We have $37M available right now but a lot of mediocre players we could cut and easily save another $15-20M. Will be interesting to see what they do. With all the draft picks and guys we have under team control I'm hoping we move away from depth moves and try to get some impact players to build around.

MaxPower said:

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We have $37M available right now but a lot of mediocre players we could cut and easily save another $15-20M. Will be interesting to see what they do. With all the draft picks and guys we have under team control I'm hoping we move away from depth moves and try to get some impact players to build around.

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Also Cooks is the second highest paid player on the team, so if we trade him that will give a lot more flexibility

MaxPower said:

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We have $37M available right now but a lot of mediocre players we could cut and easily save another $15-20M. Will be interesting to see what they do. With all the draft picks and guys we have under team control I'm hoping we move away from depth moves and try to get some impact players to build around.

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Exactly. We're top 5 in cap space even before any moves. We also finally have some positive vibes with the fanbase. They aren't going to hang the guy responsible for that out to dry by not getting him any talent.

I think we focus on defense in free agency. Daron Payne + Marcus Davenport would be ideal for me. Both are still pretty young and can grow with the team. Center or maybe guard make sense on offense, but the WR group is pretty thin.

Nm

From @AlbertBreer this morning, Houston appears well positioned to land Bobby Slowik (and potentially Klint Kubiak) for their offensive staff under new head coach DeMeco Ryans #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/j1v10kRIz2

— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) February 6, 2023

Oh, I would like this!


To even make this a bit better on the potential:

Gary Kubiak telephone interview on #Texans DeMeco Ryans 'He's going to do a tremendous job. Very humble, very bright, very driven. I congratulated him. I let him know I'm here for him to lend him an ear. We've always been very good friends. I have great respect for him' @KPRC2

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 6, 2023

Maybe we can just get Gary to do offensive scouting for us!

#49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek will remain with the NFC West franchise and not pursue #Texans defensive coordinator job, per league sources @KPRC2https://t.co/5Amrr0SDLV

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 7, 2023

That one hurts a little, would of loved to have him as DC/DL coach

Even though we missed out on Kocurek, I would be good with Harris or Manuel

Sources: Texans request permission to interview Commanders’ Chris Harris, Jets’ Marquand Manuel for defensive coordinator job @KPRC2https://t.co/5Amrr0SDLV@KPRC2 https://t.co/K8GWNFcYF9

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 7, 2023

In other good news, we can potentially grab Cory Undlin for a lateral move

#49ers defensive passing game specialist-secondary coach Cory Undlin's contract has expired and he is free to pursue jobs below coordinator level, including #Texans staff position, per league sources. @KPRC2 https://t.co/HMLNMxBe8V

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 7, 2023

Sounds like Demeco has options and good ones at that. That's a very good sign.

Glad to see he taking his time to get it right.

am I the only one who thinks it would be a good idea to sign a Dalton, or Baker Mayfield and let them lead the team next year? Draft a qb if their is one you like and let them sit and develop a year or two before handing them the starting to job.

If that's the route they go just might as well let Mills be that guy and not spend the money on bringing someone else in.

I get what you're saying, but Mills sucks. Baker or Dalton could at least give them a better chance to win for minimal amount of money. Dalton would also be a good story. Finish his career at home, and also could give a rookie QB plenty of mentorship.

No offense, but if I am a highly drafted rookie I aint listening and taking advice from Mills.

If we're spending money to bring in a guy, try to pry away Cooper Rush.

But Baker and Dalton suck as well. Mills can perform on a Baker/Dalton level.

I just don't see the value they add over Mills for what it would cost.

Spend that money elsewhere where there's more value in the upgrade.

Ag_07 said:

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But Baker and Dalton suck as well. Mills can perform on a Baker/Dalton level.

I just don't see the value they add over Mills for what it would cost.

Spend that money elsewhere where there's more value in the upgrade.

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Dalton has been a capable NFL quarterback. He has credibility that Mills (and Mayfield) don't have.

Snake Jazz said:

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Ag_07 said:

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But Baker and Dalton suck as well. Mills can perform on a Baker/Dalton level.

I just don't see the value they add over Mills for what it would cost.

Spend that money elsewhere where there's more value in the upgrade.

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Dalton has been a capable NFL quarterback. He has credibility that Mills (and Mayfield) don't have.

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No matter who it is, we need to build legitimate talent at the WR and TE position or it won't matter if it's Mahomes back there.

I think MIlls could still be serviceable with actual playmakers on the team, as much as someone like Mayfield could be. Dalton could at least bring some veteran leadership which would be extremely helpful at this point, but skill wise, yeah he's not that much of an upgrade. Overall, if I had my choice I would take Dalton, as long as he came on a cheaper contract. Doubly so, if we're going to be running that San Fran offense.

Snake Jazz said:

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Ag_07 said:

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But Baker and Dalton suck as well. Mills can perform on a Baker/Dalton level.

I just don't see the value they add over Mills for what it would cost.

Spend that money elsewhere where there's more value in the upgrade.

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Dalton has been a capable NFL quarterback. He has credibility that Mills (and Mayfield) don't have.

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exactly. credibility and leadership. two things the Texans don't have much of and could use.

Dalton is a multi-year pro bowl QB. He would be huge to have in the locker room and QB meetings with a rookie QB.

IMO yall are overselling Dalton.

Davis Mills is Andy Dalton...A capable but mediocre QB who shows flashes and may win some games but he's not the answer.

Why bring in someone when we have a clone of him already?

Ag_07 said:

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IMO yall are overselling Dalton.

Davis Mills is Andy Dalton...A capable but mediocre QB who shows flashes and may win some games but he's not the answer.

Why bring in someone when we have a clone of him already?

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My point was the leadership he has. I don't think he brings any juice, but you're installing a completely new offense and want someone who's gone through that before. Overall, if we're not taking a QB #2, which a lot of rumbles are coming out that we're probably not, then we need to get someone to be a steward to help install an offense and help the team prepare for the long term QB. Be it Mills or a NFL veteran, we're looking for someone to manage the team while talent is built.

That's fine but my point is if you're gonna bring someone go for a QB who brings more to the table than just some extra leadership.

Go for Jimmy G or Derek Carr or hell if Nick and Cal wanna use this cap space and draft capital to go big fishing feel out Lamar Jackson or Aaron Rodgers.

Dalton just feels like a rehash. Like adding Brock Osweiler, Brian Hoyer, Davis Mills. Texans have been there done that. It does nothing for me.

If we're picking someone to start, I'd choose Mills over Dalton. I think Dalton's experience would be valuable in the locker room though, assuming he's holding a clipboard.

Ag_07 said:

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That's fine but my point is if you're gonna bring someone go for a QB who brings more to the table than just some extra leadership.

Go for Jimmy G or Derek Carr or hell if Nick and Cal wanna use this cap space and draft capital to go big fishing feel out Lamar Jackson or Aaron Rodgers.

Dalton just feels like a rehash. Like adding Brock Osweiler, Brian Hoyer, Davis Mills. Texans have been there done that. It does nothing for me.

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I would put Dalton in a tier above those guys, he at least has operated more than one NFL offense at a good level for multiple years, which those other guys you mentioned have never done. But, the only reason I would be OK with Dalton, is that you could probably get him for just a little bit above a backups salary. The key is not killing cap flexibility for something that isn't a long term plan

The real decision has to be made based on what this team wants at the QB spot moving forward, Dalton is my pick if they're taking someone with the 2nd 1st rounder, or targeting next year to get a top QB.

Jimmy G is going to command some money, but you could probably get him without hurting yourself in cap space after 3 years, so kick the tires see if he's a long term solution, if not reset in around 3 years.

Derek Carr's salary and number of years would pretty much have us moving forward with him as the franchise QB for DeMeco, and we won't be actively looking for a franchise QB in the draft. To add to this on my edit, Carr was scheduled to make around 40 million a year the next 3 years, which is why Vegas did what they did, as it allowed them to get out from under that money. I doubt he comes back out of retirement for less than that with the cap going up.

It's always a balance, gotta think about that contract in addition to the skills the QB has.

Ryan34 said:

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If we're picking someone to start, I'd choose Mills over Dalton. I think Dalton's experience would be valuable in the locker room though, assuming he's holding a clipboard.

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Yeah, I wouldn't mind having a competition and whoever moves the ball gets the start. Dalton's contract would give us that flexibility

As someone that did not like the Mills pick (it was a longshot he would ever become an NFL starter and this was at a time we needed multiple starter-quality players on both sides of the ball), regardless of what we do in the draft, I'm curious to see what he can do with better coaches, receivers, and OL around him. He's going to be on the roster anyway, I'm looking forward to see how he responds to the new regime.

I am with the group that thinks that if we use the #2 or 12 picks on a QB then we should bring in a veteran that would excel as a mentor, and the mentor part is more important than if he starts or plays well. Casserly and Capers really screwed that up with David Carr.

Andy Dalton will be 36 years old in 2023.

he has not quarterbacked a team to a winning record since 2015.

if he won't break the bank...a 1 or 2-year deal should be fine.

the problem...he can probably play well enough to win 6 or 7 games, but then that leaves the Texans barely in the top 10 of the 2024 draft

Y'all are all basically talking about bringing in a veteran to
Help coach. Josh McCown? I would rather have 2 QBs on the roster would both have potential to be the starter. So draft either Young or Richardson and sign or trade or Jimmy G or Lance or keep Mills or Carr etc. Demeco knows Jimmy and Lance very well seeing them every day.

This new staff along with upgrades of talent that should happen with the draft and free agency make the qb decision more of a long term fix. Mills/ Kyle / Driscoll could probably play well enough to contend for the division. Add 2 star defenders in round 1, achane, Metchie another WR plus key free agents and you have a chance.

LincolnBorglum79 said:

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Y'all are all basically talking about bringing in a veteran to
Help coach. Josh McCown? I would rather have 2 QBs on the roster would both have potential to be the starter. So draft either Young or Richardson and sign or trade or Jimmy G or Lance or keep Mills or Carr etc. Demeco knows Jimmy and Lance very well seeing them every day.

This new staff along with upgrades of talent that should happen with the draft and free agency make the qb decision more of a long term fix. Mills/ Kyle / Driscoll could probably play well enough to contend for the division. Add 2 star defenders in round 1, achane, Metchie another WR plus key free agents and you have a chance.

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It's just going through scenarios based on what the staff could do at QB.

If we don't go QB in the draft, then you have 3 scenarios:

• Bringing in an Andy Dalton type who would be relatively cheap, to battle it out with Mills for the starting spot, and at the same time inject some much needed veteran leadership into the position. Then you look for a franchise QB in the draft next year (since you will still have a ton of draft capital to trade up if you need to).
• Bringing in a Jimmy G type, someone who can start in the league and play at a good level, probably look for him to be your QB the next 3ish years (half way point of DeMeco's initial contract), and then see where you are at as a team to determine long term plan (resign QB, draft QB, get a new QB)
• Bring someone like Carr in and become tied to the hip with him. Going to command a 40+ million a year/at least 5 year deal that will lock you in through DeMeco's first contract and take up 20 to 25% of all of your cap space.

I don't see Lance as a possibility. I doubt the 49ers trade Lance for less than a 1st, and if we're not taking a QB in the 1st round of the draft, I doubt we're taking an equivalent to a rookie QB (with less time on his rookie contract) in a trade for a 1st round pick.

We just hired a HC who injected some excitement and optimism into the fanbase for the first time in a long while. I don't see any way that we ruin that by going into next season with a stop gap at QB.

I don't think Dalton or similar veteran qb with no future is going to excite the crowd. Better to take a shot with Young or Richardson. If it doesn't work, you still probably have a 6 or more win team with the rest of the talent upgrades and the high quality coaching staff. Nobody wants to maintain the current course of trying to get another high pick. Demeco and the sellout crowds want to win now.

The Jags were a mess with Urban Meyer but now Lawrence is excelling with a good coaching staff. They added Kirk and Ettienne and won the division. We add John Metchie and Devon Achane, very similar players to Kirk/Ettienne, and have a better coaching staff. No reason the Texans can't pass both Indy and the Titans to challenge the Jags for the division. Jags went from last to playoffs in very similar circumstances.

Time to roll the dice. Of course we have to draft Achane too.

LincolnBorglum79 said:

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I don't think Dalton or similar veteran qb with no future is going to excite the crowd. Better to take a shot with Young or Richardson. If it doesn't work, you still probably have a 6 or more win team with the rest of the talent upgrades and the high quality coaching staff. Nobody wants to maintain the current course of trying to get another high pick. Demeco and the sellout crowds want to win now.

The Jags were a mess with Urban Meyer but now Lawrence is excelling with a good coaching staff. They added Kirk and Ettienne and won the division. We add John Metchie and Devon Achane, very similar players to Kirk/Ettienne, and have a better coaching staff. No reason the Texans can't pass both Indy and the Titans to challenge the Jags for the division. Jags went from last to playoffs in very similar circumstances.

Time to roll the dice. Of course we have to draft Achane too.

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Yeah, but the Jags example is missing one thing for us...a Trevor Lawrence. If there was a Trevor Lawrence in this draft I would be all for trading both firsts to make sure we secure him, but there's not a Trevor Lawrence in this draft. Young doesn't have the measurables, and Richardson's floor is sub basement compared to Lawrence (although his ceiling is as high).

On a side I was listening to the Move the Sticks podcast this morningwhich is hosted by Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks, both have been scouts for multiple years and they were talking about how the Chiefs and Eagles were built. Biggest point they had is that if you want to win in this league, you need to swing for the fences at QB and get the guy with the biggest upside. If you swing and miss, then roll the dice again every 3 years until you hit. Just getting a guy that doesn't have the measurables is very rarely going to get it done. They also pointed out that the 49ers are one of the rare teams that aren't winning that way. Which is why I really hope we don't draft Bryce Young. Of the top 4 QBs in the draft, he has the lowest ceiling, so either go big or go talent with that first pick, and grab either Will Anderson or Anthony Richardson.

IrishAg said:

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On a side I was listening to the Move the Sticks podcast this morningwhich is hosted by Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks, both have been scouts for multiple years and they were talking about how the Chiefs and Eagles were built. Biggest point they had is that if you want to win in this league, you need to swing for the fences at QB and get the guy with the biggest upside. If you swing and miss, then roll the dice again every 3 years until you hit. Just getting a guy that doesn't have the measurables is very rarely going to get it done. They also pointed out that the 49ers are one of the rare teams that aren't winning that way. Which is why I really hope we don't draft Bryce Young. Of the top 4 QBs in the draft, he has the lowest ceiling, so either go big or go talent with that first pick, and grab either Will Anderson or Anthony Richardson.

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I agree.

and it's surprising that so many franchises stick with their "decent" or "solid" quarterbacks for so long.

they are scared to make a change

LincolnBorglum79 said:

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I don't think Dalton or similar veteran qb with no future is going to excite the crowd. Better to take a shot with Young or Richardson. If it doesn't work, you still probably have a 6 or more win team with the rest of the talent upgrades and the high quality coaching staff. Nobody wants to maintain the current course of trying to get another high pick. Demeco and the sellout crowds want to win now.

The Jags were a mess with Urban Meyer but now Lawrence is excelling with a good coaching staff. They added Kirk and Ettienne and won the division. We add John Metchie and Devon Achane, very similar players to Kirk/Ettienne, and have a better coaching staff. No reason the Texans can't pass both Indy and the Titans to challenge the Jags for the division. Jags went from last to playoffs in very similar circumstances.

Time to roll the dice. Of course we have to draft Achane too.

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This was never about turning the franchise over to "Dalton or similar veteran qb with no future." We need to draft a starting QB of the future. However, I do like the idea of bringing in a veteran who had had some success, can be a good model of a professional approach, and be a willing mentor. I really don't care how well they can perform at this stage in their career. It's about being a coach on the field.

Here are some of the guys who MIGHT make sense: Bridgewater, Keenum, Brissett, Flacco, Dalton, Gabbert, Daniel, Henne. I know some of these guys have had more success than others, and I have no idea what any of them are like personally, but I would like to see a vet to be the steady hand in the QB room. I don't care if they ever take a snap. Nothing against Davis Mills, but he shouldn't be the vet in the room.

W said:

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IrishAg said:

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On a side I was listening to the Move the Sticks podcast this morningwhich is hosted by Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks, both have been scouts for multiple years and they were talking about how the Chiefs and Eagles were built. Biggest point they had is that if you want to win in this league, you need to swing for the fences at QB and get the guy with the biggest upside. If you swing and miss, then roll the dice again every 3 years until you hit. Just getting a guy that doesn't have the measurables is very rarely going to get it done. They also pointed out that the 49ers are one of the rare teams that aren't winning that way. Which is why I really hope we don't draft Bryce Young. Of the top 4 QBs in the draft, he has the lowest ceiling, so either go big or go talent with that first pick, and grab either Will Anderson or Anthony Richardson.

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I agree.

and it's surprising that so many franchises stick with their "decent" or "solid" quarterbacks for so long.

they are scared to make a change

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I think this has to be the approach. Take the best one, and do everything you can to help him succeed. If he doesn't make it in a few years, you take another swing.

We can debate this to death, but you can look at the QB's taken every year and see that it's pretty much just a crapshoot.

Snake Jazz said:

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W said:

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IrishAg said:

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On a side I was listening to the Move the Sticks podcast this morningwhich is hosted by Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks, both have been scouts for multiple years and they were talking about how the Chiefs and Eagles were built. Biggest point they had is that if you want to win in this league, you need to swing for the fences at QB and get the guy with the biggest upside. If you swing and miss, then roll the dice again every 3 years until you hit. Just getting a guy that doesn't have the measurables is very rarely going to get it done. They also pointed out that the 49ers are one of the rare teams that aren't winning that way. Which is why I really hope we don't draft Bryce Young. Of the top 4 QBs in the draft, he has the lowest ceiling, so either go big or go talent with that first pick, and grab either Will Anderson or Anthony Richardson.

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I agree.

and it's surprising that so many franchises stick with their "decent" or "solid" quarterbacks for so long.

they are scared to make a change

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I think this has to be the approach. Take the best one, and do everything you can to help him succeed. If he doesn't make it in a few years, you take another swing.

We can debate this to death, but you can look at the QB's taken every year and see that it's pretty much just a crapshoot.

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Very much so, I'm sure if you ask Chicago, Cleveland or the Jets would they like a do over on the QBs they picked in the 2017 or 2018 draft they would desperately say yes. But who knows if Mahomes or Allen would have ever reached the heights they had if they didn't have the proper support and scheme in place?

No matter what, we have to get the scheme established and then move forward selecting talent that fits that scheme. Ironically (and Move the Sticks guys talked about it more when I got a chance to finish the podcast), but the NFL is very much becoming more like college, where you have to look past numbers and more at talent potential and scheme fit.

Move the sticks also talked about how it's almost the opposite if you have an elite QB, you are going to start turning over your roster every 3-4 years because of the contract. And how the Chiefs have the luxury of using the draft on high floor players who compliment the small group of elite talent they have locked in long term. Same principle the Patriots used to have, but tweaked to revolve around a small core group on both sides of the ball that have large contracts instead of just 2-3 that the patriots made sure they kept.

All that said, it comes down to great scouting, a great scheme, and the trust in both giving you the willingness to reset when needed and not give into letting fan favorites go if they aren't the needed core components of the team (like the Chiefs and HIll).