Since we have a post already for Shaun, I thought it was only right to create one for our other key free agents, and that way we can segment the conversation by guy/position.
I think Rocky is our most likely free agent to lose, seeing as folks will pay big $$$ for a guy who racked up 12.5 sacks, but the Seahawks won't, since we need to sign Hutch and Shaun and some others.
What do you think?
I agree alba, I really, really like what Rocky brings to this team and will hate to see him go, but it just isn't realistic to expect to sign everyone.
ReplyDeleteRocky has played one really good season, last year, otherwise has dealt with a lot of injury problems.
He was also used almost exclusively, as a third down pass rush specialist, especially early on this season.
The Seahawks have two DT"s under contract who are both very good, Darby and Tubbs, and they have a decent fill in.
I just see this as the area where we can save a little cash, without losing much productivity.
ughhh I really dont wanna say this but:
ReplyDelete8.5 sacks*
erm, anyways, im afraid we screamed 'YO ADRIANNE' for the last time...
if he comes back, its because he likes us...this one, IMO all depends on whether or not he makes it to free agency...
and no more Rocky Shuffle!...sad, but after seeing a guy ive liked since he came here go (Ken Lucas), im a rock(y)
then again, a big man playing DT shaking his Balboas shouldnt be missed...
I agree with this one. I do believe that he will go for the money that will be offered from another team and we won't be able to entice him.
ReplyDeletePosted by Opaco
Well, thanks to the Titans, the bar has now been set for good old Rocky:
ReplyDeletehttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2332721
Posted by alba
Rocky will be back based on if he is willing to take a significant pay cut to be a back up and get a chance to duplicate those numbers. I think Rocky's nmbers are due to the lines rotation and not because Bernard is just a total beast. Either way Bernard is a terrific player but he will not be in Seahawks uniform next year. His payday is somewhere else.
ReplyDeletePosted by meezy
I agree with the general consensus here. What I haven't settled on though is, given that he walks how should Seattle look to replace what he brings?
ReplyDeleteSeattle could potentially draft his production against the run, where he was a little more pedestrian. However, it's much harder to draft a pass rush, particularly at tackle. The chemistry in the pass rush was what made this defense so potent. The front four were all so inter-dependent, opening things up for one another. Take one (important) piece away and suddenly we're back where we were in 04-05; unable to pressure without blitzing.
Even if Bernard goes elsewhere and plays down to his career numbers we could still look back on a decision to let him walk with regret. He fits the defense to a "T" and appears to finally be getting it. On the other hand, it's a business no-brainer that you let him walk. He played himself out of "3rd down specialist" money. But, Bernard's 05-06 looks like a classic "contract year" blip. We also don't know if there will be lingering effects from his hamstring injury in the Super Bowl. Tough call, but you have to let the market set his value, and right now the market probably values him more than Seattle does.
Posted by dave crockett
I for one actually think he wont be that hard to replace. Not only is it reasonable to expect an increase in the play of a guys like Tubbs and Leroy, who we will be playing for a full year now, but I think his sacks are a product of just in general having several of the seahawks putting pressure all the time. Opposing o-lines were busy trying to protect against leroy, lofa and fischer that rocky was able to get in there often. Thats why this year he was so much better then in the past. The seahawks should be able to find a guy similar to rocky that can put pressure on qb's but can't do it alone for a cheaper price then Rocky will command on the FA market.
ReplyDeletePosted by gumbostu
Said it before and I'll say it again, he's the most likely recipient of the Franny tag.
ReplyDeleteHutch will most likey sign, and the Hawks will most likely be willing to pony up whatever it takes. He's going to be spendy, but I doubt he'll be asking for more than he's worth.
Franchise tag goes to Rocky.
Posted by Vinny
I hope not Vin, I see no reason at all to pay top 5 DLine oney to a guy, who is a backup third down pass rush specialist, with exactly one good healthy year in the pros.
ReplyDeleteAgain I like the guy, but he will get too much to keep him, and the tag would pay him more than he is worth. He is CERTAINLY not a top 5 DLineman, and he should NOT be payed like he is.
Guess we disagree, I don't think he can be replaced in FA or the Draft.
ReplyDeletePosted by Vin
interesting, i agree with you both
ReplyDeleteI dont think he is easily replaceable (hes like a DT for 3-4 defenses...pushes the oline backwards so the QB cant step forward with a great throw)...
However I agree with monkey that I dont want to spend top 5 money for a 3rd string guy (actually he started for awhile there...)...that would also give Fisher, Darby, and Tubbs the right to ask for top 3 money whenver their contracts expire!
Posted by adp
there is no requirement for the seahawks to use the franny tag on anyone, especially if it would lead to overpaying them.
ReplyDeleteit made sense to frachise Shaun last season, as we needed another year to negotiate with him, and $6M was reasonable for his services.
Rocky definitely does not deserve Franny money, and if Hutch and his agent play hardball, he may not get it either.
I hope he signs without being franchised, as I would hate to see him start missing mini- and training-camps, ala Walter Jones.
(shit, these threads are getting all cross posted now!)
Posted by alba
LOL, saw that coming. ;)
ReplyDeleteI beleive I started that, sorry. 8)
Posted by Vin