2025 FA Thread

[ArmyBengal]

I didn't want to completely derail the Chargers thread, but would like to carry the conversation from there to here for further examination.

I was thinking about the defense and the take on Lou (I'm not touting a side) that he simply hasn't been given dudes.
I noted the misses with Dax Hill and Myles Murphy despite at that time them being "his dudes" since he played a part in them being drafted.

I am left to wonder, who are his dudes on defense ??  I'm going to take a guess, while considering our upcoming 2025 free agents.

DE Sam Hubbard- OLDER DUDE, whose role should transition into a backup/mentor as opposed to starter. Need a new starter.
DT Sheldon Rankins- NOT A DUDE and needs to be replaced.
DT BJ Hill- BIG DUDE, who is an UFA that will be 30 before the start of next season.  I still want him back.  We need him back.
DE Trey Hendrickson- MASSIVE DUDE who wants a new deal and I think has earned it.  He turns 30 in three weeks.
LB Logan Wilson- DEFINTELY DUDE and won't be going anywhere.
LB Germaine Pratt- DEFINTELY DUDE and isn't an UFA until 2026 when he turns 30, so he's back next year.
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither- SOLID DUDE who is an UFA and turned 27 this year.  I'd like to see him back as well.
CB Cam Taylor Britt- SOLID DUDE maybe better.  Needs to shut his mouth.  Isn't a UFA until 2026 and still only 27. He's back next year.
SS Vonn Bell- NO LONGER A DUDE who is an UFA and needs to be replaced.
FS Geno Stone- DUDE IN CHICKS CLOTHING has been a disappointment this season in what was thought to be a great FA pick up.
CB Josh Newton- YOUNG POTENTIAL DUDE.
NB Mike Hilton- OLDER DUDE who's going to be 31 before next season and an UFA.  Would be nice for Hill to find his fit here.

DT Kris Jenkins and DT McKinnley Jackson-  YOUNG POTENTIAL DUDES who haven't gotten a ton of snaps.  More snaps for them both.
DE Joseph Ossai and LB Joe Batchie- WANNABE DUDES and both are UFA after this season.  Both are young depth.  Consider extension?
CB DJ Ivey, SS Jordan Battle, FS Tycen Anderson, CB DJ Turner- COULD BE DUDES, hard to say. Turner and Battle have upside.
S/CB Dax Hill and DE Myles Murphy- BUST DUDES that will both be back next year.  Maybe next season is THE season for them.

So we have 6 players that I consider dudes (maybe more).  2 are UFA's, 1 wants a new contract, and 3 others.
There are a handful of maybe's, not quite's and young guys as well.

I think Lou has been given dudes when I look at the list and they simply aren't producing or have all but busted out.
That being said, give him one more draft (pass rush), more free agent help (if financially possible) and hope youngsters develop.
We need at least one more dynamic player to impact this defense.

 

[TJJackson]

I dont think Dax is a bust

at all

I am not gonna elaborate because I have my reasons and you have yours

I think Murphy needs more snaps to better judge him, and with this season being essentially over, I think now is the time to begin that analysis period

[ArmyBengal]

My reason is because Dax hasn't done anything since he's been here and has already been moved from the position he was drafted to play due to his inability to do so.
Now he's on IR and contributes nothing.

I'm always open to listening and am content agreeing to disagree.  Neither here nor there for me.
I would be nothing but happy to see pro bowl level play from Dax and will root for it to happen.
It's not like I'm rooting against any of these guys.  I'd be happy to see him be a solid starting nickel back next year if Hilton leaves.

If a first round talent (Murphy) can't push an obviously older and slower guy (Hubbard) and take some snaps from him, that's a problem.
Hubbard, while I love the dude, it clearly declining.

Maybe my expectations for 1st round guys is different from others.
These guys should be day one starters or at a minimum, solid contributors to the production of the team, looking to take a lead role the following year.

[TJJackson]

yet we know first rounders dont always work out that way

Klingler, David

Smith, Akili

Perry, Two Carry

Bagadonuts, Joey

I think it is highly unfortunate that Dax got a season ending injury.  He was progressing nicely

With Murphy, he needs more snaps.  Use the remainder of this losing season to evaluate such players via more snaps.   I honestly think Lou plays his starters on DL waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too damn much - these fellas need to be rotated to keep them fresh.  Nows the time.

[HoosierCat]

4 hours ago, ArmyBengal said:

DT Sheldon Rankins- NOT A DUDE and needs to be replaced

That would give them an additional $9.5 million in cap space to do nothing with, so good idea I guess.