Here's my free agent strategy.
Critical needs (starting caliber): IDL1, IDL2, WR, LG, CB
Position | Top Tier | Middle Tier | Third Tier |
IDL1 | Christian Wilkins (MIA, 29) | Justin Jones (CHI, 28) | Bilal Nichols (LVR, 28) |
IDL2 | Austin Johnson (LAC, 30) | Sebastian Joseph-Day (SFO, 29) | Calais Campbell (ATL, 38) |
WR | Marquise Brown (ARI, 27) | KJ Osborn (MIN, 26) | D.J. Chark (CAR, 28) |
LG | Damien Lewis (SEA, 27) | Jonah Jackson (DET, 27) | Ben Bredeson (NYG, 26) |
CB | Stephon Gilmore (DAL, 34) | Kendall Fuller (WAS, 29) | Chidobe Awuzie (29, CIN) |
What I learned from this exercise:
- My goal was to get quality starters at IDL and someone who can play WR. Both roles can contribute without having to extend yourself in time or money so a rookie couldn't play early.
- Corner is going to be hard to find a long-term answer at better than Byron Murphy (sad!). I tried to fine a reliable starter for the next two-ish years who could mentor what will likely be a young room again.
- It's extremely likely we take care of the LG position with a mid-level free agent. There are a lot of guys out there; even a second wave will have quality options available.
- You have to find your edge players through the draft, IMO. I don't want to pay through the nose for what will be a warty veteran free agent. If we help the interior, there may be breakout candidates already on the roster.