The trade deadline is Nov 4, following our week 9 tilt in Pittsburgh. Our salary cap shows about 4.5 million according to Spotrac. We are not a weak team with massive areas of need, but if I am general managing as though my job depended on making the playoffs, I don’t think I’d leave a chamber empty. That amount is not a lot of wiggle room, unless you plan on moving a player that also has some salary to come off of your total. There could be a couple of cut options.
Free agency is a possibility, but 4.5 mil does not go very far there either.
Let’s start with the wish list, in no particular order:
Number 2 CB.
Ward is taking half of the field away, so whoever is the #2 is going to be targeted. Is Howard’s replacement already on the roster? Washington was added to the 53 man roster over Lammons. Your choice might be Edwards or Blackmon, although Blackmon could be considered more of a slot presence. Hilton filled in admirably for Moore last week, could Kenny move outside in a pinch? It is likely Edwards this week, but it certainly feels like there is room for improvement. Waiting for an injured J. Jones feels somewhere between overly optimistic and reckless.
I did see one column that suggested Cam Taylor-Britt for a conditional 5th, which would basically use up the entire cap space. Bringing back Stephon Gilmore has been brought up, but can he be had for the cap space and what does he have left?
Linebacker(s)
In my humble opinion, this is our weakest link. Our middle is very soft in pass defense and as bad as Howard was, he could have had some underneath support. Franklin is not thriving in this defense and I’m not sure of his value if he is not leading the team in tackles, although that could be a byproduct of the new system. He is currently tied with Buck for third in the category. Bachie is not exactly a coverage asset either. Hopefully, Carlies is the answer upon his return. Franklin could actually have some value in a trade with a team getting pounded on the ground.
Could we consider a bigger Safety in this role? Thinking outside that box might see putting Cross at the Will and Thomas across from Bynum. I can’t see that being received well from the masses. Maybe Scott when healthy?
Pass rush specialist.
While Latu seems to be filling his potential as a first round draft pick, we are not hearing the name on the other side very often. Paye’s production is not matching his salary nor playing time. Maybe he is doing what is required? If the main idea is to push the pocket back and not to lose your lane, he might be doing as instructed. He’s carrying around a 14 mil cap number, so he’s only attractive to someone looking to trade a contract with multiple years, for an expiring contract.
Some have suggested more snaps for Adebawore, even if it is out of position. Hendrickson is popular pick, but a package for him does come with a great deal of difficulties.
Seasoned, versatile OL.
The line didn’t look the same as it did with the core group out there. My worry is that I think we see the same drop off, no matter who might become unavailable. It may not be a talent issue, but only Pinter has much game experience among our backups. There always seems to be a big ugly that is ready to come in and play, ala Glow. It might be a good insurance plan.
I have no answer for this one, as you never know who picks up the phone.
Maybe hold tight until we are sure of the biggest need?
As always, your thoughts are appreciated.
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