Just Want A Title Posted January 29 Share Posted January 29 3 minutes ago, Karnage84 said: The 2024 season is now over after a tough loss against the 49ers. Now that we have seen the rest of the season, this can impact off-season plans earlier in the year. STAFF With our recent success, we're going to see a drain in talent from our coaching staff. OUT Ben Johnson: Hired as Head Coach of the Washington Commanders Hank Fraley: If rumours are true, he leaves with Johnson to be the OC of the Commanders IN Tanner Engstrand: Engstrand moves up from Passing Game coordinator to take over as OC Steve Oliver: Takes over as OL coach from Haley. Moves up from Assistant OL coach David Blough: Retires from the NFL and joins the Lions staff as a Quality Control Coach Frank Reich: Joins the Lions as a Senior Offensive Consultant (similar to John Fox's role in Detroit). Reich played for the Lions in 1998 and had Fox on his staff in Indy (prior to Fox joining the Lions). After his time in Indy and Carolina, Reich takes a step back while staying connected to the game. The Lions use his experience to help Engstrand's transition without being a threat to his position as OC. STAY Aaron Glenn: The Lions defense has been a bit of a challenge, however I do believe that AG has (at least at the end) unlocked the defense by the end of the season. He just hasn't had the horses to do the job. We've lacked talent on the defensive interior (Alim needs a running mate); edge (Hutchinson needs a running partner); several players in the secondary, especially at corner. RE-SIGNINGS Zach Ertz - 2 years x $7M ($4.5M in 2024; $2.5M void year in 2025): Ertz never got a chance to make his mark on the Lions. After eschewing opportunities, he decided to sign with the Lions heading into the NFC Championship game. He comes back on what is essentially a 1 year deal as a bookend to Sam LaPorta. This contract is reminiscent of Mike Geisicki's in NE, which is where Ertz is IMO Josh Reynolds - 2 years x $2.5M APY: The Goff to Reynolds connection has been a very reliable one ever since he joined us from the Rams. However, he made key drops in the loss against the 49ers. Reynolds really should be our WR4 or WR5. Craig Reynolds - 1 year x $1.5M APY: The Lions like Reynolds and he's been relatively decent in relief when called upon. The Lions are going to rely on the duo of Montgomery and Gibbs but Reynolds will have his place Kayode Awosika [ERFA]- 1 year x $915k: He's played well enough that he deserves to be brought back as a depth piece/spot starter Benito Jones (RFA) - ROR $2.9M: The Lions seem to have something against Isaiah Buggs. Jones has been given playing time as a starter alongside McNeill. We won't see a wholesale change but we'll see some pieces get moved around/cut (Levi is on the chopping block). Brock Wright (RFA) - 2 years x $1.75M APY: Wright is brought back on a 2-year deal and as TE3 with LaPorta and Ertz being the key starters. Wright's ROFR is $2.8M so this gives the Lions more certainty while Wright gets stability. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson - 2 years $6.5M: Ceedy Duce is brought back on the same deal he originally signed. He brings an attitude to this defense and is a leader in the locker room. If we can get him for the whole season, that secondary is much more effective. Jalen Reeves-Maybin - 2 Year x $1.85M: JRM has been an excellent ST player and effective when called upon as a LB LET WALK (FREE AGENTS) Jonah Jackson - Jackson's play hasn't been at the level it should have been for the contract he'll likely demand Matt Nelson Dan Skipper Scott Daly Shane Zylstra Nate Sudfeld Jason Cabinda Will Harris Anthony Pittman Hal Vaitai Emmanuel Moseley Donovan Peoples-Jones Jerry Jacobs Teddy Bridgewater (Retired) David Blough (Retired - added to coaching staff) Kendle Vildor Michael Badgley - The Lions look for a kicker they can rely upon TEAM NEEDS NT CB1 + CB3 S FUTURE NEEDS OC: Ragnow could be a post-June 1st retirement and should not be considered a long-term part of the roster. Having his replacement in-house would be beneficial OT: Decker's play has improved over the last few weeks. He has looked much better and is likely the Lions' LT in 2024. We should still look at adding someone as an eventual successor. This just pushes the need down a touch in terms of urgency. RG: Graham Glasgow has secured the RG position and can back up at OC. If Ragnow sticks around, the Lions could look to add depth pieces to eventually take over. If Ragnow does retire, then it escalates the team's need into a more immediate concern. Glasgow isn't a spring chicken, so we'll need to add someone on the interior eventualy WR(X): Reynolds and Raymond aren't long-term options. Jamo has started to show his ability but the Lions need another weapon opposite of St. Brown and Williams. OL DEPTH CHART LT - Decker, [OPEN] LG - Jackson, Awosika OC - Ragnow, Glasgow, [OPEN] RG - Glasgow, [OPEN] RT - Sewell, Sorsdal Honestly, I am not sure we should bring back Ceedy Duce. I am down on pretty much all of our safeties except Ifeatu Melifonwu and he only has about 1/2 season of good tape. Kamren Curl would help settle the position down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detfan782004 Posted January 29 Share Posted January 29 6 minutes ago, Just Want A Title said: Honestly, I am not sure we should bring back Ceedy Duce. I am down on pretty much all of our safeties except Ifeatu Melifonwu and he only has about 1/2 season of good tape. Kamren Curl would help settle the position down I think Ceedy needs to go. I don't think he fits the culture either. The whole waving to fans bye bye in second quarter was insane. Against a team like SF. His arrogance I can't stand because he's don't little to back that up this year imo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karnage84 Posted January 29 Author Share Posted January 29 JARED GOFF EXTENSION Jared Goff is going to be re-signed to the Lions for an extension. Period. That number is going to be somewhere in the $50M/year range. This is how things work. Here is how it could look: 4 years x $200M ($50M APY) 2024 (final year of current contract): $32M cap hit > $38M Cap Hit (+$6M) > Age 30 2025: $42M > Age 31 2026: $46M > Age 32 2027: $48M > Age 33 2028: $58M > Age 34 Softening the blow by spreading the 4 years out over 5 helps for cap management and our future re-signings in key players such as St. Brown, Sewell and McNeill (and eventually Hutchinson). The Lions will have Hooker under contract until 2027. Depending on how he does or if Goff's play drops off, they could look to move off of JG in 2026. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detfan782004 Posted January 29 Share Posted January 29 2 minutes ago, Karnage84 said: JARED GOFF EXTENSION Jared Goff is going to be re-signed to the Lions for an extension. Period. That number is going to be somewhere in the $50M/year range. This is how things work. Here is how it could look: 4 years x $200M ($50M APY) 2024 (final year of current contract): $32M cap hit > $38M Cap Hit (+$6M) > Age 30 2025: $42M > Age 31 2026: $46M > Age 32 2027: $48M > Age 33 2028: $58M > Age 34 Softening the blow by spreading the 4 years out over 5 helps for cap management and our future re-signings in key players such as St. Brown, Sewell and McNeill (and eventually Hutchinson). The Lions will have Hooker under contract until 2027. Depending on how he does or if Goff's play drops off, they could look to move off of JG in 2026. I honestly hate Goff as a 50m quarterback. I don't see it. That said with the size of windows in NFL to win now is that time for Detroit. so they are going to have to pay Goff because finding a QB and starting over is not going to work for this window. Not a bad deal you outlined Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karnage84 Posted January 29 Author Share Posted January 29 Just now, detfan782004 said: I honestly hate Goff as a 50m quarterback. I don't see it. That said with the size of windows in NFL to win now is that time for Detroit. so they are going to have to pay Goff because finding a QB and starting over is not going to work for this window. Not a bad deal you outlined He took us to the NFC Championship game and was a couple of bad drops away from being back in the SB. Campbell and Holmes are going to ride with him for at least the next few years. This is what it's going to cost for us to have a veteran QB who plays at the level that he is. If Hooker balls out and starts to push him for a starting job and/or the Lions somehow find their own Brock Purdy and they can move off of that contract, they will. Both are unlikely for at least the next 2 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karnage84 Posted January 29 Author Share Posted January 29 KEY CUTS Tracy Walker - Saves $8M; $4.8M Dead Cap John Cominsky - Saves $5.1M; $1.2M Dead Cap (Brought back on a 1 year $1.75M Deal) = $2.15M savings Levi Onwuzurike - Saves $1.77M; $821k Dead Cap) RESTRUCTURES Taylor Decker - Saves $6.2M Frank Ragnow - Saves $4.58M Cam Sutton - Saves $6.96M TOTAL SAVINGS = $32.61M ($7M Dead Cap) 2024 CAP SPACE*: $86,235,432 *Before JG Extension, not including UFA/re-signing moves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detfan782004 Posted January 29 Share Posted January 29 1 minute ago, Karnage84 said: KEY CUTS Tracy Walker - Saves $8M; $4.8M Dead Cap John Cominsky - Saves $5.1M; $1.2M Dead Cap (Brought back on a 1 year $1.75M Deal) = $2.15M savings Levi Onwuzurike - Saves $1.77M; $821k Dead Cap) RESTRUCTURES Taylor Decker - Saves $6.2M Frank Ragnow - Saves $4.58M Cam Sutton - Saves $6.96M TOTAL SAVINGS = $32.61M ($7M Dead Cap) 2024 CAP SPACE*: $86,235,432 *Before JG Extension, not including UFA/re-signing moves Sutton has not looked good. Why not cut him vs restructure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idoubtit Posted January 29 Share Posted January 29 1 hour ago, Karnage84 said: KEY CUTS Tracy Walker - Saves $8M; $4.8M Dead Cap John Cominsky - Saves $5.1M; $1.2M Dead Cap (Brought back on a 1 year $1.75M Deal) = $2.15M savings Levi Onwuzurike - Saves $1.77M; $821k Dead Cap) RESTRUCTURES Taylor Decker - Saves $6.2M Frank Ragnow - Saves $4.58M Cam Sutton - Saves $6.96M TOTAL SAVINGS = $32.61M ($7M Dead Cap) 2024 CAP SPACE*: $86,235,432 *Before JG Extension, not including UFA/re-signing moves I'd like to see us tear up Walker's contract and resign him. We do have some leverage because he isn't going to get what his current contract gives him. I think there is a real possibility of us re-signing him for a contract that will give us the same cap savings as just cutting him, ala, Vaitai last year. Not sure it is really worth cutting Levi. He's probably worth what he is getting and nothing more. His replacement would probably be worse. The Sutton contract hurts so restructuring is probably the way to go. Just sad that we are stuck with his contract. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karnage84 Posted January 29 Author Share Posted January 29 1 hour ago, detfan782004 said: Sutton has not looked good. Why not cut him vs restructure Because we'd eat anywhere between $11M - $15M in dead cap. If he restructures his deal like Okwara and Harris did, then you've got a player at a level that you're paying more in line with their contribution while not having to fill another hole. Sutton can be a pretty good CB2 with more help on the DL and with a more competent partner across from him. He's also a veteran guy who likely brings something extra to the locker room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detfan782004 Posted January 29 Share Posted January 29 3 minutes ago, Karnage84 said: Because we'd eat anywhere between $11M - $15M in dead cap. If he restructures his deal like Okwara and Harris did, then you've got a player at a level that you're paying more in line with their contribution while not having to fill another hole. Sutton can be a pretty good CB2 with more help on the DL and with a more competent partner across from him. He's also a veteran guy who likely brings something extra to the locker room. That's why I asked. So restructure is right move 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detfan782004 Posted January 30 Share Posted January 30 9 hours ago, Karnage84 said: KEY CUTS Tracy Walker - Saves $8M; $4.8M Dead Cap John Cominsky - Saves $5.1M; $1.2M Dead Cap (Brought back on a 1 year $1.75M Deal) = $2.15M savings Levi Onwuzurike - Saves $1.77M; $821k Dead Cap) RESTRUCTURES Taylor Decker - Saves $6.2M Frank Ragnow - Saves $4.58M Cam Sutton - Saves $6.96M TOTAL SAVINGS = $32.61M ($7M Dead Cap) 2024 CAP SPACE*: $86,235,432 *Before JG Extension, not including UFA/re-signing moves And after JG extension ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diehardlionfan Posted January 30 Share Posted January 30 9 hours ago, Karnage84 said: KEY CUTS Tracy Walker - Saves $8M; $4.8M Dead Cap John Cominsky - Saves $5.1M; $1.2M Dead Cap (Brought back on a 1 year $1.75M Deal) = $2.15M savings Levi Onwuzurike - Saves $1.77M; $821k Dead Cap) RESTRUCTURES Taylor Decker - Saves $6.2M Frank Ragnow - Saves $4.58M Cam Sutton - Saves $6.96M TOTAL SAVINGS = $32.61M ($7M Dead Cap) 2024 CAP SPACE*: $86,235,432 *Before JG Extension, not including UFA/re-signing moves I like the Sutton restructure. If they could find a true number 1 corner it bumps Sutton down the depth chart and the restructure more accurately reflects his contributions. He was certainly exposed at times in the number 1 role. Though some pressure at key times from the line would’ve helped him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detfan782004 Posted January 30 Share Posted January 30 5 minutes ago, diehardlionfan said: I like the Sutton restructure. If they could find a true number 1 corner it bumps Sutton down the depth chart and the restructure more accurately reflects his contributions. He was certainly exposed at times in the number 1 role. Though some pressure at key times from the line would’ve helped him. Yes pass rush is a must. If you aren't getting it from the line the DC needs to be creative and send pressure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idoubtit Posted January 30 Share Posted January 30 We've got to find someone who can deal with big WRs. We couldn't do anything against Lamb, JJ, Evans, or Samuel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karnage84 Posted January 30 Author Share Posted January 30 11 hours ago, detfan782004 said: And after JG extension ?? It'd only add $6M to the cap hit, so around $80M to play with. They're going to keep between $10-$15M in reserve for free agents in-season; $10M+/- for the draft class. NEW CONTRACTS St Brown - He's probably going to get a 4 year x $100M deal. He's making $1.25M this year (cap hit anyway). Looking ahead, we could arguably do either his deal (or Sewell's) this year as well. Sewell: Decker's going to roll off in 2026 opening up about $15M (there's a dead cap hit of $3.9M on Decker that year). It would be a good time to replace Decker's deal with Sewell's Hutchinson: He's a UFA in 2026 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.