Merged: Will Mason Return?

[Nicholas]

I hope they resign him because with Boldin in the mix now it would be difficult for any defense preventing us from getting first downs.They are both fearless going across the middle and are both good in short yardage situations plus Flacco already has a connection with him on the field.

[Marc2k6]

A. Boldin & D. Stallworth vs D. Mason & M. Clayton sounds like a upgrade to me. Now if Mason comes back, you can spin the line up around how ever you want. If not then you put M. Clayton or who ever else steps up in the slot. Mason is going to retire a lot sooner than later and the Raven's have already bent a little for him offering a 2 year deal. I do not understand why everyone is so concerned that Mason might not come back as if we will stop passing the ball if he does not return. Change is coming, lets not dwell on the past and look forward to the future.

[Milton145]

If Gaither goes before we sign Mason (and it's Seahawks or 49ers getting him) then our first pick in the draft would HAVE to be a WR. I'll be almost sure we draft Dez Bryant if we get either. He could still possibly be around at #13 since his stock has fallen a little. At #6, I think we can definitely get him.

He could POSSIBLY be better #2 than Mason since he is younger and fresher, and also has a nose for the endzone (so he's a playmaker) and great size (not sure about speed from what I've seen in highlights). People may throw in the experience argument, but with how the rules are currently favoring the passing game, it shouldn't be a problem for him to make an impact right off the back with the skill set he has, ESPECIALLY at a #2 receiver spot.

Mason can have one of his most productive seasons in the NFL if he resigns with us. I don't know what he is waiting for, but if it's money, that's really disappointing, unless the Ravens FO are BSing him.

But I'm pretty sure if Gaither goes, we will not try to pursue him anymore. I hope we can get to an agreement quickly.

[Andrew Glass]

I'm sure they'll let him go. Now that they have bolden to me it's more of a reason to keep him. With boldens history of injuries if hes hurt and they let mason go this will blow up massively in there face. Also we'll run into the same thing as last season, As mason(Bolden this next season) would be doubled or shut down so would effectly our offense through the air.

[noy]

[quote name='Marc2k6' date='07 March 2010 - 01:57 PM' timestamp='1267988271' post='371982']
A. Boldin & D. Stallworth vs D. Mason & M. Clayton sounds like a upgrade to me. Now if Mason comes back, you can spin the line up around how ever you want. If not then you put M. Clayton or who ever else steps up in the slot. Mason is going to retire a lot sooner than later and the Raven's have already bent a little for him offering a 2 year deal. I do not understand why everyone is so concerned that Mason might not come back as if we will stop passing the ball if he does not return. Change is coming, [b]lets not dwell on the past and look forward to the future.[/b]
[/quote]

That statement would work wonders if it were about a bad player, but Mason has been the only bright spot on the pass offense for many years now, until Ray Rice last season. There are a few points in the thread for Mason's return that have been looked over in the thread, so I think we should bring them back up.

1. His history and skills - He's been our Larry Fitgerald, our #1, he's won us games and produced consistently with scarce help. His efforts at being a good (not great) #1 has led him to have the best #2 skills in the league, imo, focusing on his route running ability.

2. He knows the system and has an understanding with Flacco - Why go for Bryant, a guy that doesn't know the system, when Mason is a proven player? And it's funny how people think Bryant would be a done deal; there are plenty of third party scenarios that could ruin the whole "plan".

3. This will probably be his last contract - To have him end with another team so late in his career is unfortunate, why not avoid it? Not much else I can say here.

4. Football is business - Old statement, but it's being used mainly to oust Mason when nobody has put themselves in his shoes. He wants a larger contract, why not? He knows 1 & 2, and he's making the Ravens pay for the ease and convenience of the transition, not for the skills he may/may not have over any other option, like Bryant. If your skills are in demand, why settle for less? Instead of asking for a larger contract, his waiting for FA is a test of how much he means to the organization. In our case, he means a damn lot. We're trying to upgrade our receiving core, in other words keep our play makers and add new ones, not add play makers and questionable players.

That's my take on it and I think we should see how FA works out. Let's try to remember Mason before the Boldin signing, and you'd think of him as being THE offense. Ray Rice's addition isn't enough to take us to the Super Bowl. Boldin, Rice, rejuvenated Stallworth? I like our chances already.

[poedacrow]

Noy,

I agree with all four of your points 102.3%

I've conceded long ago that football was a"business". I'm not going to use that to warrant ousting Mr. Mason and I don't think he should "settle" for less than he believes he's worth.
He has earned this moment and his payday.

He and Flacco have a rapport which has got to be worth the difference in what he's asking and what the Ravens are willing to pay.

I'll still be a Ravens fan if it doesn't work out but dang I sure hope he stays

Excellent post, my friend.

[RavingRaven]

Mason pulled some BS last year with the false retirement to get a better deal. In my opinion he and his one good arm should be happy to be on a super bowl caliber team for one more year on the cheap.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Andrew Glass' date='07 March 2010 - 09:17 PM' timestamp='1268014659' post='372410']
I'm sure they'll let him go. Now that they have bolden to me it's more of a reason to keep him. With boldens history of injuries if hes hurt and they let mason go this will blow up massively in there face. Also we'll run into the same thing as last season, As mason(Bolden this next season) would be doubled or shut down so would effectly our offense through the air.
[/quote]
You're going to be really upset when your Bold[b]E[/b]n jersey comes in the mail!!! At least spell the guys name right bro!!

[poedacrow]

[quote name='RavingRaven' date='08 March 2010 - 01:33 AM' timestamp='1268026396' post='372475']
Mason pulled some BS last year with the false retirement to get a better deal. In my opinion he and his one good arm should be happy to be on a super bowl caliber team for one more year on the cheap.
[/quote]

No dispresepct, but I don't understand your statement. How would we have been a "Superbowl Caliber" team without his and the other Ravens contributions?

[RavingRaven]

[quote name='poedacrow' date='08 March 2010 - 12:43 AM' timestamp='1268027028' post='372477']
No dispresepct, but I don't understand your statement. How would we have been a "Superbowl Caliber" team without his and the other Ravens contributions?
[/quote]

I'm talking about for the upcoming season. We will be a superbowl caliber team next season with or without Dmase.

I appreciate his historical efforts and his infinite heart but if he wants to play hardball in order to get a better deal rather than to accept a lesser contract for next season, then forget him. If he would leave us for the Dolphins or the Pats or etc... then I will not shed a tear. He should be happy at any bone we throw him because it will be a chance at his final career need.....A RING!

I was citing last year's retirement head fake as a stunt for a better contract. Let me know if more clarity is necessary.

[poedacrow]

[quote name='RavingRaven' date='08 March 2010 - 01:51 AM' timestamp='1268027517' post='372479']
I'm talking about for the upcoming season. We will be a superbowl caliber team next season with or without Dmase.

I appreciate his historical efforts and his infinite heart but if he wants to play hardball in order to get a better deal rather than to accept a lesser contract for next season, then forget him. If he would leave us for the Dolphins or the Pats or etc... then I will not shed a tear. He should be happy at any bone we throw him because it will be a chance at his final career need.....A RING!

I was citing last year's retirement head fake as a stunt for a better contract. Let me know if more clarity is necessary.
[/quote]

No further clarity is required...

I too would like to see him stay. I'll reiterate that the rapport he has with Flacco has got to be worth something; perhaps more than any "bone" we might throw him.

[Raven07]

in my oppinion, i feel as if he will return, just based on the amount of limited teams interested in him and his age..... teams just arent going to pay a guy big time money whom is near the end of his career. And judging how we were so close the past 2 seasons from reaching our goal, it would be the best and most reasonable option for both sides to take the deal on the table now or wait..give it time, work on a similiar deal and sign then.

If Mason really did WANT to leave, he 1, wouldnt say that he wants to stay here in baltimore and 2, he would have interviews set up for other teams interested in signing him asap, but being as such... he realizes baltimore is the best option for him to get paid and reach the ultimate goal.

[BohBalmerOsbohs]

[quote name='RavingRaven' date='08 March 2010 - 12:51 AM' timestamp='1268027517' post='372479']
I'm talking about for the upcoming season. We will be a superbowl caliber team next season with or without Dmase.

I appreciate his historical efforts and his infinite heart but if he wants to play hardball in order to get a better deal rather than to accept a lesser contract for next season, then forget him. If he would leave us for the Dolphins or the Pats or etc... then I will not shed a tear. He should be happy at any bone we throw him because it will be a chance at his final career need.....A RING!

I was citing last year's retirement head fake as a stunt for a better contract. Let me know if more clarity is necessary.
[/quote]


It wasn't a BS move. You realize how close he was with Steve? That would make anyone think about settling down, and spend time with their family.

[poedacrow]

[quote name='Raven07' date='08 March 2010 - 02:09 AM' timestamp='1268028569' post='372482']
in my oppinion, i feel as if he will return, just based on the amount of limited teams interested in him and his age..... teams just arent going to pay a guy big time money whom is near the end of his career. And judging how we were so close the past 2 seasons from reaching our goal, it would be the best and most reasonable option for both sides to take the deal on the table now or wait..give it time, work on a similiar deal and sign then.

If Mason really did WANT to leave, he 1, wouldnt say that he wants to stay here in baltimore and 2, he would have interviews set up for other teams interested in signing him asap, but being as such... he realizes baltimore is the best option for him to get paid and reach the ultimate goal.
[/quote]

I also think (and hope) he will return.

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

In my opinion, and it's just that, the sticking point with Mason could well be the second year he insists on having. As much as I love Derrick and cannot deny his value to the team, he needs to be a little more flexible with the Ravens. He knew full well the direction that the team had to take and still held fast to the two year deal. While I think he still would be a productive asset, if he really wanted to stay, he could have at least asked for 1 year, with a mutual option for year two. With the draft still to come and Boldin in the fold Derrick must remember, there will come a day when he has to move on, as do the Ravens. When that day is seems to be his choice. Give a little and get alot D-Mas! Sure would like to see you get that ring as a Raven!

[poedacrow]

@ I70 WestRaven...Point taken

I don't know the particulars of the deal but I hope Derrick and the Ravens can come to terms with this. It would be a "win-win" situation for everyone, with the exception of our opponents in the AFC North

[Raven07]

it would indeed be a win win situation on both parts (Mason and Ravens) the only possible difference would be that Mason might have to take a seat as the number 2 reciever to Joe, but being as it may be......he is the reciever whom flacco has the most comfort with and the most chemistry with, so IF .....IF the Ravens do in fact re-sign him to a deal and hes not the number 1 guy in Flaccos arsenal..... he could very well in fact, be the most targeted 2nd in the league, based on his previous chemistry with Flacco

But who really knows for certain.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='BohBalmerOsbohs' date='08 March 2010 - 01:11 AM' timestamp='1268028696' post='372483']
It wasn't a BS move. You realize how close he was with Steve? That would make anyone think about settling down, and spend time with their family.
[/quote]
Yeah, people too conveniently forget that the brief retirement was a direct emotional response to Steve McNair's death. The way he talked about McNair whenever he conducted brief phone calls with ESPN and other media outlets, you could hear the slight strain in Mason's voice and how much the whole situation was wearing down on him.

If it was about the money with Mason, he would've held out for more money or wouldn't have bothered coming back at all. He could've easily asked for his release and gone to play with a number of teams, and there definitely would've been a market for him given how well in played in 2008 despite his age and how many receiver-starved teams there were in 2009. In this case, there's still somewhat of a market for him, and he could've already signed with someone else, but hasn't yet.

[BuckWilds]

I just don't think you forget one form of kung-fu when you learn another - merge your kung-fu powers!

If crane style kung-fu (Mason) kept you alive for a long time, and you learn tiger style (Boldin) to get you out of more scrapes faster, then you don't say, "Psshh, I don't need this stupid crane style anymore because I've learned tiger style!" You never know when you'll need crane style to save your butt again. If crane style is still good-fu, then keep it and merge the two to become a greater master.

Now, if you're using turkey style kung-fu (Clayton), then you might want to forget it now that you're a Tiger-Crane master, because Turkey-Crane wasn't exactly working out...

[FerrariFan87]

Mason will test the waters, but he'll be back once he sees that we are the best situation for him... our offense is already stacked with multiple Pro Bowlers; adding him to the mix puts us in another league.

[Twoo]

I hope no one was listening to the sports radio this morning. They were talking about Gaither possibly going to the 49'ers and us trading the 13th selection to the Broncos for Marshall and not going the Mason route.

We don't need another Marshall thread!!!

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='Twoo' date='08 March 2010 - 09:49 AM' timestamp='1268059782' post='372555']
I hope no one was listening to the sports radio this morning. They were talking about Gaither possibly going to the 49'ers and us trading the 13th selection to the Broncos for Marshall and not going the Mason route.

We don't need another Marshall thread!!!
[/quote]

That's not going to happen. What good are two explosive WR if the QB doesn't have time to throw?

[Twoo]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='08 March 2010 - 09:55 AM' timestamp='1268060116' post='372557']
That's not going to happen. What good are two explosive WR if the QB doesn't have time to throw?
[/quote]

It won't in a million years, just thought it was funny.

Us keeping Gaither also won't happen in a million years.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='Twoo' date='08 March 2010 - 09:59 AM' timestamp='1268060379' post='372560']
It won't in a million years, just thought it was funny.

Us keeping Gaither also won't happen in a million years.
[/quote]

I don't know, I think Ozzie is going to work his magic again and retain Gaither... he's too good and young to let go now.

[Marc2k6]

[quote name='noy' date='07 March 2010 - 10:36 PM' timestamp='1268019380' post='372444']
That statement would work wonders if it were about a bad player, but Mason has been the only bright spot on the pass offense for many years now, until Ray Rice last season. There are a few points in the thread for Mason's return that have been looked over in the thread, so I think we should bring them back up.

1. His history and skills - Agreed
2. He knows the system and has an understanding with Flacco - Yes he knows the system
3. This will probably be his last contract - The Ravens have already offered a contract to Mason and he has chosen to test the free agent market. What else can the Ravens do? You already know we are not going to over pay just because this maybe his last contract.


4. Football is business - Old statement, - How can the Ravens be looking to get rid of Mason when he could have already signed a new contract with the Ravens. In this business you do not over pay a guy just so he can retire and not go to another team. I'm sure that is not a concern for the Ravens. Do not get me wrong I would like to see him come back to the Ravens but the ball is in his court, he is a free agent and he can bounce his ball where ever he wants.

Football is a team sport, you need a team of good player with a few that are not as good and a few that are great to get to the Super Bowl.
[/quote]

[beasy2487]

[quote name='RBates' date='06 March 2010 - 12:03 PM' timestamp='1267894996' post='371170']
We have to resign Mason or we are in trouble. Not only Mason but you have to find a way to bring Jared Gaither back. You don't really want to start the season without either one of these guys. And for the people who think Anquan is a number one receiver you will be disappointed because [b]his speed is average and his hands are good[/b]. But i don't think that he is a number one type of guy. Definitely a good two.
[/quote]

Um, you do realize that Fitz's 40 time was 4.7 at the combine right? Elite speed does not a #1 receiver make.. just look at Heyward-Bey, Yamon Figurs, Ted Ginn Jr., the list goes on... Boldin is not a #1 because he hasn't been a #1, we're going to play him there and see.

His speed is NFL-worthy, his hands are spectacular, and his toughness trumps them both. That said, we do need a young guy to take the torch in a couple years, but Boldin is definitely our #1 this year and in the future(barring injury).

[Jamal]

[quote name='Twoo' date='08 March 2010 - 09:49 AM' timestamp='1268059782' post='372555']
I hope no one was listening to the sports radio this morning. They were talking about Gaither possibly going to the 49'ers and us trading the 13th selection to the Broncos for Marshall and not going the Mason route.

We don't need another Marshall thread!!!
[/quote]
If FO thinks Mason isn't a top priority, I'm assuming they're happy with Clayton and Stallworth as the #2 and #3 receivers , which is absurd.

I'm pretty sure if we somehow ended up with the 13th pick, Ozzie would trade down.

[Rinbee]

[quote name='AsianRice' date='06 March 2010 - 01:47 PM' timestamp='1267901271' post='371291']
Totally agree. I've been repeating myself several times that we need to bring back Mason badly. Without Mason, we might go back to the old system with 1 man target. With Mason and Bolding getting all the attention from the opposed defense, our newly drafted WRs and Donte will have time to grow for sure.
[/quote]


The other value of Mason is the continuity for Flacco. With Mason there is a reliable and familiar face for Joe. Someone to lean on while working in the other receivers. Without Mason, Joe is virtually starting over with his receiving corps.

[Militant X 1]

sad to say but Mason's days in Baltimore may be numbered.

[McBoller]

[quote name='beasy2487' date='08 March 2010 - 10:31 AM' timestamp='1268062275' post='372572']
Um, you do realize that Fitz's 40 time was 4.7 at the combine right? Elite speed does not a #1 receiver make.. just look at Heyward-Bey, Yamon Figurs, Ted Ginn Jr., the list goes on... [b]Boldin is not a #1 because he hasn't been a #1, we're going to play him there and see.[/b]

His speed is NFL-worthy, his hands are spectacular, and his toughness trumps them both. That said, we do need a young guy to take the torch in a couple years, but Boldin is definitely our #1 this year and in the future(barring injury).
[/quote]
its hard to say who was number one on that offense. Boldin set the rookie record for receptions in 03, was injured in 04(fitz's rookie season) and had 100+ rec in 05 in only 14 games. if you look at rec/game Fitz has about 5.6 while boldin has 6.9. Fitz may make the more spectacular catches and more TDs but boldin is no slouch....but now Im way off topic....Bring back MASON!!!