The Official 2025 Off-Season Thread

[__Chef__]

Why isn't this same criticism made for 31 teams every year?

It is.

Some teams say we need a complete overhaul.
Some say we need a new coordinator or coach here or there.
Some say we need a key plug at this or that position.
The rest say we're good ... and typically fail the following year.

[Grahamburn]

There is a valid complaint though in seeing a team not doing "enough" to get over the hump.

I'm pretty sure you said you weren't following the team prior to Gruden, but in the years just before, this team constantly hit the roadblock of Philly and out. Year after year, "Philly and out".

Glazers saw a closing window and pulled the trigger for Gruden to get over the hump. That's not saying what Dungy did was anything short of one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the league, but the team was capable of more. Dungy was still a remarkable coach regardless of what the team needed to get over the hump.

The difference I see in Pittsburg is I don't see a closing window of talent that Tomlin just isn't getting over the hump.
Having said that, if I were in his shoes, I'd be looking for areas of the team that aren't performing, and bring in new coaches to address those weaknesses, and of course, a new QB.

These standards set seem to be a 1 of 1 situation. Pretty much the arguments is "well he's not winning the Superbowl so he should be let go".

Why isn't this same criticism made for 31 teams every year?

I don’t think the criticism is “he’s not winning the Super Bowl every year.”

It’s that the fans don’t feel like they’re a real contender. And, they aren’t. Making the playoffs every year is great if that’s the goal. That’s not the goal though.

Same argument we’ve had about Bowles here.

[Grahamburn]

It’s like the Lions… Couple years ago just making the playoffs and getting a win was an incredible season worthy of the highest praise.

Last year? Losing in the NFC divisional round is an abject failure.

Both successful seasons with playoff runs, but viewed much differently.

[Selmon Rules]

Transparent post?

How'd you see that?

See what??

[GreatTimes]

Transparent post?

How'd you see that?

I saw right through it.

[Phantom]

Not sure if he’s any good

Saints to hire former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley as new Defensive Coordinator. (via Ian Rapoport)

[Grahamburn]

How'd you see that?

See what??

Now you see me. Now you don’t.

[Phantom]

..

[Snake]

Incestuous league.

[__Chef__]

Incestuous league.

I thought it was hilarious.

[Phantom]

[Central_Buc]

Locked down corner sure but we want the PR

[mdb1958]

Locked down corner sure but we want the PR

What good is a lockdown if we don't play lockdown defense?

[mdb1958]

I think IDL helps a player to be called lockdown. I also think IDL helps an edge make a name for himself.

[Central_Buc]

Locked down corner sure but we want the PR

What good is a lockdown if we don't play lockdown defense?

It's cause they kept giving KJ Britt the keys and he always was opening the lock

A few days ago when asked the biggest need Licht did state he wants more depth on both trenches. He might half stated the truth there because I sort of expect linemen to be taken day 3. Don't expect him to show his cards.

[mdb1958]

What good is a lockdown if we don't play lockdown defense?

It's cause they kept giving KJ Britt the keys and he always was opening the lock

A few days ago when asked the biggest need Licht did state he wants more depth on both trenches. He might half stated the truth there because I sort of expect linemen to be taken day 3. Don't expect him to show his cards.

So you think day 3 can hope to displace what we got now? I really want to hear the IDL combine talk but if it's higher than lukewarm others will pick them before our turn.

[Grahamburn]

Locked down corner sure but we want the PR

Need a pass rush that doesn’t require a blitz.

[Central_Buc]

It's cause they kept giving KJ Britt the keys and he always was opening the lock

A few days ago when asked the biggest need Licht did state he wants more depth on both trenches. He might half stated the truth there because I sort of expect linemen to be taken day 3. Don't expect him to show his cards.

So you think day 3 can hope to displace what we got now? I really want to hear the IDL combine talk but if it's higher than lukewarm others will pick them before our turn.

Who is being displaced? He said he wanted to add depth on both lines. Hainsey is probably on the move but it may be a good find if there is a G who could also play C as a BU.

[mdb1958]

So you think day 3 can hope to displace what we got now? I really want to hear the IDL combine talk but if it's higher than lukewarm others will pick them before our turn.

Who is being displaced? He said he wanted to add depth on both lines. Hainsey is probably on the move but it may be a good find if there is a G who could also play C as a BU.

I'm talking IDL.

[mdb1958]

Just wondering does Philly add depth or create competition - shouldnt it be that way with everybody that doesnt have a pile of first rounders. Shoot do it for them too.

[Obsolete]

Who is being displaced? He said he wanted to add depth on both lines. Hainsey is probably on the move but it may be a good find if there is a G who could also play C as a BU.

I'm talking IDL.

You're the only one.

We currently have 0 ILBs and we have nothing special at OLB. We have corners that can't cover an old lady crossing the street.

There are more pressing needs than IDL.

[Grahamburn]

Who is being displaced? He said he wanted to add depth on both lines. Hainsey is probably on the move but it may be a good find if there is a G who could also play C as a BU.

I'm talking IDL.

Kenneth Grant.

[mdb1958]

I'm talking IDL.

You're the only one.

We currently have 0 ILBs and we have nothing special at OLB. We have corners that can't cover an old lady crossing the street.

There are more pressing needs than IDL.

Yes how everyone thinks is exactly how the internet thinks.

[Bootz]

IDL would definitely help. Hall is going into his contract year and hasn't made much if any improvement. Vea isn't getting any younger. Kancey can't stay healthy. Behind them, Gaines is JAG. Gholston has been here for about 3 years too long. Behind them? Crickets.

Additionally, back to health, All 3 of our main guys, Vea, Hall, Kancey, missed games due to injury. It would also help go a long way to assisting the rest of the defense. Being strong in the trenches is a boost to defending the run, the pass, and getting to the QB.

[__Chef__]

Gaines is JAG.

From what I saw, Gaines was putting in work, surprisingly. No Warren Sapp, but we need to keep him on board.

Gaines has shown better form in the playoffs, earning a 90.6 PFF run-defense grade in the wild-card round of the 2025 NFL playoffs, the highest among all interior defenders in a playoff game since 2021.

[Bootz]

Gaines is JAG.

From what I saw, Gaines was putting in work, surprisingly. No Warren Sapp, but we need to keep him on board.

Gaines has shown better form in the playoffs, earning a 90.6 PFF run-defense grade in the wild-card round of the 2025 NFL playoffs, the highest among all interior defenders in a playoff game since 2021.

Yea, that's pretty much how it goes for JAGs. The less they play and the more specialized and focused you look at their game, the better it looks for them.

He played only 36% of the snaps in that playoff game.

[mdb1958]

From what I saw, Gaines was putting in work, surprisingly. No Warren Sapp, but we need to keep him on board.

Yea, that's pretty much how it goes for JAGs. The less they play and the more specialized and focused you look at their game, the better it looks for them.

He played only 36% of the snaps in that playoff game.

And teams are game planning for when Vea goes off the field.

[mdb1958]

The way I look at it is if Licht and his scouting department have been looking at these players for 2,3,4,or 5 years and the see players that would work real good with who we got and they are high on them, then get them if they fall in our range.

If they avoid IDL, then I will track them on other teams and just shake my head. If they do bad, I can say of course they werent playing next to Vea..

[Cheb]

The way I look at it is if Licht and his scouting department have been looking at these players for 2,3,4,or 5 years and the see players that would work real good with who we got and they are high on them, then get them if they fall in our range.

If they avoid IDL, then I will track them on other teams and just shake my head. If they do bad, I can say of course they werent playing next to Vea..

Interior defensive line is arguably the best group on our defense right now, my dude. Basically every other defensive position needs help before they do.

[Grahamburn]

The way I look at it is if Licht and his scouting department have been looking at these players for 2,3,4,or 5 years and the see players that would work real good with who we got and they are high on them, then get them if they fall in our range.

If they avoid IDL, then I will track them on other teams and just shake my head. If they do bad, I can say of course they werent playing next to Vea..

Interior defensive line is arguably the best group on our defense right now, my dude. Basically every other defensive position needs help before they do.

Ideally you add an OLB, an iLB, and a CB in free agency so they can take the best defensive player available at #19.

I’d be fine if that player was Kenneth Grant. Freaky dude. Vea freaky.

[Central_Buc]

The way I look at it is if Licht and his scouting department have been looking at these players for 2,3,4,or 5 years and the see players that would work real good with who we got and they are high on them, then get them if they fall in our range.

If they avoid IDL, then I will track them on other teams and just shake my head. If they do bad, I can say of course they werent playing next to Vea..

I agree. As much as we need CB and LB we could use another talented DL.

People say they want to copy cat the Eagles well...then we need a dominant front 4.

[mdb1958]

The way I look at it is if Licht and his scouting department have been looking at these players for 2,3,4,or 5 years and the see players that would work real good with who we got and they are high on them, then get them if they fall in our range.

If they avoid IDL, then I will track them on other teams and just shake my head. If they do bad, I can say of course they werent playing next to Vea..

Interior defensive line is arguably the best group on our defense right now, my dude. Basically every other defensive position needs help before they do.

Well yeah - if they can't make a difference and create competition. But if they can, then we don't lose to Wash and we don't look like we did against Balt. And maybe even beat the Falcons twice.

[Phantom]

I know the Rams won't trade him to the rivals, but can you even imagine Stafford with the 49ers?!

The Rams have given quarterback Matthew Stafford's agent permission to speak to other teams about his market value, a source confirmed to ESPN.

The news was first reported by NFL Network. The sides have been discussing a reworked contract with the goal of reaching a new agreement, a source told ESPN.

[Grahamburn]

What’s up with the Rams this off-season?

[mdb1958]

The Bucs are the only team that matters!

This post has mdb approval.