Upcoming offseason

by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 21, 2011 4:18 PM EDT

And I'm back!

So, we all know the typical laundry list of who Ozzie has to resign.

2) Leron McClain (if we cut Willis for sure, if we don't it might be up in the air)

3) Either Josh Wilson or Chris Carr. I know most fans will want Wilson, but he will likely get at least what Dominique Foxworth got, which we won't want to pay with Ladarius Webb and Jimmy Smith growing into starting roles, unless we plan on cutting Foxworth next year.

4) Long term deal for Haloti Ngata, because it will clear cap space this year and obviously we want to keep him here long term.

After that, who to cut is a big deal. I don't expect Willis McGahee back, not worth the money. I expect Kelly Gregg will probably be cut, although we might bring him back for less money. Other options are Todd Heap (no!), Derrick Mason (maybe?), and Matt Birk(no replacement).

Most of us do not expect Dawan Landry back; he will continue the trend of safety's who played next to Ed Reed getting bigger contracts than they are worth. I think Chris Chester and Jared Gaither are both gone, both are going to want big money as starters at their positions. As I stated before, it is either Carr or Wilson, not both. I would like to see Bulger back, but we know thats not in Ozzies control. He will have to decide if he is done as a starter, and wants to try for a ring with us. Fabian Washington, Donte Stallworth, and T.J. Houshmanzadeh are probably all gone, and I expect all or most of our RFA to be back with the team.

Which free agents would you like to see us make a push for this year (within reason, ie. no Nmadi Asomugha?

Some Ideas:

1) Vincent Jackson, WR- We could use a tall WR, and Torrey Smith is not there yet. The question is whether we can afford to pay big bucks to 2 stud WR's. Boldin's deal is reasonable, but would V-Jax's demands be? This assumes he does not get kept under the franchise tag this year.

Other option: Sydney Rice, Jacoby Jones, Malcom Floyd, Sam Hurd

2) Ike Taylor, CB- Is he a clear upgrade over Carr and Wilson. Probably by a little. But he is older (31) than Carr(28) and Wilson(26), and is looking for a big deal. so I personally would stay away from him, especially if he wants more than a 3 year deal.

Other option: Brandon Carr, Richard Marshall

3) Mathias Kiwanuka, OLB/DE- He is coming off an injury, but he is only 28, and has shown to be a stud in the past. Time will tell if the Ravens can afford him, but I think he would be a great addition. We need to do something about our pass-rush.

Other options: Justin Babin, Ray McDonald, Marcus Benard

4) Vonta Leach, FB- If we are going to let Leron carry the ball, we need someone to block. Leach is the best on the market.

Other options:Lawrence Vickers, John Kuhn, Ahmad Hall

Just going to throw some other names out there to discuss:

Safety- Eric Weddle, Danieal Manning, Michael Huff,

OT- Ryan Harris, Jermon Bushrod

I don't think we will go after starters at either of theses positions, but anything is possible depending on how the market plays out.

There are some good Rookie Free Agents at the safety position, and I hope we take a run at one of them. Here is a write up on the top 3 safeties, both ranked among the top 6 remaining rookies overall:

1. Joe Lefeged, S, Rutgers (Scouts Inc. grade: 73)
Lefeged possesses a nice combination of size and straight-line speed, and the range, discipline and toughness to contribute as a sub-package safety and special-teams player early in his career. He also has the ability to develop into a starting strong safety in time.

5. DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson (61)
McDaniel has limitations in terms of fluidity and top-end speed, but he has the size, strength and instincts to become an effective in-the-box safety and also flashes above-average ball skills.

6. Jeron Johnson, S, Boise State (60)
Johnson is still developing in terms of instincts and discipline in coverage, but has the quickness and agility to contribute in sub packages.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?id=6520608

Those are my thoughts on our offseason. Who would you like to see in Purple going into the season?

The opinions posted here are those of the administrator of this blog and his loyal readers. They are in no way official comments from the team, and should not be misconstued as such, even though he thinks he could do just as well or even a better job!

Tweet Comment 56 comments | 2 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Other Rookie FA's

Richard Henry, G
Garett Chisolm, G
Willie Smith, OT
Alexander Linnenkohl, C

by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 21, 2011 4:40 PM EDT reply actions

I’m thinking about Michael Bush, especially if we cut McGahee and don’t re-sign McClain. Bush is a big boy and could be a nice complement to Rice…

by JoshuaStein on Jul 21, 2011 4:52 PM EDT reply actions

Looks like Dallas will be cutting ties with Marion Barber, wouldn’t mind him as our power back if it is for reasonable money.

Flacco's first 3 years vs. Brady's, Manning's and Brees' first 3 years

Flacco threw for just 21 fewer passing yards than Brady and tossed four fewer interceptions. Flacco threw for 1,655 more yards than Brees, two more touchdowns and four fewer picks. Manning, who averaged 88 more passes per season, threw for way more yards and touchdowns than Flacco, but also tossed 24 more interceptions.

by Mr MaLoR on Jul 21, 2011 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve always been a Barber fan, but he has durabillty issues. And I doubt he’ll be cheap…

by JoshuaStein on Jul 21, 2011 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Wouldn’t mind Vincent Jackson or Sidney Rice here, doubt it though. We are pretty set at WR. Yes Torrey and Doss may not be ready for a big role right away, but Boldin and Mason will be and that is plenty to get us going. They are going to bring Torrey along like Pittsburgh did Mike Wallace, just tell him to run straight and look for the ball if it is there.

Flacco's first 3 years vs. Brady's, Manning's and Brees' first 3 years

by Mr MaLoR on Jul 21, 2011 5:14 PM EDT reply actions

With limited practices due to the lockout, I’m starting to think that we should steer clear of free agents for the most part, and try to retain the guys we have. With Jimmy, Torrey, Doss, and maybe even Kindle now on the team, we just might be able to correct some of our weaker areas from last year. Jimmy to shutdown the bigger receivers, Torrey to stretch the field, and Kindle to add a pass rush opposite of Suggs. Now granted due to lowered salary cap, we may need to let some guys go. But I think its crucial to get our O-line back into good form, and that may mean resigning Gaither and switching him back to LT. That would allow Yanda to move back inside, and hopefully would return that power running game of ours that was so dominant a couple years back.

"I hate your sig…" -Mr MaLoR

by StuckInUtah on Jul 21, 2011 5:16 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I agree with you Stuck but when it comes to the pass rush department I think both Suggs and Johnson need

atleast some kind of good pass rusher to back them up. We saw countless of times where the starters on defense where seen worn out and tired but good back ups could help keep them fresh. I think the Ravens have that in all the position accept for outside linebacker and if Segio Kindle does return and ready to go that would be good but you cant never have too many good pass rushers

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?-langton Hughes

yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz

by jazz20 on Jul 21, 2011 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions

yaaaaaaaaaaaaay Ray is your daddy is back lol but good post man i'm surpise you didnt mention Safety Deunta Williams in your undrafted free agent list

. I like Joe Lefegard he has some very good speed and even played as kick returner as well

yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz

by jazz20 on Jul 21, 2011 5:26 PM EDT reply actions

I think Chris Chester and Jared Gaither are both gone, both are going to want big money as starters at their positions.

Why do I keep hearing people say that Chris Chester is going to ask for starter money? He started because of an injury and was quite obviously the weak link on our line. He didn’t do one thing last year that would give him leverage to ask for that kind of contract.

Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.

State your case, back it up with facts and reasonable opinions ...
Bruce Raffel

by Ampallang on Jul 21, 2011 5:39 PM EDT reply actions

Chester

He wants to start, and therefore is looking for a starting job and a starters salary. I didn’t say a “good” starters salary. lol

by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 21, 2011 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Where did you hear that he wants to start?

Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.

State your case, back it up with facts and reasonable opinions ...
Bruce Raffel

by Ampallang on Jul 22, 2011 7:02 AM EDT up reply actions

You're right

I haven’t seen it in too many places, but there will be teams interested in him as a starter, so why would he come back here?

by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 22, 2011 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions

… there will be teams interested in him as a starter …

Who? I’ve heard literally nothing about Chester getting a starting gig anywhere. I haven’t heard him ask for starting money or a starting job, I haven’t heard any other teams show interest in him as a starter, and I definitely didn’t see Chester earn any of that last year. I’ve seen fans on message boards throwing around the idea of Chester asking for starter money or getting a starting gig somewhere, but I’ve heard nothing in the way of evidence backing it up.

Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.

State your case, back it up with facts and reasonable opinions ...
Bruce Raffel

by Ampallang on Jul 22, 2011 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions

remember tony pashos?

trust me, there are enough bad starters out there that he should have options.

"The Redskins also are desperate for impact offensive lineman, and if they miss out on Yanda, they likely will target two other Ravens – Chris Chester or Jared Gaither – since Washington’s offensive line coach, Chris Foerster, has ties to those players from his time in Baltimore," La Canfora wrote.
Chester, who can play guard or center, has started 38 of 48 regular-season games during the Head Coach John Harbaugh era. Gaither was a starter until missing last year due to a back injury.

http://michaeljeromeoher.com/?p=2822

No one more reliable :P

by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 22, 2011 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve seen that. That’s just somebody in the media speculating. I’ve still seen nothing to substantiate any talk of Chester as a starter.

Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.

State your case, back it up with facts and reasonable opinions ...
Bruce Raffel

by Ampallang on Jul 22, 2011 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

All we have to go on is logic at this point. Most FA plans are probably under wraps right now.

But I could see Chester being an upgrade for a lot of teams. This post points out that OL coach Chris Foerster had ties to Baltimore (05-07, obviously before Chester’s time, but still), and any players they sign from us would probably not have to move far if at all. I’ve read commentators predicting any of our 3 OL FAs going to the Redskins. Chester graded out positively at Pro Football Focus for 2009 and 2010, which is more than can be said for ANY of the Redskins OL, all of whom graded out EXTREMELY negatively on the year.

by dimik on Jul 22, 2011 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Ampallang

Told you so on chester. 5 years 20 million to start for Washington

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post?id=42312

by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 28, 2011 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Your quote above says the Redskins are looking for an “impact offensive lineman,” but they got Chester. I feel really bad for whoever’s going to be playing QB for Washington this season; Chester is going to get him killed.

Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.

State your case, back it up with facts and reasonable opinions ...
Bruce Raffel

by Ampallang on Jul 28, 2011 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Kinda off topic, but I just read Ricardo Lockette, WR out of Fort Valley State, went undrafted. This dude can FLY. Wide receiver is not an initital priority for us, but Lockette would be sweet to look at returning kicks and punts if we ever have a training camp and preseason games.

by JoshuaStein on Jul 21, 2011 6:48 PM EDT reply actions

Wouldn’t mind giving him a shot. I was just as surprised as you were to see that he went undrafted.

Flacco's first 3 years vs. Brady's, Manning's and Brees' first 3 years

by Mr MaLoR on Jul 21, 2011 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions

honestly I thought about the same thing and he said when he was in college the Ravens scouters visit to see him play twice.

the guy is 6’3, 210 pounds, and has a 4.39 speed. If anything he could be a great developmental player and its not telling how James Hardy will pan out but he did say at the combine that he wanted to be a Atlanta Falcon; I don’t know if that effects his chance of the Ravens signing him but I think if the Falcons call him up that would probably be the team he would go to

yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz

by jazz20 on Jul 21, 2011 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions

How is he not a Raider?

The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.

by El.Dude on Jul 22, 2011 7:42 AM EDT up reply actions

I dont know lol I thought for sure the Raiders would had drafted him but they instead drafted

wideout Denarius Moore who is fast as well.

yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz

by jazz20 on Jul 22, 2011 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Here’s what I think they should do…

1. Resign Yanda. He may be our most important FA this off-season after they franchised Ngata.
2. Sign Gaither to a one year deal. They could really use him this season at least.
3. Sign Ngata to a long-term extension if possible. Signing him may actually lower his cap number.
4. Let Carr and Landry walk. Zbikowski can step up, and Carr wants to start.
5. Resign Josh Wilson. He was the Ravens best corner and will give them an experienced option going forward.
6. Let McClain walk and sign Vonta Leach. Leach would make Rice a top-three back and revive the running game.
7. Cut McGahee then offer him a reasonable contract. He may or may not take it. It’s worth a shot.
8. Sign Antwan Barnes. He is one dimensional but may be the best situation pass rusher on the market.

by BAL_Hawk on Jul 21, 2011 9:49 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs

I agree with everything but leach I know he is great but I also know vickers is the best blocking fullback plus he will be a whole lot cheaper he could pave the way for rice

by zmmckay on Jul 21, 2011 9:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Vickers is good but has refered to himself as a “west coast fullback” and wants to catch/carry the ball more.

Leach will probably be a bit more expensive but is worth it in my opinion. They don’t make fullbacks like him often.

by BAL_Hawk on Jul 21, 2011 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Leach is considered to be the best FB in the game, what makes you think he will be cheaper than LeRon?

Flacco's first 3 years vs. Brady's, Manning's and Brees' first 3 years

by Mr MaLoR on Jul 21, 2011 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions

malor

because he is a fullback, and mcclain wants to be paid like a rb. I remember when Ovie left us for Atlanta, and his deal overall didnt seem so big, something like 4 years 13 million, but he was the highest paid fullback. Greg Jones is the highest paid fullback now; he has a 5 yr 17.4 million deal. Know any decent RBswho make that little? Even Chester Taylor got a 4 yeaer, 12.5 mil contract at age 30. How much you think McClain will command in his prime? 5 year 25 million or so?

by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 21, 2011 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I never said he’d be cheaper.

I just think he’d be better. McClain is a good run blocker and a good short-yardage back, but Leach is a dominate run blocker and an average ball carrier. Since the Ravens use their fullback primarily as a blocker, it makes more sense to sign the dominate run blocker.

I’m also not crazy about McClain being our fullback, backup running back and short-yardage ball carrier. That’s putting too many eggs in one basket in my opinion. I would rather sign a backup for Rice (maybe resign McGahee to a cheaper deal after we cut him) and have a dominate fullback like Leach. Even if they can’t get McGahee to come back, there are several good FA running backs, and the Ravens also have options on the roster for a backup.

I’m not opposed to bringing back LeRon. I just think Leach would be better… even if we must pay more.

by BAL_Hawk on Jul 22, 2011 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions

I’ll take Vickers over Leach. I want a guy who can do everything and is a beast.

The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.

by El.Dude on Jul 22, 2011 7:53 AM EDT up reply actions

BAL_Hawk I haven't seen any other Ravens FA plan I agree with more. BUT--on Vickers

when he referred to himself as a “West Coast fullback” he was just defending himself against being typecast as just a “knockout fullback” and his being thus pushed out under Shurmur’s new West Coast offense in favor of a rookie. Vickers was a little hurt that the the team he wanted to retire with was kicking him to the curb.

This article explains this all in depth.

He is not at all hungry for touches or targets—he’s a modest and humble guy who just wants to do what the game plan requires. He’s making a case for himself that he would still fit Shurmur’s system and he’s being judged unfairly based on how past regimes used him.

by dimik on Jul 22, 2011 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions

hawk

Do we want to pay Wilson what he is going to command on the open market. is he going to give us a paycut to stay and play near home? His value will be higher than Foxworths deal. Do we want to spend that kind of money with Webb and Jimmy Smith in the wings, and having to give long-term deals to Flacco, Grubbs, Rice, Ngata, and Yanda in the next 2 years? You say Carr wants to start; you think Wilson doesn’t want to? Duh!

And why would Gaither sign a 1 year deal. He will likely get a nice deal this offseason to start somewhere. So it is a pipe dream.

Antwan Barnes? Please! he is a dumb-ass who couldnt learn our playbook well enough to get on the field!

by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 21, 2011 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions

I think the idea of Wilson wanting a contract higher or as much as Foxworth is not a for sure thing to happen .I think the Ravens have to keep Carr or WIlson because its no telling how Jimmy Smith will turn out, Webb has shown promise but it is no telling if he will improve, Chykie Brown is in the same case as Smith, and Cary Williams has shown some promise but its still not clear if he is ready.

Antwan Barnes? Please! he is a dumb-ass who couldnt learn our playbook well enough to get on the field!

dumb or not we could had definately used him last year because the guy is a good pass rusher and is good in pass coverage

And why would Gaither sign a 1 year deal. He will likely get a nice deal this offseason to start somewhere. So it is a pipe dream.

I dont think its a dream for the Gaither to return on a one year deal becuase he said so him self that he wants to be a raven and what team would sign a player to a big contract thats coming off a major back injury.

yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz

by jazz20 on Jul 22, 2011 7:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Barnes is a effing speed demon. Sign him up!

The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.

by El.Dude on Jul 22, 2011 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Pay Wilson what he wants. He’s worth it. He can return kicks and cover opposing teams #1. Can Foxworth do that? Hell no.

The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.

by El.Dude on Jul 22, 2011 7:51 AM EDT up reply actions

So we cut foxworth, resign Wilson. see below.
Barnes had his chances here.
When did Gaither say he wanted to come back? idk if the coaches want to give up on Oher at LT after 1 season. And are we really willing to risk Ray’s last season on Gaithers injury issues and attitude? I would rather we brought in Bushrod, or spent the money on a diff position. I hate Gaither as much as the Steelers. In fact he is probably a Steeler fan and didn’t want to get run over by Woodley all season, so he pussied out!

by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 22, 2011 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions

jazz

what makes you think Wilson can’t get a deal more than Foxworth did? He is clearly better. There is a reason Seattle dealt him, and that was their inability to resign him.

by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 22, 2011 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions

I actually was over on seattle’s site and some of the people there weren’t as high on Wilson as we are. I was hearing that the team wanted to go with taller CB’s and I don’t think valued him as much as we do.

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jul 22, 2011 8:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Seattle let Wilson go because they didnt like him because of his size not because they wouldnt been able to re-sign him . I think you and other Ravens fans are really blowing Josh Wilson performance beyound where it should be

. I wont deny the fact that Josh Wilson had a solid performance later on in the season but I just dont think he is worth getting more than foxworth at this point( yes over paid foxworth) I think Josh Wilson game wininng interception against the houston texans has giving Ravens fans the impression that he should get 29 million dollar deal or more.

Actrally Josh Wilson and Dominque Foxworth stats are pretty simlar and they both step up their game later on in the season and playoffs. I also dont get how Wilson would want more money than Chris Carr because wasn’t chris carr the most consistent/solid cornerback for the whole season and it was even said that quarterbacks even stop trying the ball in his direction; I’m not saying Chris Carr is a shutdown cornerback but its true that quarterbacks ignore the areas where Chris Carr was at but that wasnt the same with Josh Wilson

yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz

by jazz20 on Jul 22, 2011 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Do we want to pay Wilson what he is going to command on the open market. is he going to give us a paycut to stay and play near home? His value will be higher than Foxworths deal. Do we want to spend that kind of money with Webb and Jimmy Smith in the wings, and having to give long-term deals to Flacco, Grubbs, Rice, Ngata, and Yanda in the next 2 years?

I think we need another experienced option. Signing Wilson isn’t a must, but it makes sense. I cannot see him getting a contract like Foxworth (4 year, $27 million) since he didn’t start all year. I think he’ll get somewhere around $12 million over 3 years. That’s more than worth it in my opinion.

He loves living here and loves the Ravens. They gave up a draft pick for him. I think they’ll keep him.

And why would Gaither sign a 1 year deal. He will likely get a nice deal this offseason to start somewhere. So it is a pipe dream.

Here’s my logic behind why I think Gaither will be resigned:

1. Gaither could sign with another team. He may even be able to get a little more money than what the Ravens will offer, but there isn’t a team in the league that will give a player that sat out an entire season with a neck/back injury a long-term, big money deal.

2. Therefore, Gaither’s options are as follows: He can sign a 1-2 year deal with another team that may be 1-2 million dollars more than the Ravens offer, OR he can come back with the Ravens for one year, put in a solid year at LT and get paid a big contract next off-season.

Right now, I think Gaither will take any offer that the Ravens put on the table, and before everyone gets up-in-arms about that statement, just keep in mind that Gaither’s earning ceiling has been greatly lowered because of last season. Therefore, any offer that the Ravens make will be competitive in comparison to what he could make next off-season after a solid year at LT for the Ravens.

Gaither needs to prove that he’s recovered before any team makes him the contract offer he wants. He would be much more successful in a single year with the Ravens than anywhere else… since he already knows the system. Playing well and potentially starting for the Ravens, who will likely make the playoffs, will make him look better for next off-season.

The Ravens also need help at tackle. Gaither could come in and immediately start at LT if needed. At the very least, the Ravens are desperate for depth. In my opinion, it’s a win-win situation and makes too much sense not to happen.

Antwan Barnes? Please! he is a dumb-ass who couldnt learn our playbook well enough to get on the field!

Barnes was 13th in the top-15 for pass-rushing productivity on 3rd-4th downs last season in San Diego with 26 total pressures. That’s better than Justin Tuck and tied with Julius Peppers. He sounds like the perfect situational pass-rusher to me.

Furthermore, he’s already worked with the Ravens and should be relatively inexpensive. I think he’d be perfect.

by BAL_Hawk on Jul 22, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions

I like

I like your logic that he would be more successful because he know our system. I just think there are enough teams desperate enough to pay him more on a multi year deal. But I could be wrong. We will see.

by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 22, 2011 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions

BAL_Hawk--he's actually ranked SECOND per snap

I totally co-sign bringing Barnes back

by dimik on Jul 22, 2011 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I might be wrong here, but I don’t think that Wilson or Carr will command that much in FA. Neither of them are shut down corners and the market will be flooded with a lot of really solid #1 guys and a few shutdown corners. We thought that Foxworth was going to be our #1 guy when we brought him in and that is why we paid him that much, but no one would say that Carr or Wilson are #1 guys at this point. Hell, they are borderline #2-#3 guys.

I think we can lowball both of them and still retain either one we want when its all said and done. They won’t want to move for the extra little bit they could earn. I’m thinking 1.5-2mil a year average over 4 years.

by Mstevens_Design on Jul 24, 2011 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t know that there are many shutdown CB’s in the league right now. True shut down CB’s are hard to come by and I think that label gets thrown around a little too loosely. I do agree that there is quite a few solid CB’s though, so I think that will help get them cheaper. I still think they get a little bit more than that though. I think they will get around 4 to 5 mill a year just because the league is turning into a passing league more and more and you need to have at least three solid CB’s or an amazing pass rush now a days. Even with a solid pass rush your CB’s can still be exposed by the elite QB’s in the league though. They did a write up over at BTSC breaking down some CB stats and Carr’s numbers looked very impressive and he also was one of the top in the league as far as tackling. Throw in his versatility and I’m sure a team will make a little higher offer than 2 mill a year although I am hoping he goes under the radar along with Wilson.

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jul 25, 2011 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m considering Joseph a shutdown corner. Not in the sense that he is on the same level as Aso, but that he is significantly better than a Cromartie, Carr or Wilson. Maybe Shutdown corner is the wrong term, but my point is still valid…. there are just WAY too many solid corners coming into FA that will get a starting position.

I just don’t think Wilson or Carr are #1 guys and they are on the fence of #2-#3. Most teams already have their #3 guys in place for a lot cheaper than signing a FA like Carr or Wilson.

by Mstevens_Design on Jul 25, 2011 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions

They aren’t #1 guys, they are both solid #2 guys. But there are not enough solid CB’s in the league. So even though Wilson and Carr probably aren’t among the top 5-8 cb’s on the market, they would instantly be starters in places like Detroit and Houston where the secondary is a major weakness.

by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 25, 2011 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Looks like you guys are right

Stevens, jazz and balhawk…

Josh Wilson signed with Washington for 3 years, 13 million with 9 guaranteed. Hard to believe we weren’t willing to match it. So either Ozzie prefers Carr, we want Aso, or we are in on another, better FA (Richard Marshall, Jonathan Joseph, or Brandon Carr maybe?)

by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 27, 2011 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice!

9. Sign Ricardo “awesome name” Lockette to a trainging camp contract.
10. Drop a duece on the Steelers Sept. 11th.

The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.

by El.Dude on Jul 22, 2011 7:45 AM EDT up reply actions

I like no. 10

So the Ravens are only going to score 2 points against the Steelers?

"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."

by PCISteeler on Jul 24, 2011 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Nah. We’re going to drop a whole lotta deuces. Get ready for the shit show!

The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.

by El.Dude on Jul 24, 2011 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions

I wrote this up on the Aso thread, but it helps for the cutting decisions detailed in the article

http://www.ravens24x7.com/columns/The-Money-Clip-Baltimore-Ravens-Salary-Cap-Analysis/Ravens-2011-Free-Agency-Primer

Here are the actual $ amounts we will save by cutting each of these players. The max we could generate in cap space from these guys is 26 million, plus another 5 mil from signing to Ngata to a long-term deal, and we could start with 37 million in cap space. However, some of these players would need to be replaced.
Todd Heap $4.6M
Derrick Mason $4.5M
Matt Birk $3.0M
D. Foxworth $4.4M
Kelly Gregg $3.4M
W. McGahee$6M

If we cut these players, let’s see which positions we have the new starters already on the team.
TE- Pitta, Dickson and Drew. Check. Heap is awesome, but we could do without him.

RB- I assume if we try to clear that much room, it would be to sign Leron McClain long-term and bring in another fullback. We likely don’t have any one on the roster for that.

DT- I have no doubt they will probably let Gregg go from our overcrowded D-line. Its possible they could bring him back for less, but we are using a ton of roster spots on the d-line. Cody and McKinney are capable.replacements.

C- We can’t vut Birk, with no good replacements. We would have to pay more to sign a new C, who would have to learn our offense in a short time. Better to keep Birk for one more year. There are some good young undrafted FA’s out there at C. My favorite, Kris O’Dowd from USC, was the 3rd best C prospect in the draft, but wasn’t drafted because of injury issues. He was all pac-10 as a Sophmore, and came out after his Junior year. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1244477
Other names at C are: Jake Kirkpatrick, Tim Barnes, and Alex Linnenkohl.
The FA who aren’t over the hill who we could look at if we did cut Birk are: Lyle Sendlein, Samson Satele, and Scott Mruczkowski.

CB- We could choose to bring back Carr or Wilson instead of Foxworth, or one of the many other good CB’s. So this is definitely an option. Aso would cost us probably 8- million per, where a guy like Ike Taylor would probably cost around 5-6. Champ Bailey is an interesting option on a shorter term deal. It couldn’t hurt to have him around ala Rod Woodson to mentor our guys in the secondary.

Mason- Not a good year to cut him. He knows the playbook, and that is integral in this shortened offseason. The rationale to cut him is that there are good, young options on the market like Sidney Rice, better to spend Mason’s salary there as the beginning of a long-term deal. Any other year, I would say they should think about it. This year, incumbency and playbook knowledge is more important.

So there you go. We can afford to let go of Heap, Gregg, Willis, and likely Foxworth. We will probably hold on to Birk and Mason.

by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 22, 2011 8:13 AM EDT reply actions

I am still not so sold on J. McClain inside starting next to Ray.

There are some, in my opinion, better options available in free agency. My favorite and somewhat under the radar guy being Kirk Morrison. He stays healthy and is an all-round solid linebacker at 29 years of age. Jacksonville may try to keep him, but an offer from the Ravens could be more appealing for a guy that has only played for losing teams his entire career.

I also wouldn’t mind seeing what McClain could offer on the outside rushing the passer when needed. He could also serve as some much needed depth at OLB.

by Mayne_Event on Jul 22, 2011 4:01 PM EDT reply actions