DolfanISS
Perennial All-Pro
From the Gase presser!
Jermon Bushrod was OK in 2016. He was a huge upgrade over the guys we had been trotting out at RG previously. He's probably going to retire, and fans are probably not going to miss him, but I still appreciate that he was a helpful stopgap measure to end the Turnstile Twins' reign of terror. Best of luck with your next stop in life, Jermon.
Julius Thomas was signed to be an athletic mismatch weapon, and really just wasn't athletic enough anymore to really shine as one. I don't think it was lack of effort that hurt him, but just lack of explosiveness due to age. He might be back, but if he's not, I won't miss him.
In either case, I hope we get to see these two young guys on the field for at least a couple of series in the next two weeks. For Duarte, his practice squad eligibility is evaporating quickly. For Smith, I want to see him in live game action, because he showed well enough in the pre-season that I think he's starter quality.
I'd still like to know why JT was deemed better than Gray. I guess now we'll find out. And I'd like to see Duarte show his potential.
Julius Thomas is a much more polished route runner, for one thing.