Atlanta Falcons:
2014 Free Agents:
QB Domonique Davis -24- (Restricted)
QB Matt Ryan -28-
OG Mike Johnson -26-
OL Joe Hawley -24-
DT Jonathan Babineaux -31-
DT Peria Jerry -29-
DT Corey Peters -25-
CB Domonique Franks -25-
S Shann Schillinger -27-
General Manager Thomas Dimitroff & Head Coach Mike Smith have a 56-24 record since arriving in 2008. With a winning record in all five seasons & securing 4 playoff births, the Falcons are one of the best led Franchises in the league today. Securing their first postseason win in 2012, the future looks bright. The success has secured a new stadium set to open in 2017, and I anticipate the Franchise will Win a Super Bowl prior to opening the 'Birds Nest'.
2008 3rd Overall Selection Matt Ryan enters the final year of his rookie contract, and Dimitroff approaches the next pact as a mere formality, and a certainty at this point. Ryan is represented by CAA's Tom Condon, who Dimitroff has established strong rapport on numerous deals. Ryan will undoubtedly push the $ 100 Million threshold, and Owner Arthur Blank recognizes locking up the Franchise QB longterm is critical. Numbers on the deal remain the only question mark.
Retaining core players is emphasized every offseason. In 2013, Left Tackle Sam Baker, SS William Moore & Swing Tackle Garrett Reynolds were extended. Last offseason, new deals were brokered on WR Harry Douglas, FS Thomas DeCoud & versatile defensive linemen Kroy Biermann. The players allowed to depart via Free Agency have been replaced effectively, and the Falcons have avoided negligently overpaying LB Curtis Lofton, DT Vance Walker and numerous contributing players.
In signing other teams Free Agents, the Falcons haven't been as successful, often overpaying the market & not generating production envisioned. The most notable example is Cornerback Dunta Robinson, who while a quality player, never warranted the 6 Year 54.0 M (22.5 M Guaranteed) 2010 deal. Being aggressive in Free Agency was viable in past years, as the core players drafted since 2008 were on rookie contracts that left cap space to venture into Free Agency. This is dramatically shifting with rookie deals set to expire over the next few years.
After Ryan's deal is consummated, the focus will shift to WR Julio Jones. One of the premier wideouts in the game, Julio has 2 years & an option remaining on his rookie contract. When it expires, a major commitment will be necessary to keep the elite wideout. With 2 years remaining on 2010 19th Pick Sean Weatherspoon's deal, a decision on his future will be necessary in the next 2-3 window (Pending use of the Franchise Tag).
Known for his aggressive style in the draft, Thomas Dimitroff has shown keen understanding of the amateur selection process, and also a fundamental awareness of the new CBA Structure. He'll continue to supplement talent via the draft, and be hesitant to overextend resources for other teams Free Agents. What's notable is Dimitroff likes to maneuver up & down the board, targeting value at positions of need. So for the mock drafters out there, a Defensive Tackle will be selected in next years Draft. Dimitroff's goal is to keep the Falcons 'Core' intact for a Super Bowl Run over the next 3-4 year window.
Carolina Panthers
2014 Free Agents:
QB Derek Anderson -31-
QB Jimmy Clausen -25-
WR Armanti Edwards -25-
WR David Gettis -26-
WR Ted Ginn Jr -28-
WR Domenik Hixon -28-
WR Brandon LaFell -26-
TE Ben Hartsock -32-
OT Byron Bell -24-
OT Bruce Campbell -24-
OT Jordan Gross -33-
OG Garry Williams -27-
DE Greg Hardy -25-
DT Collin Cole -33-
LB Jordan Senn -29-
LB Jason Williams -27-
CB Drayton Florence -32-
CB D.J. Moore -26-
CB Captain Munnerlyn -25-
K Graham Gano -26-
First Year GM Dave Gettleman inherited a suspect situation salary cap wise, a roster completely misconstrued on cost-value basis. Former GM Marty Hurney allocated 16.03% of the 2012 Salary Cap to Linebackers & 15.25% to Running Backs. In a span of 15 months, Hurney extended DeAngelo Williams (5 Years 43.0 M w/ 21.0 M Guaranteed) & Jonathan Stewart (5 Years 36.5 M w/ 22.5 M Guaranteed); and added Mike Tolbet in Free Agency (4 Years 10.0 M w/ 4.2 M Guaranteed).
On the heels of the New CBA, extensions were handed to linebackers Jonathan Beason (5 Years 51.33 M w/ 25.0 M Guaranteed), Thomas Davis (5 Years 36.5 M w/ 8.0 M Guaranteed) & James Anderson (5 Years 22.0 M w/ 8.5 M Guaranteed). The final first round selection of the Hurney era was Luke Kuechly, who while winning Rookie of the Year, speaks to the failure at the position under Hurney's regime.
Gettleman minimized the cap dilemma inherited, but is clearly cognizant of the misallocated resources. Overpaying two non-premium positions created vulnerabilities at Defensive Tackle & in the receiving corps. Hurney overpaid aging free agents Ron Edwards (3 Years 8.25 M w/ 3.0 M Guaranteed) in 2011 & Dwan Edwards (4 Years 18.0 M w/ 6.75 M Guaranteed) to man the Defensive Tackle position. The Panthers were bludgeoned at the point of attack, and Gettleman quickly addressed it with his first 2 selections of his tenure, adding Star Loutulelei & Kawann Short- 'Heavy Legged Line of Scrimmage Changers'.
Next he reworked DeAngelo Williams' & Thomas Davis's contracts, & released James Anderson. Viewing the roster as fluid, he's begun recalibrating it to mold it around the vision he brings from the Giants, placing specific emphasis on pass rushers & big bodies.
One of the major successes of Hurney's draft track record was 2010 6th Rounder Greg Hardy, whose developed into an upper echelon pass rusher opposite Charles Johnson. With his deal set to expire after the season, Agent Drew Rosenhaus has approached the Panthers about an extension to no avail. Another strong season could warrant long-term commitment, but the Franchise Tag appears a near certainty. The question is does Hurney deem it viable to allocate significant cap resources to Hardy given the 6 Year 76.0 M (32.0 M Guaranteed) commitment to bookend Charles Johnson?
Of the remaining Free Agent Group, interest in retaining WR Brandon LaFell could emerge if he develops consistency. In this years FA process, one year stop gap deals were preferred. Gettleman will have to continue to evaluate the roster, and avoid overpaying to retain how own talent. This is a trademark of the Giants which will be applied in Carolina.
Ron Rivera's future in Carolina remains unknown at this juncture. Gettleman is rebuilding the roster, and could seek to hire his Coach when the opportunity arises. The Face of the Franchise Cam Newton is one of the most talented players in the league, but tangible questions about makeup & leadership persist. Facing a difficult schedule in 2013, a disappointing year appears ahead, unless Cam can truly will the team to victories. Regardless of win-loss records, 2013 will be critical to evaluation from the Coaching Staff to Player Personnel. At this pint, the fan base appears patient & comfortable with new leadership going forward.
New Orleans Saints:
2014 Free Agents:
QB Luke McCown -32-
QB Seneca Wallace -33-
RB Pierre Thomas -28-
FB Jed Collins -27- (Restricted)
WR Joseph Morgan -25- (Restricted)
WR Courtney Roby -30-
TE Jimmy Graham -26-
OT Charles Brown -26-
OT Zach Strief -29-
OL Eric Olsen -25- (Restricted)
C Brian De La Puente -28-
DE Kenyon Coleman -34-
DE Jay Richardson -29-
LB Victor Butler -26-
LB Chris Chamberlain -27-
LB Will Herring -30-
S Isa Abdul-Quddus -24- (Restricted)
S Rafael Bush -26-
S Malcolm Jenkins -25- (Option)
Head Coach Sean Payton returns from Bounty Gates suspension off a disappointing 7-9 finish. Improving a Defensive unit that surrendered the most yards in NFL History is a priority. New Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan was fired in Dallas for utilizing overly complex schemes that didn't allow talent to flourish. Saints fans must hope Rob learned from his Dallas tenure, but I'm hesitant to believe a deeply ideological coach can change his ways.
Built around a high octane offense, the defense couldn't stop a nose bleed in 2012. After 2011, the FO added Defensive Tackle Brodrick Bunkley (5 Years 22.5 M w/ 8.9 M Guaranteed), LB Curtis Lofton (5 Years 27.5 M w/ 7.8 M Guaranteed), & LB David Hawthorne (5 Years 19.0 M w/ 7.5 M Guaranteed) to bolster the unit. This was despite the Run Defense being far superior to the pass defense, where the secondary struggled. The Front Office has refused to jettison the major liability Roman Harper, despite numerous upgrades currently on the roster. In terms of managing the Defensive Side, there are few decisions an outside observer can point to as logical. Beyond keeping Roman Harper, the Saints overpaid market rate for CB Keenan Lewis (5 Years 25.55 M w/ 10.3 M Guaranteed). Lewis arrives from Pittsburgh, where multiple cornerbacks have in the past failed to replicate strong play outside Dick LeBeau's scheme. The question is what type of scheme Ryan utilizes, and does he rely on exclusively man coverage & blitzing- which will invariably lead to opponents generating big plays?
In terms of 2014 Free Agents, major cornerstone Jimmy Graham is eligible. One of the leagues premier Tight Ends, the Franchise Tag appears a near certainty. With $ 140 Million already committed to 2014 salaries, the team won't have flexibility to upgrade Defensive personnel unless veteran cuts take place. Even if Will Smith, Roman Harper & others are Released; the lack of cap flexibility is a glaring concern.
The Saints appear on the decline, but will be competitive with Drew Brees at the helm. The offensive efficiency should improve with Payton's return, but he's an offensive minded guru that rarely meddles with the Defensive side. The Saints are putting faith in Rob Ryan, who will transition to a 3-4 Defense. Issues are not scheme exclusive, it's about playing fundamental football & a talent gap. When I say Rob Ryan's an ideological Coach, it's not that he's unqualified or bluntly stupid; it's that he'll do it his way. And in that process, he'll refuse to mold the system around his talent. The job of Coaches is to put the talent you have in the position to make plays, and this is an area Ryan egregiously fails.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
2014 Free Agents:
QB Josh Freeman -25-
RB Brian Leonard -29-
FB Erik Lorig -26-
WR Mike Williams -26-
TE Nate Byham -25- (Restricted)
C Ted Larsen -26-
DE Aaron Morgan -24- (Restricted)
DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim -26-
DT Gary Gibson -31-
LB Jonathan Casillas -26-
LB Adam Heyward -29-
LB Dekoda Watson -25-
S Cody Grimm -26-
Fan Interest has plummeted, resulting in 6 games blacked out in the local market in 2012. Buccaneers brass believes the best method for increasing interest is adding premier players with name recognition- Vincent Jackson, Dashon Goldson & Darrelle Revis the latest examples. Ownership needs to improve the product measurably with Naming Rights on Raymond James Stadium set to expire in 2015.
Seeking to add credibility, Greg Schiano was hired in 2012 to work in tandem with GM Mark Dominik. Former Buc John Lynch mentioned Schiano wore out the players over the season, and Ronde Barber stated the former Rutgers Coach, 'Had Rules for Rules.' Not exactly glowing praise for Schiano, who will have to evolve as he adapts to the NFL level.
Schiano hired former Giants QB Coach Mike Sullivan to oversee the Offense. 2009 1st Rounder Josh Freeman enters year 2 in Sullivan's system, after struggling mightily down the stretch, and turning the ball over frequently. Sullivan's system is intricate and relies on a Quarterback & Wide Receivers to make coverage reads & adjustments on the fly. Year 2 should produce better results for Freeman, but Schiano is not tied to Freeman. Furthermore, the scapegoat in a disappointing season could be Freeman, as Schiano's 'Career Clock' won't truly commence until he's selected his Quarterback.
Mike Glennon was the 2nd Quarterback drafted this year, and provides an alternative to Freeman if he's not retained. The Franchise has expressed desire to extend WR Mike Williams, and talks between Dominik & Enter Sports Management have commenced. The Bucs are building around premier players, and seeking to supplement the remaining pieces via the draft. It's a strategy numerous teams are implementing, and one that can be highly successful, but is predicated on drafting effectively on a yearly basis.
The Offensive Line is a well paid unit that play under contracts that allow yearly decisions. Next offseason, Davin Joseph, Jeremy Zuttah & Donald Penn could all be retained, or can be cut with no Cap Penalty. This shows the strong cap management of Mark Dominik, who structures deals to give flexibility on a year to year basis. This framework was applied to Revis' contract, who will be paid handsomely, but must live up to his end of the bargain to continue earning top rate.
Have no misconception, the Buccaneers are planning to let 2013 play itself out & make a decision that will irrevocably impact the future on QB Josh Freeman. The 25 year old QB changed agents , and is now represented by Select Sports Group & his father, Ron Freeman. Mike Glennon was drafted as a contingency plan. If Freeman proves his doubters inside the organization wrong, his side will seek a major commitment. If Freeman has another lackluster season, change will occur. Beyond winning over the evaluators inside the organization & his teammates, Freeman must win over a beleaguered Fan Base. Realistically, thats the goal of the entire organization, and success in the win-loss column will be the determining factor.
No comments:
Post a Comment