Will Jarret Johnson Be A Raven Next Season?

by lastcallbmore on Jan 25, 2012 7:01 AM EST

One of the most underrated players on the Ravens, or in the entire NFL for that matter, Jarret Johnson may no longer be a Raven next season.

Johnson saw his playing time decrease this season do to the emergence of pass rusher Paul Kruger. Also, the Ravens have second round pick Sergio Kindle waiting in the wings to try for one of the outside linebacker positions. At season's end Johnson tallied 58 tackles, 2.5 sacks and three passes defended, down from 73 tackles a year ago.

Johnson has been a long-time fan favorite here in Baltimore, known for his grittiness and hard-nosed style. He was a fourth round pick in the Ravens 2003 draft class and the team now has two second round picks waiting in the wings in Kruger and Kindle. Although it would be hard for him to leave Johnson understands it's a business.

"I don’t know, we’ll see," a downtrodden Johnson said on Monday morning as he cleaned out his locker.

"We’ve got a lot of good young players. We’ve got a lot of guys that they’ve got to re-sign."

"I'd like to fit in here again," Johnson said. "But unfortunately this is a business and sometimes business decisions (have) got to be made. I hope to be back. I'd love to retire a Raven, but we'll see."

Poll

Will Jarret Johnson be a Raven next season?

Yes

142 votes

No

134 votes

276 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Kindle

Is he finally ready to play in 2012?

by MJC88 on Jan 25, 2012 7:45 AM EST reply actions

Seriously?

Come on, you’re just joking here, right?!?

by Smiley4660 on Jan 25, 2012 6:21 PM EST up reply actions

Ravens fan know JJ did a lot for the defense without getting the stats to show for it. This may help us bring him back since other teams may undervalue him.

daytime commentator. night time ninja.

by El.Dude on Jan 25, 2012 8:45 AM EST reply actions

I say that...

unless he comes back at a greatly reduced salary, he will probably be a cap casualty. If Kindle is ready to step in and play more,he would fit in great, but I think he is closer to being released than playing.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Jan 25, 2012 8:58 AM EST reply actions

my main question is Kruger

can he completely fill JJ’s shoes? I think the tandem between him and JJ right now is optimal, but if JJ goes we will definitely see some drop off at that position, at least in the short term.

"And, don’t get me started on Joe Flacco," Simms continued. "Did the experts watch the game? Joe didn’t miss a throw, not one. I watched every play. Every time he had the opportunity, he hit the guy. And, he made some moves so he could complete other throws. Are these people watching? What was Joe supposed to do with Texans in his face? Throw it up and hope? Sometimes a sack is a good thing. The object is to win the game. You did."

by jackmca on Jan 25, 2012 11:56 AM EST up reply actions

Doubtful

It appears Paul can only move forward in pass rushing, not backwards in coverage nor sideways in run stopping.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Jan 25, 2012 12:34 PM EST up reply actions

I think Kruger will be fine against the run. He’s not great in coverage, but neither is JJ really. The Ravens will change their scheme to fit the players they have anyway. The point is that Kruger is good enough to start, so JJ becomes a luxury.

by math_geek on Jan 25, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions

More importantly,

can anyone match JJ’s durability?

You come at the king, you best not miss.

by organizedchaos52 on Jan 25, 2012 7:50 PM EST up reply actions

I sure hope so

This guy is like the NT of our LB’s…he just eats up blocks and stays in his gap. JJ is a true Raven and everything you want in a football player. He took a ton of less money in his previous contract to stay here, so hopefully he will do so again, but would also like to see Ozzie still take care of him.

With Kruger really starting to emerge as JJ’s replacement, it would be helpful to have him around for rotational purposes. Really hope we can bring this man back, because you know Rex Ryan is going to swarm him if he hits Free Agency.

Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.

Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang

by Mr MaLoR on Jan 25, 2012 9:08 AM EST reply actions

Yeah Rex would totally want to snatch that guy. But I’m not sure how attractive a Free Agency option the Jets appear to be. The whole “Rex Ryan fraternity” thing isn’t working out so well for them right now. I’d hate to see JJ wither away in that crappy locker room.

by jackmca on Jan 25, 2012 11:57 AM EST up reply actions

I was under the impression

that they don’t exactly have a lot of cap room themselves.

You come at the king, you best not miss.

by organizedchaos52 on Jan 25, 2012 7:52 PM EST up reply actions

JJ is a very good player, but I can’t imagine the Ravens paying him if it means letting Ben Grubbs go. Paul Kruger is ready to start, and JJ’s spot is the spot he can start in.

by math_geek on Jan 25, 2012 10:41 AM EST reply actions

I dont think the ravens will be able to re-sign Ben Grubbs unless they decide to hold off Joe Flacco contract extension then just re-sign ray rice and grubbs( most likely wont happen)

by jazz20 on Jan 25, 2012 11:26 AM EST reply actions

Signing Flacco could actually open up money for next season.

You come at the king, you best not miss.

by organizedchaos52 on Jan 25, 2012 7:50 PM EST up reply actions

JJ won’t be back I don’t think. He dis set the edge and things but we need more production from that starting spot. Do we have a guy right now that can do better we don’t know for sure but we will know before the start of next season.

by Raven_all_day on Jan 25, 2012 11:54 AM EST via mobile reply actions

by Raven_all_day on Jan 25, 2012 12:03 PM EST via mobile reply actions

always looking to upgrade the ends. jj was okay. couldn’t rely on him to change that side of the line or make an impact play. solid but we a pass rush.

by raven on Jan 25, 2012 3:34 PM EST reply actions

JJ has always been there...

He would really be missed if he leaves town. But I think he could be a salary cap casualty. It’s a shame, really. Great guy, great teammate, rock-solid performer.

by Smiley4660 on Jan 25, 2012 6:17 PM EST reply actions

I-95, J.J., double j.

gotta keep this guy around who’s gunna take his spot humpty dumpty kindle? he’s going to screw up again no doubt.

After a botched kick atempt in the AFC championship game vs the Patriots, Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff attempted to commit suicide. Unfortunately, he could'nt kick the chair out from under himself...

by ClinchKing on Jan 25, 2012 6:52 PM EST via Android app reply actions