This was an exercise we did last year, that resulted in a bunch of funny responses after looking back. So let's try it again.
Which free agents would you want to resign after this season, and how much are you willing to spend to keep them?
Dlaw
Tavon
Beasley
David Irving
Fleming
Jamize Olawale
Deonte Thompson
Kony Ealy
LP!!!
Marcus Martin
Datone Jones
Chaz Green
Damien Wilson
Rod Smith
Justin March-Lilliard
Swaim
Don't bother posting if you're gonna say "just wait until after the season". It's a waste of space.
So let's hear it
I'm OK with all of them returning to training camp in 2019.
I start with 3 less obvious choices:
Marcus Martin: I think he has starter ability and could be an upgrade over Looney as the gameday interior backup because he also plays Center. I reviewed a couple of games he played last season and he looked decent. I would grade him about the same as I graded Cooper the previous year and both had played some games for Cleveland.
Datone Jones: I think he'll end up being an important role player at DT; although he'll likely be looking for a decent contact if he has a solid year.
Tavon Austin: I think in this offense he'll be a quality part-time player. He might end up taking some of Beasley's snaps. Defenses will play differently with Austin in the slot as compared to Beasley. Austin might not rack up big stats but he can help open things up for other receivers. Defenses often played off on Beasley on 3rd and medium/long with the plan to tackle him short of the 1st if he was the target. If they give Austin open space he has the RAC ability to get the 1st and more.
LP: No comments needed.
DLaw: Hard to depart with a legit pass rusher but 2 past back surguries are very concerning considering the size of the required contract. I would be OK Franchising him again like they did years ago with Spencer.
Fleming: They don't have any high upside young players in development at OT.
Irving: It would be good to hsve him om the roster but he is not dependable enough for the size of contract he'll likely receive. If he is
dominant and stays out of trouble, then the Franchise Tag could be considered; however, he would have to be really dominant as a pass rusher and very good as a run defender.
Beasley: Good to have on the roster but might cost too much for his role here. I think Austin might get some of his snaps this season. If they play more 4WR sets now with Witten gone then that helps Beasley's value.
Kony Ealy might turn into a solid contributor this season but hopefully by next season a young DE or multiple have stepped up and played well. Hopefully at least 1 of Armstrong, Gregory or Tapper become solid players this season and I expect Taco to start.
Chaz Green: I think he is better than most fans believe but I don't think he'll ever stay healthy.
The others are low level players that would be OK to bring to camp next season.
