paper.

The negatives:  

  • He underperformed in Cleveland (inconsistent) and they did not re-sign him.  The Browns are in cap hell, so that is understandable, but 30 other NFL teams did not sign him either.
  • He had a pretty nasty head injury last season. 
  • He was drafted by the Jets and quickly traded to Cleveland.
  • He is 5'9.5" and 178. 
  • Average to below-average size for a slot.
  • Has tendency to use elongated step into route breaks.
  • Limited catch radius dealing with tall throws.
  • Could struggle fighting against NFL length when working downfield.
  • Focus drops in 2019 with linebackers closing in.
  • Elusiveness after the catch is average.
  • Product of Mississippi (Lane Kiffin) program which tends to inflate numbers.

The Positives (or reasons for hope):

  • Had 61 catches in 2024 and was targeted 97 times. That resulted in only 538 yards and 1 TD.   (More yards that XL and Coker)
  • Spotrac has a value of $4m as a free agent.
  • will be 25 during 2025 season
  • Ran a 4.32 40 at pro day
  • Consistent vertical push off the snap to threaten cornerbacks.
  • Makes routes look the same each time out.
  • Leverages defenders away from route breaks.
  • has plenty of juice to get deep.
  • Slams on brakes suddenly from full speed on comebacks.
  • Caught 11 of 12 targets against Alabama in 2020.
  • Tracks and stacks defender and adjusts into catch-ready positioning.
  • Very tough guy with strong hands.
  • Able to secure catches through hellacious hits.
  • Capable of attacking on all three levels.
  • Excellent spatial awareness against zone.

MHS Analysis:  He has been with two programs with rotating QBs who struggled.  Why did the Jets give up on him so quickly?  In Cleveland (2023 and 2024) he had 120 catches for nearly 1200 yards when the QB situation was questionable.  He has been in the worst possible situations.  I think (based on an article and video) he has been primarily a slot WR, but he is also known to get shy over the middle and is not that elusive.  That sounds to me that he is out of position.  With 4.3 speed and strong hands, put him outside as a short X.  Make him a Steve Smith.  At $4m, if that is what he would be willing to take (and I do not see his negotiating advantage at this point).

Edited by MHS831
  • Pie 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

First, at this time of the offseason, there is a reason someone is still on the board--it requires a team to take a chance on some bottom feeding and try to find some damaged goods with upside. 

Convince me that I am wrong about Elijah Moore. I don't know more than what seems to be the case on paper.

The negatives:  

  • He underperformed in Cleveland (inconsistent) and they did not re-sign him.  The Browns are in cap hell, so that is understandable, but 30 other NFL teams did not sign him either.
  • He had a pretty nasty head injury last season. 
  • He was drafted by the Jets and quickly traded to Cleveland.
  • He is 5'9.5" and 178. 
  • Average to below-average size for a slot.
  • Has tendency to use elongated step into route breaks.
  • Limited catch radius dealing with tall throws.
  • Could struggle fighting against NFL length when working downfield.
  • Focus drops in 2019 with linebackers closing in.
  • Elusiveness after the catch is average.
  • Product of Mississippi (Lane Kiffin) program which tends to inflate numbers.

The Positives (or reasons for hope):

  • Had 61 catches in 2024 and was targeted 97 times. That resulted in only 538 yards and 1 TD.   (More yards that XL and Coker)
  • Spotrac has a value of $4m as a free agent.
  • will be 25 during 2025 season
  • Ran a 4.32 40 at pro day
  • Consistent vertical push off the snap to threaten cornerbacks.
  • Makes routes look the same each time out.
  • Leverages defenders away from route breaks.
  • has plenty of juice to get deep.
  • Slams on brakes suddenly from full speed on comebacks.
  • Caught 11 of 12 targets against Alabama in 2020.
  • Tracks and stacks defender and adjusts into catch-ready positioning.
  • Very tough guy with strong hands.
  • Able to secure catches through hellacious hits.
  • Capable of attacking on all three levels.
  • Excellent spatial awareness against zone.

MHS Analysis:  He has been with two programs with rotating QBs who struggled.  Why did the Jets give up on him so quickly?  In Cleveland (2023 and 2024) he had 120 catches for nearly 1200 yards when the QB situation was questionable.  He has been in the worst possible situations.  I think (based on an article and video) he has been primarily a slot WR, but he is also known to get shy over the middle and is not that elusive.  That sounds to me that he is out of position.  With 4.3 speed and strong hands, put him outside as a short X.  Make him a Steve Smith.  At $4m, if that is what he would be willing to take (and I do not see his negotiating advantage at this point).

I think the team is set at wr until after the draft. They may take one in the 4th or later depending on who's there. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Jon Snow said:

I think the team is set at wr until after the draft. They may take one in the 4th or later depending on who's there. 

If I could get him (age, productivity, ceiling) on the cheap--$3m or so--I would take him--but I feel that there is something about him that has scared people away--the Jets dealt him (#34 pick overall) after just 2 years.  Now the Browns do not want to re-sign him.  Where there is smoke...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

24 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

If I could get him (age, productivity, ceiling) on the cheap--$3m or so--I would take him--but I feel that there is something about him that has scared people away--the Jets dealt him (#34 pick overall) after just 2 years.  Now the Browns do not want to re-sign him.  Where there is smoke...

Red flags everywhere.  Buyer beware. 

  • Pie 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Which WR room would you like for Bryce Young?

A.) Tetairoa McMillen, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen & Jalen Coker

B.) Matthew Golden, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen & Jalen Coker

C.) Luther Burden, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen & Jalen Coker

D.) Emeka Egbuka, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen , & Jalen Coker

Link to comment
Share on other sites

45 minutes ago, CarolinaLivin said:

Which WR room would you like for Bryce Young?

A.) Tetairoa McMillen, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen & Jalen Coker

B.) Matthew Golden, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen & Jalen Coker

C.) Luther Burden, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen & Jalen Coker

D.) Emeka Egbuka, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen , & Jalen Coker

With just these options A by a hair over B 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, CarolinaLivin said:

Which WR room would you like for Bryce Young?

A.) Tetairoa McMillen, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen & Jalen Coker

B.) Matthew Golden, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen & Jalen Coker

C.) Luther Burden, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen & Jalen Coker

D.) Emeka Egbuka, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen , & Jalen Coker

‘B’; Golden is the speed and YAC guy missing on the roster.  That said, I’m concerned he may be a little small to body up with bigger corners. 

  • Pie 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share


  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • If we pay Bryce like a franchise QB we're completely and utterly buttfuged.
    • In my view, the realistic expectation for this team to compete will start 2027.  At that time, I think we could be looking at the following (this is HIGHLY speculative):   QB:  You know, Bryce.  I am not a fan, but they don't ask me.  But there is reason for hope--and here it is.  Bryce will be entering his prime.  Since we are likely to pay him, there will be changes that I include throughout this exercise--I realistically speculate on what they are going to do with Bryce and then I realistically speculate on what means in terms of the cap and other positions. Bryce HAS IMPROVED.  The idea is that if you give him more weapons and protection, that will continue.  His career:   At this rate, if his growth continues, by 2027 we should expect nearly 30 TDs and about 12 Interceptions and a Rating of about 98.  His completion percentage should settle at 65-66% or so.  If that happens, you can win with it. The following stats demonstrate how the Panthers will be able to afford it (and re-sign Ickey) My guess is they will require about $60m per year. This is why rookies who can play are important.  It also helps us see the blueprint.  You may disagree, but this is the cruel realities of the salary cap. Robert Hunt:  Cut post June 1 and save $19m.  Who do you replace him with?  Ickey. Tershawn Wharton:  Cutting him saves nearly $15m.  We should all hope to see Aaron Hall (UDFA) make the roster and play well.  Regardless, this is a position we would likely have to address in the next draft. Trevin Moehrig:  Cutting Moehrig as the starting SS saves this team $16.5m.   Ransom will be on year 3 of a cheap rookie deal and should be more than ready to take the reins.  their styles are similar.  Furthermore, FS Wheatley (R, 4th round) will be starting. Taylor Moton:  So much depends on his knee, but I have an idea that he can play another 3 years.  extending him could save the team about $5m per year.  Cutting him outright would save the team about $21m. In the most drastic situation, we have to cut Moton and the other three players mentioned.   We would need (in all likelihood) a starting DT and RT.  It is possible that the DE would be addressed, but Wharton's production (so far) could be equaled by a rookie.  Look for a cut free agent and a 2027 draft pick here.  If you cut Moton, you save $21m, and that would be the only big hole to fill.  Having Ickey at RG gives you some depth at T, and Ickey could be the guy.  T could be pick in the 2027 draft (first round), fwiw.  It saves you $21m while costing you $5m, for example. We get younger, creating a core of Freeling, Hecht, and the RT first rounder in 2027) along with Ekownu (second contract in the $15m range, and Lewis, whose contract would be in the $16m range if not extended.)  The OL cuts (Hunt, Moton) would save $40m.  The OL would get younger and still solid with veterans at G.   By cutting Wharton (no brainer if his play stays the same) and Moehrig (good player--but we have Ransom on a rookie contract who would not be that much of a drop off--if any) in addition to Hunt and Moton, we would save over $70m in cap room. We would be able to give Bryce bag  and we would have enough to re-sign Ickey (if the knee is not too risky) to a Guard contract (probably at a discount, coming off that injury).  Furthermore, we could add a RT in the draft (or a RG if Ickey moves to RT) and that would be the only large hole to fill. Correct my logic if you see issues-- On defense, in addition to the aforementioned, Scott ($2m contract) is out, replaced by a 4th round rookie contract. CB Jackson's contract ($7.8m) expires and he is (possibly) replaced by a rookie contract.  At Edge, patrick Jones II's $10m contract expires and he is likely a reserve, and his role is absorbed by Phillips, Scourton, Princely, and possible an UDFA like Isaiah Smith or a 2027 draft pick.   These productive developmental players over the past 2 drafts will pay huge dividends.  On paper, I see the team getting much younger and possibly better while cutting nearly $100m and reallocating that money to get more production.          
    • If everything played out and that last thing happened, I probably just quit. 
×
×
  • Create New...