NFL 2023-24 Off-Season

[Vermont Green]

I am not sure what is going on with Russell Wilson, but I don't think it is a simple as "he is done".  Last season, he was 66.4%, 26 TD, 8 Int, 98 Rating.  He had the 9th best rating in the league, 6th best among QBs with more than 10 games.  He is 35.  That is a pretty good season for a QB who is "done".  There was clearly some disfunction between him and the coach.

A deal would have to work for both parties.  The Pats are not going to want to offer multiple years, they just want a vet for 1 year really.  They could draft a QB at #3 (and sit him a year) or not.  Wilson would have to look at it as a year to restore his value or something.  He is probably going to want to go to a team that at least has a chance to win (not the Pats) but think what it would do for his legacy if he came in an led the Pats to the playoffs or even something just short of the playoffs?  I don't think that is unrealistic.

Hard to say what the Pats' record would have been if we had Wilson.  There are several more games we win if we had even an average NFL QB.  We are going to have to shore up the OL in any case but Wilson behind a decent OL, with a really good defense?  Maybe a couple of second tier WRs through FA?  To me, that is a respectable team while still allowing rebuilding through the draft.  Take a QB at #3, then OL, Receivers, etc. through the rest of the draft.  Don't go crazy in FA but bring in good solid players at positions of need who can contribute for several years.

Not saying this is the only path, but I would be fine with this path.  And if the QB you get at #3 turns out to be good, you are on your way.

[BitterJim]

I am not sure what is going on with Russell Wilson, but I don't think it is a simple as "he is done".  Last season, he was 66.4%, 26 TD, 8 Int, 98 Rating.  He had the 9th best rating in the league, 6th best among QBs with more than 10 games.  He is 35.  That is a pretty good season for a QB who is "done".  There was clearly some disfunction between him and the coach.

A deal would have to work for both parties.  The Pats are not going to want to offer multiple years, they just want a vet for 1 year really.  They could draft a QB at #3 (and sit him a year) or not.  Wilson would have to look at it as a year to restore his value or something.  He is probably going to want to go to a team that at least has a chance to win (not the Pats) but think what it would do for his legacy if he came in an led the Pats to the playoffs or even something just short of the playoffs?  I don't think that is unrealistic.

Hard to say what the Pats' record would have been if we had Wilson.  There are several more games we win if we had even an average NFL QB.  We are going to have to shore up the OL in any case but Wilson behind a decent OL, with a really good defense?  Maybe a couple of second tier WRs through FA?  To me, that is a respectable team while still allowing rebuilding through the draft.  Take a QB at #3, then OL, Receivers, etc. through the rest of the draft.  Don't go crazy in FA but bring in good solid players at positions of need who can contribute for several years.

Not saying this is the only path, but I would be fine with this path.  And if the QB you get at #3 turns out to be good, you are on your way.

My one worry with Wilson as a bridge QB is that we've never really seen how he is as a mentor to younger QBs. I'd rather have someone who isn't as talented, but is really willing to help teach a top pick what it takes to be an NFL QB

And maybe that is Wilson, but I have my doubts

[Vermont Green]

I am not sure what is going on with Russell Wilson, but I don't think it is a simple as "he is done".  Last season, he was 66.4%, 26 TD, 8 Int, 98 Rating.  He had the 9th best rating in the league, 6th best among QBs with more than 10 games.  He is 35.  That is a pretty good season for a QB who is "done".  There was clearly some disfunction between him and the coach.

A deal would have to work for both parties.  The Pats are not going to want to offer multiple years, they just want a vet for 1 year really.  They could draft a QB at #3 (and sit him a year) or not.  Wilson would have to look at it as a year to restore his value or something.  He is probably going to want to go to a team that at least has a chance to win (not the Pats) but think what it would do for his legacy if he came in an led the Pats to the playoffs or even something just short of the playoffs?  I don't think that is unrealistic.

Hard to say what the Pats' record would have been if we had Wilson.  There are several more games we win if we had even an average NFL QB.  We are going to have to shore up the OL in any case but Wilson behind a decent OL, with a really good defense?  Maybe a couple of second tier WRs through FA?  To me, that is a respectable team while still allowing rebuilding through the draft.  Take a QB at #3, then OL, Receivers, etc. through the rest of the draft.  Don't go crazy in FA but bring in good solid players at positions of need who can contribute for several years.

Not saying this is the only path, but I would be fine with this path.  And if the QB you get at #3 turns out to be good, you are on your way.

My one worry with Wilson as a bridge QB is that we've never really seen how he is as a mentor to younger QBs. I'd rather have someone who isn't as talented, but is really willing to help teach a top pick what it takes to be an NFL QB

And maybe that is Wilson, but I have my doubts

That really shouldn't matter.  Farve didn't mentor Rodgers and Rodgers didn't mentor Love.  Not sure Alex Smith mentored Mahomes.  The young QB will learn just fine from the coaches and just watching.  Wilson should just focus on what he needs to do.  If Wilson was the back up to the new QB, that might be different.  I feel like the whole "mentor" narrative is overblown.  I would tell Russ Wilson that  he isn't going to be asked to mentor anyone.  Just play well and let the rookie watch and see how it is done.

[Roy H.]

Here are SB's top-ten FAs at each position:

Quarterbacks:

Kirk Cousins
Russell Wilson
Baker Mayfield
Gardner Minshew
Tyrod Taylor
Sam Darnold
Jacoby Brissett
Ryan Tannehill
Jameis Winston
Marcus Mariota

Running backs:

Derrick Henry
Josh Jacobs
Tony Pollard
Saquon Barkley
Austin Ekeler
Gus Edwards
D’Andre Swift
Ezekiel Elliott
Cordarrelle Patterson
Devin Singletary

Receivers:

Calvin Ridley
Gabriel Davis
Darnell Mooney
Marquise Brown
Tyler Boyd
Rashid Shaheed
Josh Reynolds
Curtis Samuel
Kendrick Bourne
D.J. Chark

Tight Ends:

Hunter Henry
Gerald Everett
Noah Fant
Mike Gesicki
Colby Parkinson
Tanner Hudson
Adam Trautman
Pharaoh Brown
Drew Sample
Austin Hooper

Offensive Line:

Tyron Smith
Trent Brown
Kevin Dotson
Robert Hunt
Michael Onwenu
Kevin Zeitler
Mekhi Becton
Connor Williams
Andre James
Jonah Williams

Edge:

Danielle Hunter
Bryce Huff
Chase Young
Za’Darius Smith
Leonard Floyd
Jadeveon Clowney
Josh Uche
Jonathan Greenard
Andrew Van Ginkel
Denico Autry

Defensive Tackles:

Chris Jones
Christian Wilkins
D.J. Reader
Leonard Williams
Fletcher Cox
Grover Stewart
Sheldon Rankins
Teair Tart
Calais Campbell
DaQuan Jones

Linebackers:

Frankie Luvu
Lavonte David
Patrick Queen
Bobby Wagner
Jordyn Brooks
Devin White
Azeez Al-Shaair
Josey Jewell
Drue Tranquill
Blake Cashman

Defensive Backs:

Kendall Fuller
Kyle Dugger
Kamren Curl
Chidobe Awuzie
Stephon Gilmore
Kenny Moore II
Xavier McKinney
Geno Stone
Adoree Jackson
Jordan Fuller

[Donoghus]

That receiver class is hot garbage.

[Moranis]

That receiver class is hot garbage.

the RB class however is awesome.

[Roy H.]

That receiver class is hot garbage.

You don't want to pay Gabe Davis $23 million per year?

[BitterJim]

I am not sure what is going on with Russell Wilson, but I don't think it is a simple as "he is done".  Last season, he was 66.4%, 26 TD, 8 Int, 98 Rating.  He had the 9th best rating in the league, 6th best among QBs with more than 10 games.  He is 35.  That is a pretty good season for a QB who is "done".  There was clearly some disfunction between him and the coach.

A deal would have to work for both parties.  The Pats are not going to want to offer multiple years, they just want a vet for 1 year really.  They could draft a QB at #3 (and sit him a year) or not.  Wilson would have to look at it as a year to restore his value or something.  He is probably going to want to go to a team that at least has a chance to win (not the Pats) but think what it would do for his legacy if he came in an led the Pats to the playoffs or even something just short of the playoffs?  I don't think that is unrealistic.

Hard to say what the Pats' record would have been if we had Wilson.  There are several more games we win if we had even an average NFL QB.  We are going to have to shore up the OL in any case but Wilson behind a decent OL, with a really good defense?  Maybe a couple of second tier WRs through FA?  To me, that is a respectable team while still allowing rebuilding through the draft.  Take a QB at #3, then OL, Receivers, etc. through the rest of the draft.  Don't go crazy in FA but bring in good solid players at positions of need who can contribute for several years.

Not saying this is the only path, but I would be fine with this path.  And if the QB you get at #3 turns out to be good, you are on your way.

My one worry with Wilson as a bridge QB is that we've never really seen how he is as a mentor to younger QBs. I'd rather have someone who isn't as talented, but is really willing to help teach a top pick what it takes to be an NFL QB

And maybe that is Wilson, but I have my doubts

That really shouldn't matter.  Farve didn't mentor Rodgers and Rodgers didn't mentor Love.  Not sure Alex Smith mentored Mahomes.  The young QB will learn just fine from the coaches and just watching.  Wilson should just focus on what he needs to do.  If Wilson was the back up to the new QB, that might be different.  I feel like the whole "mentor" narrative is overblown.  I would tell Russ Wilson that  he isn't going to be asked to mentor anyone.  Just play well and let the rookie watch and see how it is done.

I don't like the Favre/Rodgers comps, because those guys were actually good starters and the teams were competing. Alex Smith is a good point, Mahomes turned out (more than) fine. I think Smith's personality is a lot more amenable to being a mentor than Russ, though.

I don't think it really matters, though, because I can't see Russ signing here. And given that he's probably my last pick of the top QB FAs, I'm okay with that.

[Donoghus]

That receiver class is hot garbage.

You don't want to pay Gabe Davis $23 million per year?

If Darnell Mooney is the 3rd best WR in that class......

[Phantom255x]

Call me crazy but I wouldn't be against the Pats splurging on a big-time RB. Barkley, Jacobs or Henry. Keep in mind the RB price tag is already "diminished" a bit due to the runningback role being valued lower in recent years. There's a reason these guys are on the market to begin with and not re-signed by their current teams. None got franchised, not even Derrick Henry who is a beast.

Pats have over 100M in cap space, and the projection for a few of these guys is only like 10-12M a season. The WR class is garbage as is. Bring back Hunter Henry, Onwenu, Bourne, then splurge on a RB instead of bringing back Elliott. A two-headed monster of Stevenson-Free Agent would be nice and help to ease the QB in for NE. For WR, try for Ridley but if he's not there, I wouldn't hate someone like Samuel or Boyd and then drafting one in the 2nd or 3rd round (assuming 1st round is used on QB or OT)

[green_bballers13]

That receiver class is hot garbage.

You don't want to pay Gabe Davis $23 million per year?

If Darnell Mooney is the 3rd best WR in that class......

Yeah, next year's FA WR class is stacked, but not this one. Fortunately, this is a strong offensive draft, especially at WR and o-line.

[Phantom255x]

That receiver class is hot garbage.

You don't want to pay Gabe Davis $23 million per year?

If Darnell Mooney is the 3rd best WR in that class......

Yeah, next year's FA WR class is stacked, but not this one. Fortunately, this is a strong offensive draft, especially at WR and o-line.

The thing is most of these FA WR classes start off looking loaded, but then the guys get franchised or signed to a long term deal and then it dwindles. Same exact thing happened this year. Pittman, Evans, Higgins, all franchised or signed long term deals in the past month.

[Goldstar88]

That receiver class is hot garbage.

You don't want to pay Gabe Davis $23 million per year?

If Darnell Mooney is the 3rd best WR in that class......

Yeah, next year's FA WR class is stacked, but not this one. Fortunately, this is a strong offensive draft, especially at WR and o-line.

The thing is most of these FA WR classes start off looking loaded, but then the guys get franchised or signed to a long term deal and then it dwindles. Same exact thing happened this year. Pittman, Evans, Higgins, all franchised or signed long term deals in the past month.

Which is why it’s so important to draft well. Will be very interesting to see what the new regime does next month.

[Phantom255x]

Russell Wilson to the Steelers is picking up steam

I think that’s a great fit for all parties. Steelers have some weapons, a solid defense led by Tomlin and he could also allow Pickett to continue developing behind Wilson for a year or two.

[Vermont Green]

I am not sure what is going on with Russell Wilson, but I don't think it is a simple as "he is done".  Last season, he was 66.4%, 26 TD, 8 Int, 98 Rating.  He had the 9th best rating in the league, 6th best among QBs with more than 10 games.  He is 35.  That is a pretty good season for a QB who is "done".  There was clearly some disfunction between him and the coach.

A deal would have to work for both parties.  The Pats are not going to want to offer multiple years, they just want a vet for 1 year really.  They could draft a QB at #3 (and sit him a year) or not.  Wilson would have to look at it as a year to restore his value or something.  He is probably going to want to go to a team that at least has a chance to win (not the Pats) but think what it would do for his legacy if he came in an led the Pats to the playoffs or even something just short of the playoffs?  I don't think that is unrealistic.

Hard to say what the Pats' record would have been if we had Wilson.  There are several more games we win if we had even an average NFL QB.  We are going to have to shore up the OL in any case but Wilson behind a decent OL, with a really good defense?  Maybe a couple of second tier WRs through FA?  To me, that is a respectable team while still allowing rebuilding through the draft.  Take a QB at #3, then OL, Receivers, etc. through the rest of the draft.  Don't go crazy in FA but bring in good solid players at positions of need who can contribute for several years.

Not saying this is the only path, but I would be fine with this path.  And if the QB you get at #3 turns out to be good, you are on your way.

My one worry with Wilson as a bridge QB is that we've never really seen how he is as a mentor to younger QBs. I'd rather have someone who isn't as talented, but is really willing to help teach a top pick what it takes to be an NFL QB

And maybe that is Wilson, but I have my doubts

That really shouldn't matter.  Farve didn't mentor Rodgers and Rodgers didn't mentor Love.  Not sure Alex Smith mentored Mahomes.  The young QB will learn just fine from the coaches and just watching.  Wilson should just focus on what he needs to do.  If Wilson was the back up to the new QB, that might be different.  I feel like the whole "mentor" narrative is overblown.  I would tell Russ Wilson that  he isn't going to be asked to mentor anyone.  Just play well and let the rookie watch and see how it is done.

I don't like the Favre/Rodgers comps, because those guys were actually good starters and the teams were competing. Alex Smith is a good point, Mahomes turned out (more than) fine. I think Smith's personality is a lot more amenable to being a mentor than Russ, though.

I don't think it really matters, though, because I can't see Russ signing here. And given that he's probably my last pick of the top QB FAs, I'm okay with that.

Do you really think it would have made any difference who was the starter in Mahomes' rookie season?  If it had been Russell Wilson, would Mahomes not be as good?  That is my point.  Mahomes is good because he is good, not because he was mentored by Smith.  If the Pats bring in a vet to start and draft a QB, the job of the vet QB is to win games, not mentor a rookie.  There is no need for that.  If it was a case where the rookie was starting, and the vet was the back up, then yes, part of the job of the back up is to help make the starter better, help prepare the starter, whatever.  Like when Hoyer was here and he probably mentored Mac some.

If we get Russell Wilson, you expect him to start, no matter who we draft.  And his job is to be the starting QB.  The Rookie QB's job will be to support the starter and learn as much as he can along the way.  The best possible thing for that rookie QB would be to have a chance to watch Wilson play well, watch how he prepares, how he reacts.  If this rookie QB is going to be good, he'll be good, that will be enough.  If the rookie QB doesn't "have it", all the mentoring in the world isn't going to make him good.  And that should not be Russell Wilson's or any starting QB's problem.

Anyway, if it was me, that would be my message to Wilson.  We are bringing you here to be the starter and win games.  Let the coaches worry about developing the rookie.  You just worry about being the best Russell Wilson you can be.  And if you need to rookie to get you a towel, the rookie will get you a towel.  Win games.  Get us to the playoffs.