Rumor: Kerry Rhodes Could Land With Ravens

[theFRANCHISE]

This is pure speculation, but taking this strictly with a grain of salt, ESPN Insider thinks that Jets All-Pro safety Kerry Rhodes could find a landing place in Baltimore via trade. This comes off the heels of a lackluster season where Rhodes was demoted by rookie head coach Rex Ryan in favor of Eric Smith.

I don't have a link handy, but it's in the ESPN NFL Rumors section on ESPN.com and it's only a one-line blip that's available for non-subscribers. I don't think there's a story there, I think it's merely to drum up interest.

That said, Kerry Rhodes: take him or leave him?

I wouldn't, despite his accolades thus far in his short career. Depth in the secondary is always appreciated, but if he was benched for production reasons, I'm not too optimistic he can improve.

[Ed_Reed20]

Your last statement is what I was going to say.

He's definitely a talented player but whenever a Pro Bowle is benched, it has to be for something pretty serious. In Rhodes' case, it was simply because of poor play so I'd pass.

[FerrariFan87]

First the Jets take a bunch of our players and now we want some of theirs back? No, thanks.

[Ed_Reed20]

Are Revis or Cotchery on the block by any chance?

[JoeFlax]

We already have Reed, Landry, Haruki, and Zibby. Do we really need more?

[POE]

This really makes no sense with or without Reed still in the picture. We have some depth at the position and even though we played some lower echelon teams while Zibby filled in for Reed, he played very well and showed a lot of promise. We will strengthen this position through the draft if we need to, not through trades or FA.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='JoeFlax' date='15 February 2010 - 10:14 AM' timestamp='1266246866' post='360072']
We already have Reed, Landry, Haruki, and Zibby. Do we really need more?
[/quote]
That's only assuming Landry comes back, though.

You have to admit (I would, too), that it'd be intriguing to bring in a third quality safety in Kerry Rhodes to provide depth. Tom Zbikowski has played phenomenally and would likely be slotted in Landry's spot if he doesn't come back, but it creates an intriguing package on defense, to have all four safeties in Rhodes, Zibby, Ed Reed, and Haruki Nakamura on the field at the same time. It would eliminate the need for a traditional nickelback or dimeback and would alleviate some of the depth concerns at cornerback later in the season. Additionally, Zbikowski and Nakamura's tackling abilities are like having extra linebackers on the field, so Rhodes could drop into coverage as needed while Zibby and Nakamura operate on zone blitzes.

Again, I have to stress that I don't personally believe there's a need for Rhodes on the team, but if Landry doesn't come back, I'd be hard-pressed to argue against acquiring Rhodes via trade or Myron Rolle in the draft (if Rolle somehow falls into the second or even third round.)

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='15 February 2010 - 10:29 AM' timestamp='1266247781' post='360074']
That's only assuming Landry comes back, though.

You have to admit (I would, too), that it'd be intriguing to bring in a third quality safety in Kerry Rhodes to provide depth. Tom Zbikowski has played phenomenally and would likely be slotted in Landry's spot if he doesn't come back, but it creates an intriguing package on defense, to have all four safeties in Rhodes, Zibby, Ed Reed, and Haruki Nakamura on the field at the same time. It would eliminate the need for a traditional nickelback or dimeback and would alleviate some of the depth concerns at cornerback later in the season. Additionally, Zbikowski and Nakamura's tackling abilities are like having extra linebackers on the field, so Rhodes could drop into coverage as needed while Zibby and Nakamura operate on zone blitzes.

Again, I have to stress that I don't personally believe there's a need for Rhodes on the team, but if Landry doesn't come back, I'd be hard-pressed to argue against acquiring Rhodes via trade or Myron Rolle in the draft (if Rolle somehow falls into the second or even third round.)
[/quote]

With all that said, do you believe Landry will be re-signed?

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='15 February 2010 - 10:34 AM' timestamp='1266248060' post='360076']
With all that said, do you believe Landry will be re-signed?
[/quote]
If you asked me a month ago, I would've been 95% sure he'd be back. But right now, with all of the preventative measures in place this offseason, I can't help but think Landry would be the big name that the Ravens may try to unload so as to allow them to make a move in free agency. Granted, his contract isn't valued as much, so the team would still be restricted in who they could acquire, but I can't help but believe that someone good will hit the market that will have the same cap value.

[BadNewsBearBalto]

Via a trade... huh? What player of ours does "Big Mouth Rex" have in mind for the trade? Thats what I want to know? I'm sure it's laughable, but... I'm always up for a trade with the jets. Just as long as the Jets super bowl champs teeshirts are included with the trade. NO SHIRTS, NO DEAL!

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='15 February 2010 - 10:36 AM' timestamp='1266248204' post='360077']
If you asked me a month ago, I would've been 95% sure he'd be back. But right now, with all of the preventative measures in place this offseason, I can't help but think Landry would be the big name that the Ravens may try to unload so as to allow them to make a move in free agency. Granted, his contract isn't valued as much, so the team would still be restricted in who they could acquire, but I can't help but believe that someone good will hit the market that will have the same cap value.
[/quote]

Good point. Hopefully, a solid WR or CB with Landry's same cap value hits the market.

[Jamal]

Really depends on how much he costs. Maybe he'd be worth a 4th round pick.... Maybe.

[ZIBBY28]

I think it all depends what happens to our two starters... Reed is contemplating retirement and Landry is a RFA... if we lose both, I would love to see Rhodes in Baltimore, but the chances of that are unlikely. After that, you also have to look at cost... Does Rhodes and his agent want all-pro money? If so, I'll pass.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='ZIBBY28' date='15 February 2010 - 11:24 AM' timestamp='1266251087' post='360106']
After that, you also have to look at cost... Does Rhodes and his agent want all-pro money? If so, I'll pass.
[/quote]
Rhodes will be entering the third year of a 5-year, $33.5 million contract off his rookie deal. Not sure if he'd ask for a more substantial raise, but he's due a $2 million roster bonus in March. It could be a situation where he gets an extension in his contract year, but it depends on his role.

I think Rhodes is more unhappy with being demoted in such a way than his pay. But, to come here as a backup, not sure if he'd be any happier. He claims he wants to stay in New York, but that remains to be seen.

[J-man]

First of all, what will we give up? And second, can he play corner?

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

I'm actually for the move. He was benched on the best Defense in the league this Season, so I'll cut him some slack. In his first game as a back up, he responded with 2 INTs, showing great resiliency. Afterwards, he was only benched for the following game and then reinserted into the line-up, starting the next 7 games. There are no issues with his character, his potential is intriguing, and his size is uncommon. At 6'3, he would have an advantage contending for the ball with taller receivers, a feat that seemed to be a problem for our DB's. If the price is right, I'm all for it. I was not impressed with Landry last Season.

[RoflDogs]

Yes, he is a pro-bowler

3rd or less if higher, no

[Shawn`]

[quote name='JoeFlax' date='15 February 2010 - 09:14 AM' timestamp='1266246866' post='360072']
We already have Reed, Landry, Haruki, and Zibby. Do we really need more?
[/quote]

Yeah, I was going to say with all the talent I don't think we could fit Kerry Rhodes in and honestly I don't think he's better than Landry or even Zibby playing at SS.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Shawn`' date='15 February 2010 - 01:07 PM' timestamp='1266257266' post='360155']
Yeah, I was going to say with all the talent I don't think we could fit Kerry Rhodes in and honestly I don't think he's better than Landry or even Zibby playing at SS.
[/quote]

Rhodes was a Pro Bowler for a reason.

'06 aside(where almost everyone on D had a Pro Bowl year), Landry has had an average career. And I think it's too early to say compare Zibby to anyone considering he's only started four games in his career.

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='15 February 2010 - 01:39 PM' timestamp='1266259188' post='360166']
Rhodes was a Pro Bowler for a reason.

'06 aside(where almost everyone on D had a Pro Bowl year), Landry has had an average career. And I think it's too early to say compare Zibby to anyone considering he's only started four games in his career.
[/quote]
Couldn't have said it better.

[Guest RBates]

wow Rhodes is a monster so yeah. very tall, just has a problem with his hands easily corrected. Way better than zibby yaLL COME ON at least be realistic.

[Bea]

It depends what the Jets want really. For a 4th or 5th rounder or something or some deadwood players then okay I guess. But as I said elsewhere I wouldn't be bothered if we let Landry go and used Zbikowski and Nakamura either.

[1defense]

Any kind of back-up for the defensive backs would be a good thing,but I wouldn't trade anything more than maybe a 4th round pick.He was benched last year so that would give us the advantage in negotiations with the Jets.I've never believed one season defines a career so considering that I would give him a shot,there are alot of players out there that teams gave up on and went on to a great career.Go Ravens!!

[Bazooka Joe]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='15 February 2010 - 10:36 AM' timestamp='1266248204' post='360077']
If you asked me a month ago, I would've been 95% sure he'd be back. But right now, with all of the preventative measures in place this offseason, I can't help but think Landry would be the big name that the Ravens may try to unload so as to allow them to make a move in free agency. Granted, his contract isn't valued as much, so the team would still be restricted in who they could acquire, but I can't help but believe that someone good will hit the market that will have the same cap value.
[/quote]


But depending on his tender, we could get a nice draft pick in return. Assuming we place a second round tender on Landry, I would glady give up Landry to get someone's 2nd round pick.

[Bazooka Joe]

Could Rhodes not have fit into Rex's defensive system and could he fit into ours? I don't know about Rhodes.

[Alexir]

I mean if Reed retires, we want all the depth we can get at the position. Who knows if Landry will be back as well? I'm not doubting Ruki and Zibby but who is behind them that has shown some flash of talent...

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Alexir' date='16 February 2010 - 11:36 AM' timestamp='1266338166' post='360532']
I mean if Reed retires, we want all the depth we can get at the position. Who knows if Landry will be back as well? [b]I'm not doubting Ruki and Zibby but who is behind them that has shown some flash of talent...[/b]
[/quote]
As of right now, there's literally no one behind them on the depth chart, so getting depth as soon as possible is far better than being left with no insurance policy. Not saying that Rhodes would be [i]the[/i] solution, but he'd certainly be one of many.

[FerrariFan87]

Even if Rhodes could be had for a 2nd day pick, doesn't it makes sense to keep as many draft picks as possible and package them for a more pressing need, such as a WR? Of course, should Ed Reed be forced to retire, priorities may switch a little bit, but WR needs to be priority at this point.