MHS831

There will be suitors for Stafford---not sure we want to get into a bidding war. And I hate to be so negative about someone trying to do his job, but Person seems to speculate a lot. Not someone I see with a lot of inside knowledge, and I have shared (before) how he was viewed at the Observer. While I think this should be a thread because it is out there, I question the source.

THEORY: The NFL was still adjusting to the changes in the college game. Their offenses were not ready for the new QBs college was producing.

DEVIL'S ADVOCATE: If we sign Stafford, trade back for a few picks, address OT, CB, LB, TE---and we get CMC back, and we sign a G-- And Brees has retired, Brady and Ryan not far behind...I would think this could be a situation a vet QB might like. I think we can compete for a playoff spot in 2021.

I am guessing this week's news has changed the Detroit projection.

The Panthers will know the "second tier" QBs after the Senior Bowl. I have to think they will be doing some bottom fishing this week. Brady will be whispering and Rhule will be preaching. They might say, "trade back and take Trask", for example. We have Bridgewater and he should improve with better OL play and maybe a TE and CMC back. So there is a fall back plan--then if Trask (example) does not show much promise, you have extra picks and some cap room in 2022 to meet needs in free agency and package a deal to move up in 2022. Not what I want to happen, but it may be better than diving into the feeding frenzy and taking the 4th best QB in the top 10.

I am on the same page, but trades scare me. #2 NY Jets--How many teams need a QB? If the Jets get Watson, what do they do with the #2 pick? Trade it. They don't really need a LT, and Sewell (arguably) is the only non QB worth it. I think they trade out. Who moves into the #2 spot? I do not think there is a QB worth the #2 pick with Trevor off the board. #3 Miami--they could trade out too. I do not see a QB here, but I see WR Chase LSU, T Sewell, Ore, maybe Parsons MLB if Miami stays. #4 Atlanta--Total wild card, but if I am the GM, I look at needs--DEFENSE, WR, OL---Salary cap. So if I think I have a year or two left in Ryan, I am going to possibly trade back and meet some needs on defense and OL, and then take a developmental QB later. I just do not see #5 Cincinnati--Here, if Sewell drops, this is a no brainer. However, I also think they could take WR Chase LSU here. Of course, trading back is an option. #6 Philadelphia-- I am not certain that the new coach wants a new QB, and Wentz could/should get a look in a new system. I am guessing that the Eagles could also be a trade back candidate, especially if 3 QBs are gone, but assuming that is not the case, a WR in Philly is sorely needed if you want Wentz to get better. #7 Detroit---Of course they are drafting a QB. If the Lions fall in love with a QB early in the draft, they could move up. If the Panthers want a QB, they probably need to leapfrog the Lions to get their man. There is no way the Lions do not take a QB in the draft-- So my take on this, even though nobody asked? Round 1--picks 2-7 are going to be WIDE OPEN. I see a scenario where all 4 QBs go in the top 5 or 6 picks. I do not see too many scenarios where there will be 2 of the top 4 QBs at #8. We stuck it to those WFTs! Prognosis: Too unclear to project. Key factor?: The Senior Bowl. What if we fall in love with Trask? (example).

Here is the key stat for QB-starved teams: (all #s according to Spotrac) SALARY CAP PROJECTIONS #2 overall: Colts, with about $68m #3 overall: Jets, with about $65m #4 overall: New England with about $55m #9 overall: Washington with about $32m So the Jets have $65m and the #2 overall pick. They get anyone they want after Lawrence. The Colts, Patriots, WFT all need QBs. They know they are not getting a top 4 QB, so expect them to go after Watson and Stafford. The 49ers and Dolphins also have more cap space than Carolina. I look at the CMC and Thompson contracts as the reason we are in this shape; so we get a slightly-above average LB and a RB instead of a QB. So why was Marty fired again?

In my opinion, I do not see them bringing in another big contract. With Teddy, a rookie deal is manageable. So if we were to take in Stafford, a move I think makes us an instant contender, we would have to renegotiate some contracts--mainly Stafford's.

I would trade them a bad contract--like Shaq--but I do not think he gets released--Indy, Washington, New England--they all need a QB---but who knows?

Trade Thompson to Detroit--they need help on D.

I think we will trade up---teams at the back of the draft that need QB will go after Stafford and give up a lot. Why do I sense Indy making a deal with Detroit? Or New England? Washington?

The culture we built for whooping a nameless team with a bust QB in a meaningless game.

What round were the bottom 4 drafted in? I can't recall.

ticket sales already up.

Pitcher was Al Downing. He gave up 714 in Cincinnati to Jack Billingham. I was a kid, an avid Reds fan, but I loved Aaron and followed his quest to brake Babe's record from when he had about 650--he was on the cover of Boy's Life mag. and my uncle had a copy.

True Story--when I was a little kid, my Dad took me to see Atlanta and the Dodgers play a series in Atlanta. I saw Aaron hit homer #726. During the game, he was running in from outfield and I went down to the seats by the dugout and yelled "Hank Aaron!" and he looked at me--I was waving at him; he waved back and kind of smiled. That night, I was bored so I was riding the elevators and running around the hotel, the gift shop, the pool, etc. I was walking down the hallway by the dining area, and two men in suits were walking slowly toward the dining room, closed for a banquet. Between them was an old woman that I recognized from TV earlier that day. I said, "Hello Mrs. Ruth," and she smiled and waved. I walked on by, not thinking it was a big deal that in one day, Hank Aaron and Mrs. Babe Ruth waved at me.

Next week they are bringing in a Long Snapper/Kicker. He's fast.

Are they not all bust potential? I see your point though--but I think his reading from the pocket and quick release can be difference makers. Not sold on Wilson if we have to give up a bunch of picks. So happy we beat WFT week 16. Hang that banner.

Funny how people act as if suddenly becoming a millionaire celebrity at age 22 should have no impact on your maturity. These athletes are put on a pedestal--many from poor homes---and suddenly surrounded by fame and fortune. They have never failed in sports--always the best athlete on the field, and that is what they believe they are. So much depends on the athlete's support system. I expect this coaching staff to kick the tires on a lot a players that we would call "damaged goods".

Did anyone say "Shaq?" One of our highest paid players. Chinn CMC

This is a handout job. A hook up. He will be in charge of gravity.

I prefer to draft a QB as well, but how many drafted QBs succeed? How many teams need a QB and how many quality QBs are in the draft? Due diligence-- for those who think we should explore all options and have more than 1 plan that could unravel in 4 picks.

Me too.

His playing style could mean he has a Brady/Rivers length career. So he could have 5 years left in him and he has been better late in his career than in the beginning. Protect him, and he stays healthy--that is true for all QBs. Let's say we get 5 years out of him--is it worth it? We only got 6 productive years out of Cam.