Yes, it’s still a T2 system, however, not everyone uses the same systems the exact same way. Urlacher and Brooks are/were both in T2 systems and used much differently than we use our LBs. They’re still T2 systems, but the way the used the system was different and more emphasis was placed on the LB position within the T2. For example, none of the T2 systems used their SS like we have with Bob. Tampa did with Lynch for a little while, but after he left, the role of the safety changed slightly. However, I’d much rather have Bob play more like Lynch did to preserve his career. He’ll be out of football in a few years at this rate.

The asking price of Keiaho would’ve been around 927k. That would’ve been the price of the low tender to receive a 3rd round pick. I agree with you on that part, I believe Keiaho would probably be worth a 900kish contract for one year with the possibility of a 3rd round pick. As free agency goes on, a LB with potential will start looking worth that price after the other guys start coming off the market. Or at least we get a contract that’s not breaking the bank for a guy that showed some potential.

Like I said though, the only reason I think they would have let him walk is more Coyer’s decision than anyone else. When teams interview guys for any coaching job, especially coordinators, they ask them what they would do different and everything they would do on defense. Coyer was a LB coach who put alot of value on them while in Denver. I don’t think I’m stretching the imagination by assuming Coyer probably mentioned something about the LB core, what it means to their team, and how he thinks everyone fits in to how he would like to use them. I promise they specifically asked him about Keiaho and if he replied that it’s fine to let him walk because he has a different type of LB in mind anyway, they probably took him at his word. A little pointless to increase someone’s salary if it doesn’t fit the mold the new DC has in mind at LB.

Coyer worked with Romanowski and John Mobley (who didn’t do anything at all until Coyer showed up and was showing definite upswing until he had a spinal injury that ended his career) when he first got to Denver. Then he drafted a 2nd round LB and the first round pick in 04 was D.J. Williams. And D.J. Williams is a great OLB. I have a feeling Coyer has a specific type of player in mind, especially at OLB. I don’t think Keiaho, or really anyone one person on the roster fits that. However, Keiaho was the one who happened to become a RFA. That clause in his contract might have been a poorly timed “perk”.

This is the report when Williams was a prospect. I included Vilma because they use him as an example.

“Jonathan Vilma (6-1, 233lbs, 4.55, Miami): Middle linebacker who could also project to the weakside. Biggest knock on Vilma is his lack of size. But Vilma is an excellent athlete with superb intangibles. Smart, instinctive, intense, and physical. Reads plays extremely well. Doesn’t make many mistakes. Takes on blocks aggressively but can get tied up by big blockers. Better at avoiding blocks. Has sideline-to-sideline range. Sure tackler, but not powerful due to his lack of size. Good on the blitz and can cover.
Demorrio Williams (6-1, 232lbs, 4.53, Nebraska): Weakside linebacker. Similar in size and ability to Jonathan Vilma. Lacks ideal size. Excellent athlete with fine intangibles. Tough, intense, and competitive. Good run defender who reads plays quickly and takes on blocks aggressively. Can get tied up by big blockers. Good at avoiding blocks. Can run sideline-to-sideline. Good tackler and hitter. Very good blitzer. Has the ability to be a very good coverage linebacker but needs more technique work.”