Bear with me for just a minute here.
At first that might seem like a shocker, but let’s look at possible changes one by one.
And in no particular order of importance...
Will Easley or Walker be a DL starter next to AD and Brockers? Or another FA? Or a draft pick? This one is definitely up in the air.
Quinn looks like a goner. His cap cost relative to declining production makes this all but certain.
Barwin looks like a strong candidate for an upgrade.
TruJo seems less than 50% likely to extend, don’t you think?
Webster’s Achilles injury will very possibly render him unable to play until midseason next year.
So, that’s 5 potential new starters on D alone next year.
What does this mean for our ‘18 D prospects? Well, I see potential for upgrades on DL, and at both OLB positions. But both outside CB positions look kinda scary. High draft pick plus another reasonably priced replacement in FA for TruJo?
Who knows? Maybe TruJo will come to his senses and sign for around $12 million or so? Would definitely reduce replacement pressure across the D.
Gonna be interesting to see how S&M (plus Wade) strategize these chess moves and start things in FA.
If they make the right moves and everybody gels together this could be an awesome D in ‘18. Wade’s D’s typically improve in their second year so there is that.
