Galian Beast
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We have a lot going on at linebacker that could potentially be very good.
With both Marinelli and Garrett staying, my take was that McClain would want to return. I don't think any team is going to bring out the checkbook for McClain.
Surprisingly the highest paid of these free agent linebackers could be Carter. He turned a lot of games around with turnovers, even though he was pretty inconsistent for us. Can we afford to bring him back as a strong side linebacker? That's pretty questionable.
Durant was heralded as our best defensive player in training camp next to Scandrick this year after Lee went down with an injury. I have to say that I think it's pretty clear that Durant will be able to come back at a reasonable rate. I don't think he did anything to make teams really shell out for him.
Hitchens is a player that we all have to have a lot of hope for going towards the future, but the question would be do you have him come in primarily as a backup next year? Or do you get him starter reps?
That brings us down to Sean Lee, our best player on defense, which shouldn't be forgotten. I think moving him to will could be really good for him, though around this team last year I was saying the same for Carter, thinking that would be a natural position for him.
It really comes down to having your best players back next year. So this is my plan not based on where the players will play in the scheme but the fact that we want them back.
1. Sean Lee
2. Rolando McClain
3. Bruce Carter
4. Justin Durant
5. Anthony Hitchens
6. Kyle Wilber
With injuries and different packages, I really think linebacker could be a strength for this team. So yes, I would say let's bring everyone back within reason. You improve the defensive line, and you'll see the linebackers improve even more. I think the hardest one to bring back will be Carter, but I don't think that's a HUGE deal.
I think you sign Durant to a 2 or 3 year deal. McClain I'd try to get for 1 or 2 years depending on price. Carter would be a 3 or 4 year deal. This gives us the flexibility to promote Hitchens when the time comes, and does keep us attached to anyone long term.
With both Marinelli and Garrett staying, my take was that McClain would want to return. I don't think any team is going to bring out the checkbook for McClain.
Surprisingly the highest paid of these free agent linebackers could be Carter. He turned a lot of games around with turnovers, even though he was pretty inconsistent for us. Can we afford to bring him back as a strong side linebacker? That's pretty questionable.
Durant was heralded as our best defensive player in training camp next to Scandrick this year after Lee went down with an injury. I have to say that I think it's pretty clear that Durant will be able to come back at a reasonable rate. I don't think he did anything to make teams really shell out for him.
Hitchens is a player that we all have to have a lot of hope for going towards the future, but the question would be do you have him come in primarily as a backup next year? Or do you get him starter reps?
That brings us down to Sean Lee, our best player on defense, which shouldn't be forgotten. I think moving him to will could be really good for him, though around this team last year I was saying the same for Carter, thinking that would be a natural position for him.
It really comes down to having your best players back next year. So this is my plan not based on where the players will play in the scheme but the fact that we want them back.
1. Sean Lee
2. Rolando McClain
3. Bruce Carter
4. Justin Durant
5. Anthony Hitchens
6. Kyle Wilber
With injuries and different packages, I really think linebacker could be a strength for this team. So yes, I would say let's bring everyone back within reason. You improve the defensive line, and you'll see the linebackers improve even more. I think the hardest one to bring back will be Carter, but I don't think that's a HUGE deal.
I think you sign Durant to a 2 or 3 year deal. McClain I'd try to get for 1 or 2 years depending on price. Carter would be a 3 or 4 year deal. This gives us the flexibility to promote Hitchens when the time comes, and does keep us attached to anyone long term.
