Strongside Linebacker

Who should the team be giving considerations to signing to play here as Lavar will most likely be on the weakside next year? or should we stick w/pierce and try to get an upgrade next year?

I dont even look at it as a "stick with Pierce" he is a great LB and so is Lemar Marshall...I think we are set at LB.

They might try to bring in Holdman, but I agree that LB is probably the last place that needs fixing on the D.

Pierce is a free agent. Why not go after another free agent that has already showed they can get the job done like Brandon Short or maybe even Dahni Jones if we have the money for it

Jeremiah Trotter should be OK for another year at middle linebacker. Kevin Mitchell backs him up.

Don't forget, we also have Chris Clemons from Georgia (6'3", 234) and Clifton Smith from Syracuse (6'3" 255) on the practice squad.

CrazyCanuck is correct that LB is the least of our worries on defense. With all the other issues we have, it sure would be nice if practice squad guys could step up as the proverbial 'diamonds in the rough'.

As long as Pierce doesn't act like a dumbass the way he did in Dallas last year -- giving them a first down while trying to draw them offsides after we forced them to a field goal -- I'm willing to give him another preseason to show what he's got. Otherwise, Pierce is ho-hum at best, and a bumbling buffoon at his worst.

I heard rumors that Trotter might be released after June 1st. I wasn't really that impressed by him last year, although I've heard others blame his unspectacular performance on the line playing in front of him. In any case, I don't think it would be a bad idea to pick up another developing LB, whether through free agency or the draft.

--Phin

Give Pierce his chance and I think he'll do great as will Trotter and Lavar, especially with the new coaching staff. Williams should have the D back up in the top 10 again this season, if not better.

how about marshall who was on our preseason roster. he played pretty darn well I thought and seemed to be a bit faster and stronger than peirce, just not all too sure about his game smarts though where as peirce has proven he is a smart player except when faking audibles on special teams ;) .