2025 Free Agency

[purplefaithful]

Dan Graziano at ESPN just did an article on free agency. Of note;

- predicts Darnold to land a 3-year, 120 million dollar contract with 75 million guaranteed. Thinks franchise tagging to trade him will be difficult because another team is likely to offer him more.

- predicts Trey Smith to land a 5-year, 105 million dollar contract with 65 million guaranteed. That deal would tie him for first amongst average guard salaries.

I think he's right...

[JimmyinSD]

Dan Graziano at ESPN just did an article on free agency. Of note;

- predicts Darnold to land a 3-year, 120 million dollar contract with 75 million guaranteed. Thinks franchise tagging to trade him will be difficult because another team is likely to offer him more.

- predicts Trey Smith to land a 5-year, 105 million dollar contract with 65 million guaranteed. That deal would tie him for first amongst average guard salaries.

I do that deal if I am KAM.  In a blink.  26 year old,  played in big games,  never missed a start.  Yep!

[Canthony]

I do that deal if I am KAM.  In a blink.  26 year old,  played in big games,  never missed a start.  Yep!

20 Mil a year? That is steep. I mean its on par with what we paid Hutchingson with the poison pill trade. In the sense of percentage of cap space used that is. I think we could get just as much production for a little less in FA IMO.

[MaroonBells]

20 Mil a year? That is steep. I mean its on par with what we paid Hutchingson with the poison pill trade. In the sense of percentage of cap space used that is. I think we could get just as much production for a little less in FA IMO.

You hate to spend that kind of money on a freaking guard, but I think the Vikings have to be in on him. You just don't know if you might miss on a couple of the others. That said, if we can get two IOLs for the price of Smith I might prefer to do that. 

And don't forget the Vikings are already paying Darrisaw and O'Neill big money. I'm not sure a big, long-term contract makes a lot of sense at guard. Also, I think there is a pretty sizable distance between what would be recognized as an "upgrade" and the kind of money we're going to have to pay Smith.

[Canthony]

You hate to spend that kind of money on a freaking guard, but I think the Vikings have to be in on him. You just don't know if you might miss on a couple of the others. That said, if we can get two IOLs for the price of Smith I might prefer to do that. 

And don't forget the Vikings are already paying Darrisaw and O'Neill big money. I'm not sure a big, long-term contract makes a lot of sense at guard. Also, I think there is a pretty sizable distance between what would be recognized as an "upgrade" and the kind of money we're going to have to pay Smith.

I agree, and I also believe that there are some G's this year coming out of the draft that could start week 1. I know you have to be in on Smith, but that is a load of money for that position. We have to come away with one G in FA. That is a must. Who you spend the money on is the story. 

I want to go all in on Fries. Off an injury that shouldn't hinder him long term. Broken leg is much different than an ACL or ligament injury for that position. His height at 6'6 is a bit taller than I would like, but with that injury I think we should focus on him in FA.

[MaroonBells]

I agree, and I also believe that there are some G's this year coming out of the draft that could start week 1. I know you have to be in on Smith, but that is a load of money for that position. We have to come away with one G in FA. That is a must. Who you spend the money on is the story. 

I want to go all in on Fries. Off an injury that shouldn't hinder him long term. Broken leg is much different than an ACL or ligament injury for that position. His height at 6'6 is a bit taller than I would like, but with that injury I think we should focus on him in FA.

I think I'd prefer Fries too. He actually grades better than Smith.  The Colts have plenty of cap space and I've read that Fries is a guy they want to keep. BUT.... the Colts have $20M/year Quenton Nelson on the other side and Ryan Kelly at center, who is also a free agent. They may have to decide between Kelly and Fries.

[Canthony]

I think I'd prefer Fries too. He actually grades better than Smith.  The Colts have plenty of cap space and I've read that Fries is a guy they want to keep. BUT.... the Colts have $20M/year Quenton Nelson on the other side and Ryan Kelly at center, who is also a free agent. They may have to decide between Kelly and Fries.

I would be in on either Fries or Kelly. For some reason I think they will keep Kelly if it came down to those two.

[MaroonBells]

A little surprised Spotrac is estimating Bynum at a higher salary than Holland, but their numbers and grades are remarkably similar. 

[Canthony]

A little surprised Spotrac is estimating Bynum at a higher salary than Holland, but their numbers and grades are remarkably similar. 

If I were to pay that money, I would rather pay it to Holland. THe issue is there, it would be easier to obtain Bynum being that he played for us. There is no guarantee that Holland would want to play here. WIth that said, Flores did draft Holland. So, I will assume that we would sign Holland if there was mutual interest.

[MaroonBells]

If I were to pay that money, I would rather pay it to Holland. THe issue is there, it would be easier to obtain Bynum being that he played for us. There is no guarantee that Holland would want to play here. WIth that said, Flores did draft Holland. So, I will assume that we would sign Holland if there was mutual interest.

There's also the culture issue. I know nothing about Holland's character, but I know Bynum is popular in the community and locker room. Now, if there were a big difference in talent, that might not factor in, but their numbers are remarkably similar. Bynum is better in coverage, but Holland is a better blitzer. Holland is also a good year and a half younger. That might actually be the most significant factor.