The Sam Howell Thread

Definitely makes sense to beef up the interior OL

I don't think there is an area on the team that does not need to be beefed up. Ironically we started the season with questions at QB but feeling pretty good about the roster, 3 months later and it is the exact opposite..

I don't think there is an area on the team that does not need to be beefed up. Ironically we started the season with questions at QB but feeling pretty good about the roster, 3 months later and it is the exact opposite..

Ok, before anyone says it, with the exception of OL and LB

Definitely makes sense to beef up the interior OL

I'd go further and say, they need to assess which side they want to beef up as a priority, IF they can't rebuild the line as a whole. Building the middle alone without at least reinforcing one tackle leaves you at the mercy of edge rushers (or forced to hold a back or TE in pass pro). Makes you one dimensional. At least if you sort C, both guards and LT, you give your QB and running game a chance. If the QB isn't worried about his backside, he can read the right side rush at least. If you sort the RT then you can move the pocket to the right.

If they don't at least keep Leno, then they have to get a starting LT and LG as priority, on the assumption that C and RG are at least stable.

I'd go further and say, they need to assess which side they want to beef up as a priority, IF they can't rebuild the line as a whole. Building the middle alone without at least reinforcing one tackle leaves you at the mercy of edge rushers (or forced to hold a back or TE in pass pro). Makes you one dimensional. At least if you sort C, both guards and LT, you give your QB and running game a chance. If the QB isn't worried about his backside, he can read the right side rush at least. If you sort the RT then you can move the pocket to the right.

If they don't at least keep Leno, then they have to get a starting LT and LG as priority, on the assumption that C and RG are at least stable.

Leno restructured contract earlier this year means if we cut him after the season, we take a big cap charge for 2024. Also Leno has been good this season, maybe his best season here, but he will be 33. I think he sticks next year.

Imo Gates needs to be cut after the season, cap charge of over 5 million in 2024. Add that Roullier that we are still paying on NEXT season too…we will have over NINE million in dead cap at Center!!! Talk about mismanagement

Wylie I think sticks too, his cap charge is high but he is serviceable and can play RG as well.

Tyler Larson free agent and Stromberg injured…we have nothing at Left Guard except poor fucking Ron draft picks.

We need a starters at Center and Left Guard immediately.

Leno is fine for next year but not a solution beyond that. There are basically no starting tackles 35 or older except Trent.

The good thing is Paul, Stromberg, and Cosmi could grow into a pretty good interior line over time.

They don't have time really. When the offseason rolls around, the new GM/HC combination will be looking at what worked and what didn't. They have 7 games. Maybe they are the interior 3, but they better prove it soon.

Leno is fine for next year but not a solution beyond that. There are basically no starting tackles 35 or older except Trent.

The good thing is Paul, Stromberg, and Cosmi could grow into a pretty good interior line over time.


Fine isn’t good enough for a LT. If there is one there early or one available in FA get it. Same with the interior. Paul and Cosmi would be good depth. Stromberg the jury is still out on.

Fine isn’t good enough for a LT. If there is one there early or one available in FA get it. Same with the interior. Paul and Cosmi would be good depth. Stromberg the jury is still out on.

For sure. Leno is - at best - a stopgap for next year. So if there's an opportunity to upgrade, they need to take it. Preferably a rookie who has a real chance to compete for the starting job but can sit and develop for a year if need be before taking over the position in 2025.

I would say thank you Jay (leno), but we are moving forward with a new T.

Heiniki would’ve been an upgrade today.