Free Agency Preview/Targets

[Bear Hands]

Notes of mine heading into FA

FA Notes & Targets

To Get Out of the Way...

• Where We Stand: We played our bahoovies off in the wildcard round, but don't forget that we fell backwards into the playoffs.  It was not a consistent stretch of quality ball.  Yeah, we had eye raising moments/games, but the ups weren’t sustained.
• Paying sticker price on too many top free agents creates an imbalance.  Maybe 1 or 2 decent signings, but the focus should be based on a combo of impact+value.    
• Still keep an eye out for an A'Shawn trade - Bengals could send us a pick or two.  We save $10 mil.  May end up released. 

Positional Notes:

• Linebacker Unit: Target all over, find the clearest, best impact in both FA and Draft. I really hope we identify a rookie we love.  Clear as day to us all, it’s a major hole. Rozeboom & Wallace should be depth/elsewhere.
• Center: Big need, but it's going to be a competitive market for Mays, Linderbaum and McGovern.
• Pass Rush: There are obvious upgrades available.  I get many like young, slightly cheaper vet, with more long term viability, but I don’t think we’re limiting ourselves to that pool.  We've tried it with Wonnum, P Jones, and others.  We may go for more of a splash here.  I personally think Chubb happens.
• DB Group: An additional Slot Defender/NB/Box type is a need.  Smith-Wade looked good at times, but he’s more of a traditional, finesse Nickel.   Having a more diverse, physical nickel would go a long way.  You don’t need to go full-blown Emannwori, think in the Pitre or DeJean mold as well.  The draft is ideal for this, FA not so much
• WR: Keep building via draft.  Don't waste money at this spot, especially on a WR2/3 like Doubs or someone.  

Overall Needs:

• Offense: QB2, RB3, WR3/4, TE, OT, C, Swing Depth
• Defense: NT/DT, EDGE, NB, ILB, DB-BPA

Neat idea, but not happening:

• Tyler Linderbaum Center & Alec Pierce WR - I just don’t see us competing financially for their services.  I believe we target defense with the heftier contracts.   
• Trey Hendrickson would be just too much of a hit considering the holes we have.  Unsure if it makes sense.  

Realistic FA Targets:

• Justin Strnad LB - Watch for him. Familiarity, capable guy, good blitzer, had a solid 2025 for a top defense.  He reportedly wants to start.  And don't forget: this was the guy Evero hand-picked to bring along when he was signed, but JS changed his mind last minute and stayed in Denver for his family.  We had a contract drafted up.  There's great value here and an obvious fit. 
• Connor McGovern C - He’s an effective guy in the middle that would allow us to just focus on defense in the draft.  I can see Mays and Linderbaum heading to Chicago/Nashville/Vegas/LAC.  Meanwhile, McGovern provides us with value and a sure thing in the middle.  One of Mays/McGovern/Linderbaum would be nice.  
• Bradley Chubb EDGE/DE - I’m not jumping up and down for him but given what we’ve heard, I think he's a very clear upgrade that we're looking at. Had a decent 'recovery' year coming off injury.  May not warrant a hefty price tag given recent history and would instantly boost our pass rush.  

Above is simply who I like for us, at this time, at positions of need.  

 

More Under the Radar types..

• Eric Wilson ILB - Had a solid year for the Vikings.  A tad on the older side at 32 but proved he's got some juice left for a few more years.  Would be a value signing.
• EJ Speed ILB - I've liked him, he's had an impact in his career so far.  Don't really know the history for why the Colts traded him within the division but he's had some good moments.  Was a tackling machine for a while in Indy and has plenty left in the tank.
• Roger McCreary DB - He's about the only slot defender I like for us via FA.  I would like to see this done via draft but would get it as a signing.  Young, good starting experience, got banged up for LAR, where Curl showed up and they just landed McDuffie.  Watch for him.  May not warrant a big price tag but provides a solid guy to be slotted right in with Smith-Wade.
• Sean Tucker RB - He should not be much.  Tucker can be a real home run hitter.  Has proven to be darn efficient and I'm unsure we want to bank on Brooks/Etienne behind Chubba.  He knows how to chip in and pinch hit. 

Who we're probably considering if we get aggressive:

• Devin Lloyd LB - very hyped as a rookie, took a while to figure it out, but has. Roquan/Warner are the most expensive off-ballers around $20 mil/yr.  This is probably a ~$17-19 mil/year price tag.  Steep price.  
• Bobby Okereke LB - Could be a nice veteran to pull the unit together.  Need a guy who can bring some definition to the defense. 
• Leo Chenal LB - Has had a few very nice seasons, a tad under the radar, being behind two studs in Tranquill and Bolton.  Only 25, some great upside.  1300+ snaps and an 87.4 grade on that site we all totally love and never debate about.  Only thing - he's very useful in blitz packages and KC played him more than just ILB.  He may be too gadgety and blitz reliant for Evero.  
• Malcolm Koonce EDGE/DE - had some upward trajectory, then had an ACL tear, and then stalled in the mess that was the Raiders in 2025.  Still 4.5 sacks and improved run-d.  Could be a value signing.

Fun Idea, but will get overpaid elsewhere:

• Wandale Robinson WR - A guy who is blooming, would command about $15-16 mil annually, maybe more.  But would add so much to this offense.  I’d see if he’s at least interested.  Just like the fit but yeah, not happening.
• Jaelen Philips EDGE - The price on him with his injury history scares me too much.  I think Tillis is wise enough to help our FO stay away from this type of overpay/risk combination.  

 

[Basbear]

another starting C just retired, Allen from the Viking. chargers just signed the Washington guy for 3yrs 30million, more than his salary was...

I think Mays may get 10 from some team other than the Panthers. 

[strato]

The more I think of it the more I think a young CB needs to be in play. 
 

My real issue with your post is the complete lack of emphasis on LOT. 
You have it 5th on the offensive needs list. For me it is number one overall. I rank ILB very highly too. It is the worst mini unit we have on defense if not the entire team. 
 

I understand the pass rush argument but I look at Edge more as a short term problem because we have two we are developing and I certainly believe we need t9 draft more help. 
I would take a guy that could make an impact on a three year deal we can get out of after two. And draft another edge to develop. 
If we turn ILB into a strength I don’t see how the pass rush doesn’t benefit some, too. 

Edited 3 hours ago by strato

[Bear Hands]

Just now, Basbear said:

another starting C just retired, Allen from the Viking. chargers just signed the Washington guy for 3yrs 30million, more than his salary was...

I think Mays may get 10 from some team other than the Panthers. 

Yeah saw the Biadasz news.

The center market is going to be aggressive as hell that's for sure.

You've got us, Minny, Chicago, Titans, Bills at the least.

Linderbaum, McGovern, Mays, & Cushenberry 

-

Two random ideas:

• Sean Rhyan had started for a bit at GB as a G/C.  We take their OL discards.  Also - just a beautiful head of hair and stash lol.  
• Maybe Luke Fortner is an option.

 

[Bear Hands]

3 minutes ago, strato said:

The more I think of it the more I think a young CB needs to be in play. 
 

My real issue with your post is the complete lack of emphasis on LOT. 
You have it 5th on the offensive needs list. For me it is number one overall. I rank ILB very highly too. It is the worst mini unit we have on defense if not the entire team. 
 

I understand the pass rush argument but I look at Edge more as a short term problem because we have two we are developing and I certainly believe we need t9 draft more help. 
I would take a guy that could make an impact on a three year deal we can get out of after two. And draft another edge to develop. 
If we turn ILB into a strength I don’t see how the pass rush doesn’t benefit some, too. 

Needs aren't ranked/nothing is ranked here.

I'm unsure if Princely is ready for a heavy snap load.  Scourton should be but you need that solid short-term plug in the interim IMO.  But if we think we're in a window, you've got to get better than the annual Wonnum-types we've been grabbing.

[strato]

2 minutes ago, Bear Hands said:

Needs aren't ranked/nothing is ranked here.

I expected to hear that, that’s fine. But it isn't even a little subliminal? You don’t discuss it. 
Anyway that is my thing to pick at. 

Edited 3 hours ago by strato

[Bear Hands]

1 minute ago, strato said:

I expected to hear that, that!s fine. But it isnkt even a little subliminal? You don’t discuss it. 
Anyway that is my thing to pick at. 

I think it's moreso because I think Nijman is back.  Haven't really considered the rest of the field but it sounds like something we're already working out.  

[Basbear]

Just now, Bear Hands said:

Yeah saw the Biadasz news.

The center market is going to be aggressive as hell that's for sure.

You've got us, Minny, Chicago, Titans, Bills at the least.

Linderbaum, McGovern, Mays, & Cushenberry 

-

Two random ideas:

• Sean Rhyan had started for a bit at GB as a G/C.  We take their OL discards.  Also - just a beautiful head of hair and stash lol.  
• Maybe Luke Fortner is an option.

 

draft and I bet other Cs will get cut in the coming days too. Odd market, maybe even Cobrett is getting calls about starting too. 

Panthers better hope mick samac is some sleeper starter level next season.....this many team can not go into the draft needing Cs, they will be over drafted and that never happens to this group. 

[strato]

4 minutes ago, Bear Hands said:

I think it's moreso because I think Nijman is back.  Haven't really considered the rest of the field but it sounds like something we're already working out.  

I think he is back too, and we’ll overpay him a little. But for me that is due diligence, not issue addressed. I’ll bow out there is plenty of other stuff that is in there people will comment on. 

[strato]

10 minutes ago, Bear Hands said:

Needs aren't ranked/nothing is ranked here.

I'm unsure if Princely is ready for a heavy snap load.  Scourton should be but you need that solid short-term plug in the interim IMO.  But if we think we're in a window, you've got to get better than the annual Wonnum-types we've been grabbing.

I think so too. I believe I used the word ‘impact’. I meant it in purest sense. Not upgrade, contribute to, but make an impact. That is what we need, and it is okay if it is short term. 

[Aussie Tank]

My thinking is with how Dan loves measurables Edwards will be the MLB we target and i think we might trade for Rashan Gary or wait until he gets released. To me he seems like an Edge that Evaro would covert a big edge setter that can get after the QB 

[TheSpecialJuan]

nice write-up well done