Breaking News: Ravens Sign WR Donte' Stallworth.

[Moisty]

I do like this signing, Im happy to see the promises of upgrading our receiving core being tended to so early. Im not totally understanding the big problem alot of people are having with this signing though. This man is not our magic pill or will put the Ravens on his shoulders and carry us into the playoffs, he's just a good signing to fight for the #2 spot (Yet to be seen if he's even better or worse) but we brought him in for depth and like Ozzie says we'll take a chance on him. At some point we have to look at this with more rational minds and look at this like it really is, this is a "business".

A fairly talented receiver we got cheap with alot to prove, this move makes pretty good sense for us at this time. With only a one year contract, Ozzie made the right move and if he's willing to move past Stallworth's mistakes in the past and line him up as a Raven then im on board.

[Bltravens]

Lost in the translation in all of this is how Cameron will actually use Stallworth. Mason most likely will be back, and Clayton will stay put cuz no one will give up a first day pick for him. I cant see the Ravens not wanting Washington back, but this might be his writing on the wall. Cam barely used 3 WR sets unless he absolutely had to and even then Washington wasn't a primary target after week 5 for whatever reason. Ya his potential outweighs his contract, but will Cam actually use him and his talents.

[Ravnet]

Good, but not even remotely close to enough.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Bltravens' date='17 February 2010 - 03:05 PM' timestamp='1266437131' post='361233']
Lost in the translation in all of this is how Cameron will actually use Stallworth. Mason most likely will be back, and Clayton will stay put cuz no one will give up a first day pick for him. I cant see the Ravens not wanting Washington back, but this might be his writing on the wall. Cam barely used 3 WR sets unless he absolutely had to and even then Washington wasn't a primary target after week 5 for whatever reason. Ya his potential outweighs his contract, but will Cam actually use him and his talents.
[/quote]

Good point. I hadn't given much thought to what his role would realistically be in Cam's offense.

And one has to assume the team will upgrade the WR corps even more in the coming months so Stallworth will have to beat out some other players to become the #2 or slot WR.

Whatever happens, it's going to be fun to watch.

[Alexir]

Just don't know why some of you think Stallworth is a bad person. This is only a big deal because he had some alcohol in his system. The guy ran infront of his car. I'm not saying he is 100% innocent but I don't think he is a bad person. Besides, he didn't flee the scene and showed a lot of responsibility whereas others would flee. I think I read somewhere that he called the cops and checked on the guy.


Anyways, I don't think we will trade for any big name recievers. I think we will build through the draft.

Still convinced Mason will retire.

[Alexir]

Actually scratch that, he actually turned himself in the next day. My bad.

[POE]

[quote name='T-Sizzle55' date='17 February 2010 - 02:38 PM' timestamp='1266435494' post='361188']
I'm sorry, but you can't spray paint coal and tell me it's gold.

First off, I like Donte Stallworth. I have been a huge fan of his ever since he was tandemed with Joey Horn playing for the Saints. I wanted us to get him when he went to Philly and put up good numbers, I wanted him when he went to NE, and maybe before he went to the Browns. This isn't about his criminal past. He did something unforgivable, but afterwords he did everything right. He fully cooperated with the police and even turned himself in. He didn't blame the victim and took full responsibility which can be shown when he agreed to support the family of the late Mario Reyes. It's not his fault he was given a light sentence that falls on the prosecution and the courts. My disapproval is strictly football and strictly business.

Stallworth is not young, he's 29 (He'll be 30 November 10th) and doesn't have room for progression. So what you see is what you get and he's never been more than a good #2. He was only great when he was in NE and defenders paid more attention to Randy Moss and we don't have a Randy Moss. He's rarely broken 700 yards and hasn't consistently found his way into the endzone since his rookie year. Before he was suspended by the league for an entire season he was banged up in Cleveland where he missed 6 games. When he played he was barely noticed pulling in only 1 reception most of the time. His best day was 4 catches for 48 yards. To sum up we just picked up a guy who's been MIA for almost 2 years. I'm as thrilled as hearing we just re-signed L.J. Smith because right now Donte hasn't proved he's even going to make it out on the field. We need an Elite WR and a leftover from the free agent bucket won't cut it come gametime.
[/quote]
I have already touched on the off-field problems at the beginning of this thread, so i won't go there again, but as far as Stallworth goes on the field I completely disagree with you. We have to worry about the injuries with Donte because he has had a record of them but he also hasn't played in nearly two complete seasons. Assuming that he is recovered is the most likely scenario. Comparing any of his years in Cleveland is pointless because one) look who was throwing to him 2) because of injuries he barely played. My point is that just about every where that Donte has landed, minus Cleveland, he has made an impact. The guy isn't going to come in Bmore and surpass the 1000 yard mark with double digit TD's, and we really don't need him to do so either. Donte will come in and hopefully stretch the field for Flacco, giving him more of a deep threat then we have had since he was drafted. Besides for all of this he was signed for under $1,000,000 so how can this be a bad thing for the Ravens? He obviously has some things to prove and hopefully he takes it all out on the compettition we face in the up-coming season!

[T-Sizzle55]

I see Donte as a move for depth or to challenge for a #2 or #3 spot. I feel even if we re-sign Mason, we will still try to get a big play guy. I would like to sign Antonio Bryant or make a move for Malcom Floyd. Trading McGahee for Antonio Cromartie would also be a huge move.

After listening to this video it seems like Donte is not afraid of hard work and will work hard to win over his new teammates and the fans. I just hope he can stay healthy, contribute on the field, and continue to support the Reyes family.

[center][media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQyK6mKCiDg[/media][/center]

[PuRock]

How many #2 receivers are we going to load up on this team? None of these guys will be relevant unless we get a #1 guy.

As for Donte, He hasn't played in a year, he's got mental and physical rust to get rid of. He had a decent year when he played with the record setting pass-happy pats. But can he contribute elsewhere?

[J-man]

Yea, no way will this be the last good wide receiver we get. And yea, he had committed a terrible act, but not every team will have 53 angel who have done everything right. I like the potential Stallworth has with us and could be a great #3 receiver. However, he still has to make the team.

[kagejb]

Joe Flacco is definitely an upgrade over Charlie Frye/Derek Anderson. With a better guy throwing to him, he would have better stats than what he had in Cleveland.

[sliceanddic3]

Excited! Now if we get cromartie for Willis, I think this offseason will be extremly successful.

[FerrariFan87]

We still need that #1 guy... Marshall fits the bill. If we get Marshall, we won't have to reach for a WR and can get a guy to develop (Alexander from Mizzou or Gilyard from Cincy) in the 2nd Round while upgrading at DE in the 1st.

[ReedYourMind 20]

I was listening to 105.7 the fan earlier today and ofcourse this was the hot topic. Everyone agrees that this can not be the only WR move we make this off season. However, on the radio someone mentioned a package deal with the chargers, stating we release McGahee and a 3rd raound and maybe a real late round pick for Cromartie and Floyd (crazy i know). I first want to say Im not sure how I feel about releasing mcgahee, I know RBs are a dime a dozen but he was very affective as a 1, 2 combo with rice(hence all of his touchdowns). And Cromartie, I know we need some depth at CB but Im not sure about this guy, im sure we all have seen his youtube what the heck video, but unlike RBs, decent CBs are a lot harder to find especially through the draft. With all of this said, I know it seems like a huuuge stretch, but the more i think about it, I dont see how that could be bad for either team. Ill stop my rambling and just say this...

Malcom Floyd (if this is doesnt pan out, Atonio Bryant could be realistic and sick
Derrick Mason (possibly)
Kelly Washington
Donte' Stallworth
Through draft (Mardy Gilyard or Danario Alexander)
Dont forget about the possibility of Eron Riley, maybe even Harper steppin his game up too.

Todd Heap
Through Draft #1 Pick Jermaine Gresham (I hope)

Ray Rice
Mcgahee (depending on trade) or Parmele fills in
Le'Ron McClain

and

Joe Flacco

What ever the combination will be for the offense, If something like the above happens this off season, I think we'd be set for that SB XLV (SB 35 and 45 Champs)

...sorry bout the rant guys im bored at work waiting for 5 oclock

[McBurks]

I wake up and see this on Twitter....wonderful.

He is a great bargain for what he can do and is a solid #2 WR.I like the move.

[MsMarvel73]

UNBELIEVABLE! I was in the parking lot of the Nature Center where I volunteer and I swear my jaw bounced off the asphalt when I read the mobile alert.

I really really really really hope that Ozzie doesn't think Donte will be a long-term fix. If he doesn't also address the WR situation through the draft, I swear I'm going to scream.

[CNC]

He should have his Truck rating higher in Madden, and the awareness rating low..........

I Kid, I kid

Too soon?

But I was at the Gym where the TV is on ESPN all the time I looked up and I saw it and I dropped the weight on the ground and texxted my friend. Good signing, Marshall is next.

[JohnJohnson]

[quote name='T-Sizzle55' date='17 February 2010 - 03:38 PM' timestamp='1266435494' post='361188']
Stallworth is not young, he's 29 (He'll be 30 November 10th) and doesn't have room for progression. So what you see is what you get and he's never been more than a good #2. He was only great when he was in NE and defenders paid more attention to Randy Moss and we don't have a Randy Moss. He's rarely broken 700 yards and hasn't consistently found his way into the endzone since his rookie year. Before he was suspended by the league for an entire season he was banged up in Cleveland where he missed 6 games. When he played he was barely noticed pulling in only 1 reception most of the time. His best day was 4 catches for 48 yards. To sum up we just picked up a guy who's been MIA for almost 2 years. I'm as thrilled as hearing we just re-signed L.J. Smith because right now Donte hasn't proved he's even going to make it out on the field. We need an Elite WR and a leftover from the free agent bucket won't cut it come gametime.
[/quote]

Dude...it's a one year contract. How old is Mason again?

Leftover? Isn't it a little early for that conclusion? He would have been picked up by another team, and that's why the Ravens jumped on the opportunity.

"But, we’ve signed him because we want to get better, and we think he has a chance to help us. We worked him out, and it’s obvious he is working hard to be effective. We thought it was important to sign him now, because other teams were pursuing him, and we want him in our offseason program, which starts next month."

- Ozzie Newsome

[quote name='PuRock' date='17 February 2010 - 04:32 PM' timestamp='1266438745' post='361264']
How many #2 receivers are we going to load up on this team? None of these guys will be relevant unless we get a #1 guy.

As for Donte, He hasn't played in a year, he's got mental and physical rust to get rid of. He had a decent year when he played with the record setting pass-happy pats. But can he contribute elsewhere?
[/quote]


Were you guys watching the same team? Because we desperately need depth/talent at WR. Our only #2 level receiver was Mason, except he was our #1. So yes, we need a "good #2," especially for under a million. We're risking so little here, I just don't understand the concerns/complaints.

And who said that they're done? Of course they still want a #1 and some young receivers to grow with Flacco. Mason may not come back, but if he does then he would probably be the #2, and Stallworth might be #3 or lower. There is so much upward potential here for what we're risking, and we can just absorb the cost if he doesn't look good in camp and we don't want to use him.

[JohnJohnson]

[quote name='PARavensgirl' date='17 February 2010 - 06:26 PM' timestamp='1266445569' post='361352']
UNBELIEVABLE! I was in the parking lot of the Nature Center where I volunteer and I swear my jaw bounced off the asphalt when I read the mobile alert.

I really really really really hope that Ozzie doesn't think Donte will be a long-term fix. If he doesn't also address the WR situation through the draft, I swear I'm going to scream.
[/quote]

Think it through. Despite what you may think, you don't know better than Ozzie. This is ONE EARLY MOVE, and he's risking so little. How could it be a long-term fix when we signed him to a one year contract? This is not all that Ozzie has planned.

[Sub-Zero]

[quote name='CNC' date='17 February 2010 - 02:31 PM' timestamp='1266445880' post='361358']
He should have his Truck rating higher in Madden, and the awareness rating low..........

I Kid, I kid

Too soon?

But I was at the Gym where the TV is on ESPN all the time I looked up and I saw it and I dropped the weight on the ground and texxted my friend. Good signing, Marshall is next.
[/quote]

too soon my friend.

I don't mind the signing especially a one year deal type. It's not like he's going to be at the drivers seat of the offense anytime soon. I kid, I kid...

[Shawn`]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='17 February 2010 - 02:57 PM' timestamp='1266440244' post='361280']
We still need that #1 guy... Marshall fits the bill. If we get Marshall, we won't have to reach for a WR and can get a guy to develop (Alexander from Mizzou or Gilyard from Cincy) in the 2nd Round while upgrading at DE in the 1st.
[/quote]

If we get Marshall I doubt we'll have a 1st.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='PARavensgirl' date='17 February 2010 - 05:26 PM' timestamp='1266445569' post='361352']
UNBELIEVABLE! I was in the parking lot of the Nature Center where I volunteer and I swear my jaw bounced off the asphalt when I read the mobile alert.

[b]I really really really really hope that Ozzie doesn't think Donte will be a long-term fix.[/b] If he doesn't also address the WR situation through the draft, I swear I'm going to scream.
[/quote]
If he thought that, Donte probably would have gotten a contract longer than one year.

[FlaccoFlicker]

We were skeptical when we signed Kelley Washington and we were amazed by his performance,let's see what he can do before we give a yay or neh on him

[LilyRaven]

It's a one year contract and my guess is it's super heavy on performance and behavior based bonuses rather than guaranteed money. One thing I have always trusted about the Ravens' HQ is they are smart with money.

I think it's a good call. Even if they do draft receivers, it's a gamble. Maybe they'll do well in the NFL, maybe they won't. At least we know Stallworth can catch and run routes.

[itscbm5042]

[quote name='PARavensgirl' date='17 February 2010 - 05:26 PM' timestamp='1266445569' post='361352']
UNBELIEVABLE! I was in the parking lot of the Nature Center where I volunteer and I swear my jaw bounced off the asphalt when I read the mobile alert.

I really really really really hope that Ozzie doesn't think Donte will be a long-term fix. If he doesn't also address the WR situation through the draft, I swear I'm going to scream.
[/quote]

Relax, everyone, including the Ravens knows that Stallworth is a supporting cast member of this new and improved receiving corps they're trying to build. He will be our #2 or #3 receiver, but NOT the #1 the Ravens WILL go out and get either via trade or free agent signing.

If Stallworth is your #3, this receiving squad will be DAMN good.

[Marc2k6]

[quote name='dpatrickguy' date='17 February 2010 - 12:20 PM' timestamp='1266427257' post='361017']
Well this isn't going to help our violent reputation...
[/quote]

What are you talking about? Good pick up, now cut M. Clayton, D. Williams and resign K. Washington!

[J-man]

The year that jumps out at me is:
2005 New Orleans Saints GMS 16 GMS Started 13 REC 70 YARDS 945 REC AVG 13.5 LONG 43 TD 7

Those are D Mase numbers. If he can get close to that, I would be extremely happy, but it's unlikely with him playing as a #2 or #3.

[Ed_Reed20]

Whether he's not a true #1, 2 or 3 doesn't matter to me. Defining him is fine but I just want to see him stay healthy and consistently produce on the field.

Wes Welker has been NE's slot WR for three seasons but consistently makes plays. I don't expect Welker's production but a productive season from Stallworth would be great.

On an interesting note, Stallworth and Kelley Washington were teammates at Tennesee from '01 to '02 and again in '07 with the Pats. I just that was cool.

[ravenz_fan]

very nice to see ozzie fixing once again the ravens problem now for 1 more wr an we will be set

[J-man]

[quote name='ravenz_fan' date='17 February 2010 - 07:24 PM' timestamp='1266452688' post='361438']
very nice to see ozzie fixing once again the ravens problem now for 1 more wr an we will be set
[/quote]

It will take more then just one more