Article: 2007 and the Cap

[Bill B]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

I would agree with taking the opportunity to extend the contracts of some of our key players. The three you mentioned are key components for us.

I don't want to see us going out and getting a shopping cart full of free agents either. A key guy here or there is what we really need. We need to break the cycle of continually bringing in multiple new free agent starters. They require such a learning curve. The offseason preceding our 10-6 2005 season was pretty quiet if you'll all remember. We traded Coles for Moss and signed David Patten, and that was pretty much it. The continuity lended itself very well to a successful season. Moss came in and immediately injected the team with a big-play threat.

I'd think along the same way for this season, except I'd focus on D. One big DT up front like Alan Branch in the draft, and one player in the secondary (CB or SS, I don't care). If you get Nate Clements at CB, maybe you can move Springs to SS. If you get a Michael Lewis at SS, you can keep Springs at CB.

But that's it. I wouldn't touch the LBs for continuity's sake. And if they have big DTs in front of them, they'll look better. I wouldn't touch the DEs because I think they're coming on and player better now. And on offense, I'd keep everything the same, because right now we're 5th in the league in rushing offense, and Campbell has the weapons to keep developing Saunders' passing game.

Schneed - one more thing - wouldn't you also look to bring in a new kicker (Josh Brown would be nice) or is Suisham the answer? I would just think it would be a good move to have the kicking position solidified in preseason so we aren't scrambling to correct our kicking game midseason like we did this year.