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Zach Links
2:05
Hey everybody!  Welcome to our subscriber-only PFR Chat.  Looking forward to tackling as many Qs as possible with y'all.

It's the calm before the storm, so we've got lots to talk about.  And, with free agency and loooong hours to come, we could use some reccos for energy drinks.  Ideally, we're looking for ones that are extra tasty and xtreme
Andrew Ortenberg
2:08
bloomingunin asks "Any chance the Giants have the cap space to bring back Williams and sign a receiver?"
2:09
Andrew: The Giants freed up around $8MM in cap space by cutting Golden Tate and David Mayo earlier this week. They now have between $7-8MM free, when obviously they'll need more just to bring back Williams, either through the franchise tag or on a new deal. If they're going to bring back Williams and make a splash with a receiver, they'll need to make at least several more moves to free up space.

If they cut tackle Nate Solder with a post-June 1 designation they'll free up another $10MM, and they can clear an additional $3MM just by cutting reserve tight end Levine Toilolo. Those are the two obvious ones, and if they make a couple more they should be able to bring back Williams and get a quality wideout (although possibly not an elite one).
2:11
Pablos Pie Holder asks "Do you see the seahwaks targetting any major free agents other than their primary need e.g. pass rush, pass rush and erm pass rush? Thanks, PPH"
2:16
Andrew: As you alluded to, the Seahawks need help on the defensive front, but they need help on both sides of the trenches. Obviously Russell Wilson has made his displeasure with the offensive line clear, and with J.J. Watt going to the Cardinals every team in the NFC West will have an imposing pass-rush.

As such, I'd expect Seattle to go after an interior O-lineman in what is a pretty strong free agent class. If they free up some cap space with restructures, they could decide to take a big swing in order to patch things up with Wilson. Big names like guard Joe Thuney from the Patriots and center Corey Linsley from the Packers are set to be available. One big way to stop all the speculation about Wilson would be to throw a big contract at one of those guys. Incumbent center Ethan Pocic is set to be a free agent, and I could also see the Seahawks going after someone like Austin Blythe of the Rams to man the pivot for them as a cheaper option if they don't want to pay up for one of the stars.
Zach Links
2:17
Deshaun W. asks "Hi Zach-I have put my Houston house on the market. Where should I be telling my real estate agent to look for my new home?  What will the Texans receive once I am traded? 3 first round picks ?"
2:18
Hey Deshaun! Has anyone ever told you that you have a great name for a quarterback?

You can let your realtor know that there are, oh, about 31 destinations that would love to have you. I didn’t really think that South Beach was going to be a possibility with Tua Tagovailoa there, but it’s all starting to sound pretty legit. To me, it’s a pretty plum place to be, between the beaches and the talent that’s already on the roster. 

For the Texans, they’d probably net Tua and the Nos. 3 and 18 picks, at minimum.  They could even eek out a future first.  Then, they could go BPA at No. 3, or take their next QB and flip Tua somewhere else.  The Texans would love to keep you, but it doesn’t sound like that’s happening.  Frankly, this ain’t a bad consolation prize.
Tui
2:20
Insight into Raiders QB movement this offseason? How many more years does Gruden have before Davis cuts his losses?
Andrew Ortenberg
2:21
Andrew: GM Mike Mayock just said this week the team "couldn't be happier" with Derek Carr, and his feelings appear to be genuine. The more likely option at this point seems to be that the Raiders trade Marcus Mariota, not Carr. If a needy team trades for Mariota, Las Vegas likely couldn't expect anything better than a mid-round pick. As for Gruden, he's not going anywhere anytime soon. He just coaxed a huge year out of Carr, and can reasonably blame last year's struggles on the defense and not his offense. Mark Davis' attention is still on the move to Las Vegas, and since the team still hasn't played any games in front of fans at their new stadium, I don't think he's worrying about Gruden right now.
Raider Nation
2:21
Should the Raiders bring back Right Tackle Trent Brown or Cut their Losses?  I think he’s scheduled to make $20M~ but only played in 1 game last year?
Zach Links
2:25
It’s 16 total games across two Raiders seasons for Brown. Not ideal.  Between the calf injury and multiple COVID list stints (thankfully, seems to be OK now), I think the Raiders have to lose him in order to reboot things this offseason.  

They’ll save $14MM by moving on from him. That’s money that could be better spent elsewhere, rather than investing in a right tackle that they’re just not too sure about. His contract ($66 million, $36.75 million guaranteed) won’t be easy to move, but a restructure could solve that, if he’s willing.  Like  Mayock said…

"If Trent is in shape and stays committed, there's not a better right tackle out there.”
LetGoOfMyLeg
2:29
I personally think Carson Wentz tanked to leave the Eagles, Do you think Deshaun Watson would do the same in lieu of spending millions on fines?  Just be 'hard to coach' throw a few pick's - you get benched and traded.
Zach Links
2:29
Personally, I don't agree with the notion of Wentz tanking.  Was he upset? At odds with just about everyone in Philly?  Yes and Yes. But I don't think he made a conscious decision to turn in those performances. I also don't buy that he's washed up or just a product of the system.  We'll find out soon enough.

I think Watson has enough coin to eat millions in fines.  And I think he might be willing to do it to get his way.  Jalen Ramsey says he's serious.  I think he's serious.  Refusing to meet with his new head coach or GM for weeks — that's as serious as it gets.  It's not a matter of if, it's when the Texans will buckle and move him. At least, that's my read right now.
Dan
2:36
Can’t wait for Joe Burrow to be back under center!  What are the Bengals going to do to protect him?  Who do you see them drafting at #5?
Andrew Ortenberg
2:37
The Bengals should be bold in upgrading Burrow's protection this offseason. They've been connected to Oregon tackle Penei Sewell all offseason, and I think if he's there at five they definitely pull the trigger. There's a real chance the Falcons take Sewell at four though, which would put Cincy in an interesting spot. There would be some temptation to take a flashy weapon like Kyle Pitts, but I think just based on optics alone they'd need to take fellow tackle Rashawn Slater from Northwestern. Slater still has the potential to be an elite starter in the league. 

It'd be interesting to see if the Bengals looked to trade down a few spots if Sewell gets taken, and still take Slater a couple of picks later, but that'd be risky. They could also go after one of the big names along the interior like the Patriots' Joe Thuney in free agency. Whatever they do I think they need to go big, in order to send the message that they're protecting Burrow at all costs. Middle-tier free agency signings won't cut it.
bloomingunin
2:39
What are the Bears going to do at quarterback?
Zach Links
2:39
Nagy says he wants “leadership” “decision-making” and “versatility...with your legs” as a bonus. How specific. 

I think all signs are pointing to something big, if there is a change to be made at all.  Does Free Agency give them the chance to get a clear-cut and worthwhile upgrade over Nick Foles?    I don't think anyone would be too excited about Jameis Winston or a cup of coffee with Ryan Fitzpatrick.  Cam Newton, maybe?  It’d be gutsy, but the potential is obviously there if he’s healthy and they can backstop him with something worthwhile. 

We were all surprised when Russell Wilson put the Bears on his shortlist.  I say — do it. If I’m Ryan Pace, I know I’m on the hotseat, and I make the Godfather offer to Seattle.
sgrossman
2:43
What would be the WFT's smartest move on QB? What is the most likely?
Andrew Ortenberg
2:47
Washington is in an interesting spot. They've got the defense to compete for a Super Bowl, but Kyle Allen and Taylor Heinicke aren't cutting it under center. They aren't picking high enough (19th) to draft one of this year's top passers. The veterans on the trade market (besides potentially Deshaun Watson), and those available in free agency, aren't overly appealing.

As such, I think their smartest move might be to trade up into the top ten to get their guy. The defense is still so young that there's no need to panic rush into a middling veteran, and they should be focused on finding a signal-caller for the next decade. Ron Rivera has already done such a tremendous job overhauling the culture, now it's time for him to put his stamp on the team and find the next franchise quarterback. Plenty of teams picking early will be willing to move down.
Zach Links
2:47
Andrew — you're the GM of the Chargers  (also, I'm thrilled to be the one to share the big news with you).  What're your top priorities?
Andrew Ortenberg
2:55
Wow, it's a dream come true!

The Chargers are in a dream spot for a GM. They've got a young stud at quarterback, some solid weapons, and plenty of talent on defense. The offensive line needs some work, and three full-time starters from last year (Sam Tevi, Dan Feeney, and Forrest Lamp) are set to be free agents. They should completely revamp the unit. 

Actual GM Tom Telesco isn't usually the biggest spender in free agency, but he's gotten a little more aggressive the past couple of years. I think he'll make a splash here, just like he did last offseason by signing right tackle Bryan Bulaga. Whether that's Thuney or someone like Washington's Brandon Scherff, I'd pull the trigger to finally solve the O-line issues once and for all. 

As for the draft, I think they need to take a cornerback of the future. They've got talent in the secondary, but both Casey Hayward and Chris Harris Jr. will be 32 by the time next season rolls around.
They need to plan ahead there and get some youth to pair with safety Derwin James. They could also really use a consistent third receiver, because as great as Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are, it's been pretty much only UDFAs and practice squad guys behind them. That'd be where I'd focus my attention.
Zach Links
2:56
Like that it starts with the O-Line.  No wonder they picked you.  I'm sure Tom Telesco will understand and land on his feet
Andrew Ortenberg
3:00
He'll be fine
Zach Links
3:00
Thank you to everyone for joining us!  Between the QB carousel and the reduced cap, this is shaping up to be the craziest offseason yet, and we're looking forward to the wild ride ahead.  See y'all on the site!
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