Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
Free Agents fit in at all levels. I’m going to primarily focus here on those who would start if signed. With the cap space the Cards have and could increase by trading guys like Humphries, several key free agents could be acquired. I posted on this subject earlier and I’ll try not to repeat too much of my previous posts. I’ll also take a look at a possible trade target. They would use up cap space as well.
Forget the top Edges. They’ll be tagged and too costly. Take a top edge rusher in the draft. It’s a bit of a gamble, but far more cap friendly. Edge rushers become much more effective if good DTs are available. Justin Madubuike pressured the passer better than any DT in the league. The Ravens have limited cap space, so he likely won’t be tagged. There will be tons of competition. However, if the Cards want to prove they’re for real, he’s a great player to rebuild with. He’ll cost a great deal, but he’s a rare talent. If the money scares them off, I’d look at DT Reader. He might be the top anchor on the market. There are injury concerns, but when he’s on the field he’s almost unmovable. He’ll cost about $18 mil on average.
If the Cards insist on taking a rusher, one of the best pass rushers with above average rush defense is Franke Luvu. He has a great motor. He’s just average as a pass defender, but that helps make him affordable. He spends enough time in his opponents’ backfield he won’t have to cover much except zone.
How about an ageless wonder? Fletcher Cox can no longer player every snap. However, if you keep him fresh as a rotation player, he can still be a force. The other thing he brings is leadership and gravitas. The Cards definitely need a presence in the middle. He can lead the way for this young line. If you just want a DT for the rush defense Michael Pierce is another of those immovable objects. He can occasionally collapse a pocket, but he can hold down a running game. Just so it’s clear I’m not advocating signing 3 DTs. Start at the top and work down. I would sign 2 if affordable.
I liked Connor Williams but his injury takes him out for 2024. So I’m thinking Coleman Shelton. He can play either guard slot or center. He’s very good in pass protection and decent as a run blocker. His versatility means even if the Cards hit on an inside offensive linemen, Shelton offers insurance at every position. He would immediately upgrade LG.
Mike Williams, WR, will becoming back from an ACL injury. In this day and age that is not the barrier it once was. What it does mean is he could be had in a trade and depending what the Cards want to offer, he could be bought low. The Cards need a veteran presence at WR and he could be the man.
The differences between free agency and the draft are numerous. IMO proven NFL performance, leadership qualities, thin draft pools and known locker room presence are the main reasons to fill a position in free agency rather than the draft.
Forget the top Edges. They’ll be tagged and too costly. Take a top edge rusher in the draft. It’s a bit of a gamble, but far more cap friendly. Edge rushers become much more effective if good DTs are available. Justin Madubuike pressured the passer better than any DT in the league. The Ravens have limited cap space, so he likely won’t be tagged. There will be tons of competition. However, if the Cards want to prove they’re for real, he’s a great player to rebuild with. He’ll cost a great deal, but he’s a rare talent. If the money scares them off, I’d look at DT Reader. He might be the top anchor on the market. There are injury concerns, but when he’s on the field he’s almost unmovable. He’ll cost about $18 mil on average.
If the Cards insist on taking a rusher, one of the best pass rushers with above average rush defense is Franke Luvu. He has a great motor. He’s just average as a pass defender, but that helps make him affordable. He spends enough time in his opponents’ backfield he won’t have to cover much except zone.
How about an ageless wonder? Fletcher Cox can no longer player every snap. However, if you keep him fresh as a rotation player, he can still be a force. The other thing he brings is leadership and gravitas. The Cards definitely need a presence in the middle. He can lead the way for this young line. If you just want a DT for the rush defense Michael Pierce is another of those immovable objects. He can occasionally collapse a pocket, but he can hold down a running game. Just so it’s clear I’m not advocating signing 3 DTs. Start at the top and work down. I would sign 2 if affordable.
I liked Connor Williams but his injury takes him out for 2024. So I’m thinking Coleman Shelton. He can play either guard slot or center. He’s very good in pass protection and decent as a run blocker. His versatility means even if the Cards hit on an inside offensive linemen, Shelton offers insurance at every position. He would immediately upgrade LG.
Mike Williams, WR, will becoming back from an ACL injury. In this day and age that is not the barrier it once was. What it does mean is he could be had in a trade and depending what the Cards want to offer, he could be bought low. The Cards need a veteran presence at WR and he could be the man.
The differences between free agency and the draft are numerous. IMO proven NFL performance, leadership qualities, thin draft pools and known locker room presence are the main reasons to fill a position in free agency rather than the draft.
