WFT Free Agency

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by sdskinsfan2001

I don't look at the franchise tag as keeping our own. It's more like hiring a mercenary. He clearly won't be re-signed here. We could have used that money to sign a guard that wouldn't be as good AND fill one or 2 other holes on the roster. So we might drop a bit at G, but improve more than enough elsewhere to make up the difference then sum. Or not sigh a G and sign guys at different positions, then draft 1. But the same thing would still apply.

You basically are looking at signing 1 A+ player for 1 year or 2 c+/b- players.
If we were cap strapped this would be a no brainer, but we had the cap to bring in the guys they want - and we seemed to get good talent at good price. So the question becomes is it worth breaking a part of the team that is set (right side of line) over an extra c+/b- player in an area of the team that is weak.
I can see the argument both ways, but I am not going to fault a FO that so far has done solid moves and market evaluations because I, an armchair guru if i may say, deems it to be the lesser choice.

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[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by sdskinsfan2001

I don't look at the franchise tag as keeping our own. It's more like hiring a mercenary. He clearly won't be re-signed here. We could have used that money to sign a guard that wouldn't be as good AND fill one or 2 other holes on the roster. So we might drop a bit at G, but improve more than enough elsewhere to make up the difference then sum. Or not sigh a G and sign guys at different positions, then draft 1. But the same thing would still apply.

As for being a mercenary, do you feel that way about Fitz who also signed a 1 year deal. Scherff is elite, not withstanding WFT fan experts, and has an expectation of testing free agency. He has been a WFT player for 6 years since he was drafted by us. That is the very definition of "a home grown player"

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[sdskinsfan2001]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

As for being a mercenary, do you feel that way about Fitz who also signed a 1 year deal. Scherff is elite, not withstanding WFT fan experts, and has an expectation of testing free agency. He has been a WFT player for 6 years since he was drafted by us. That is the very definition of "a home grown player"

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Considering he is 38 and was thinking about retiring, I don't think those are nearly the same comparisons. I doubt either side wanted more than 1 year.

Every player is "homegrown" until they leave. He had no choice but to be here these years, was offered a massive contract and still didn't want to stay. He will bump into my Kirk Cousins category next year. Hopefully he plays great this year for his own selfish reasons, because that will still benefit the team.

[Chief X_Phackter]

I think it's pretty obvious they are trying to keep him. The FT was just a necessary step in that process. Doesn't mean it will work out in the end, as it takes two to tango, but they ARE trying to keep him, and paying him very well in the process.

[sdskinsfan2001]

Originally Posted by Chief X_Phackter

I think it's pretty obvious they are trying to keep him. The FT was just a necessary step in that process. Doesn't mean it will work out in the end, as it takes two to tango, but they ARE trying to keep him, and paying him very well in the process.

I don't blame the team, but I would have pulled the plug on him before the 2nd franchise tag.

[Monkeydad]

Yes, we should have learned that lesson with Kirk.

If someone accepts playing on a SECOND tag, they're playing you for the money and n ot interested in sticking around long term.

[Chief X_Phackter]

It could also be that the team has decided that they are not willing to pay him long-term, but since they have the cap space, they want to guarantee that they retain his services for one more year while they continue to build a competitive roster.

No one really knows what's going on behind the scenes, we can all just speculate. Like I've said before though, I'm just glad he'll be holding down that right side for at least one more year.

[Pervis_Griffith]

Originally Posted by Chief X_Phackter

It could also be that the team has decided that they are not willing to pay him long-term, but since they have the cap space, they want to guarantee that they retain his services for one more year while they continue to build a competitive roster.

No one really knows what's going on behind the scenes, we can all just speculate. Like I've said before though, I'm just glad he'll be holding down that right side for at least one more year.

This is where I am in this process.

I am glad we have him for one more year, and hope it can work out long term .....

.... but honestly I don't want to over-invest in any guard on our roster. Spend that money on Tackle, or D-Line, or future QB. Find serviceable, competent Guards to play between a "very good" Center, and "very good" to "outstanding" Tackles.

[AnonEmouse]

Scalper, when you say 4 respectable C's, do you mean Center or CB? I can only see 3 C's on the WFT roster?

[Scalper]

Originally Posted by AnonEmouse

Scalper, when you say 4 respectable C's, do you mean Center or CB? I can only see 3 C's on the WFT roster?

Center.

1. Roullier, drafted, 6th round, homegrown.
2. Ismael, drafted, 5th round, on rookie deal.
3. Larsen, acquired Panthers this offseason.
4. Benzschawel, just acquired off waivers.

Highly improbable I typed #4 with spelling correct. :-)

All players are true Cs, some of whom have experience swinging to G.
As I noted, for depth, I strongly favor swinging Ts or Cs to G, rather than vice versa. Easier to ask a T or C to play G than a G to suddenly man the edge or snap the ball. Our FO seems to get this. Interesting to ask about PS eligibility of any of these guys.

Seeing 2 Cs acquired this offseason, you wonder what FO plans for Ismael?

Other random thoughts. Roullier not a worldbeater, but a solid slightly above average starting C, good value for 6th round pick. Every starter can't be a 1st or 2nd round pick.

We drafted Reiter a C 7th round, Browns claimed him off PS, cut him after 2 years, Chiefs signed him and he started 2 SBs for them, winning one.

If only we were as good at identifying talented WRs, TEs, and QBs as Centers, LOL.

It could be something as simple as good players became available and the FO pounced, and they'll let competition sort it out or maybe trade of PS one. Who knows. We gave up no draft resources or big money for #3 and #4 so competition a win for us no matter who sticks, though it should be noted we have no true stud C on our roster.

[Chief X_Phackter]

Maybe he's including Beau Benzschawel, who was claimed off waivers yesterday. He has been mostly a Guard though, and he has only appeared in 3 NFL games in 2 years. They must be thinking John Matsko can get the best out of him. Who knows, maybe...

Chase Roullier, Tyler Larsen, and Keith Ismael are the only true Centers currently on the depth chart.

[simbosargos75]

Originally Posted by Chief X_Phackter

Maybe he's including Beau Benzschawel, who was claimed off waivers yesterday. He has been mostly a Guard though, and he has only appeared in 3 NFL games in 2 years. They must be thinking John Matsko can get the best out of him. Who knows, maybe...

Chase Roullier, Tyler Larsen, and Keith Ismael are the only true Centers currently on the depth chart.

I really really hope Beau can help. I doubt it, but I really hope so. I've known him since he was 5 years old or so. His youngest brother is friends with my daughter. It would make me incredibly happy to see him succeed, but I really doubt it. He is beat up bad physically.

[Pervis_Griffith]

Originally Posted by simbosargos75

I really really hope Beau can help. I doubt it, but I really hope so. I've known him since he was 5 years old or so. His youngest brother is friends with my daughter. It would make me incredibly happy to see him succeed, but I really doubt it. He is beat up bad physically.

That's cool ... and brutally honest.

Obviously, RR and Co see enough to bring him in. Hopefully they can bring the best out of him.

[simbosargos75]

Originally Posted by Pervis_Griffith

That's cool ... and brutally honest.

Obviously, RR and Co see enough to bring him in. Hopefully they can bring the best out of him.

Yeah, his younger brother had to retire in college due to knee issues. His youngest brother will be a freshman at Wisconsin in the fall and has had some injury problems as well. His dad also played at Wisconsin and had to retire (while in college) due to back issues.

They are just huge people and have all the pain associated with being huge.

Tremendous people though by all accounts, so even if Beau isn't playing he'll be a huge plus in the locker room.

[Pervis_Griffith]

Originally Posted by simbosargos75

Yeah, his younger brother had to retire in college due to knee issues. His youngest brother will be a freshman at Wisconsin in the fall and has had some injury problems as well. His dad also played at Wisconsin and had to retire (while in college) due to back issues.

They are just huge people and have all the pain associated with being huge.

Tremendous people though by all accounts, so even if Beau isn't playing he'll be a huge plus in the locker room.

This is a big part of RR's transformation of the Skins, and is underrated in it's importance.