I think Diesel, Deebo and LSH will all be back...and none at league minimum. The only way it doesn't happen is IF we somehow end up with premier picks at their positions in the draft. I think the FO has already had discussions w their agents and is letting them opt for signing elsewhere in the case they can land a better deal.
I look at it this way. I understand the need to 'get younger' and get the youngsters some time on the field BUT does anyone really believe that our replacements at OLB and DE (at present) will have more production than Diesel or Harrison starting this year? Last year, neither Jones nor Worilds could come close to a sack or pressure on the right side. (i think they finished w 3 sacks between them). Deebo managed to double those numbers in his last 5 games while coming off numerous injuries. Deebo also rated very high as an ILB for Cinncy when he was on the field as a run stuffer. HE also is coming off basically a year long rehab and rest period for all those injuries suffered going against the LTs. HE is likely to be in better shape (healthwise) than he has been in years. He told Ike he was 'down to' a measly 650# squat in his off-season a few months ago. I would venture to guess that is about what Worilds and Jones could do...together. I'm NOT suggesting a starting role because you need to let the younger players earn the time they need to get better but in a rotational (demonstrative/rest giving) role, these guys will likely out-perform their younger counterparts, IMO. Sure would be NICE to have some REAL DEPTH at critical positions right?
Diesel is coming off another highly productive year where he (even at his advanced age) saw more playing time than his present replacement has in his CAREER! LSH, looked very good running behind a crap OL early last year and has the eyes and quickness to make our OL look better. He also could take some of the load given from Brown and Sanders ST play at returner IF we don't find a good one in the draft. You will notice the Vets agents have been 'quiet' considering they are paid to find jobs for their players. Maybe the Vets aren't in a hurry to be signed thusly guaranteeing they will have to participate prior to training camp? Who knows? What I feel is these players on the downside of their careers will still be more productive than the younger players trying to replace them, let alone THEIR back-ups. Ask yourself this...who would you rather have as a back-up to Cam Thomas, Diesel or ? How about as a back-up for Jones, Deebo or Carter? This does not even bring into question the 'work ethic' that the 'old vets' bring with them.
