MasterStrategist

My dream FA is still a possibility: Spend on secondary!!!!! Hit DL via draft early and often. Jevon Holland and Byron Murphy Jr. Both going to cost a boatload. Benford needs his bag, but if I'm pouring $$$ anywhere right now it's in the secondary. Before anyone goes screaming about Rapp or Bishop, Rapp is only a $3.3m cap hit and saves us $2m to cut (which i wouldn't do). Let Rapp and Bishop battle it out, both are similar type players. Low cost vet and an early draft pick from LY.

That's gotta be it. Obviously Palmer deal isn't fully known yet. If Palmer is AAV=$12m now, I'd assume Slayton=$16-18m per...in which case I'd rather of paid Slayton, so I'm hoping to see him closer to $20m

Same...he was my top guy and thought he was a real possibility for us. Palmer was high on my list though, due to his separation skills/route running. And mostly just the lack of options that I thought could be sure things in FA for us. He's got some untapped potential, but he's a clear WR3. Slayton would have been a WR2 type. I'm just not a fan of having what looks like 3 WRs right now....between Palmer, Samuel, Coleman. Too early on Keon and Samuel was banged up, but I'd have rather gone bigger than Palmer. Palmer at least gives us a steady #3, he'll be alot more consistent. Shakir (a #2 type IMO), and a bunch of 3s. Plus Kincaid/Knox and Cook/Ty/Ray. For a team that has kept just 5 WRs on roster in recent years, I question if we draft another WR early (Rd1 or 2). Mack has to be signed back, unless he's demanding too much...he's a perfect fit for us in that 4/5 role.

Slayton is still the guy I want us to go after in FA. Fits the mold of YAC, deep threat we need on the outside.

I could easily see Pittsburgh moving on from Pickens. He'd fetch them a #1, as much of a headache he is, he would be unreal with a real QB

Lose alot of explosiveness going from Cook to Ray. Jets run defense was also terrible this year. Ray is a solid #2 right now. Reminds me of Moss. And it won't be $15m of cap. If it's $15 aav, I'm sure we will have this structured to have an exit and avg way less than $15

I'm saying a player using any form of media- I also said these are 2 different cases. Omg, I'm tired of this back and forth. You asked me a.simple question a while back and I answered. You said, do I think Cooks actions were immature? I said "no", and brought up Myles as a recent example of using media to also negotiate/advance his demands.

You must have missed SB media week- Garrett took it upon himself to say what he did in front of the media. I can careless about Myles, I was just using him as an example yesterday before his huge deal became public today. Again, a player using media to advance his contract demands (Garrett quickly pivoted from wanting to go to a winner, right? lol). Cook has never gone complaining. Somehow that's a twisted/not substantiated in fact, thought. Again, he put $ amount, reposted others thoughts, and emojis is somehow being twisted into complaining/immature. Keep your mantra about using social media, but case in point, it literally just happened today with one of the premier players in the NFL.

Funny how Garrett was WAY more outspoken(actual words/media appearances/not emoji), and look what just happened. So gonna say Garrett went about this the wrong way too? Lol. Honestly, the situations are completely different but one can certainly say Garrett used the media to get what he wanted (more $$$$). Cook doing it way more passive somehow triggers people

Re: Immature... I don't think it's immature at all. He's not even saying anything, just $$$ amounts and emojis/reposting others comments. Compare that to Myles Garrett, who most everyone wants right now, that is being much more direct/brash with his comments on social.media about that organization, leadership, other players. That's just an example. Back to Cook specifically. Do I prefer players insinuate contract demands via social media? No. But I don't think he's being immature in how he has approached it, and again not being brash at all. My biggest "care" is winning a SB. I think Cook is a team first player/person, and would greatly help us make that happen. Hoping the #s will work themselves out.

No but why does that matter? Do you know what was said behind closed doors, either by said players or agents representing them? You honestly can't expect every player/person to handle the situation in a way that you consider "professional". It's your choice to look at Cooks comments, actions OR maybe get the news here somewhere else.... But consider that it is "your choice", to get a glimpse into that. Like it or hate it, there is so much more happening behind the scenes. So to form ones opinion on such limited info, just seems foolish to me. Again this doesn't seem to be bothering anyone around the organization except some sensitive fans right now.

First, last i checked most employers are not publicly posting their employees salary/contracts --- unless in a state/fed govt role. Apples to oranges, every sports players contract is public knowledge. Which is why I'm fine with players voicing/talking about it/advocating for themselves in Amy public fashion. But to each their own and I respect anyone's opinion, old school or not. Just how it works in this day and age using social media. Finally, it's the posters (and I'm not calling you out bc I haven't read your prior posts), that are being "extreme" that frustrate me. "Get Cook off the team", "cut him, trade him", etc etc all based on his social media actions (which haven't been vulgar, demeaning of team. etc). At the end of day, cash is king and all that these extremist posters are doing is getting upset about nothing. Cook will get his bag with us, or someone else, having an opinion on his salary/gtd money is fine. When it crosses the line, IMO, is when fans somehow become offended and wanting him off the team. Its a strange hill for some to die on. Buckle up, because social media isn't going anywhere- this isn't the first or last time a player advocates for themselves on a platform.

I'm 42 geezer. I quoted you verbatim man. Laugh it off, you literally said: childish, diva, me first....to explain Cokks behaviour. Then proceeded to say "perception within the organization....", "...Cook would have been better served...". I'm using the words you said. Reading comprehend your own comments lol. You're coming off as "get off my lawn", with respect to handling via social media. He took pics down of wearing Bills gear, boo freaking who. Lol, like seriously? You must not pay attention to how negotiating with social media, not all players but a fairly many, have occurred in recent years. Childish, I'd go as far to say you're being as sensitive as a child. It's easy to label people, from a limited perspective of what is happening behind the scenes. Cook is anything but childish, diva, me first as you specifically said. Again, 42 isn't really a young whippersnapper--- again, your "assuming" is a poor trait and not accurate. I'll have poor assumptions for 1k Alex. How about stick to the facts here- which is what I stated in my prior post. Listen to the comments of Josh, Brady, McD, Beane, etc about Cook (as a person and player). Your "quoted words", can't be further than what they have stated. Either you know Cook personally OR you have an axe to grind with using social media to negotiate? If the latter, then welcome to the 2020s of player negotiations- a mix of keep your mouth shut on social media, and others who want to advocate for themselves. A little thing called "freedom of speech", seems to be bothering ppl (yourself included) about Cook ...or maybe some weird fetish with his Bills gear photos? Only you can answer that. Maybe something to ponder at Dennys in the am.

Your middle paragraph just showing your age, or being overly sensitive to social media. Joe Fan perceives Cook as a (let's just quote some things you said above): childish, diva, me first. Not to mention this continued speculation of "perception from within the organization". What do you know goes on in the organization behind closed doors? Lol. Beane, McD, Josh, his RBs coaches, other players, Brady - all speak highly of James Cook. Cook himself said this won't be a distraction to the team. Get over the social media stuff, there are TONS of examples of other NFL players who have approached it the same way. Team first, dedicated players to their community and team. Perhaps people are still soured by Diggs, Cook ain't "him". He's also not his brother. This deal will either get done or not, but it won't be because of social media or anything Cook is doing with taking down pics of himself in Bills gear (how silly does this really sound right now?). It will come down to $, and compromising on both sides or lack thereof. Nobody, or perhaps mostly no one on here, knows what is happening behind the scenes. Player A could be a sweetheart in the media/social media, but he or agent causing headaches in negotiations behind the scenes. Player B could be exact opposite. Bottom line, let's not pretend to know whay we don't know. Cook/Benford be could be signed to an extension tomorrow, Monday, 2 months from now, etc. Going to a lot of egg (expensive ones) on people's faces if a deal gets signed with Cook--- way too many acting like "he would have been better served....". This situation is fluid, should not be a "past tense" right now

Already posted my thoughts on Groot extension- which I'm a huge fan of. Two examples of extending young players, with high priced GTD $: 1. Extending the Player X who has "hit his ceiling or close to". Less risky, usually more costly, and value gets diminished to an extent. Already in tier 2/borderline elite or elite status. 2. Extending Player Y who has shown elite potential/untapped ceiling, still ascending. These deals you "pay for the come", and while greater risk, can return extreme high "value". Ascending into Tier 2, or shown to be there, albeit not consistently. Groot fits mold 2, IMO. Like I said before, Spencer Brown and Groot are almost 2 peas in a pod. We saw what happened with Spencer this year, he's going to be a Tier 1/elite RT in the next year or so. Groot is on a similar trajectory - at least to be a dependable Tier 2 player overall- excellent against the run, 10-12 sack potential. Off topic/related to future: 1. Bernard, Shakir, Benford (who I'd put as most established) all in same boat. Cook as well, he's going to be putting up way bigger #s next year IMO- we need 1 consistent explosive WR ro take this offense to another level. 2. Need to fix CB2 and S- these are bigger issues than DL, IMO

Everyone needs to remember a few things: 1. $20m per is the " high end", all incentives met figure. 2. Gtd $54m is the most important piece 3. Without knowing any details on how deal is structured/cap hits are spread out, this could end up being a 3 yr $54m deal - don't know yet 4. Cap/contracts continue to increase. His % of cap is very reasonable, based on projections and will continue to look better compared to peers as new deals work out (Fact). All that, plus, Groot is young only 24. This isn't another Edmunds situation, Groot has shown very good improvement/made splash plays (just not as consistent yet). This is a Spencer Brown situation IMO. High end talent, so close to putting it altogether. Groot has elite skills, and with another offseason + what is expected to be better coaching = potential for major step in 2025+. I'm all for this deal, it's fair on both sides. Paying for upside, but not an overpay. If Groot becomes a 12+ sack guy, which is extremely possible, this will be a HUGE underpay for us.

I'd welcome Von back with the paycut, that actually be a great opportunity to save the cap (net amt from releasing him) but also keep a good player. Von came here to win a championship, thought Josh was special to lead us there. IMO,the only reason he leaves is if he's retiring OR planning to sign with another contender for more than what we offer in a reduced deal. The latter is likely difficult for him to assess, unless given permission to "seek a trade". I see him coming back on a fair deal again. Still would give us $$$ to go after more DL help or secondary in FA.

"we" being used loosely above. Cue all the angry fans that take the utmost offense to what players post on social media. Who the F cares? Before anyone compares to Diggs, Diggs was the most selfish/demanding player around the team in addition to his typical social media comments. Cook is pretty much the exact opposite, as a teammate-- according to Josh, other players, and coaches/Beane. I'd love to see Josh scrub all his social media of Bills content, and watch the insanity ensue from the psycho social media pundits. Reality is this is how player negotiations occur via social media. The "we" crowd is taking things to the extreme/getting personally offended by a huge nothing burger.

Alot of crazy takes in here. James Cook is our best offensive weapon, not named Josh Allen...thats a fact. Not to mention he's continued to improve, and there's still more room. Just ridiculous opinions on his "value". Ray Davis isn't near the player Cook is. There are probably 2-3 other RBs who get that 4th down TD vs KC. We finally found a special player at RB, and most here would be happy if he's traded this offseason. Beane can easily afford $12m+, even $15m. The difference 12 vs 15, is easily made up with more prudent "depth" signings. You don't let a premier talent go, you also don't give in to crazy demands either. I'm hopeful they'll get Cook extended, his emergence has been the primary reason our lack of explosive plays haven't haunted us more.

You're missing a key stat.... RB completions/% rate. Kamara/Ingram accounted for 150+ targets and receptions. Compare that to Cook/Ty/Davis with a combined 67 catches this season.... Those RB screens will help inflate that %. Nothing against Brees, he's a 1st ballot HOF QB. We arent running the same offense though. Our WR screens to Shkair helped Josh, but not to that magnitude.

The "short changing him" title goes to @BADOLBILZ I hear he's a fan of his short arms 😁 Good call as usual on Shakir, @Alphadawg7! Vital part of the offense,whose stats wpuld only look better if we had a difference maker outside

This would work. Ideally Elam is off the books/included in trade, as I posted above. That would help alleviate some cap $ this year and ability to draft a corner late that wouldn't get lost in the numbers/cuts.

I'm all about getting a top tier CB opposite of Benford. It's been our downfall in the playoffs, IMO. 1 injury to Benford and our boundary corners are pedestrian at best. I like Alexander's fit into our scheme alot, and he's a true elite corner....when healthy. There are other options in FA, that aren't his caliber that I'd still be plenty happy with. In this hypothetical, I'd give our original 2nd and Elam, for him and a 4th or early 5th. Getting rid of Elams contract would be a huge win, albeit unlikely.

I missed the question he was asked though, it's a different context if Beane voluntarily brings that up vs being led into that comment. Either way, his and MCDs comments have all been positive on Cooks attitude/progression. He also states above, the obvious, that things are fluid. It would be telling/unheard of/concerning, pick the word of choice, if Beane was more concerned himself. Things are fluid, week of combine is always agent/GM interactions and contract talks become a distraction later into offseason/camp. However, Cook has said he won't be a distraction...so we shall see , but right now it's BAU.

I think you misunderstand the concept of "goalpost moving". Im asking you questions related to why you seem to be so motivated to have us sign Allen, and the roster building component (ie:draft picks, salary cap, etc). Speaking of "baiting"/goalpost moving, I think you're projecting quite a bit...go back re read your posts if you need to understand the difference. So let me give you my perspective and maybe you can reply with educated opinion on Allen: 1. First off, I suspect a small chance anyone is giving up a draft pick for Allen. $16m comes with him, renegotiate or not., he isnt worth trading for. Wash will likely end up cutting him if they move on. No use wasting any picks 2. 2024 play: his play dipped prior to injury, was losing snaps to their new rook Newton and getting outplayed in the run game 3. 2025+: 30 and coming off a "partial to near full torn pec", he is no longer a "sure thing" 4. Contract: of course adding void years is the easy thing to do. But it's the same thing getting Beane into problems cap wise, because he's selecting to do this with the wrong guys. Allen isn't the guy you give up picks for, during a draft deep in DT talent. Cap wise, as discussed, he isnt coming over via a $16m trade (which you cant re work until we stay under cap). If he is released, sure see what he's asking for...my guess is it's still too high. My idea of improving DL is not going after aging vets, coming off injury, who are going to cost cap/add unnecessary void years. Draft is going to have plenty of options in Rd 1 and 2. We're set up in the draft to get younger/cheaper and build a new DL if we use a couple picks early. Comes down to Beane nailing these first 3 picks. Jonathan Allen isn't the answer though. If we do invest in a FA DT, there are better options IMO, but I'd rather see us use FA on secondary help and draft for DL. Let's see what you got in response.