wit33

I appreciate the idea of having a GM, regardless of whether the head coach is the one to select them. If I’ve identified a coach who can make a significant difference and they want the autonomy to choose their GM, I’ll support that decision. The success rate of GMs selecting coaches and winning consistently is extremely low. I’m uninterested in an overarching strategy that consistently fails. However, if there’s exceptional talent in a GM, let them choose the next innovative 34-year-old coach. It’s more about acquiring exceptionally talented individuals rather than adhering strictly to a predefined model. Uhh… Shannahan is still with the Niners because he wins at an elite rate in a league where that doesn’t happen. 80% of the NFL is mediocre and he’s elite.

Coaches consider the earning potential. The presence of a potential elite QB enhances a coach’s likelihood of earning millions over an extended period. Gruden 100% believes he’d still be maki g millions of dollars if he had a great to elite QB. I’m just the messenger. Here’s how you can achieve success with an elite candidate. We might feel traumatized, but this model has proven effective. Take, for instance, the 49ers, considered a model franchise by some. They entrusted a first-time head coach, Kyle Shanahan, to choose John Lynch, who had zero experience and faced substantial criticism for the decision. At that time, the Niners were struggling, showing that sometimes as an organization, thinking outside the box is necessary.

If you truly desire a coach, empower them to select their GM. This way, you secure the candidate you prefer. The coach won’t opt for the Chargers over Washington if Washington offers more authority.

The alpha must emerge. The coach is scheming up “life changing yards” on offense, go out and get them.

TE option?

Part of the guaranteed money was paid out this season, which reduces the amount owed the following season. It's 7-8 million spread out over two seasons, but he's not a 7-8 million per year player. The cap hit is 3 million this season and 5 million next. This level of free agent provides organization ability to remain lean while continuing to explore ways to add talent, hopefully through the draft and not overpriced free agents (my opinion). The whole story isn’t written on Gates, he’s the type of dude that will bounce back even if it’s as a back up.

Peanuts. No reason to get rid of him. It didn't work out as the starting center, but now he transitions to a backup role at all three interior positions. He's also a player with extremely high intangibles. It will cost 5 million this offseason to cut him. As I mentioned, there's no reason to do so unless he suffers a serious injury. 100%.

Fortunately with this type of signing, you adapt and move on without any real financial implications. Must also indict the staff for having replacements. I don’t make the rules. Intangibles seem to matter at the QB spot. Seems like Howell is pretty strong mentally, you know, from all personal conversations I’ve had with him lol I wonder when Lamar Jackson will come back to earth 🌏 👀

Haha... Kirk and his team will likely try to reshape the narrative of his entire career this offseason by accepting a lower salary to remain in Minnesota, despite having negotiated hefty deals throughout his career. I speculate that Minnesota may part ways with him. The coach is speaking highly of him and might be inclined to retain him in an effort to maintain mediocrity and secure more paychecks for everyone involved. Full disclosure, Kirk at 6-8% of the cap is something I can get behind.

The prospect of Howell starting for a new coach is a situation that's not lost on anyone. For me, it simply delays the inevitable: the coach will likely want to bring in their own preferred quarterback. This misalignment between the GM, coach, and QB can leave the team in a vulnerable position. While exceptions exist, unless the QB performs exceptionally well, a change is probably in the cards.

What Howell and EB accomplished against the Eagles last week was truly exceptional. They completely dismantled the Eagles and effectively neutralized their pass rush throughout the entire game, led by the young QB. Many discussions revolve around breaking free from mediocrity, and this is it – the quarterback and offensive coordinator taking control of games and placing the outcome in the quarterback's hands. I couldn't care less about who the opposing quarterback was because EB and Howell were in sync. Achieving this level is what Washington needs to consistently attain double-digit win seasons. Hearing Mark Schlereth trying to quantify the value of how EB and Howell neutralized the Eagles' pass rush by throwing 50 times was a delightful moment. I prefer an Andy Reid-style West Coast offense over Ben Johnson's approach. However, I do wish that EB would utilize Howell as a runner more, as he's similar to Josh Allen in the sense that he excels when he gets the opportunity to run and make contact. Full disclosure, I only know a little bit about Ben Johnson, not at all saying I don’t like him as a potential coach. What OC hasn’t been a roller coaster this season? Not to say he isn’t working kinks out and learning. No doubt been some rough patches. I still want to see more.

**Not all directed at you, side tangent: The NFL is known for its unpredictability when it comes to wins and losses. It's often a fine line between being a double-digit winning team and a team drafting in the top ten. I'm not in favor of parting with good players that a new regime could use to initiate a turnaround. I might be biased, as I have an overall liking for the roster, although there's not much to support that sentiment these days. Nonetheless, there's a considerable amount of time until the next season, and we'll need to wait and see how things unfold. Personally, I believe that rebuilding teams should use their draft capital to acquire established NFL players to aid in the rebuilding process, especially when they aren't picking within the top 5. It's interesting to note that the Bears are receiving criticism for a strategy similar to what the Niners are being praised for, and the Bears are in a position to transition swiftly due to financial flexibility. In my opinion, the media and fans often have this perspective reversed.

I'm not a fan of trading away good players for pennies on the dollar (just my opinion). However, in Chase's case, if he's causing trouble off the field, it's easy to justify parting ways with him. It's challenging to succeed with players who aren't fully committed or have off-field issues; the risk isn't worth it. Earning a playoff spot would indeed be a surprising and somewhat amusing turn of events. To escape the 8-9 pattern, it's crucial for Sam Howell to grow into a proficient quarterback while on a rookie contract. This issue is more quarterback-related than it is about the front office. Regarding the defense, there have been serious concerns, and Ron and Jack are responsible. On the other hand, EB, the offensive coordinator, has shown promise and delivered some outstanding offensive stretches that haven't been seen in this area for a long time. Given the circumstances, it's evident that change is needed. If EB and Howell continue to progress as they are, I would be thrilled to find a way to keep them together.

Awkward if Washington wins and tied for a playoff spot after next week lol

I'm thinking a bit unconventionally here, and I acknowledge it's not the standard approach. My suggestion would be to retain the talent, possibly through extensions or by using both the franchise and transition tags, unless we receive an exceptional offer. I have reservations about the idea of trading a player for anything; I'm more intrigued by the concept of acquiring players in return. This approach aligns more with the strategy often seen in NBA franchises.

Draft picks can often be overrated, especially when trading them for a known, high-value asset. It's akin to trading California beachfront real estate for a one-in-a-million lottery ticket. I rather get players back in return, but that’s not how business is often done NFL yet. Retain the talent within the organization and allow the new regime to handle it. Utilize franchise and transition tags when necessary. Adjust financial resources strategically and consider trading players when the right opportunities arise.

Great fun to listen Mark Schlereth fumble and struggle to connect Howell throwing the ball 26 times in a half and it being a good thing in regards to protecting Howell without a run game.

I agree. The jig is just about up for the midlding entitled veteran QB taking up 10-15% of teams cap. Would love for these contracts to be more incentive driven for this level of QB. Who knows, maybe someday.

Well, if you know his backstory…. Never mind lol Man, losing Chase Young doesn’t sit right, but as long as the Harris is 100% spearheading with whoever he consulting him I’m cool with it. Dislike idea of Ron having any sort of power trading young talent away (talent that will be in its prime for next 2 year build).

How young are we talking? Don’t join the fraternity.

PFF getting trashed while we celebrate the hire of an analytics specialist lol I love this board!

It’s concerning to see criticism affecting his play and coaching undermining his ability. He’s become overly focused on quick passes, diminishing his unique ability to create and extend plays. While relying on his abilities might offset some drawbacks, it’s evident that we’re witnessing a different version of Howell as he strives to avoid sacks. Furthermore, it’s baffling that he’s not utilized as a running option occasionally in games. When he runs, it generates a lot of excitement. It seems like his running ability has the potential to boost his performance. I was concerned EB wouldn’t prioritize this aspect of his game. Having 3-5 designed run options per game could be tremendously beneficial for him.

Why does a hire like Ian excite you (not being disingenuous)? Is it due to his communication skills or connections to draft picks and free agents, or simply the potential he brings? I've always found it challenging to evaluate the value of front office personnel since they often support each other publicly, forming a sort of fraternity that seeks to maximize earnings while maintaining an average status. I prefer that Ron doesn't make any decisions regarding the team's future. It's crucial to retain all our top-performing players and enable the upcoming leadership to utilize their skills in the desired direction. Harris should take the lead in ensuring that talent isn't mishandled. Losing Sweat for just a 3rd round pick would be a significant loss. It's essential to re-sign Young and build the team's identity around his star power until an elite quarterback is found. Do you have a preference for a defensive or offensive coach for next season?

I see it as a matter of holding your cards close and waiting for the next regime to make their moves. I understand it might be challenging, given that both are set to become free agents in the same year 😕. Keep both knowing each will have value turn the market with or without a long term contract. It will demand some creative thinking. Simply letting go of valuable or exceptional players for a fraction of their worth doesn't make sense. I have zero interest in trading Sweat for a second-round pick; the chances of that pick becoming even an average starter are slim. If we can acquire other players in exchange, that's when I get interested. At the moment, the impending massive overhaul makes things complex.

Harris should resign Young and plan to franchise Sweat and allow next regime to manage it all. Rather next regime decide what to do with best talent on the roster. Such little value in selling these dudes to team looking to take advantage and pounce. Draft compensation for good players is a waste on the aggregate.