I agree. I would love to see them pick up the best WR available in FA. I'd also love to get the best TE available. I'd also love the best cornerback available, to give us better pass defense. I'd love to pick up a defensive stud who is a sack attack. The problem I find, is that as much as I want all the most exciting players, we will have to pick one star or settle for a couple free agents who help us some, but aren't the best available. Maybe we need to get the best offensive lineman available to give us a better front of protection for CJ and to be better at making holes for our running backs. I hate that we still need a much better offensive lineman to replace someone though, but it sure seems necessary. Offensive linemen aren't near as exciting, but I just think it will open up our offensive game more, help our rushing game, especially in the red zone, and give our wide receivers more time to run the deeper routes.
I'm for using FA to fix the defense and the draft to fix the offense. There aren't going to be any WR's/TE's in FA that will be as good as what you can get in the draft. I'm hoping for a Detroit type draft of LaPorta Gibbs And last years Jameson Williams Playmakers
[ I can't see us getting some rookie offensive lineman that will make near as much impact as a veteran FA though, unless the only free agents are not any better than what we have. I just wonder if we could get a great defensive player too with our salary cap space. I agree that drafting a really good WR or tight end is probably smarter for the draft though.
For sure I agree with all you guys who said that we have played rooks probably the most in the NFL. Just mentioned it because I assumed the same that we were a young squad and with that came certain pitfalls, and when I checked it out I was surprised we were so "old". Not even middle of the pack, but like 3rd oldest. Vets are great for helping youngsters establish good practice habits and expectations. This team will be better because of the environment it creates.
This is the downside of CJ being so good- he's making slowik look better than he is and we have to search for another oc. The upside is CJ seems to be so good and will have a full year under his belt in the NFL and it won't matter who the oc is.
I'm not afraid of Slowik leaving. I was earlier in the season, but not anymore. He'll come back 1 more season, like Ben Johnson, and see if he can help this team take a further step forward next year.
If I am Nick/McNairs. I would 100% give Slowik the bag to stay another year. I would really like Jerrod Johnson to learn under Slowik for 1 more year.
I'm guessing he'll get his fair share of HC interviews this offseason. But I'd guess he'll hear a decent amount of constructive feedback regarding his lack of executive/decision making experience. Sort of like when draft prospects put their name out there to see what pro scouts think about them and what draft grade they'd have, I think he'll see that one more year as OC would be really beneficial for him. There's also no reason for him to take a HC job just for the sake of it if he doesn't feel like it would be an ideal situation. Off the top of my head, these are the teams that will surely have or I can see having a HC vacancy... Raiders Bears Chargers (Staley could definitely be gone if they miss the playoffs) Falcons (Arthur Smith seems intent on doing everything he can to force his way out of ATL) Commanders, Giants, Saints, Patriots all seem a little less likely, but it wouldn't be shocking if any of those jobs open up. Out of all the above, I'm not sure any is more attractive than the Chargers. And they actually could really use an offensive guru like Slowik. But they already have Kellen Moore there in his first year as OC so I'm not sure how that would influence things. Anyway, it's too early to start speculating on specifics, but I think odds are he'll get a significant raise to get him to stick around another year. I'd be shocked if he's here after the 2024 season though.
Remember how our OL wasn't even supposed to be a strength? And then they all ended up hurt anyway? We all thought we were going to have to peel CJ off the turf every afternoon. This turnaround is unheard of.
If you wind up with one of the top two picks how do you not make a run at this guy? Those teams are going to be in the same spot we were with a talented rookie QB and questionable protection and weapons. Obviously CJ is proving to be an extraordinary rookie but those teams are going to crave a similar turnaround.
I think y’all are crazy thinking he’s gone after this year. At best he’s Ben Johnson, who stayed because it was his first year as an OC. He’s doing great things, but also has some learning. He was what, a QB coach last year? I think we have at least one more year with him guaranteed. Then I’ll worry.
I will say, this is the first time I think I’ve ever felt, especially with the talent level we have, that we have an amazing scheme. Like every time Mahomes drops back, you just know a wr is going to be wide open somewhere, it doesn’t look long-winded or tedious to make easy passes. The scheme and play calls have been eye-opening that players are actually open like you see on other offenses and never ours. Refreshing.
