The 4 defensive starters in their contract years are free safety Madieu Williams, weak-side linebacker Landon Johnson and defensive ends Justin Smith and Bryan Robinson.
Some key backups headed into their final contract years, are middle linebacker Caleb Miller, cornerback Keiwan Ratliff, linebacker Ed Hartwell and defensive tackle Kenderick Allen.

If Madieu can return to form I say sign him for the future. This defense needs an identity, and Madieu, with our twin first round corners; Ahmad Brooks and Peko are the foundation to build on.

We need guys with a swagger. And I’m sorry but that is not Landon Johnson. He is a serviceable guy, but I would not give him a big payday. I’d say goodbye to Smith and Robinson as well, unless either would sign for less.

I’m okay with Keiwan. He is having a good camp. And you might remember TJ calling him out as a person who deserves to be a starter during the off-season. But I sign him, provided he doesn’t want starter money (which he probably does). As to the rest, I would wait and see how Hartwell and Allen play before I make an offer. Goodbye Caleb Miller.