Post by lostdonkey on Mar 2, 2024 11:00:34 GMT -6
Running Back is currently not a Tier 1 position no matter who hits the market because they are getting what, half or less than what Hunter will likely command.
So for the money of a CB2, while also having plenty of money to get a CB2 as well as Edge2, another Edge2, ILB, etc. you folks are against the idea of adding a player who is Top 5 at their position? Again, for somewhere near half of what Tier 1 Players cost?
Face facts. Kevin O'Connell does not actually blame himself for the sorry state of the Running Game. He'll push to retain Risner, who's a terrible run blocker, and not move off of Bradbury, who doesn't fit the run blocking scheme.
The only way to force him to change, if that's even possible, is to show him unequivocally that even a great RB can't force lanes that aren't there. Otherwise the Vikings will sign a Tier 2/3 guy, the Running Game will suck again, and Kevin will pound the table for an RB in the 1st or 2nd Round next year. Secretly, you know this to be true.
I'm not going to claim to know what KOC is thinking, as I honestly didn't think he had the sense to move on from Mattison. Pleasant surprise. That said, I view our draft picks as being more valuable than cap space at this point, even day 3. I look at a signing like Oliver, and I think if we could spend that amount on a top tier RB and be set at the position for a few seasons, that opens up picks for (oh God, I'm saying it again) defensive backs and D lineman. Regardless of whether or not KOC recognizes his folly in run scheme, a better running back is better. If that's where the value is, that's where we should be buying.
Everything hinges on the plan at QB, obviously, but I feel like the 28mm dead cap from kirk this year doesn't have to be a hindrance to making big FA signings this year. If we've got a rookie deal at QB, we can structure contracts to balloon in 2025, when we'll have all that space. Assuming we made quality signings that have value for at least two years, it's not even mortgaging the future, really. Just making use of the available resources.
... and neither is this Chris guy.
