2014 Offseason Discussion/FA Tracker Thread

[S197]

Yep, Griffen is only guy that matters. Can fit in a 43 or 34. Will Spielman pay the man, or be a tough guy? Who knows, already low balled him.

We'll get screwed on Allen either way. Guy is a shadow of his former self. Played for sacks since he got the record. Better than average, but not worth what he'll take. And will take a lower contract on a contender and compensatory pick? Look at last years free agent veteran defensive ends...

It seems like Spielman is more willing to retain his guys so I think the probability is a little higher than if Griffen was a free agent from another team. Spielman rarely breaks the bank on the hot free agents, he'll settle for the second or third tier. I still think it's likely Griffen tests free agency, his sort of versatility is hard to find and it would cost a great deal to stop him from entertaining other offers. It would be nice if they were able to solidify the DE position, so many other areas to worry about.

[Purple bruise]

I would hate to see JA sign with the Packers

[saint33]

I honestly don't get why people don't care about Dean being on the team. He is easily our best Special Teams player, it would be like letting Heath Farwell go back in his prime. Yes starting capability is important, but having an ace on STs should be considered a starting position IMO because the guy has more impact on games than a 6th or 7th LB who is bad on STs but has more upside on defense, cause likely to never see the field

[saint33]

Jared Allen - can someone explain how 11.5 sacks is considered a step back? And a team that is rebuilding needs leadership, which by all accounts Allen has supplied in many ways. Ah yes... his age. Michael Strahan had 11 sacks in his tenth season and had 46 sacks in his last 5 seasons, Bruce Smith had 10 sacks his tenth season and racked up 55 in the next 5 seasons, Reggie White had 8 sacks in his tenth season and collected another 53 in his last 5 seasons, Chris Doleman had 7 sacks in his tenth season and put up 55 in his last 5 seasons, John Abraham had 5.5 sacks his tenth season and has 44 sacks in his last 4 seasons. The idea that Jared Allen is not worth re- signing seems ludicrous when you consider that, as an elite pass rusher, he has at least 5 years of excellent production left.

Everson Griffen - ok, he's a good young player who has been productive in situational work, but the reaction to him here seems almost cult-like. I think hanging onto Toby Gerhart is more important. I am stunned at how many want to see him walk. At the least re-signing him gives you a quality back you can trade, at the best you have a workhorse back you can ride when AD is hurt. You may still have heartburn over how he was drafted, but he has proven his worth.

great post

[mondry]

I honestly don't get why people don't care about Dean being on the team. He is easily our best Special Teams player, it would be like letting Heath Farwell go back in his prime. Yes starting capability is important, but having an ace on STs should be considered a starting position IMO because the guy has more impact on games than a 6th or 7th LB who is bad on STs but has more upside on defense, cause likely to never see the field

I just don't think the average fan gets that deep in their analysis and / or realizes the impact of special teamers.

[PotGoblin]

Breaking News: The Bears resigned Jay Cutler through 2020

http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/ ... r-contract

[mondry]

Good, I hoped they paid him like a Tony Romo too. He's not that good but have fun building a team around him with that cap hit.

[The Breeze]

Breaking News: The Bears resigned Jay Cutler through 2020

http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/ ... r-contract

Not too surprised by this. Between him and McCown they have a solid foundation of known capacity there. Much more desirable than looking to a rookie outta this seasons crop IMO.

[smoothoperator]

word is cutler will get more than stafford who is at $17 mil/yr, thats surprising considering the bears have something like 29 free agents this year. peppers and hester are likely gone along with many others. their defense could be abysmal for years to come.

[The Breeze]

word is cutler will get more than stafford who is at $17 mil/yr, thats surprising considering the bears have something like 29 free agents this year. peppers and hester are likely gone along with many others. their defense could be abysmal for years to come.

If that figure is correct...wow. It's debatable that McCown is just as good if not better in that system of Trestman's.

Cutler laughs all the way to the bank.

[Funkytown]

OP updated with Carlson.

ESPN - Cardinals reach agreement on 2-year deal with TE John Carlson - source

[Mothman]

ESPN - Cardinals reach agreement on 2-year deal with TE John Carlson - source

That didn't take long.

[maembe]

Jared Allen - can someone explain how 11.5 sacks is considered a step back? .

Just watch the games last year. He was bad.