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I wonder if these are the types of deals we could make if we didn't have Mixon's contract on the books. Or even if we would make these types of deals. You lose a late round pick for a one year rental that could help you win a Superbowl. Seems worth it.

Aren't you going to be sick that day? I think it's just a 24 hr. bug, nothing too serious. They say lots of rest and watching television around 4:25p Eastern really helps one feel better with this type of thing. I'm not a doctor, but trust me. https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx5FsInEOA68Nip8K2FQVITSwP4NK-hga6

I'm not sure this is exactly true. I thought he ran just fine between the tackles. He's not going run people over, but he hits the hole quickly and gets what's there and a lot of times more. PFF isn't perfect, but averaging over 6 yards per carry b/w the tackles.

I am too. I don't love it because of the positional value, but as far as impact players...I think he unlocks this offense by getting teams out of 2 high all the time.

I think he’s always had a good attitude a really a team guy. From running down to celebrate AJ’s game winning catch in ATL, to being voted a captain. Now, is that worth $12M for a RB…probably not? I do think his energy is contagious. I’m not saying we shouldn’t cut him, but I don’t want to cut him just for the sake of it…the money saved needs to be used wisely (extensions, other signings, etc.)

Agreed here. If we can use that space on extensions (Tee or Joe), then by all means, cut Mix. If we can do those things w/o cutting Mix, no need to cut him. He's not a great back, but you know what you're getting. Yes, he's wildly overpaid, but if it doesn't impact making the team better, keep him. This is another good point. I'm not sure what those rollover rules are, but we know we will need the space eventually...but why not just cut him next year if you need the room next year?

There's really no reason to cut Mixon if we're not going to spend the cap space this year. There may be a few more smaller signings left, but are there any big fish out there that would command that cap space?

Now I want Duwan Jones from OSU at RT...then trade Collins and/or Williams if possible for the cap management.

I agree, RB is lower on the list of needs for this team. I haven't started looking at the college guys yet...these playoff runs are cutting into my armchair scouting time.

To re-sign the big 3, I don't think you can put a ton of $$ on the defensive side of the ball either which is unfortunate. I think you have to have defensive heavy drafts and keep the D fast, smart and disciplined. I don't think these are too accurate (see Tre Flowers), but if Ja'marr and Tee are calculated to get 45M combined, that's a whole lot of green. I thought it was interesting seeing what they think Burrow will command:

I agree, both backs are below average IMO. I think my point is, you can draft/sign better RBs for cheap. I think a lot of people (not necessarily you) see the name Joe Mixon and assume he's Oklahoma Joe (great BBQ spot). He's not at this point in his career. I'm not sure if he's on the decline, but he's certainly not ascending at this point. If we had an average back, I think that would unlock this offense even with the deficiencies on the line and you can find one of those in FA or the draft. We lack speed and quickness in the backfield...really the whole offense lacks speed and quickness, but that's another conversation.

I think Perine showed there are opportunities when Mixon was out. On TV we can't see the holes, but when one RB seems to get positive yards and the other doesn't...it's telling. Mixon really struggled in the beginning of the season breaking tackles and making people miss too. He's gotten a little better there, but he's still not great...I'm talking about vs LBs and DBs. At this point, it seems to me Joe is a below average back. Yes, the Oline is bad, but put a less than back behind them and it looks disastrous.

Is 5.5M dead cap too much? Wouldn't that open up $7.35MM in cap room ($12.85M salary - $5.5M dead cap)?

I used to think this too, but I don’t think he is anymore. It’s ridiculous how bad he is in pass pro, he’s not particularly quick and he doesn’t have great vision. His best attributes are ball security and he finishes runs well. We’d be much better served having someone with better acceleration who can get outside once in a while and/or someone who at least gets what’s there vs missing the hole or not even getting there. I love Mix’s energy and passion, but as soon as his contract isn’t a detriment to the cap, it’s time to move on.

I've thought about how to keep this team together way more often than I'd like to admit, and here's what I came up with. You have to spend money on the offense and go with heavy defensive drafts. Here's my logic. You HAVE to keep Joe, Ja'marr and Tee together. You also have to have at least an average offensive line. RBs are a dime a dozen and you can find serviceable TEs and slot receivers. With that being said, you let Mixon's contract expire, same for TB (though I'd hate for him to leave). You pay the big 3 market value (ouch) and try to find a bargain TE (Hurst?). You also look in FA for o-line talent and depth. As for the defense...you have to find an edge rusher and a 3tech. Hendrickson and BJ are good enough. DJ is a luxury, and would be almost impossible to replace. I don't think it's possible to pay one maybe two defenders, but if you do I think it has to be on the d line. Gotta be able to get pressure and derail drives with a sack or TFL. I think you can have a good defense if you've got a fast, smart and disciplined team....kind of what we have now. As for the draft you lean defense to keep it young, fast and cheap and hope you hit on a few of them over the years. If there's a can't miss OL or TE, you draft them. Just my $0.02...Duke, I'm coming for your job!