Aren't we likely to cut Thuney this offseason? If Smith and Thuney exit, what's the backup plan?

Right.

With players like this who do have semi-big holes in their game, I think you take the Belichickian path of offering them what is a fair contract relative to their skill set, and if they can get a lot more money elsewhere, you wish them well in their future endeavors.

But you only pay premiums for guys who do not have holes in their game. McDuffie being the prime example upcoming. Everyone else, make a fair offer and let the chips fall where they may. This isn't an easy place to leave for players even when there's a raise waiting elsewhere. A lot of guys are gonna come crawling back within 2-3 years.

I'd also pay a premium for outside free agents who are elite talents while finding the next Trey Smith, Nick Bolton, etc through the draft.

I agree with everything except the Trey part. It truly does depend on the cost.

But I can't pay a guy $20m + to play guard and then have games like last Sunday where he is hindering the offense as a pass blocker.

A play here or there, like Joe Thuney has been for four years, fine. Take the money. But a whole game of ass? No way. Use that on another player.

I'd rather bring Bolton back than Smith. And again - I don't want EITHER of them at their likely price point.

He's just a questionable fit here.

I'd let Trey walk and sign Bolton. Easy choice.

Yeah I think Bolton is gonna stay mostly bc of Spags. I just pray to God the contract set up is worth it.

I think at worst Andy could snag a starting caliber RG in rd 2 if he really feels he needs to. But I do think Wanya or Nourzad could play there next year. Just can’t pay Trey.

They need to keep Hollywood too IMO. It’s beneficial to him and he wasn’t paid that much anyway. Really need to keep one of Omenihu/Uche as well

This. If Bolton was playing lights out like he was, it would be different.

Yeah, Bolton is a really good player, I dunno what the issue with keeping him is.

I'd also not be interested in keeping Karlaftis, especially after I trade for Parsons this offseason.

For about 6 weeks, he was.

I'll say this, we have possibly the best run defense in football. And his strength is playing the run. Don't you think he has a LOT to do with that?

And more teams seems willing to try to beat you on the ground than in previous years.

If I had to keep one, Bolton would be the one I keep, no question. I just think I'd rather that money be spent elsewhere at this point. Because without a strong complementary pass rush, teams just aren't going to bother trying to run the football against us. They'll beat us to death in the air.

6 of 1 half dozen of the other.

When we were shit vs the run, we longed for a good run d.

I think it's easier to build a good run d though for cheaper, but shit I dunno.

I'd say Bolton's Value to this team out weighs Treys. Treys not a perfect fit but will be somewhere more committed to the run. Bolton while a good player has made a lot of his hay on run blitz this year. Leo has been a big part of his success too. I think Tranquil could take over without issue. I like the idea of bringing Willie back in that scenario. Don't pay impact money to non impact positions. Use that money in FA.

If the choice came down between giving Bolton or McDuffie a second contract, what would y’all decide?

McDuffie and it isn't really close. I'd take McD over Trey and Bolton if that was the option.

We might need Trey more than we want to admit.