Should Corner be a Secondary Issue?

but that doesn’t mean we won’t be his best choice. A team like the Chargers probably doesn’t have the kind of cap room that we do, since they have a lot of good veteran players. And considering they need to focus on their own big name FA’s Franklin might not be a priority. Wade Phillips of the Texans has preferred of late the smaller quicker NT’s. They could still go for Franklin, but he is by no means a perfect fit. The Chiefs are a bit more a wildcard, they took Powe so they could feel more comfortable (despite the late round pick he was widely considered a quality NT). Also resources could be an issue as they have a ton of money invested in the line with Dorsey and Jackson.

All those teams could still have an interest on some level, but none are as perfect a fit or have the money the Skins do.

As for the 49ers, while they have the same D-line coach, it is a new HC and DC, so they could decide to bring in their own guys. Overall I think you are right about the 49ers system (esp. how they use Justin Smith), but they def. used Franklin in a clogging role, that occupied blockers for Willis and Spikes. They adapted to their personnel (hint hint Shanny).

I wouldn’t do a crazy contract for Franklin, but yeah paying him the $7 million average of Hampton and Wilfork last year is good in my book. I would look to guarantee the first 2 years, so if his play falls off down the road you can cut him with little negative impact (assuming all that stays the same in the CBA). Overall DT’s age really well so I would bank on Franklin having 3-4 more good years.

we need 2 D-linemen who command Double Team’s from either guards or backs and TE’s. Last year Haynesworth was the only one who did so, and when he was out (which was quite often) they would through a double team on Carriker or Golston, just b/c they had extra blockers there and that left them completely ineffective. It also mean’t backs and TE’s were in to block the blitzers and help out against Orakpo.

Right now we don’t have a singular lineman who would command a DT on an every play basis. Jarvis Jenkins could have that potential and will prob. get the most attention, but Offensive coordinators aren’t going to run away from him, or have 3 o-linemen blocking him, that they would do at times against Big Al.

and was still productive when he was on the field. I mean you wouldn’t necessarily think it, but NT’s and big DT’s age pretty well. Esp. those without injury histories. Look at Pat Williams in MInnesota, Hampton, Seymour, Henderson, etc. are all 30+ years old. I think it would be worth the risk, b/c true NT’s are so hard to find.

in the 3-4. He was a 4-3 MLB prior to that, and even last year played both WLB and SLB with the Bills. I don’t know for sure but there have been some reports that he isn’t a huge fan of the 3-4, so that is kinda my concern.

I mean I know a lot will need to go right, but if they focus this FA on grabbing a few linemen and get a QB next year, it could be sooner.

Of course its not a guarantee, but not having a NT will permanently keep us down. And will have to be addressed as some point.

There really isn’t a younger option in FA, and Franklin can still be effective in his mid-late 30’s. He might not be a top NT in 3 more years (but neither will Bryant or Neild).