Okay, FA stage has run. We got our guy.
I didn't know how much to bid on a guy I
had to have. Here he is:
LB Jermaine Tanner. He's our dream date.
First... we're kinda thin at LB. Here's a firmer 1st round pick, not a stud at tackling, but great in coverage., and in case "play diagnosis" means something vaguely football-ish, then he's great in that too. I like it.
Second... he's a special teams ace. Like a 100. Since I am actively trying to build up that aspect of the team, I targeted him for that, too. Great.
Third... he's a max endurance guy, and I am increasingly persuaded that means a lot. So, he can line up on pretty much every play for us, I like that, too, as it takes pressure off some of my lower-skill special teams guys in the LB group - they won't have to play as much real D.
And fourth... chemistry, duh. Check this dude out. He's in the 7-8 group, which is what I currently build my D7 around. Rated 88 in Leadership, so once be becomes our leader, he'll likely stick. And he's a 98 personality - a chemistry demigod, basically.
Most important possible signing for our chemistry, and for our entire team goals, basically. I don't have to spend an early draft pick at LB any time soon, we now have a rotation I can live with for years to come.
How much is this dude worth to us? Beats me. I figured the league would pay $30-something. I ponied up $52m/yr, way overpaying, but I couldn't leave it to chance. Too important.
edit to add: he's already capable of being our group leader, so I have flexibility with my old DE McCleon - he's out current leader, but in his 10th season is fading. Only $6m in base salary, but he'll be a bubble guy, likely.