Yes. The defense is going to have to lose assets in order to retool the roster.
JFM and Mosely are probably the top two I can think of.
DJ Reed, who also restructured his deal to include 3 seasons of void years, has a $15million cap number next season. MC2 might get to play on the outside next season.
We're getting some relief from Lawson's deal expiring, but not enough. We'll once again have to replace most of our safeties. Huff would be nice to have back but I don't see how he can be a priority at this point.
We need 2 OTs, 1 OG, a #2WR, and a more experienced slot receiver to fill out the offense.
I think we can probably land 1 OLine and 1 WR in both FA and the draft if we're smart. If we do what I think we're going to do then JD is going to sacrifice a premium pick for Davonte Adams, sign an injury prone veteran, and call the WR position solved.
I agree that something(s) on the defense needs to go to open up help for the offense and the defensive line has to be it. Looks like they have 5 of the main DL rotation under contract for 2024 (Jefferson voids this offseason, maybe they can get him back). Maybe do something with JFM? He is good, but making a lot of money. Would be nice if we could just eat a little of his contract and trade him somewhere. It would leave a hole in the DL, but sacrifices need to be made.
Douglas should approach Laken Tomlinson and re-do his contract or cut him. He will be the 5th highest paid LG in the league next year. They need to get his salary down or we cut him. That wouldn't be an empty threat either. Around $8 million would be what a top 8-10 left guard gets in the league. That's what we'd save by cutting him.
I don't think they'd risk losing DJ Reed. He would be the 12th highest paid corner in 2024 and I'd argue he's that good. I think they'll either get him a new deal or leave it where it is.
Mosley is still good, but he's getting older. I wouldn't be surprised if they re-do his deal to keep him here but get his cap # down for 2024. I think they should do all they can to keep him. I think he can keep playing at a high level for a few more years.
Cutting Uzomah will free up $5 mil.
I like Conklin, but I wouldn't care if they let him go or kept him. He's overpaid but I don't know if that's because our QB play sucks and there's no one to get him the ball. At least he doesn't freak up that much with drops and penalties and he seems like a likeable guy, not that it matters.
As much as it hurts to say, signing Huff to a new deal will make improving the offense harder. I think the plan is to let him walk and let WMD replace him. Saves money and gets a starting role for the 1st rounder Douglas picked. Huff is going to get a boatload of cash somewhere.