Coaches I will wait and see through the season but I am not impressed at all by our run D or by McCoy’s play-calling.
We have 9 guys age 30 and over. We need to be building youth on this team to last a long time for the Rosen era. They need to be kept around this year only if they provide value as mentors and locker room leaders and examples. A few outstanding vet leaders spread around to show how it’s done on and for the field.
Dawson- 43, old and missing kicks and expensive and not teaching anybody up. Currently OUR TENTH HIGHEST PAID PLAYER. What’s the point? He’s not under contract next year anyway.
Andy Lee- 36, still seems to have it, but is a $2.4 million punter. If you can find a kid with serious potential for cheaper, I’d definitely think about it. Edit: only $1 million cap savings and $1 million dead, so he likely stays. I’m cool with that.
Fitz- 35, still is Fitz and I’d keep him around to set the tone on offense as THE old man Cardinal. Show how to be a pro, take care of your body, represent in the community and NFL, handle media, be a man, and perform on the field. Year to year contracts unless completely unreasonable.
Bethea, 34, mentor Baker and young DBs this year but 8th highest paid player next year? No. Cut and save $4+ million to use next year on younger guys.
A Smith and Mike Iupati, both 31. Both need to show their value or be cut next year. Olinemen can play a while in the NFL, but they are $4 million and $3.7 million savings respectively next year. If we can go younger and better, put that money towards young guys who can gel for a long run with Rosen. Edit: I don’t think there are any cap savings cutting Iupati...he may stay either way.
Bradford, 30. Goodbye. Inactive all season saves us $4 million, the $15 million is a sunk cost unless we find a trade partner. Give him away if they will take salary. Expensive mentor otherwise. $20 million cap savings next year buys us some nice parts!
C Peters, 30, still seems ok. Not critical to replace...draft a young kid behind him. $3 million cap savings if cut next year, however.
Gresham, 30, horrible contract but due to dead cap stuck with him this year. Next year there is no way he should be our fifth highest paid guy. Cut and save almost $5 million.
Younger guys I’ll be watching for cuts are Buc and Nelson. Reddick needs more time to decide. Nkemdiche and WR Williams...actually showing potential??