Free Agency next year - what do we do? (1 Viewer)

[SmashmouthSaints]

I don’t think we can afford to let Teddy go. We all love Drew, but we have to be realistic about his age and that is closer to retirement than not. We have to plan for the post-Drew future.

We know Teddy can plug right in and win right now. He went 5-0 in his starts. And that is gold in a starting NFL QB. The locker room and coaches love him and will rally behind him as a leader. He is a very accurate passer with low INT count. He thrives in a system that is run oriented - check, has a good defense- check and good O line - check, where can manage the game with his short to medium passing. it doesn’t light up scoreboards typically, but it wins games. And it wins close, low scoring defensive slugfests like we’re going to see in the playoffs

so what are our alternatives to a proven NFL starter?

Hill I’m not sold on as a QB yet. I know Payton is high on his potential , but he hasn’t proven he can run the QB position at a high level. I like what he brings to the table, but Bridgewater is a more proven commodity

Draft a QB? That’s hit and miss. Baker Mayfield was unanimous #1, Sam Darnold, and Josh Rosen were all taken before Lamar Jackson who went at 32. That just looks ridiculous. Statistically you are more likely to get a bust in the draft than the next big thing . And why draft a QB when we could just keep Teddy and use our picks on other needs?

So where does that leave us with Teddy and Drew? Teddy is 27, he is a proven winner who understands the system, commands the respect of everyone in the locker room, has overcome a ton of adversity to get here, and will only improve under Payton as time goes on. What we have seen is really good and we haven’t even seen his full potential yet. If he stays healthy he could be our starter for many years, our next franchise QB to follow Drew.

But if both of their contracts are up, and if Drew doesn’t retire then Teddy is poised to get a big deal for someone like Chicago or maybe Carolina or the Bucs or some other team we will face with insider knowledge of our system. And then Drew will retire in another year or two anyway. 5 years from now we wouldn’t have either and would be depending on unproven Taysom Hill and a hit and miss draft pick.

It pains me to say this, but I think signing Teddy needs to take priority over Drew over the summer. It’s the long term future over short term gains. Just my two cents

 

[NatureBoy]

A good QB on a rookie contract is gold. Keep Drew and Taysom and find that heir apparent. If we strike gold, when Drew retires we will get substantial salary relief.

We have to keep 2/3 of Bell, Apple and David O. Keeping all 3 will be difficult.

If we get all that done, keeping Peat will be tough. Sign Easton and draft a guy. Doing so could maybe give us enough space to hold on to AJ.

 

[saintfan1972]

Brees has never bled us dry.

Apple wasn’t worth what it would’ve cost at that time to pick up his 5th year option. One thing has nothing to do with the other.

And in regards to your comments about Kamara, people said the same about Thomas before his contract.

I guess I just couldn’t disagree with you more.

When I say what I said I'm not hoping that happens just what I think will happen.

And Brees has never bled us dry but the OP was talking about a discount and he has never gave us a discount. We've paid the premium. He has been worth it but no discount

 

[Snakehead]

Drew Brees: Resign. He's not retiring and with how the team is built, he can run this team for 2-3 more seasons. A 2-3 year contract that is fair to Brees and team friendly should a significant decline hit.

Teddy Bridgewater: Not Resigned. He proved that in the right system, he is a NFL starter and he wins. Teams with a strong running game and defense will offer Teddy more than we can offer him to stay as a QB2. He should get in the $20M/yr range.

Taysom Hill: Resign. Potentially being groomed to be Drew Brees' successor. I think he's the successsor, but SP will bring in another young QB.

AJ Klein: Resign. He knows the defense and has played well. 29 is not too old for a LB, but he is not young either. Should be able to resign him for an affordable deal.

Eli Apple: Resign. He has played like a #1 CB and resurrected his career in DA's defense. He has seen first hand what a change in scenery can do for a career and I don't think he wants to leave. A fair offer should keep him in the Black and Gold and keep the DB core together.

Ted Ginn: Not Resign. He has played out his contract and served the role he was brought in to do. At 35 y/o for the 2020 it is probably time to part ways. Is his replacement already on the team? Butler's strengths coming out of college was to stretch defenses and be an over the top threat.

Andrus Peat: Not Resigned. He more than likely will demand more money than we are willing to pay for a LG and emergency LT. There are a lot of teams with struggling offense lines where he could go as a LT or LG. Easton's play will more than likely determine whether or not he is no resigned. As mentioned early in this topic, we always draft an offensive lineman and SP like moving college tackles to NFL guards.

Vonn Bell: Resign. Safeties take awhile to develop and he is in or hitting his prime. Along with Apple, I think he will resign and stay a Saint keeping the defensive backfield in tact.

Zach Line: Resign. Athletic FB what knows the offense and has DB and SP's trust.

Zach Wood: Resign. Good young long snapper, just keep him and press on.

David Onyemata: Resign. He's an anchor and disruptive force in the defense who was developed in DA's defense. He should be resigned.

Keith Kirkwood: Resign. He and TQS will be in their 3rd year in the offense, although Kirkwood has missed time this season due to injury, he has still been around the team learning.

Austin Carr: Not Resigned. He's been inactive the last couple weeks and may have already lost his job to Hogan.

Cameron Tom: Resign. Young backup/developmental Center and Guard.

PJ Williams: Resign. Can't have too many DBs and especially DBs who fit in and know the defense.

Dwayne Washington: Undecided. 26 y/o depth RB who has performed when given the opportunity.

Special Teams/Depth
JT Gray: Resign. Young CB depth and special teamer.

Justin Hardee: Resign. Young CB depth and special teamer.

Stephone Anthony: Resign. Former 1st rounder, now LB depth and special teamer. It would not hurt to keep him around on an affordable contract.

Johnson Bademosi: Resign. Special teamer.

Patrick Omameh: Undecided. Depth guard. With Tom healthy and the potential of draft a young lineman, Omameh may not be needed.

 

[ThrowbackSaintXXL]

I don’t think we can afford to let Teddy go. We all love Drew, but we have to be realistic about his age and that is closer to retirement than not. We have to plan for the post-Drew future.

We know Teddy can plug right in and win right now. He went 5-0 in his starts. And that is gold in a starting NFL QB. The locker room and coaches love him and will rally behind him as a leader. He is a very accurate passer with low INT count. He thrives in a system that is run oriented - check, has a good defense- check and good O line - check, where can manage the game with his short to medium passing. it doesn’t light up scoreboards typically, but it wins games. And it wins close, low scoring defensive slugfests like we’re going to see in the playoffs

so what are our alternatives to a proven NFL starter?

Hill I’m not sold on as a QB yet. I know Payton is high on his potential , but he hasn’t proven he can run the QB position at a high level. I like what he brings to the table, but Bridgewater is a more proven commodity

Draft a QB? That’s hit and miss. Baker Mayfield was unanimous #1, Sam Darnold, and Josh Rosen were all taken before Lamar Jackson who went at 32. That just looks ridiculous. Statistically you are more likely to get a bust in the draft than the next big thing . And why draft a QB when we could just keep Teddy and use our picks on other needs?

So where does that leave us with Teddy and Drew? Teddy is 27, he is a proven winner who understands the system, commands the respect of everyone in the locker room, has overcome a ton of adversity to get here, and will only improve under Payton as time goes on. What we have seen is really good and we haven’t even seen his full potential yet. If he stays healthy he could be our starter for many years, our next franchise QB to follow Drew.

But if both of their contracts are up, and if Drew doesn’t retire then Teddy is poised to get a big deal for someone like Chicago or maybe Carolina or the Bucs or some other team we will face with insider knowledge of our system. And then Drew will retire in another year or two anyway. 5 years from now we wouldn’t have either and would be depending on unproven Taysom Hill and a hit and miss draft pick.

It pains me to say this, but I think signing Teddy needs to take priority over Drew over the summer. It’s the long term future over short term gains. Just my two cents

U sir, make a damn good case. And I suspect the folks that matter in the decision have already considered all of this

We love Drew but any new contract u give him will threaten the ability to keep the young core that's been built intact. He's on his last leg n we shouldn't worry about replacing him with someone just as good since chances are we'll never be able to do that anyway. It'll hurt like hell but it's time to move on, however this season ends

Top priorities should be Eli, Von, David AND YES, TEDDY. As already been said he'll only improve under CSP. Make the proper adjustments to keep those 4

Let Peat, Ginn, Carr n PJ walk. The rest will be sorted out as they may

 

[Saint Greg]

When has Brees ever gave us a discount. If he stays it wont be cheap.

Saints, Drew Brees reach 2-year, $50 million contract extension
Updated Mar 13, 2018

Saints, Drew Brees reach 2-year, $50 million contract extension

It was fun for all of five minutes seeing everyone think Drew Brees was going elsewhere.

www.canalstreetchronicles.com

Matt Ryan, Falcons agree to five-year, $150M contract
Published: May 3, 2018 at 04:09 p.m

Matt Ryan, Falcons agree to five-year, $150M contract

Matt Ryan is the new man atop Mount Quarterback. The Falcons' franchise signal-caller has agreed to a new five-year, $150 million deal, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.

www.nfl.com

 

[saint_drago]

Andrus Peat - He'll probably be offered more elsewhere
A.J. Klein - Sure, at a reasonable price
Vonn Bell - Must keep
Eli Apple - I'd love to see him come back but he's going to get paid
Drew Brees - Of course
Teddy Bridgewater - Thank you Teddy. Good luck.
Taysom Hill - He'll be back

 

[Heartbreak Kid]

I don’t think we can afford to let Teddy go. We all love Drew, but we have to be realistic about his age and that is closer to retirement than not. We have to plan for the post-Drew future.

We know Teddy can plug right in and win right now. He went 5-0 in his starts. And that is gold in a starting NFL QB. The locker room and coaches love him and will rally behind him as a leader. He is a very accurate passer with low INT count. He thrives in a system that is run oriented - check, has a good defense- check and good O line - check, where can manage the game with his short to medium passing. it doesn’t light up scoreboards typically, but it wins games. And it wins close, low scoring defensive slugfests like we’re going to see in the playoffs

so what are our alternatives to a proven NFL starter?

Hill I’m not sold on as a QB yet. I know Payton is high on his potential , but he hasn’t proven he can run the QB position at a high level. I like what he brings to the table, but Bridgewater is a more proven commodity

Draft a QB? That’s hit and miss. Baker Mayfield was unanimous #1, Sam Darnold, and Josh Rosen were all taken before Lamar Jackson who went at 32. That just looks ridiculous. Statistically you are more likely to get a bust in the draft than the next big thing . And why draft a QB when we could just keep Teddy and use our picks on other needs?

So where does that leave us with Teddy and Drew? Teddy is 27, he is a proven winner who understands the system, commands the respect of everyone in the locker room, has overcome a ton of adversity to get here, and will only improve under Payton as time goes on. What we have seen is really good and we haven’t even seen his full potential yet. If he stays healthy he could be our starter for many years, our next franchise QB to follow Drew.

But if both of their contracts are up, and if Drew doesn’t retire then Teddy is poised to get a big deal for someone like Chicago or maybe Carolina or the Bucs or some other team we will face with insider knowledge of our system. And then Drew will retire in another year or two anyway. 5 years from now we wouldn’t have either and would be depending on unproven Taysom Hill and a hit and miss draft pick.

It pains me to say this, but I think signing Teddy needs to take priority over Drew over the summer. It’s the long term future over short term gains. Just my two cents

All of this is exactly how I feel.

No one wants to push drew away... but I personally dont think we should let Teddy get away. He IS someone we can win with and continue to have winning seasons and push for playoffs.

It takes time for some teams to find a successor to a HOF QB. We have a guy right now and he’s proved it... everyone just wants to let him walk... you gotta be kidding.

I think this could be Drew’s last season. Just a hunch I’ve had. I don’t picture him playing for multiple years ahead...

 

[saintfan1972]

Saints, Drew Brees reach 2-year, $50 million contract extension
Updated Mar 13, 2018

Saints, Drew Brees reach 2-year, $50 million contract extension

It was fun for all of five minutes seeing everyone think Drew Brees was going elsewhere.

www.canalstreetchronicles.com

Matt Ryan, Falcons agree to five-year, $150M contract
Published: May 3, 2018 at 04:09 p.m

Matt Ryan, Falcons agree to five-year, $150M contract

Matt Ryan is the new man atop Mount Quarterback. The Falcons' franchise signal-caller has agreed to a new five-year, $150 million deal, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.

www.nfl.com

Brees deal was basically a 1 yr deal with guaranteed $27 mil. Ryans was guaranteed $100 mil over 5. $20 mil guaranteed per year. Yep that's a deal.

 

[RAIZO SAINTS]

Andrus Peat
A.J. Klein
Vonn Bell
Eli Apple
Drew Brees
Teddy Bridgewater
Taysom Hill
Austin Carr
Zach Line
Zach Wood

This is a list - the closest I could come to the complete list - of our Free Agents next year.

All 3 of our QB's are Free Agents. 2 of our best DB's are Free Agents. Plus, our Pro-Bowl left Guard.

Now, I know that Mickey Loomis has a way of working these things out, but I can't remember a time when our Free-Agent list looked like this.

There is no way we will be able to re-sign all 3 QB's next year. TB is going to command top dollar from someone, and will also be offered a starting gig somewhere else. Drew is gonna want to keep playing, and there is no way that Payton will opt for Teddy over Drew. He will know that he can win with Teddy, but also that he can't run his wide open offense with him. He is simply not that type of QB, as we all saw. You need a great running game and defense to win with him.

Then, the question is what to do with Bell and Apple? Can we resign both of these guys? Will our brain trust consider that Sequan Hampton can replace Bell, so therefore give more priority to re-signing Apple over Bell?

I know we are still in the season, but this is something to look at. We will also have free-agents from other teams to look at, as well as the Draft. Problem there is that we don't have all of our draft picks next year to help reload.

I think we will be OK at Guard if we lose Peat. Easton so far has looked really good, and Clapp can always fill in. Plus, as we've seen, you can always find a very good O-Lineman in the later rounds of the Draft. Heck, Jahri Evans was a 3rd round pick. Clapp and Strief were both late round picks. So, we know that can be done.

So the question is, who on this list to we go all out for to re-sign? Other than Drew Brees, who I believe will be top priority.

you just can't replace great players.S.Paytons knows that he can run his offense withTB.DON'T forget DREW has been in the ooffense for 13yrs,so yes it will take time.
T B IIS 27YRS OLD.

 

[David Robbins]

I think keeping Bell and Hill are a must. Brees is staying here. Would be shocked if went to another team. Apple will be to expensive to keep. They might have to draft a C.B unless Saquan Hampton seems to be an adequate replacement.

I think also N.O is going to try to work an extension with Lights Kamara Action.

Hampton is a Safety, not a CB.

 

[Saint Greg]

Brees deal was basically a 1 yr deal with guaranteed $27 mil. Ryans was guaranteed $100 mil over 5. $20 mil guaranteed per year. Yep that's a deal.

It was two years...2018 and 2019. 27 Million is the guaranteed money.

 

[saintfan1972]

It was two years...2018 and 2019. 27 Million is the guaranteed money.

2nd yr was an option.

 

[saintfan1972]

Either way I'm glad Brees has been a Saint. Wouldn't have wanted another QB. But in my opinion there has been no hometown discount. And thats his option and we have gladly paid him.

 

[David Robbins]

Either way I'm glad Brees has been a Saint. Wouldn't have wanted another QB. But in my opinion there has been no hometown discount. And thats his option and we have gladly paid him.

The last 2 years there has been a discount by Drew. Believe me, if he had wanted a huge contract, he wouldn't have come out the way he did saying he would not leave New Orleans. He would have used that as leverage to coax as much money out of Loomis as he could get. All the years he was getting huge paydays, that was what he did, even though we all knew he didn't want to leave. He gave up his negotiating tool by saying he didn't want to leave. And, we got him much cheaper that way.