Rather than spend money on injury prone or underperforming first round receivers, what about targeting the next Bradberry?
Is this a viable strategy or is the O too weak on playmakers - and the cost of retaining LW too great - for us to invest significant FA money in another CB?
On the other hand, this would give up two stud corners on the outside and the best secondary in the division. We could use the draft to invest in the trenches and O playmakers. Thoughts?
They also having William Jackson III at 6.5M which seems low to me also. I'd also like them to take a look at Jason Verrett, he played for 1M last year, was signed as a back-up but became a starter and played really well. He is due a large raise but how much, if it stays under 7M he'd be a steal. Injury is a concern.
"Jason Verrett had himself a stellar 2020 season.
Seeing his climb back into prominence with minimal injury issues was a sight to see. Because of his return, you can bet your bottom dollar that the 49ers will have him atop their priority list of free agents to re-sign."
"Among all defensive backs in the NFL, Verrett ranked seventh in total points saved. If there’s a cornerback stat out there, Verrett is likely in the top 15.
For more context, since the Niners bye week, Verrett lined up against Michael Thomas, Stefon Diggs, Terry McLaurin, DeAndre Hopkins, and DK Metcalf 19 times. Verrett allowed 11 receptions for 72 yards and zero touchdowns. That’s 3.8 yards per target against some of the best receivers in the NFL."
Fan Poll
4% Let him walk (78 votes)
80% Pay him $10M per year and no more(1404 votes)
13% Draft a CB instead(219 votes)
3% Sign another CB in FA instead
If you are lucky enough to sign or draft a guy like Bradberry or LW or (hopefully) Barkley, then you either draft and develop or sign a lower tier free agent and hope he still has development potential left in him.
The question then becomes who and how to find WR upgrades. Would like to add one UFA and draft one in the first three rounds, take advantage of the talent depth.
This is the basic framework of the offseason I'd work from.
Sure, he could have handled it better, but he wasn't wrong. A team fighting for a playoff spot loses at home to a 4-win team starting a backup QB?
I'd certainly have a conversation with his agent, but I suspect he will be looking for Bradberry-type money. I'd rather they resign LW and look for CB in the draft.
Ha ha, so did I. Shaq Barrett is the Bucs LB....