Belair57

cant we just be done with the ws experiment already?

UK_WhoDat

Will Smith. Good luck with that thought

TheOak

For the last two seasons Smith has not proven to be worth more than the league Minimum.

If he gets to stay and proves value beyond the league minimum in the 3-4 after 2013 is over then discuss a raise.

papz

I'm sorry I still can't get behind your size argument. Although you've stated it's not the primary reason why you don't think he's a fit, his size is something you're continually using to factor why he won't work here. 6'2 3/4 and 6'3 isn't a big difference and it really is not an issue.

I definitely agree he's lost a step or two but don't see the part where you're saying he hasn't faced as many double teams. Personally I see him getting held all the time and he's always and still does get extra attention. Maybe not to the same degree as the past, but he's 31... his skill are declining. I'm not talking about bringing the guy back as a full time option or at his current rate. But I see no reason why he wouldn't be a solid rotational fit in a 3-4. He can occupy blockers... that's never been an issue. That's what you want from your 3-4 DE. I have no idea how long his arms are but he doesn't look like T-Rex out there either.

Ideally 3-4 DE's weigh btw 285 to 300... and Smith is right on the cusp. Truthfully, he probably weighs more than his listed weight... which is pretty common on their player card(he looks around 290). So no matter how you put it, it's just not something we're going to agree on. I don't think there is anything that needs to be compensated due to this lack in size thing. His diminishing ability in rushing the passer in my opinion, at this stage in his career, makes him better suited for a 3-4 DE now... or a LDE in a 4-3(which typically fits the bill as a 3-4 end).

I'm pretty firm in my assessment... if I'm wrong, I don't think you can flip me until we actually see him play.

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.

FinSaint

Sure, you're entitled to your opinion as am I to mine, so there's really no point in debating this point any further.

I just think that Smith would himself find more success and probably more gratification with a team mainly running the 4-3 base defense, but I wouldn't be totally against seeing him on the roster next season - just not if he is being paid anything close to what he is being paid now.

Danno

You both have some good points. I didn't realize Smith was that tall, he certainly looks smaller. Looking at them side by side on the field Jordan looks a lot taller with longer arms. That wingspan plays a big role for a 3-4 DE. I think Smith is a tad undersized (weight +height+length) as an everydown 3-4 DE, but he could probably do OK there.

Personally I think Smith is a much better fit as a 4-3 RDE than a 3-4 RDE. I think he would be offered more money as a 4-3 DE somewhere else.

I think we have to go youger and cheaper. I'd be OK with Smith at a much reduced salary, but I doubt he'll stay for what we can afford.