Here is how the offensive roster looks this year vs last year
2024
2023
Objectively, I think that there has been a significant talent upgrade, even if Waller retires, over last season.
By Position:
1) Quarterback- a bit less than last season as DJ's injuries may reduce his running ability somewhat. Lock may be a bit of a downgrade over Taylor, but Lock seems a bit sturdier and is less likely to be injured.
2) Running Back- I think this is a wash. They replaced the lead back model with shadow of his former self, Barkley, being replaced with the three-headed monster of Singletary, Gray, Tracy who are nice complements to each other and should be as productive if not more so than Barkley
3) Wide Receiver- This is a huge upgrade. Robinson is a year removed from his ACL, Hyatt has a year under his belt, and the addition of blue-chip prospect Nabers makes this an impressive WR unit compared to last year's unit of Slayton, rookie Hyatt/Campbell, Robinson/Shepard. There is an improvement of both speed and talent here.
4) Tight End- Waller never returned to his peak form last season owing to multiple hamstring injuries that started right before the season (plus, he was never a good blocker). Bellinger seemed to regress somewhat, and Cager didn't bring that much to the field. Now (assuming Waller retires you have Bellinger and Theo Johnson headlining as two two-way tight ends (my preference) and a more solid depth (at least in terms of blockers) in Manhertz and Stoll, and Cager coming back for another season.
5) O-line- Last year's line was an utter disaster in so many ways (it improved a bit when Pugh was added midseason). This year's unit brings plenty of proven NFL veteran linemen. They may not be elite or good, but they are also not tomato cans (the Daniel Jeremiah term). Add in a better O-line coach and this could prove to be a serviceable unit rather than the dumpster fire of 2023.
2024
2023
Objectively, I think that there has been a significant talent upgrade, even if Waller retires, over last season.
By Position:
1) Quarterback- a bit less than last season as DJ's injuries may reduce his running ability somewhat. Lock may be a bit of a downgrade over Taylor, but Lock seems a bit sturdier and is less likely to be injured.
2) Running Back- I think this is a wash. They replaced the lead back model with shadow of his former self, Barkley, being replaced with the three-headed monster of Singletary, Gray, Tracy who are nice complements to each other and should be as productive if not more so than Barkley
3) Wide Receiver- This is a huge upgrade. Robinson is a year removed from his ACL, Hyatt has a year under his belt, and the addition of blue-chip prospect Nabers makes this an impressive WR unit compared to last year's unit of Slayton, rookie Hyatt/Campbell, Robinson/Shepard. There is an improvement of both speed and talent here.
4) Tight End- Waller never returned to his peak form last season owing to multiple hamstring injuries that started right before the season (plus, he was never a good blocker). Bellinger seemed to regress somewhat, and Cager didn't bring that much to the field. Now (assuming Waller retires you have Bellinger and Theo Johnson headlining as two two-way tight ends (my preference) and a more solid depth (at least in terms of blockers) in Manhertz and Stoll, and Cager coming back for another season.
5) O-line- Last year's line was an utter disaster in so many ways (it improved a bit when Pugh was added midseason). This year's unit brings plenty of proven NFL veteran linemen. They may not be elite or good, but they are also not tomato cans (the Daniel Jeremiah term). Add in a better O-line coach and this could prove to be a serviceable unit rather than the dumpster fire of 2023.