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NFL Free Agency 2025? (2 Viewers)

Jppaul

Footballguy
is there a thread somewhere that I can't find? If not, can one of you smart people start a thread and post opinions about FA cuz I think it's in two weeks?


(It's always two weeks)
 
FA is interesting in that it comes well before the draft. Gives teams time to plug obvious holes, which frees them to draft what they consider "the best player available".
 
Selfishly curious on what happens to Jordan Mason whom I have always loved as a runner. Restricted FA who could be a great fit for a lot of teams. However a tough year to be a FA RB with a deep crop coming in.

In my opinion, he's already proven it. I'm not sure what more he needs to do to get a shot and a payday. He ran wild over the Jets last year and exposed their toughness issues. Not every back can do that.
 
Selfishly curious on what happens to Jordan Mason whom I have always loved as a runner. Restricted FA who could be a great fit for a lot of teams. However a tough year to be a FA RB with a deep crop coming in.

In my opinion, he's already proven it. I'm not sure what more he needs to do to get a shot and a payday. He ran wild over the Jets last year and exposed their toughness issues. Not every back can do that.
I agree and think he is honestly at least a top 15 back in this league. I just don’t know with the incoming class he will get the same attention that he normally he would.
 
Selfishly curious on what happens to Jordan Mason whom I have always loved as a runner. Restricted FA who could be a great fit for a lot of teams. However a tough year to be a FA RB with a deep crop coming in.

In my opinion, he's already proven it. I'm not sure what more he needs to do to get a shot and a payday. He ran wild over the Jets last year and exposed their toughness issues. Not every back can do that.
I agree and think he is honestly at least a top 15 back in this league. I just don’t know with the incoming class he will get the same attention that he normally he would.
I think SF would view it as a priority to keep him, given CMCs 2024. I think Mason is light years ahead of Guerendo. Mason and Allgeier are 2 guys I think are better than half the starters in the NFL but just stuck behind CMC and Bijan.
 
You are all a lot higher on Mason then I am.

Fact he’s a RFA is only reason I think he has a shot of staying in SF, would all but guarantee he’s gone if he was an UFA.

Don’t hate him, in fact already drafted him this year in one of my few drafts I’ve finished but I think he’s just a high quality 2 down backup in terms of talent.

Steelers are the team I had in my head when I drafted him that I think makes sense and would be a plus landing spot.
 
is there a thread somewhere that I can't find? If not, can one of you smart people start a thread and post opinions about FA cuz I think it's in two weeks?


(It's always two weeks)
I'm still excited about FA, should see some trades to help, but I think it's been quiet on talk about it because it pales so much vs last year.

Last year had a ton of marquee RB's and this year's FA group has a staggering large amount of old WR's on the back 9, especially if like me you are including guys like Adams, Deebo and Kupp who are available. Old WR's just don't get the juices flowing like seeing guys like Barkley and Henry switching teams.
 
Selfishly curious on what happens to Jordan Mason whom I have always loved as a runner. Restricted FA who could be a great fit for a lot of teams. However a tough year to be a FA RB with a deep crop coming in.
It's cheap for the 49ers to keep him on either a right of first refusal at roughly $3M or the next higher level of a second round compensation at $5.35 million. I can't see a team willing to give up a 2nd for him, even at the lower level not sure anyone would sign him for such a significantly higher amount that SF wouldn't be willing to match it. CMC's contract guarantees he'll be a 49er at least for 2025. Which means Mason will be turning 27 as a FA next year. Deep draft class this year and SF seems to get production out of tons of RB's plus Elijah Mitchell is still under contract as well so his hold on the prime backup to CMC spot seems no lock either. Just don't see much value outside of a handcuff or likelihood he's not in a backup role again in '25 and then old as a FA next year.
 
Elijah Mitchell is still under contract as well
FYI he's not.

It's cheap for the 49ers to keep him on either a right of first refusal at roughly $3M
This IMO is the only viable path they retain him and still not sure they want to, but for $3m they might see value in holding his rights for now. That's what I'd do if I was them, hold him for $3M and try to work out a trade either now or later and worst case you got a guy who can compete for the backup role and maybe get a comp pick back in 27.

I believe their interest in retaining him is minimal because other then Guerendo they have a 5 picks in rounds 3 and 4. . Which should be a honey hole area they can draft a RB(s) and this team loves drafting RB's.
 
You are all a lot higher on Mason then I am.

Fact he’s a RFA is only reason I think he has a shot of staying in SF, would all but guarantee he’s gone if he was an UFA.

Don’t hate him, in fact already drafted him this year in one of my few drafts I’ve finished but I think he’s just a high quality 2 down backup in terms of talent.

Steelers are the team I had in my head when I drafted him that I think makes sense and would be a plus landing spot.
I think he is a top 15 runner in the league as of right now, but we have not seen enough in the passing game to know the extent of his capabilities there (looked capable on his whopping 14 targets last year). I think MIN would be a great fit (and they saw him run for a 100 against them last year), but with the incoming talent at RB in this class teams may be prone to search in the draft versus free agency (although in MIN case they currently do not have a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th round pick in this draft).
 
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I could definitely see Mason getting a sneaky good contract if he becomes un-restricted...a team like the Pats have a ton of holes and can only do so much in the draft...with all their cap space Mason is the type of RB Vrabel could like and they could give him a deal that would be much more than the Niners would go near.
 
I could definitely see Mason getting a sneaky good contract if he becomes un-restricted...a team like the Pats have a ton of holes and can only do so much in the draft...with all their cap space Mason is the type of RB Vrabel could like and they could give him a deal that would be much more than the Niners would go near.
Would be an interesting fit although I thought they just extended Rham. With the cap space, I am sure they will be aggressive surrounding Maye with as many weapons as they can no matter the position.
 
I could definitely see Mason getting a sneaky good contract if he becomes un-restricted...a team like the Pats have a ton of holes and can only do so much in the draft...with all their cap space Mason is the type of RB Vrabel could like and they could give him a deal that would be much more than the Niners would go near.
Would be an interesting fit although I thought they just extended Rham. With the cap space, I am sure they will be aggressive surrounding Maye with as many weapons as they can no matter the position.

Stevenson is not a Vrabel guy and his ball security is a definite issue so they may want to go in a different direction...with only Stevenson and Gibson there I fully expect them to add another quality RB whether it is thru the draft or FA...as you mention, they have so much cap space anything is on the table especially when you realize that besides Maye and Gonzalez (and possibly Keon White) they don't have to worry about any big time extensions in the near future because of their subpar roster...they have the ability to overpay and not have it have any negative effect on the future.
 
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Selfishly curious on what happens to Jordan Mason whom I have always loved as a runner. Restricted FA who could be a great fit for a lot of teams. However a tough year to be a FA RB with a deep crop coming in.
It's cheap for the 49ers to keep him on either a right of first refusal at roughly $3M or the next higher level of a second round compensation at $5.35 million. I can't see a team willing to give up a 2nd for him, even at the lower level not sure anyone would sign him for such a significantly higher amount that SF wouldn't be willing to match it. CMC's contract guarantees he'll be a 49er at least for 2025. Which means Mason will be turning 27 as a FA next year. Deep draft class this year and SF seems to get production out of tons of RB's plus Elijah Mitchell is still under contract as well so his hold on the prime backup to CMC spot seems no lock either. Just don't see much value outside of a handcuff or likelihood he's not in a backup role again in '25 and then old as a FA next year.
Agreed re Mason, maybe if the RB class were a dud (it's not), but the stars are not aligned for a team to make the sort of offer necessary to get him out of SF.
 
Selfishly curious on what happens to Jordan Mason whom I have always loved as a runner. Restricted FA who could be a great fit for a lot of teams. However a tough year to be a FA RB with a deep crop coming in.
It's cheap for the 49ers to keep him on either a right of first refusal at roughly $3M or the next higher level of a second round compensation at $5.35 million. I can't see a team willing to give up a 2nd for him, even at the lower level not sure anyone would sign him for such a significantly higher amount that SF wouldn't be willing to match it. CMC's contract guarantees he'll be a 49er at least for 2025. Which means Mason will be turning 27 as a FA next year. Deep draft class this year and SF seems to get production out of tons of RB's plus Elijah Mitchell is still under contract as well so his hold on the prime backup to CMC spot seems no lock either. Just don't see much value outside of a handcuff or likelihood he's not in a backup role again in '25 and then old as a FA next year.
Agreed re Mason, maybe if the RB class were a dud (it's not), but the stars are not aligned for a team to make the sort of offer necessary to get him out of SF.

While I agree with the big picture analysis of that he has shown a lot more than a rookie has so he could get a decent offer (again as a Pats fan I would have zero issues paying him and using their picks on the 100 other holes they have)...San Fran has Purdy and a host of other contract/cap stuff to deal with (as well as having Cmac and Guerendo already on the roster and Shanny's having a pretty good history with RBs) so I'm not sure how much they will extend for him...I guess we'll get a good idea by what type of tag they put on him...this is an interesting one.
 
While I agree with the big picture analysis of that he has shown a lot more than a rookie has so he could get a decent offer (again as a Pats fan I would have zero issues paying him and using their picks on the 100 other holes they have)...San Fran has Purdy and a host of other contract/cap stuff to deal with (as well as having Cmac and Guerendo already on the roster and Shanny's having a pretty good history with RBs) so I'm not sure how much they will extend for him...I guess we'll get a good idea by what type of tag they put on him...this is an interesting one.
My bet is on SF looking at Mason from strictly a 2025 perspective. They've picked a mid-round RB in 3 of the last 4 drafts while finding both Mitchell (6th rd) and Mason (udfa) for less. Last year's rook flashed with his opps and I expect them to take another swing in this year's draft - it's just what they do.

They'll circle back around to their RB room and reassess this time next year. If Mason balls out again when he's given his shots then he'll probably price himself out of returning.
 
While I agree with the big picture analysis of that he has shown a lot more than a rookie has so he could get a decent offer (again as a Pats fan I would have zero issues paying him and using their picks on the 100 other holes they have)...San Fran has Purdy and a host of other contract/cap stuff to deal with (as well as having Cmac and Guerendo already on the roster and Shanny's having a pretty good history with RBs) so I'm not sure how much they will extend for him...I guess we'll get a good idea by what type of tag they put on him...this is an interesting one.
My bet is on SF looking at Mason from strictly a 2025 perspective. They've picked a mid-round RB in 3 of the last 4 drafts while finding both Mitchell (6th rd) and Mason (udfa) for less. Last year's rook flashed with his opps and I expect them to take another swing in this year's draft - it's just what they do.

They'll circle back around to their RB room and reassess this time next year. If Mason balls out again when he's given his shots then he'll probably price himself out of returning.

Agree with this but do think if he hits free agency without having to give up a pick he will be in play for a few teams.
 
You are all a lot higher on Mason then I am.

Fact he’s a RFA is only reason I think he has a shot of staying in SF, would all but guarantee he’s gone if he was an UFA.

Don’t hate him, in fact already drafted him this year in one of my few drafts I’ve finished but I think he’s just a high quality 2 down backup in terms of talent.

Steelers are the team I had in my head when I drafted him that I think makes sense and would be a plus landing spot.
I think he is a top 15 runner in the league as of right now, but we have not seen enough in the passing game to know the extent of his capabilities there (looked capable on his whopping 14 targets last year). I think MIN would be a great fit (and they saw him run for a 100 against them last year), but with the incoming talent at RB in this class teams may be prone to search in the draft versus free agency (although in MIN case they currently do not have a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th round pick in this draft).
Thanks, your bolded comment is what I meant by mine. I think he's just another guy who like most before him had success in this offense. Was fighting for third string duties entering his third year and only got elevated because of injuries and the moment CMC came back Kyle barely used him. Will give him credit, he ran good and hard, but again that's pretty much the norm for whoever is the RB in this offense.

As for the pass catching abilities don't you think if he was better at it then Kyle would have known and used him more? Or his college coaches where he had 25 total catches? I do.
 
Selfishly curious on what happens to Jordan Mason whom I have always loved as a runner. Restricted FA who could be a great fit for a lot of teams. However a tough year to be a FA RB with a deep crop coming in.
Yeah, Mason is a lot better pure runner than a lot of current starters. KC or the Chargers wouldn’t surprise.
 
Stevenson is not a Vrabel guy and his ball security
Other then ball security how so?

Not style...meant Stevenson was here before Vrabel.
Thanks, as you indicated I assumed you meant he was not a fan. I would mention McDaniels was his OC his rookie year so there is familiarity but that does not mean a lot to what you are saying.

I'm sure they will draft a RB, close to zero doubt, but I keep saying around here I expect 30 RB's to get drafted. Probably more of a priority for them then most though for sure.

I'll just add that while Rhamondre's fumbles were a major issue last year I do think it's correctable and it's not been a huge issue previously. But regarding Mason he actually fumbled 3x last year, once every 54.6 touches. Rhamondre prior to last year was one fumble per 88.57. Again big issue for Rhamondre last year that can't continue, just pointing out if ball security is the major issue with Rhamondre it does not seem like Mason would be the pivot to address that particular issue.
 
Stevenson is not a Vrabel guy and his ball security
Other then ball security how so?

Not style...meant Stevenson was here before Vrabel.
Thanks, as you indicated I assumed you meant he was not a fan. I would mention McDaniels was his OC his rookie year so there is familiarity but that does not mean a lot to what you are saying.

I'm sure they will draft a RB, close to zero doubt, but I keep saying around here I expect 30 RB's to get drafted. Probably more of a priority for them then most though for sure.

I'll just add that while Rhamondre's fumbles were a major issue last year I do think it's correctable and it's not been a huge issue previously. But regarding Mason he actually fumbled 3x last year, once every 54.6 touches. Rhamondre prior to last year was one fumble per 88.57. Again big issue for Rhamondre last year that can't continue, just pointing out if ball security is the major issue with Rhamondre it does not seem like Mason would be the pivot to address that particular issue.

The thing with the Pats (as I mentioned before) is they have so many holes and so much cap space anything is possible in free agency...they could pay a little more for some "non-star" players due to the situation they are in...not saying they are targeting Mason (and I have not heard anything about it as well...this is really more about the type of scenario where Mason could leave San Fran) but he is the type of player that if Vrabel likes they could put some extra $ towards...as for Stevenson there has been a decent amount of chatter from the media about the Pats moving on from him...IMO there is kind of a Rhamondre-fatigue locally in that it has now been 4 years and and it still feels we're stuck in neutral with him...that being said I would not be surprised if he got traded or stayed and had a career year...I think there is that much of a swing with him...totally different from Mason but I would like to see them add a "home-run" threat at RB...their offense needs a healthy dose of playmaking at all three skill positions.
 
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The thing with the Pats (as I mentioned before) is they have so many holes and so much cap space anything is possible in free agency
What you're describing is why I think they'd be wise to exercise restraint in March. Be selectively aggressive with starting caliber players that have multiple years of their prime left. The Pats need to take advantage of Maye's rookie contract window, but they are not going to go from 8-26 to AFC East champ in a year. I think targeting multi-yr starters like 26 yo Alaric Jackson, 26 yo Milton Williams, 27 yo Dre Greenlaw, 25 yo Jevon Holland - assuming they are scheme fits - is their optimum strategy. Maybe address WR via trade for an expensive vet that doesn't cost much draft capital.

Ultimately, does the RB room need addressed? Yeah, probably, but is it really a priority this March? I don't think so. They've got ~$10m committed to an under whelming room, it'd cost them more in cap to cut / trade Stevenson than to just keep him, what sort of market would he command given the quality of the rookie class, any savings from moving off of Gibson would also be minimal, and again - this team's not going to jump to contender in one offseason.

Take a sprinkle at RB in April, see where the cards fall this year, then reassess a year from now. I think that's the way.
 
Elijah Mitchell is still under contract as well
FYI he's not.

It's cheap for the 49ers to keep him on either a right of first refusal at roughly $3M
This IMO is the only viable path they retain him and still not sure they want to, but for $3m they might see value in holding his rights for now. That's what I'd do if I was them, hold him for $3M and try to work out a trade either now or later and worst case you got a guy who can compete for the backup role and maybe get a comp pick back in 27.

I believe their interest in retaining him is minimal because other then Guerendo they have a 5 picks in rounds 3 and 4. . Which should be a honey hole area they can draft a RB(s) and this team loves drafting RB's.
Yeah, i must have read Sportrac wrong as you are correct, Mitchell is an UFA now.

I think they keep Mason cheap, no one else signs him and they draft someone as you said with some of those mid-round picks. I think CMC has another year in him but they need insurance in case he doesn't and Mason while not old is also no spring chicken.
 
While I agree with the big picture analysis of that he has shown a lot more than a rookie has so he could get a decent offer (again as a Pats fan I would have zero issues paying him and using their picks on the 100 other holes they have)...San Fran has Purdy and a host of other contract/cap stuff to deal with (as well as having Cmac and Guerendo already on the roster and Shanny's having a pretty good history with RBs) so I'm not sure how much they will extend for him...I guess we'll get a good idea by what type of tag they put on him...this is an interesting one.
My bet is on SF looking at Mason from strictly a 2025 perspective. They've picked a mid-round RB in 3 of the last 4 drafts while finding both Mitchell (6th rd) and Mason (udfa) for less. Last year's rook flashed with his opps and I expect them to take another swing in this year's draft - it's just what they do.

They'll circle back around to their RB room and reassess this time next year. If Mason balls out again when he's given his shots then he'll probably price himself out of returning.
Ran Carthon was the main proponent of RB success drafting in SF and it got him(noticed enough) his job in TEN.
They haven't been as good since.
 
Not FA, but any chance a quality TE like njoku or mark Andrew's gets traded? My Broncos need one.

No on Njoku. Stefanski really likes him, believe he's evolved into a big team leader, central part of the plan,etc,etc. He was going around radio row at the SB making plea's for Garrett to return which to me is just one sign out of many of safe place in the organization.

Andrews is a legit trade candidate. Almost $17M cap hit on last year of his deal which can reduced with a trade or extension.

On a similar note I do consider Deebo, Kupp and Davante Adams as essentially free agents. Incredible amount of old/er WR's available, which I've mentioned previously.
 
I feel like tee Higgins is too unreliable for a big contract. Is it just me?
He's unreliable but if he made it to the open market he's arguably the best combo of talent and youth to ever make UFA at his position and he'd be doing so in a year teams have a ton of cap space, not a lot of big time players to spend it on and not an awesome WR class. So despite the lack of reliablity, I excpect if he hit the open market he blows past $30M.
 
Najee Harris is "only" 27. Why is PIT letting him leave?
They may not but lack of explosive big play ability, deep RB class and while I know we have outliers and not everyone ages the same I've read some NFL teams have done studies and have 27 as age a lot of RB's start declining so I'd personally not phrase it as "only" 27.
 
While I agree with the big picture analysis of that he has shown a lot more than a rookie has so he could get a decent offer (again as a Pats fan I would have zero issues paying him and using their picks on the 100 other holes they have)...San Fran has Purdy and a host of other contract/cap stuff to deal with (as well as having Cmac and Guerendo already on the roster and Shanny's having a pretty good history with RBs) so I'm not sure how much they will extend for him...I guess we'll get a good idea by what type of tag they put on him...this is an interesting one.
My bet is on SF looking at Mason from strictly a 2025 perspective. They've picked a mid-round RB in 3 of the last 4 drafts while finding both Mitchell (6th rd) and Mason (udfa) for less. Last year's rook flashed with his opps and I expect them to take another swing in this year's draft - it's just what they do.

They'll circle back around to their RB room and reassess this time next year. If Mason balls out again when he's given his shots then he'll probably price himself out of returning.
Ran Carthon was the main proponent of RB success drafting in SF and it got him(noticed enough) his job in TEN.
They haven't been as good since.
Always thought Bobby Turner and Kyle had huge says and other then I don't think they've actually drafted RB's that well. TDR, that Williams guy who flamed out super quick. Not great. Mitchell's been good when he played but the system sure helps and he has not played a lot. Guerendo looks solid but again the system and to early to tell yet. Mason was not drafted.

Probably forgetting someone but it's an awesome RB system and they've spent 3 thirds and a 6th and best they have to show for it is Gurendo and an often injured Mitchell. I'd have to rate that as belowe average to poor.
 
While I agree with the big picture analysis of that he has shown a lot more than a rookie has so he could get a decent offer (again as a Pats fan I would have zero issues paying him and using their picks on the 100 other holes they have)...San Fran has Purdy and a host of other contract/cap stuff to deal with (as well as having Cmac and Guerendo already on the roster and Shanny's having a pretty good history with RBs) so I'm not sure how much they will extend for him...I guess we'll get a good idea by what type of tag they put on him...this is an interesting one.
My bet is on SF looking at Mason from strictly a 2025 perspective. They've picked a mid-round RB in 3 of the last 4 drafts while finding both Mitchell (6th rd) and Mason (udfa) for less. Last year's rook flashed with his opps and I expect them to take another swing in this year's draft - it's just what they do.

They'll circle back around to their RB room and reassess this time next year. If Mason balls out again when he's given his shots then he'll probably price himself out of returning.
Ran Carthon was the main proponent of RB success drafting in SF and it got him(noticed enough) his job in TEN.
They haven't been as good since.
Always thought Bobby Turner and Kyle had huge says and other then I don't think they've actually drafted RB's that well. TDR, that Williams guy who flamed out super quick. Not great. Mitchell's been good when he played but the system sure helps and he has not played a lot. Guerendo looks solid but again the system and to early to tell yet. Mason was not drafted.

Probably forgetting someone but it's an awesome RB system and they've spent 3 thirds and a 6th and best they have to show for it is Gurendo and an often injured Mitchell. I'd have to rate that as belowe average to poor.
I'm right there with ya.
When the Titans hired him I was like so he drafted every FF bust?
People rrrreally liked 49ers backs for a while though.

Many of us didn't want Spears like the team has Henry why ya drafting a back with 1000 other needs while RB seems solid
He commented on his 49er days then and sounded super arrogant discarding the lack of ACLs. Then he got into a long winded untruth about value as I knew his Niners backs didn't play well or much.

Still it was certainly a thing and my team fell for it
 
Selfishly curious on what happens to
Jordan Mason
whom I have always loved as a runner. Restricted FA who could be a great fit for a lot of teams. However a tough year to be a FA RB with a deep crop coming in.

IMO, that is intriguing because if I'm not mistaken, a 2nd round tender would be in excess of $5M. And Isaac Guerendo was able to showcase his skillset nicely after Mason went down. Granted they're in decent cap shape, so affording it or fitting it under the cap is not really an issue. But given the depth at RB in this draft, I can't see anyone going after him if he's tendered and the 49ers
could get a comp pick in 2026 if they let him go.

I could definitely see
Mason
getting a sneaky good contract if he becomes un-restricted...a team like the Pats have a ton of holes and can only do so much in the draft...with all their cap space
Mason
is the type of RB Vrabel could like and they could give him a deal that would be much more than the Niners would go near.

I do think Stevenson needs to fix those fumbling issues. I can't imagine Vrabel handling them like Mayo did by lying to the press about accountability :laugh: But they did fork out a big contract and I suspect, they might use draft capital (they have 2 3rd rounders) to find a mate.

Najee Harris
is "only" 27. Why is PIT letting him leave?

He's the same guy now that he was as a rookie...maybe even a lesser player. He'll find a home - dark horse = CIN.

Does Aaron Jones have one really good season left in him?

He was good last year, just like he'd been previously. But he was not the same player in the 2nd half of the season that he was the first. I don't know if that had to do with wear/tear/fatigue or the loss of Darrisaw, but buyer beware.

I feel like tee Higgins is too unreliable for a big contract. Is it just me?

While I think it's valid to wonder if a #2 in a prolific offense with a QB like Burrow can make the switch to WR1 elsewhere, I do think Higgins is actually underrated, although his penchant for missing 3-4 games/season is fairly consistent.



MY FA QUESTIONS

  1. With all the smoke around Stafford, why isn't there more chatter about Darnold possibly heading to LAR given the relationship between McVay/O'Connell? They've revamped that team with a young core really fast and Darnold is 28.

  2. Diving into the veteran QB market outside of Darnold, you've got Fields, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Daniel Jones, Jameis Winston, likely Kirk Cousins, even Zach Wilson. Where are the landing spots?

  3. WAS has turned their team around in a season behind Jayden Daniels. They are 3rd in the NFL in cap space...where do they spend it?
 
Najee Harris
is "only" 27. Why is PIT letting him leave?

He's the same guy now that he was as a rookie...maybe even a lesser player. He'll find a home - dark horse = CIN.
If Najee leaves, CIN will be the last team he would go to. While Mixon was still on the team, numerous team officials (including the HC) were repeatedly stating they wanted the run game to be more explosive. Najee may have many good RB traits, but explosiveness is not one of them.
 
Najee Harris is "only" 27. Why is PIT letting him leave?
There were 37 RB that had at least 500 carries over the past 4 seasons. Harris ranked 32nd, behind only Rachaad White, Zeke Elliott, Jamaal Williams, Kareem Hunt, and Alexander Mattison. If we changed that to 500 touches instead of carries, Harris ranked 38th out of 42 RB in terms of yards per touch.

Spotrac calculates his value at 3/$27.5M. That would be a lot for someone that has been Bottom 5 in efficiency. He's been mostly a plodder that had decent counting starts based on a high-volume workload (an average of 319 touches per year with 0 missed games). That's a lot to pay for a guy that averages nearly 0.5 yards per carry below the league average. Put another way, if PIT had an average RB instead of Harris, they would have had an additional 550 rushing yards over the past 4 years.
 
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With all the smoke around Stafford, why isn't there more chatter about Darnold possibly heading to LAR given the relationship between McVay/O'Connell? They've revamped that team with a young core really fast and Darnold is 28.
Would not rule out Darnold, I think chatter has just been light on who they might pursue because it's just started to dawn on people that Stafford might leave and we've not moved into the heavy discussion on replacement phase of this yet. But if they don't make legit pursuit if Stafford leaves here is why I think that would be.

The issue between the Rams and Stafford is contract, not play. Rams have a really nice young roster and are hesitant to commit heavy future guarantees to an older QB on risk the decline comes rapidly. Darnold is of course young but with just one good season under his belt, with some shoddy play down the stretch. I'm not sure McVay/Snead would not view him as risky in his own right. So long story short, financial flexibility, risk averse, have not seen enough from him to feel comfortable making a multi year commitment. Other then that McVay might think he can do what KOC is doing, and rehab his own project QB at a cheaper cost.

Diving into the veteran QB market outside of Darnold, you've got Fields, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Daniel Jones, Jameis Winston, likely Kirk Cousins, even Zach Wilson. Where are the landing spots?
Pure guessing game at this point with super low confidence level I'd get any correct so not even going to try right now. It's especially difficult to forecast until the big QB domino falls, which is Stafford. Just starting there if he leaves then you've got to think Rodgers and Cousins are viable replacement options.

Sorry for the non answer, would just list to many options.


WAS has turned their team around in a season behind Jayden Daniels. They are 3rd in the NFL in cap space...where do they spend it?
If last season is any indication they will spend it smartly. It's not a great FA class so despite being flush with cap space and a QB on his rookie deal I think they will be prudent. I do expect them to land a one of the many older WR's that are flooding the market right now on an affordable type deal. Which one is the harder guess. If Peters thinks Deebo can still play close to level he did when was with the 49'ers is one of many options.
 
@TheDirtyWord
Ryan Tannehill wanted 25mil + and made 33 in 2023. He was below average, very good, then below average for two years. No one signed him.
The common problem for veteran QBs is them not being happy with their actual value- the market dictates that, not their wishes.
Top QBs are getting 50-60 mil. This (and other reasons) had teams switching to playing younger QBs and saving a ton of money.

Are each of those veterans going to be good team guys and be a sure bet QB1? Because they each probably get 10-30 mil and that rate equates to a very very good player at many other positions. What's better a 15mil WR or QB?
QBs have an unbelievable ability to impact a GMs job status. Those guys have some risk to em and an up n down vibe at least. Are they worth it?

I've been saying and continue to Marcus Mariota is the best free agent. How he's helped Jayden has been outstanding. Kliff just praised him for his help with the offense and how was his offenses elsewhere? Does Marcus deserve a lot of $? An emphatic no. I didn't mention him even playing. But he knows his place and has grabbed it and embraced the "how can I help my team" role. I have no doubt the Titans and now Pats want him and that the Commanders want him back. Why wouldn't a team like say Denver want him to work with their rookie/2nd QB? So there could be a nice little bidding war that pays him between 8-10 mil and no GM is the slightest bit concerned of their job. If this happens and plays out with a bit of publicity then that would set a nice reasonable market for backup QBs.

I'm not sure most of those guys know they're backups and I'm not sure they're all good team guys.

Darnold's success might have me more worried he turns to Jets Panthers form than he continues to do well.

Fields has some coachability or mental processing issues or just doesn't have "it." He's such a glorious talent but there's always a hiccup to his game. It seems to have switched from the situation to the blame going upon him. Maybe it's as simple as he doesn't need to put a cape on every play and can just take what the D gives but that kid always has wow talent and a hiccup.

Wilson has hit backup mode imo. Guy knows how to win and lead. If he eats a little humble pie, I think he could be a valuable backup. I'd have no qualms putting him in late in the season if my starter went down but is he still "the man?"

Cousins is such a likable guy with great qualities and prior success but the way people said how he'd make mistakes and he did them almost by a script is concerning. If defenses know his flaws and can capitalize then things look bleak for him.

Rodgers personality and ego are enormous additional baggage along with a has been QB. Cam Newton couldn't find work partially because he's such a personality and teams wanted their guy to be the clear QB1 and clear leader. Where does Rodgers fit in then? Wilson and Davante and Breece and...he had quite the talent around him and did not play great so that lends to winding down his career thoughts.

If we could get Marcus publicly discussed during the Combine when everyone is around then we could follow that with a big bowl of humble pie. Who's eating? I don't think that'll happen.

The Titans are a bad spot right now for one of these guys. Bad RT play and especially questionable WRs with a coach that could only have a year left. They may draft a rookie QB or may lie and say they'll go with Levis. Who truly "just wants to work?" Because this flipping burgers job is available. Do they have to land a good job in a cushy setup?

I really don't think the market is good for older QBs.
Flacco made like 5 mil to take over the Browns and then the Colts. I'd be so much more comfortable giving him 10 than anyone above. He's got all the qualities ya want and does his job well.

I think we'll see some won't eat and retire. I think Darnold returns to Minnesota because he's appreciated there and they'll pay him enough. If Fields has to eat some and regroup, maybe that's what the kid needs.

Dallas radio by me likes Cooper Rush. He's fine. Lots of good quotes and vibes seems like a fine guy to have around. Fine might be more appealing than a huge presence.

I really think it's grim for the free agents listed.
 
@TheDirtyWord I'm confident predicting the Rams are just letting Stafford find his market value and re-signing him. His replacement doesn't appear to be on the roster so I think this is all for show.

I think Washington should do everything they can to get Jeanty because the last thing the NFL wants is to face a top young QB AND a top young RB for the next decade. Otherwise, I'd about let their defensive coach do the shopping. Default has to be to add OL for the next decade but let him shop.
 
@Bri here’s what Spotrac considers market value for the QBs that should be on the market . . .

Darnold - 4/$160M
Stafford - 2/$83.5M
RWilson - 2/$77.5M
Winston - 2/$12M
Fields - 1/$6.4M
Lock - 2/$6.2M
MJones - 1/$5.4M
Rush - 1/$5M
Mariota - 1/$4.2M
Stick - 1/$4M
Rudolph - 1/$3.8M
ZWilson - 1/$3.3M
Flacco - 1/$3.2M
Brissett - 1/$3.1M
Garoppolo - 1/$3M
Keenum - 1/$2.9M
Stidham - 1/$2.6M
Dalton - 1/$2.5M
Lance - 1/$2.1M
Wentz - 1/$1.9M
Heinicke - 1/$1.3M

No values listed for Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers, or Kirk Cousins. OverTheCap has Jones valuation at $13.3M, Rodgers at $31.4M, and Cousins at $22M.

Not suggesting that's what any of these guy are worth or what they will sign for. Only posting what I have seen in terms of their relative worth.
 
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@Bri here are what Spotrac considers market value for the QBs that should be on the market . . .

Darnold - 4/$160M
Stafford - 2/$83.5M
RWilson - 2/$77.5M
Winston - 2/$12M
Fields - 1/$6.4M
Lock - 2/$6.2M
Jones - 1/$5.4M
Rush - 1/$5M
Mariota - 1/$4.2M
Stick - 1/$4M
Rudolph - 1/$3.8M
ZWilson - 1/$3.3M
Flacco - 1/$3.2M
Brissett - 1/$3.1M
Garoppolo - 1/$3M
Keenum - 1/$2.9M
Stidham - 1/$2.6M
Dalton - 1/$2.5M
Lance - 1/$2.1M
Wentz - 1/$1.9M
Heinicke - 1/$1.3M

No values listed for Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers, or Kirk Cousins. OverTheCap has Jones valuation at $13.3M, Rodgers at $31.4M, and Cousins at $22M.

Not suggesting that's what any of these guy are worth or what they will sign for. Only posting what I have seen in terms of their relative worth.
That most of that is low end is really interesting.
The spotrac guy tracks the market well and I appreciate his posts on X
 
@Bri here’s what Spotrac considers market value for the QBs that should be on the market . . .

Darnold - 4/$160M
Stafford - 2/$83.5M
RWilson - 2/$77.5M
Winston - 2/$12M
Fields - 1/$6.4M
Lock - 2/$6.2M
MJones - 1/$5.4M
Rush - 1/$5M
Mariota - 1/$4.2M
Stick - 1/$4M
Rudolph - 1/$3.8M
ZWilson - 1/$3.3M
Flacco - 1/$3.2M
Brissett - 1/$3.1M
Garoppolo - 1/$3M
Keenum - 1/$2.9M
Stidham - 1/$2.6M
Dalton - 1/$2.5M
Lance - 1/$2.1M
Wentz - 1/$1.9M
Heinicke - 1/$1.3M

No values listed for Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers, or Kirk Cousins. OverTheCap has Jones valuation at $13.3M, Rodgers at $31.4M, and Cousins at $22M.

Not suggesting that's what any of these guy are worth or what they will sign for. Only posting what I have seen in terms of their relative worth.

Thanks for sharing that.

From a Raiders fan pov, considering the type of offense that Chip Kelly runs, Fields seems like the first choice for this year while drafting a rookie QB as well.
 

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