Should we extend Hatcher now?

[Verdict]

Hatcher seems like a guy who can be a good, solid (if unspectacular) player. Hatcher would probably like to lock up some job security as well as hedge himself against catastrophic injury. Hatcher might have a little more upside left in him. It might be a good idea to lock him up to a mid tier deal and extend him for three more years (plus the current year left on his contract). Thoughts?

 

[Zimmy Lives]

Hatcher seems like a guy who can be a good, solid (if unspectacular) player. Hatcher would probably like to lock up some job security as well as hedge himself against catastrophic injury. Hatcher might have a little more upside left in him. It might be a good idea to lock him up to a mid tier deal and extend him for three more years (plus the current year left on his contract). Thoughts?

No. He is too old. This team is best served by youth.

 

[TheRomoSexual]

I think we should seriously consider it. He shouldn't be too expensive and cheap, veteran experience in the dline rotation is very valuable IMO.

 

[texbumthelife]

No, talk at midseason if he is playing at a high level.

 

[Eskimo]

Yes, we should definitely extend him and I don't understand why we haven't been more active on that front now that we know we aren't going to be signing Spencer to a long-term deal this season. Rat could be done. I definitely don't want to replace 3/4 of the DL in one offseason. Hatcher can probably be had for reasonable money given his advanced age and lack of big-time stats and lack of major accolades (i.e. Pro Bowls).

I would think 3 years and $12M should get the deal done based on last offseason and that is definitely affordable for us. We'd pay a lot more for his replacement in FA. I think there is a good chance he would play out that whole deal at a reasonable level given how little wear and tear on his body. He played lower level ball in college and only started 2 years in the pros.

 

[Future]

If you are happy with Ratliff's contract, then absolutely.

Not that Hatch is going to be as expensive, but its too early.

 

[Verdict]

If you are happy with Ratliff's contract, then absolutely.

Not that Hatch is going to be as expensive, but its too early.

I understand your thinking, and it is a sound thought process, but the idea is to lock Hatcher up on the cheap, and take a little bit of a calculated risk, with the thought that Hatcher outplays his contract. If Hatcher starts all year in this defense, and it is a top 10 defense, it will cost a lot more to keep him next year. I think we either do it now, or let him walk.

 

[Eskimo]

The difference with Hatcher from Ratliff is:

1. He is going to be cheaper

2. He is healthy

3. He is not showing any decline in his level of play

4. He has not been abused for years playing at NT

 

[Future]

I understand your thinking, and it is a sound thought process, but the idea is to lock Hatcher up on the cheap, and take a little bit of a calculated risk, with the thought that Hatcher outplays his contract. If Hatcher starts all year in this defense, and it is a top 10 defense, it will cost a lot more to keep him next year. I think we either do it now, or let him walk.

Yea, but why would Hatcher do that. If you can take his comment on Bass seriously at all, he already thinks he's on his way out. Why would he want to stay for cheap?

 

[Direwolf63]

No. He is too old. This team is best served by youth.

This is the correct answer. This team needs to get younger along the d-line. The youth movement needs to start next year.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

It would do no harm to start discussions with his agent. What would be the disadvantage to that? We are very thin on the interior DL as it is. I don't see the harm in starting those discussions.

 

[TheRomoSexual]

This is the correct answer. This team needs to get younger along the d-line. The youth movement needs to start next year.

Extending Hatcher and infusing young are not mutually exclusive propositions.

 

[onetrickpony]

Nope. Hatcher has never been a superstar. Let the young guys battle for his spot while looking for the next Bob Lilly.

 

[Bizwah]

I get the feeling he's in for a big year. He won't be cheap if that happens. He's on the wrong side of thirty to garner a big deal. I like Hatcher...always have. He always seems poised for a big year, then some kind of nagging injury gets him.

I think we look to the draft for newer blood on both lines. He'll walk...we'll use the money to try to extend Lee, Carter, and Dez.

 

[Direwolf63]

Extending Hatcher and infusing young are not mutually exclusive propositions.

If your going to extend a guy who is 30 or over, he better be a star player. Romo, Witten or Ware for example. He has to be part of the core of your team. Irreplaceable.

Hatcher is not the type of player. Lee and Bryant must be extended soon. That's where the teams priority should lie when it comes to contract extensions. That's my opinion anyway.

 

[big dog cowboy]

You betcha. Nothing wrong with extending him to a cap friendly deal. But I wouldn't break the bank by any means.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

If your going to extend a guy who is 30 or over, he better be a star player. Romo, Witten or Ware for example. He has to be part of the core of your team. Irreplaceable.

Hatcher is not the type of player. Lee and Bryant must be extended soon. That's where the teams priority should lie when it comes to contract extensions. That's my opinion anyway.

Good opinion, IMO!

 

[FiveRings]

Yeah, I would, I don't know how much longer Hatcher can go flying under the radar. This move to the 4-3 will probably attract some attention just because everyone in the NFL has a sick obsession with it. I don't think this season is going to make Hatcher any cheaper, and I have no problem with giving him 3-4 years

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

If your going to extend a guy who is 30 or over, he better be a star player. Romo, Witten or Ware for example. He has to be part of the core of your team. Irreplaceable.

Hatcher is not the type of player. That's my opinion anyway.

I don't think I agree with this. Lot's of guys in the early 30 range sign with teams and contribute. I mean, nobody is saying it has to be a huge deal. Just talk about numbers.

 

[JohnsKey19]

With Ratliff and Spencer probably leaving after this season, i would explore an extension for Hatcher. If he can be re-signed to a cap friendly deal similar to one he is on now, i would do it. You don't want to go into the offseason needing to replace 3 out of 4 starting DL.