Tag: 2020 offseason

Falcons 2020 roster breakdown: Wide receiver and tight end

At tight end, the Falcons could also use another player to team with Austin Hooper — assuming they re-sign him that is.

The Atlanta Falcons have a talented group of wide receivers and got good production out of the position in 2019. There isn’t much missing, but finding a replacement for slot receiver Mohamed Sanu wouldn’t hurt. At tight end, the Falcons could also use another player to team with Austin Hooper — assuming they re-sign him that is.

2019 Depth Chart and Results

WR Julio Jones

99 catches for 1,394 yards and 6 touchdowns; 2 carries for a loss of 3 yards

WR Calvin Ridley

63 catches for 866 yards and 7 touchdowns; 2 carries for 34 yards

WR Mohamed Sanu

33 catches for 313 yards and 1 touchdown; 2 carries for 3 yards; 1 punt return for 2 yards

Traded to the New England Patriots at the deadline

WR Russell Gage

49 catches for 446 yards and 1 touchdown; 4 carries for 12 yards; 1 punt return for a loss of 6 yards

WR Justin Hardy

19 catches for 195 yards

WR Olamide Zaccheaus

3 catches for 115 yards and 1 touchdown

WR Christian Blake

9 catches for 91 yards

WR Brandon Powell

Zero snaps played

TE Austin Hooper

75 catches for 787 yards and 6 touchdowns

TE Luke Stocker

8 catches for 53 yards

TE Jaeden Graham

9 catches for 149 yards and 1 touchdown

TE Carson Meier

Zero snaps played

Current 2020 Contracts

WR Julio Jones

4 years at $20.13 average

WR Calvin Ridley

2 years at $3.22 million average with an option year after

WR Russell Gage

2 years at $744,049 average

WR Olamide Zaccheaus

2 years at $631,666.67 average

WR Brandon Powell

1 year at $660,000

WR Christian Blake

1 year at $585,000

WR Devin Gray

2 years at $555,000 average

TE Luke Stocker

1 year at $3.35 million

TE Jaeden Graham

1 year at $585,000

TE Carson Meier

2 years at $555,000 average

Pending Free Agents and What Happens

WR Justin Hardy

Unless he takes a minimum deal, the Falcons shouldn’t even bring Justin Hardy back to camp. He’s been very disappointing as a wide receiver and just average as a special teams player. If he comes back, he will be in a fight to keep his job. Atlanta would be smart to go after some undrafted free agents or let Christian Blake or Olamide Zaccheaus take his role in 2020.

TE Austin Hooper

Austin Hooper’s base market value is around $10 million on average per season. The Falcons need to keep their franchise quarterback’s favorite safety valve this offseason. Hooper has put in the work to get better every year and bringing him back on a 5-year, $55 million deal would be best for both sides. And it’d be what Hooper is worth.

Possible Cuts

TE Luke Stocker

Cutting Stocker would save around $2.6 million for the Falcons to spend on Austin Hooper. They should cut him and not even think twice about it. Jaeden Graham could potentially fill his role and the mid-round tight ends in this draft won’t be too costly. Bringing in another free agent to replace him would be a bit of a waste.

Free Agents To Consider

WR J.D. McKissic

While a larger target over the middle would be nice, bringing back J.D. McKissic to be a utility player in the offense and a return specialist would be wise. McKissic has shown that he can be an explosive player if given the right opportunity, so the team should look into bringing him into the fold once again. His speed alone would be another asset on the field.

WR Pharoh Cooper

Pharoh Cooper is more of a true return specialist, but he’s shown some talent in the slot. He’s got the ability to challenge Russell Gage as an outside receiver in three wide receiver sets as well. Atlanta has some talent to work with already, but Cooper is an established player in a similar mold that could potentially beat out someone like Christian Blake.

TE Greg Olsen

Even if the Falcons bring back Austin Hooper, bringing in someone like Greg Olsen to help mentor Hooper on how to take that next step while playing the No. 2 tight end role would make a ton of sense. He shouldn’t be more than $3 million, but he could fill in the role that Mohamed Sanu played for the Falcons in 2016 to mid-2019 as well.

TE Eric Ebron

Eric Ebron is an almost ideal No. 2 tight end for a Dirk Koetter offense. He might drop passes but his value in the red zone and on third downs would give Atlanta the right kind of player to attack those inside seams. Ebron is the former No. 10 pick from the 2014 NFL Draft, but he won’t get the same kind of money that most former top-10 picks make since he’s more of a specialized player now.

Best Fits in 2020 Draft

WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan

As somewhat of a poor-man’s Roddy White, Donovan Peoples-Jones had a strong college career for the Michigan Wolverines. He was a possession target over the middle of the field, but more than that, he was yet another solid red zone option for the Wolverines to use. Atlanta needs someone like him to team with the smaller receivers the team has outside of Julio Jones.

WR Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty

Antonio Gandy-Golden might remind some of Michael Jenkins with his build, but his route running and hands are much better. He’s not a first-round talent, but Jenkins shouldn’t really have been either. Gandy-Golden has the length that over the middle would be great for third and fourth downs and red zone situations.

TE Thaddeus Moss, Louisiana State

The son of Randy Moss flashes his dad’s receiving skills on the field at times, but Thaddeus is an all-around solid tight end. He’s the kind of player worth gambling on for the Falcons if they want a true No. 2 tight end for the 12-personnel that Dirk Koetter prefers to run. Using Moss or Hooper in the slot could be lethal for this offense.

Out-of-box move that Atlanta could consider

Letting Austin Hooper walk and trading a 2021 second-round pick for O.J. Howard of the Buccaneers 

While the idea of letting Austin Hooper walk is tough to swallow, if the Falcons decided that they could afford to let him go, trading a 2021 conditional second-round pick for Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard would make a ton of sense. He has the talent to be a top-five tight end in the NFL. Howard just needs the right situation to take advantage of it, and that’s not in Tampa Bay.

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Cap Cut Candidate: Should Jets move on from LB Avery Williamson?

Joe Douglas has a big decision with ILB Avery Williamson, but the pros of cutting him outweigh the pros of keeping him for 2020.

After just two seasons in New York, don’t be surprised if the Jets cut Avery Williamson. 

The inside linebacker missed all of the 2019 season after tearing his ACL in the Jets’ second preseason game on Aug. 15, and there’s a chance Joe Douglas deems Williamson’s cap hit too expensive to keep around.

The Jets signed Williamson to a three-year, $22.5 million contract before the 2018 season. He went on to lead the team with 120 tackles. He was poised to join C.J. Mosley in the middle of Gregg Williams’ defense in 2019, but the Jets never saw that plan come to fruition after Adam Gase inexplicably left Williamson in too long during a meaningless exhibition match and he missed the season with an ACL injury.

Williamson is a great player who would be a major contributor on defense next season, but his $8.5 million cap hit in 2020 ranks fifth among contracts on the Jets. The decision to keep or cut Williamson will be one of the most important choices Douglas will make this offseason, as it could open the Jets up to other free agents but also weaken their core of veterans on defense.

Pros of keeping him

The Jets felt Williamson’s absence in 2019. After he tore his ACL, they cycled through Neville Hewitt, rookie Blake Cashman and James Burgess at inside linebacker with varying degrees of success and more injuries.

Williamson made his presence felt all over the defense in 2018. Not only did he lead the team with a career-high 120 combined tackles, but he also finished with three sacks, one interception, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

Williamson has also been one of the best run defenders since he joined the league in 2014. He finished 2018 with 29 stops – 13th overall – and his 90.4 run defense grade since 2014 ranks fifth among linebackers over that span.

His veteran presence –  75 starts in 79 games since 2014– is hard to find on the open market for his price. The Jets would be looking at a similar situation to last season at the second inside linebacker spot if they don’t keep Williamson.

Cons of keeping him

There are three issues with keeping Williamson: durability, the development of Blake Cashman and his cap hit.

Williamson hadn’t missed a game in his career prior to tearing his ACL, but there’s no telling how his body and mind with come back from such a devastating injury. It’s a huge question mark for his longevity on the Jets and in the league, and something Douglas will weigh greatly before making his decision.

Williamson’s presence also halts the development of Cashman, who started five games at inside linebacker before landing on injured reserve himself. The rookie played admirably in Williamson’s position with 40 tackles, half a sack, three tackles for a loss and three quarterback hits. He was also solid in coverage compared to the other backup linebackers on the Jets. Cashman is nine pounds lighter than Williamson but the same height, four years younger and a lot cheaper. He could be the future at inside linebacker for the Jets, and $8 million cheaper.

As mentioned earlier, Williamson also comes with an $8.5 million cap hit in 2020 – fifth-most on the team. Cutting him saves Douglas roughly $6.5 million, which he could use to bolster the offensive line, secondary, pass rush or sign another wide receiver. If Douglas believes Cashman can play close to the same level as Williamson, it would make sense to move him up and save the cash for something more pressing.

Verdict

Between the cap savings and the development of Cashman, it makes a lot of sense for the Jets to cut Williamson and use the $6.5 million elsewhere. The concern over how Williamson will return from injury is real and can be mitigated by rolling with Cashman alongside Mosley, who should return to full strength after a season-long groin injury.

The Jets can backfill inside linebacker either through the draft or with a cheaper in-house or free-agent option. Williamson is a really good player who will likely continue to play at a high level somewhere else, but the Jets have far greater concerns on their roster than at inside linebacker and can’t afford to waste money.

Falcons 2020 roster breakdown: Running back

The Falcons’ running backs failed to take pressure off of Matt Ryan in 2019. If the team hopes to regain its offensive identity and win more than seven games in 2020, this issue will need to be addressed.

The Falcons’ running backs failed to take pressure off of Matt Ryan in 2019. If the team hopes to regain its offensive identity and win more than seven games in 2020, this issue will need to be addressed.

2019 Depth Chart and Results

RB Devonta Freeman

184 carries for 656 yards and 2 touchdowns; 59 catches for 410 yards and 4 touchdowns

RB Ito Smith

22 carries for 106 yards and 1 touchdown; 11 catches for 87 yards; 2 kick returns for 59 yards

RB Brian Hill

78 carries for 323 yards and 2 touchdowns; 10 catches for 69 yards and 1 touchdown

RB Kenjon Barner

4 carries for 28 yards; 6 catches for 22 yards; 17 kick returns for 406 yards; 35 punt returns for 267 yards and 1 touchdown

RB Qadree Ollison

22 carries for 50 yards and 4 touchdowns; 1 catch for 7 yards

FB Keith Smith

5 carries for 8 yards; 1 catch for 13 yards, 2 forced fumbles

Current 2020 Contracts

RB Devonta Freeman

3 years left at a $9 million average

RB Ito Smith

2 years left at an $860,219 average

RB Qadree Ollison

3 years left at a $752,891 average

RB Craig Reynolds

2 years left at a $630,000 average

Pending Free Agents: What Happens?

RB Kenjon Barner

Kenjon Barner did a good job as the kick returner and as a rotational running back in limited action for what was essentially a minimum salary. If he’s willing to come back for another minimum salary, the Falcons would be smart to bring him back on the cheap. He’d bring continuity to the return game and allow the team to have some additional running back depth.

RB Brian Hill

As a restricted free agent, Brian Hill presents a ton of value for the Falcons. They should sign him for an original round tender because should a team want to sign him away, they could replace him for a fifth-round pick more than likely. Hill is a powerful back and a talented downhill runner, but he doesn’t provide much as a pass-catcher. He is a solid pass-blocker though.

FB Keith Smith

Another guy likely to return to Atlanta in 2020 is Keith Smith. The starting fullback and special teams ace should be back for a minimum salary again. If the Falcons are smart, they’ll go ahead and sign him to a two-year deal with a minimal bonus around $100,000 to secure his services. He had two forced fumbles on special teams and really impacted games there.

Possible Cuts

RB Devonta Freeman

Cutting Devonta Freeman would save $3.5 million in cap space, and they could put that money towards his replacement or towards re-signing Austin Hooper. The Falcons have gotten some great years from Freeman, but at this point, he has lost his usage. Atlanta would be better off letting him walk or trying to trade him away for minimal compensation.

Free Agents to Consider

RB Derrick Henry

One of the best running backs in the league is Derrick Henry. If the Falcons decided that they wanted to re-invent the old 2008-2010 offense that they had with Michael Turner carrying the load and Matt Ryan relying more on play actions, Henry could be an ideal fit. The problem with Henry is that he could be looking for a deal worth over $11 million per season.

RB Peyton Barber

Barber is a more economical option that the Falcons could consider at a projected $2 million per season. He would sign a cheaper deal and could be the primary running back in Dirk Koetter’s offense once again. He’s a hard-nosed runner who could be a cheap replacement for Devonta Freeman while providing similar or better production with minimal changes to the line.

FB Derek Watt

J.J. and T.J. Watt’s brother is one of the better blocking fullbacks in the NFL. He’s also a talented special teams player who understands his role as essentially a linebacker on those plays. The Falcons could get him for around the same money that Keith Smith would get and have at minimum a lateral move from Smith.

Best Fits in 2020 NFL Draft

RB D’Andre Swift, Georgia

Georgia product D’Andre Swift has all of what the Falcons need in a running back. He’s got great vision, running ability and receiving ability. He doesn’t pass block that well just yet, but it’s not because he’s unwilling. Swift’s overall ability is that of a mid-second-round pick and would allow Atlanta to fix the running game using one of its two second-rounders.

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Louisiana State

Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a gritty, do-it-all running back in the same mold as Devonta Freeman. He’s probably better for a zone scheme than the hybrid gap and zone scheme that Dirk Koetter runs. Edwards-Helaire has talent as both a receiver and a runner. He was a leader for the national champion Louisiana State Tigers.

RB Anthony McFarland, Maryland

Raw speed is the best way to describe Maryland’s Anthony McFarland. He has low mileage and is more of a change-of-pace back, though. If the Falcons were to draft McFarland, they would be trusting the combination of Ito Smith and Brian Hill to be the primary backs in 2020. McFarland is more of a mid-round pick than anything else.

Out of box move that Atlanta could consider

Trading a mid-round pick for Tevin Coleman

Tevin Coleman is one of the better running backs to play for the Falcons in recent years. He’s got fresher legs than Devonta Freeman and wouldn’t have to worry about building chemistry with Matt Ryan, Julio Jones or the rest of the offense. Atlanta has a better scheme to take advantage of Coleman’s running style since he’s more of a gap runner.

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4 WR options for the Falcons in 2020 NFL Draft

For those of you not interested in the second rendition of Vince McMahon’s XFL, we’ve started previewing different positional options the Atlanta Falcons could consider in the 2020 NFL Draft.

As we move past the excitement of Super Bowl 54, yet are still a few weeks away from the start of the new league year, things have become eerily quiet.

For those of you not interested in the second rendition of Vince McMahon’s XFL, we’ve been previewing different positional options the Atlanta Falcons could consider in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Having already gone through running back, tight end, defensive end, defensive tackle, cornerback and guard, today we’ll look at four wide receivers that would make sense for the Falcons in the middle-to-late rounds of April’s draft.

Van Jefferson — Florida

Nov 24, 2018; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Van Jefferson (12) – Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

2019 Stats: 49 catches, 657 yards, 6 TDs, 13.4 yards per catch

Projection: Rounds 3-5

Analysis: Van Jefferson would be the perfect addition to a Falcons team looking to add depth at receiver and an immediate contributor on special teams. Jefferson checks most of the boxes in terms of his hands, route running and speed. He played for a good Florida program, and while he doesn’t have No. 1 WR potential, he brings enough to warrant consideration in the fourth or fifth round if he’s still there.

Jefferson, the Mississippi transfer, had his best season with the Gators in 2019. He finished with 49 catches, 657 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Watch Jefferson (No. 12) going up against LSU below:

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Best Saints options from the Bills

Starting Buffalo Bills guard Quinton Spain may be headed for unrestricted free agency, making him an ideal fit for the New Orleans Saints.

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With NFL free agency nearly a month away, we are going to take a look at every team’s free agents in the days ahead. We will highlight which players could be potential options for the New Orleans Saints from every other team, with today highlighting the Buffalo Bills. We will continue following the list in alphabetical order. Here’s who the Saints could target from the Bills:

  • DT Jordan Phillips
  • OLB Lorenzo Alexander
  • CB Kevin Johnson
  • DE Shaq Lawson
  • G Quinton Spain
  • RT LaAdrian Waddle
  • RB Frank Gore
  • OLB Julian Stanford
  • LB Maurice Alexander
  • FS Kurt Coleman
  • DT Corey Liuget
  • RB Senorise Perry
  • SS Dean Marlowe
  • C Spencer Long (Club Option)
  • G Isaac Asiata (RFA)
  • WR Isaiah McKenzie (RFA)
  • TE Jason Croom (ERFA)
  • CB Levi Wallace (ERFA)
  • WR Robert Foster (ERFA)

Buffalo has 19 free agents heading into the 2020 offseason. There are a couple of options that the Saints could pursue in free agency that would make sense for the club.

Again, New Orleans biggest needs lie at guard, wide receiver, linebacker, and tight end.

The first name that pops out is that of Shaq Lawson.  In 2019, Lawson recorded 6.5 sacks in 15 games, and was given a PFF grade of 68.3. Furthermore, his snap count has steadily increased each year as his role in the Bills defense has expanded culminating in a 47% snap count share this season. Buffalo has declined his fifth-year option which allows Lawson to be an unrestricted free agent. At just 25-years old, Lawson will be looking to cash in on a lucrative, long-term deal that may be a deal breaker for the Saints.

If New Orleans decides to go outside the organization for another guard, the Quinton Spain could be an option. Spain played in all 16 games in 2019, and played in 100% of offensive snaps for 15 of them. 2019 represented a down year for the interior offensive lineman, but would still represent a marked upgrade from Andrus Peat and Nick Easton.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Saints options from the Ravens

The New Orleans Saints could target pending free agents like Jimmy Smith, Michael Pierece, and Pernell McPhee from the Baltimore Ravens.

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With NFL free agency nearly a month away, we are going to take a look at every team’s free agents in the days ahead. We will highlight which players could be potential options for the New Orleans Saints from every other team, with today highlighting the Baltimore Ravens and tomorrow the Buffalo Bills. We will continue following the list in alphabetical order. Here’s who the Saints could target from the Ravens:

  • CB Jimmy Smith
  • CB Brandon Carr (team option)
  • DT Michael Pierce
  • ILB Patrick Onwuasor
  • WR Seth Roberts
  • SS Anthony Levine
  • OLB Pernell McPhee
  • DT Domata Peko
  • ILB Josh Bynes
  • SS Brynden Trawick
  • SS Jordan Richards
  • WR De’Anthony Thomas
  • DT Justin Ellis
  • WR Chris Moore
  • DT Jihad Ward
  • C Hroniss Grasu
  • OLB Matt Judon
  • RT Andre Smith
  • C Matt Skura (RFA)
  • G Parker Ehinger (ERFA)
  • RB Gus Edwards (ERFA)
  • S Fish Smithson (ERFA)
  • G Randin Crecelius (ERFA)

Baltimore has 23 free agents heading into free agency in the 2020 offseason. We will pick two options that the Saints could potentially pursue this offseason in free agency. Keep in mind that New Orleans’ biggest needs lie at guard, wide receiver, linebacker, tight end, and cornerback heading into 2020.

A name that really sticks out that could benefit the Saints in defensive tackle Michael Pierce. With the uncertainty of David Onyemata and Sheldon Rankin’s futures, Pierce would make an immediate impact. Despite low sack numbers, only half a sack in 2019, his real strength lies in his run-defense. Pierce remains one of the elite options in stopping the run game, and will command a large contract. However, if the Saints can figure out how to make the cap space work, Pierce would only improve an already potent New Orleans run defense.

A low-cost option that could provide the Saints some cover is outside linebacker Pernell McPhee. 2019 seemed promising for the 31-year old linebacker until he tore his triceps in Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks. Prior to his injury, McPhee played a large part in the Ravens defense averaging 68.5% of defensive snaps. McPhee would be a low-cost option that would fit right into New Orleans’ defensive scheme.

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4 trade candidates the Saints could pursue in 2020

The New Orleans Saints can improve by trading draft picks for veterans in 2020, targeting players like Stefon Diggs and David Njoku.

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How can the New Orleans Saints improve after another disappointing playoffs exit? They don’t have much to work with on paper as far as draft picks and salary cap accounting is concerned, but that’s typical for the Saints. Their goal every year is to maximize their resources and leave no stones unturned in search of upgrades. So expect New Orleans to again get creative during the long NFL offseason.

Trading some of those picks for players is one option they could explore. While the Saints got great production out of their first two selections in last year’s draft (Erik McCoy started every game at center, while C.J. Gardner-Johnson averaged 34 snaps per game at defensive back), every other rookie they drafted finished the year on injured reserve or on another team’s practice squad.

Swapping late-round picks for proven veterans on the outs with other teams — whether due to coaching staff upheaval or poor salary cap management — is one of the few big market inefficiencies in the NFL today, and the Saints should take advantage of it. It’s a tactic they’ve used in the past (and nearly did last year, before Robert Quinn made a poor decision to pick the Dallas Cowboys instead) and they’re set up well to do it again.

With that in mind, here are four trade candidates the Saints should call in about in the weeks ahead:

LB Christian Kirksey, Cleveland Browns

The Minnesota Vikings lost conservative play-caller Kevin Stefanski to the Browns, and he’ll be Cleveland’s new head coach. That means changes are on the way, and Stefanski doing some housecleaning could mean Kirksey gets offloaded. He’s played well for the Browns, earning a leadership role as team captain, but ended each of the last two years on injured reserve. If healthy, he could help the Saints replace two of their three projected starting linebackers, Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso, who are both recovering from season-ending injuries.

The trade: Saints acquire Kirksey in exchange for their 2020 fifth-round pick.

TE David Njoku, Cleveland Browns

This would be more of a long-term move than an instant upgrade, but the Saints should really consider it. Jared Cook is entering the final leg of his two-year contract and projects to be one of the team’s biggest playmakers in 2020, while backup tight end Josh Hill remains an integral blocker. Njoku was in Freddie Kitchens’ doghouse last year for unclear reasons, and there’s no telling whether Stefanski will have the patience to let Njoku learn another new system and develop. The Saints could bring him in as an heir-apparent to replace Cook after the 2020 season.

The trade: Saints acquire Njoku in exchange for their 2021 second-round pick and their 2020 sixth-round pick.

LG Lane Taylor, Green Bay Packers

Nick Easton is projected to start at left guard for New Orleans next season (two-time Pro Bowler Andrus Peat is headed for free agency), but Taylor would be a clear upgrade if the Saints can land him. While he was cut down by an injury just two games into the 2019 season, Taylor did start 45 games in the previous three years. The Packers have an obvious in-house replacement for him in second-year pro Elgton Jenkins, and could clear salary space by trading Taylor away. If the Saints acquired Taylor (counting a little over $4.6 million against the cap) and released Easton (freeing up about $3.8 million), it would result in a net cost of roughly $780,000.

The trade: Saints acquire Taylor in exchange for their 2020 fifth-round pick.

WR Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are one of two teams currently in the red for 2020 salary cap space, and Diggs is a logical trade candidate. The offense’s run-first approach makes him a bit redundant next to Adam Thielen as two highly-paid wideouts, and Diggs’ frustration with the coaching staff was evident last year. With Gary Kubiak taking on a larger role in conducting the Vikings offense (which means even more reliance on the running game), it’s possible Diggs lands somewhere else in 2020. And as a 26-year-old in the middle of a $72 million contract, he won’t come cheaply. Would he be a better addition for the Saints (at that cost) than a rookie first-round draft pick?

The trade: Saints acquire Diggs in exchange for their 2020 first-round pick.

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Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast, episode 140: Special guest Scott Bischoff

Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast, episode 140: “Special guest Scott Bischoff”, is now available to download and listen.

The Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast is a weekly conversation with Lions Wire’s own Erik Schlitt and his co-host Joe Kania, but with Kania getting a much deserved week off, the guys welcome in special guest Scott Bischoff.

Like in previous podcast episodes, Schlitt and Bischoff throw out the script and see where the conversation takes them.

This week, the entire hour-long conversation surrounds what the Lions could do with the No. 3 pick in the NFL draft — discussing at length the seven prospects they believe the Lions would consider at the top of the draft, and what the fall out of a trade back would look like.

Relevant Lions Wire articles discussed by Schlitt and Bischoff in this weeks episode:

Be sure to follow the Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast (@LionsBreakdown) and it’s hosts Schlitt (@Erikschlitt), Kania (@JoeKania_DLB), and Bischoff (@Bischoff_Scott) on Twitter.

The podcast is available to listen at the DetroitLionsBreakdown.com website and is also available to download and subscribe to on multiple podcast platforms, including Itunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, among others.

What items are on Joe Douglas’ offseason to-do list?

Joe Douglas has a lot to work to do in his first offseason as general manager – from fixing the o-line to find a quality pass rusher.

Let’s no sugarcoat it: This is an important offseason for the Jets. Joe Douglas will finally be able to make wide-sweeping changes in his quest to build a contender, and the right moves could signal a shift for the downtrodden franchise.

The roster needs fixing, there’s no denying it. From the offensive line to the secondary to the pass rush, the Jets need help at various positions. It is crucial for Douglas to identify and prioritize which problems need resolving first, how to solve them and then executing that plan.

Here is Jets Wire’s to-do for Douglas heading into his first offseason as the Jets’ general manager.

(Steven Ryan-Getty Images)

Decide on in-house free agents

The Jets have 32 players set to hit free agency this summer, including a couple of key 2019 contributors. Wide receiver Robby Anderson, cornerback Brian Poole, left tackle Kelvin Beachum and outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins are the four biggest names Douglas will need to decide on quickly. All four will command different contracts, but Douglas could keep them all as he begins to reconstruct the roster in his image.

Anderson is obviously the biggest name given his position, production, price and connection to Sam Darnold. Anderson said he believes the Jets want to keep him, but he also wants to test the open market. Once Douglas figures out what to do with his current free agents, he’ll understand the gaps across the roster and can plan for the rest of free agency and the draft.

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Mapping out a perfect Washington Redskins offseason in 2020

There are a number of roster decisions for the Redskins to make this offseason, but these are at the top of our list for a perfect 2020.

The pieces are starting to be put into place for the Washington Redskins to actually find some success in 2020 and the years beyond. With a core of young and dynamic players on both offense and defense, plus a new coaching staff that will offer a fresh set of eyes to what can improve around the building, there is a reality in which the Redskins find themselves competing for a playoff spot in the near future.

The Redskins are set to start out the year with just under $40 million in salary-cap space, according to Over The Cap, but that number could rise a heck of a lot higher with some tweaking. All they have to do is make the right roster decisions, and that starts this offseason. In order to help provide a path forward, we decided to map out what would be a perfect offseason, in our eyes, hoping it leads to eventual Redskins’ success.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 01: Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins embraces head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers before their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

Cutting Players:

There are a handful of players that the Redskins will likely let go ahead of free agency this year, but two big-name players come to mind for us. Josh Norman and Paul Richardson Jr.

The writing has been on the wall for Norman, as he was benched at the end of the season in order to let practice squad players get a chance in front of him. At age 32, with a significant drop in production since becoming the highest-paid CB in the NFL with the Redskins, it’s time for Washington to rid of Norman’s contract and look to the younger players. According to OTC, the Redskins would save $12.5 million by cutting him this offseason, giving them over $50 million in available space.

Likewise, Richardson has spent two seasons now trying to stay healthy enough to live up to his $40 million contract that the Redskins gave him in 2018, but failing. In 2019, Richardson was passed up by three rookie wide receivers on the depth chart, which was the icing on the cake. If the Redskins were to part ways with Richardson this offseason, they would save $6.5 million in 2020, but with some of that becoming dead money, the cap space would only rise to $52 million.

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