Free Agents, Why Not Us?

At the beginning of the week we saw the Ravens strike a deal with Alejandro Villanueva and it got me thinking. “What about us?” A couple days ago it seemed like the franchise was with me and agreed to bring in Bobby McCain and Charles Leno for meetings on Monday. I’m a big fan of bringing both of them in (especially Leno). They are both quality vets who would be an upgrade at their respective positions. Truthfully, there’s a lot of really good options still floating out there in free agency; some with some solid ties to us, some that could be long term answers, and some that could be quality vets to stand in til our young guys are ready.

Eric Fisher, OT

Fisher is a former Number 1 pick; I understand he is coming off a torn achilles, and I don’t know when he could return, but even if it’s mid season he could still help with Cosmi’s development. He could, also, potentially take over on the right side for Morgan Moses where he started his rookie year for the Chiefs. At only 30 and coming off the injury this could could be a nice bargain deal for us. The problem is, I believe he is meeting with the Dolphins and, truly, I’d rather have Leno at this point.

Tre Boston, S

I feel the past few years he’s been on our free agency radar, but we just haven’t been able to get a deal done or maybe the interest wasn’t mutual, there’s no telling, I guess. Now we have Rivera at the helm, coached him at Carolina. We are a starved franchise for competent FS play and Boston is a more than serviceable vet who is just 29 and probably wouldn’t break the bank.

Malik Hooker, S

At just 25, I believe we could get him on a nice “prove-it-deal” similar to that of Darby’s last season. With the great D-line we have he would have a chance to really showcase those flashes of playmaking ability he displayed in Indy. The main issue? INJURIES!!!! It’s scary to put faith in the guy when the best ability is availability, and he just hasn’t been that. Again, we give him the “prove-it-deal,” not just to prove that he can play, but to prove that he can stay healthy.

Trai Turner, G

I’m trying to envision a life without Scherff (Not that I want that). We are a building team and may not want to fork out the cash. Turner, at 28, may come at cost, but with the flexibility in the Flowers contract we can probably afford it. He’s been to 5 pro bowls and is a former pick of coach Rivera. If Scherff does leave maybe he can become our long term replacement.

K.J. Wright, LB

Wright is a savvy seasoned vet who was a part of some very good Seattle defenses. He would be a good leader to this locker room with the tremendous young talent we have. At 32, we could probably land him at a good price. Him, Holcomb, and Davis could be a very formidable trio behind that front 4.

Justin Houston/ Ryan Kerrigan, Edge

I think we would all rejoice at Kerrigan’s return, but he doesn’t want to be a back up, which I get. However, he’s one of the greats of our franchise and one of my personal favorite players. A real high character dude who works his tail off.

Justin Houston’s resume speaks for itself, he’s 32, and maybe we get him on a one year flyer; but who knows. He has nearly 100 sacks and nearly, though years ago, broke the single season sack record. He’s not the force that he was, but he can still get after the quarterback and would fit nice in a more situational role to rest one of our starters.

Trey Burton, TE

At 29, Burton is a guy who has shown some real flashes; there is no doubt he is talented. I just feel like he has been unfortunate with poorly timed injuries or unfortunate circumstances. He could be a great weapon in a much improved passing game. I honestly believe he could push Thomas for the TE 1 job.

Some of these guys are meeting with teams I’m sure. I don’t want us going broke on free agents, but I kind of feel like like we are entering our championship window with some of the talent on this roster. We could just be a few bold moves away from a ‘chip. I haven’t been this excited about our team in a long time and I think an infusion of a couple quality vets, a healthy season, and little luck could be just what the doctor ordered for us. Hopefully we can lock down McCain and Leno this week (fingers crossed). HTTFT!!!!!!