Will a rejuvenated Rodgers fix Graham's woes though? He dropped a few perfect passes and a few others that, while not as pretty as they could have been, were nevertheless catchable.
Originally Posted by: Nonstopdrivel
That is certainly a fair question. Everybody drops perfect passes on occasion so that doesn't bother me nearly as much as it bothers some people. One has to hope his injuries, an off #12 and unfamiliarity with the QB and the system were a big part of the problem last season. If that is the case I think it is reasonable to expect improvement, perhaps significant improvement.
Whether you keep him or not, its a major concern, so why spend the money to keep him?
Originally Posted by: KRK
It's a major concern if you think he sucks but that is just one opinion. I don't share that opinion which is why I think keeping him makes more sense than cutting him and hoping you will find someone as good. You spend the money to keep him because you can't find anyone better to replace him at the amount you will save if you cut him. Now I realize that is my opinion as I have said I don't think there is anyone out here in FA who would be better. If you think they can find a better FA TE for that money (around 5 million) then fine but I have no idea who it would be. If they could sign Cook for 5 or 6 million I would be fine with letting Graham go but if you do you had better be damn sure you can get Cook for that otherwise you are screwed. I do think its a concern for the future and that's why I am really hoping they grab one of the top rookies.
I don't know if Graham is worth the money he is getting but GB will almost certainly be a weaker team without him.
Graham was #2 in receptions, targets and yards. After a look at football reference's page he is # 3 in Approximate Value behind Adams' 10 and Jones' 6. Graham had a value of 5. Williams and MVS both had 4. Cobb 3. So fine, throw Graham out. Who do you have to replace his numbers? At this point in time I don't see Kendricks or Lewis stepping up.
I am willing to say that a smart part of the issue with Graham was his broken thumb and next year will be a little better. Unless someone has a better option then by all means, toss the bugger out.
Originally Posted by: wpr
Exactly. If there is a better option I'm all for it. I'm not saying you keep him no matter what. I just don't think there is a better option available. Since they can contact and negotiate with FA a few days before that they could explore other options if there are other free agents they are interested in and still cut him by March 15th but there has to be someone they like for it to matter.
I think Graham is an average starting TE at this point (above average receiver, below average blocker). He's getting paid too much in an absolute sense, but practically it's a little different.
If GB can cut him and sign a player that is better than him for the cost (or less), of his 2019 salary minus the dead cap hit, then absolutely go for it. Otherwise, it's sort of dumb that they gave him that contract, but cutting him makes the team worse and doesn't free up much money.
Another average starting TE is probably going to cost at least $5m per year or whatever the number is, and a draft pick will probably take a year to get up to speed. So I do not see what cutting him accomplishes. There is also the chance that with another year on the team, he'll do better and/or that the new coach will use him better. At this point it's a pretty low risk to find out.
2020 is another story, I believe they can cut him with a minimal cap hit? So unless he turns around and has an awesome year I would expect him to be gone.
Originally Posted by: earthquake
You are right, the deal was pretty dumb, but it is done and we have to make the best of it. I do not see him being around in 2020 because I would hope they find a guy who can be the future this year. I don't care if it is a FA but I would prefer one of the top three rookies. Either way, unless they just find another stopgap TE for this year they won't need him next year.
I see the point of maybe keeping him. If they don’t feel they can do better, then give him one more year. But if they can improve the team by letting him go, then do it. Maybe the new scheme will open up more opportunities for Graham.
Originally Posted by: Cheesey
I agree 100%.
My ideal scenario given my opinion of the FAs available would be to keep Graham, Draft one of the top 3 rookies Roll with Graham, Rookie, Tonyan, and if you need a 4th resign Lewis
My second choice would be to cut Graham make sure to draft one of the rookies, resign Lewis and roll with Rookie, Tonyan, Lewis and if you need a 4th get a bargain basement TE so the money you save on Graham actually means something. If you are going to use the money you save by cutting him to replace him with someone who isn't any better why cut him in the first place?
I really don't have a third choice.