Alex Smith is already the obvious Comeback Player for this season. If he gets the Football Team into the playoffs, they should send his jersey to the HoF for display or something. I don't think there's much more of a comeback story, other than perhaps Peyton Manning.
Maybe they should hire Marrone, I hear he will be available? Alternatively, can they almost hire Josh McDaniels and have him back out at the last minute?
I think the price is going up, generally. In fact, we're probably going to have to settle for a shorter contract term just to keep the guaranteed number from making heads explode. All of this talk of discounts... I don't think those amount to much. In practice, Josh is worse off than other elite QBs financially because he has less opportunity for endorsement deals. The team will need to pay market value, not overpay. I think they'll work it out and he will be in the $40M/yr range.
I don't really know how to pick. But for sure McKenzie, Marlowe, Allen, and Bass. Honestly I kind of want to give one to Antonio Williams, Gabe Davis, and Diggs. Hell, I would be fine to give one to the punter too.
I guess my point is, they are going to study all of our games. You don't have to use every wrinkle when you already have a library of "seen on film" to choose from.
This whole "vanilla" thing is a little odd. We have an entire year on film. Use plays that have been run before, sure... but you can still mix it up. Also, obviously you don't run Josh and you might not want to send your top WRs over the middle.