Trade McGahee, McClain Moves To #2.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I began to comment on this in another thread, as it prompted me to have the idea. I love Mcgahee, but consider this.

We trade McGahee as he's got some good value from his great season last year (stat-wise at least, and in a limited role). McClain moves up to fill the #2 RB spot behind Rice, giving him the carries he's been seeking.

Here's a couple points I've come up with that affect the proposal:

1) McGahee's ability to continue producing down the road.
2) McClain's desire for more touches.
3) McClain's unsigned tender thus far.
4) McGahee's current trade value.
5) McClain's production as a starter.
6) Possible loss of McGahee and getting nothing in return.

Granted there's a lot more to consider, but those are a few points that hit me immediately. As much as I've loved McGahee during his time here, and as good as he's been, it might make sense for the Raven's. McClain is a valuable asset, and whether or not we can get him for this year (I think it's a sure-shot we do) what is the likelyhood we can keep him long-term without giving him the contract he wants.... I guess what it comes down to is, having McClain's value as a #2 RB and whatever we could get from trading McGahee versus keeping the three headed monster in tact, which equated to the most dominant ground game in football for this years run at the post season, but possibly losing both guys in the near future and getting nothing in return.

(I could see both guys wanting to finish up their careers as Ravens, but financially I don't know that it would be possible). Please don't eat me alive to proposing trading McGahee, I'd have a hard time swallowing it myself, but the question is does it make sense?

[Ed_Reed20]

Don't fix what isn't broken.

The team's current backfield setup is very effective. Rice got most of the work last season but McGahee proved a number of times that he can still dominate games. McClain is a very good lead-blocker and can do damage when he gets the rock.

McGahee has [i]some[/i] trade value but not as much people think.

[3-4ravdef509]

depends what you're getting in return for Mcgahee. I see your logic, but I'd be more than sad to see him go. He's a humble player, and nice veteran to have at #2 behind Rice.

[berad]

I'll put what I wrote in the other thread...

I don't think we would get much value at all for McGahee. True, he could be the starting back on some teams, but that's not saying much, especially in this day and age where running backs are dispensable. I would consider the Ravens extremely lucky if they could milk a 3rd rounder (even a 4th) out a team for McGahee, his value is much less.

Truth is, Willis McGahee has the most value, here, in Baltimore. He's an effective change-of-pace back for Rice and handles the bulk of the goal-line work. And, if (heaven forbid) Rice should be injured for any length of time, our running game would still be effective with McGahee behind McClain (rather than just McClain).

McGahee is probably going to remain a Raven for 2010. He might be gone next year, the casualty of a (hopefully) re-instituted salary cap, but that shouldn't be discussed now.

[Romo Ravens]

I wouldn't trade McGahee even for a third round pick. When healthy and in shape, he's one of the best change of pace backs in the league. He still has a couple good years left, plus he has a nose for the end zone. I love McClain as well, but leave him where he is, and that's at fullback. Besides him, who else would block for Ray? I like what we have so far.

[RavensAllTheWay]

Remember earlier this offseason when we were on here speculating possible McGahee trade scenarios? Well I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't even enter Ozzies head, but some source just randomly brought it up to the public, given that it was such a hot topic with no prior basis.

But anyway, teams would kill for a back up like McGahee. He's one of the few RBs past his 6th or 7th year that still has a lot of gas left in the tank. He and Rice make a great tandom. And yes, it seems to all of us the McClain wants more carries, but his natural role in this offense is blocking FB. The FB position is underrated and under appreciated, even here in Baltimore where we have the best or second best FB in the league, yet we still believe he deserves to be a power RB. Plus, he'll still get way more carries than your average FB anyway, so not to worry.

Really, I think it would do more harm to our backfield than good if we exectued this move suggested by the OP because even if we do move McClain to RB, he still won't carry the main load and will probably have an even more limited role than McGahee last year. Not to mention, the blocking will be worse.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I agree whole-heartedly with everything thats been said so far. I cannot argue a single point made, as they are all points I would have made myself.

The one things that still bothers me is the possibility of losing both of them next year. If we sign mcclain for this year (which we will) i dont know that it will be for more than this year. if mcgahee IS gone next year, and mcclain gets a RB offer he may be gone too. I was just trying to weigh whether keeping all 3 for this year is better than letting go of mcgahee to keep mcclain around for a long time. mcclain is younger, more versatile and has proven to be able to carry the load if necessary.

i want to keep all 3, i mean its almost impossible not to. but the future kind of scares me past 2010 by keeping them both this year... unless of course something gets done with mcclain as far as a contract with a few years on it.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='BOLDnPurPnBlacK' date='01 June 2010 - 06:47 PM' timestamp='1275432432' post='416633']
I agree whole-heartedly with everything thats been said so far. I cannot argue a single point made, as they are all points I would have made myself.

The one things that still bothers me is the possibility of losing both of them next year. If we sign mcclain for this year (which we will) i dont know that it will be for more than this year. if mcgahee IS gone next year, and mcclain gets a RB offer he may be gone too. I was just trying to weigh whether keeping all 3 for this year is better than letting go of mcgahee to keep mcclain around for a long time. mcclain is younger, more versatile and has proven to be able to carry the load if necessary.

i want to keep all 3, i mean its almost impossible not to. but the future kind of scares me past 2010 by keeping them both this year... unless of course something gets done with mcclain as far as a contract with a few years on it.
[/quote]

McClain won't get a RB offer. He had success in 2008 and is one of the best FBs in the league with the ball in his hands but at the end of the day he's still 260lbs. and offers little-to-no breakaway ability nor much quickness. He'll likely be re-signed.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='01 June 2010 - 05:51 PM' timestamp='1275432667' post='416635']
McClain won't get a RB offer. He had success in 2008 and is one of the best FBs in the league with the ball in his hands but at the end of the day he's still 260lbs. and offers little-to-no breakaway ability nor much quickness. He'll likely be re-signed.
[/quote]

not arguing as youre probably right... but so is brandon jacobs, who aside from a poor 2009 was among the most productive, and feared backs in the league. granted (as last year hints at) he may have benefited from a 3 rb system like ours, but you cant deny his value. with him as a blue-print, and with mcclains success in 2008, coupled with mcclains desire to be a RB (McClain 4 RB) and i cannot say convincingly that he absolutely wont get an offer.

especially if jacobs has another poor year... they have a history of seekings backs like mcclain (ron dayne (sp?), jacobs) and are intergral to their running system. if jacobs slips even more they may be a team in the market for a guy like mcclain, who is probably the most attractive FB-to-RB versatile conversion. he went to a probowl as the feature back in 2008 and in 2009 as a blocking specialist. tough to not desire that sort of versatile production from your back. hes a cant miss player. someone will try to outbid us, whether its RB money or not

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='BOLDnPurPnBlacK' date='01 June 2010 - 07:13 PM' timestamp='1275434015' post='416644']
not arguing as youre probably right... but so is brandon jacobs, who aside from a poor 2009 was among the most productive, and feared backs in the league. granted (as last year hints at) he may have benefited from a 3 rb system like ours, but you cant deny his value. with him as a blue-print, and with mcclains success in 2008, coupled with mcclains desire to be a RB (McClain 4 RB) and i cannot say convincingly that he absolutely wont get an offer.

especially if jacobs has another poor year... they have a history of seekings backs like mcclain (ron dayne (sp?), jacobs) and are intergral to their running system. if jacobs slips even more they may be a team in the market for a guy like mcclain, who is probably the most attractive FB-to-RB versatile conversion. he went to a probowl as the feature back in 2008 and in 2009 as a blocking specialist. tough to not desire that sort of versatile production from your back. hes a cant miss player. someone will try to outbid us, whether its RB money or not
[/quote]

There have been numerous high-profile RFAs who haven't gotten offers this season. McClain is a valuable member of this team but I just don't see any team getting into a bidding war for him. The Giants certainly won't with Hedgecock already there.

As for Jacobs, I don't think you can say he's a "blueprint". Yes, McClain is 260lbs. but he isn't 6'4 and doesn't have Jacobs' speed.

[BuckWilds]

[quote name='BOLDnPurPnBlacK' date='01 June 2010 - 07:13 PM' timestamp='1275434015' post='416644']
not arguing as youre probably right... but so is brandon jacobs, who aside from a poor 2009 was among the most productive, and feared backs in the league. granted (as last year hints at) he may have benefited from a 3 rb system like ours, but you cant deny his value. with him as a blue-print, and with mcclains success in 2008, coupled with mcclains desire to be a RB (McClain 4 RB) and i cannot say convincingly that he absolutely wont get an offer.

especially if jacobs has another poor year... they have a history of seekings backs like mcclain (ron dayne (sp?), jacobs) and are intergral to their running system. if jacobs slips even more they may be a team in the market for a guy like mcclain, who is probably the most attractive FB-to-RB versatile conversion. he went to a probowl as the feature back in 2008 and in 2009 as a blocking specialist. tough to not desire that sort of versatile production from your back. hes a cant miss player. someone will try to outbid us, whether its RB money or not
[/quote]

Attrition [i]will [/i]occur. We will lose players. But trying to guard against all players leaving is like trying to juggle hands full of marbles.

Players will decide what combination of shot at title, role, and money will make them happy. The front office will determine what combination they're willing to give up on the financial side and the coaches will decide what best suits the team.

Of course there will be competition for good players - most teams are trying to win the Super Bowl.

[Betweenthetackles]

[quote name='BOLDnPurPnBlacK' date='01 June 2010 - 05:52 PM' timestamp='1275429142' post='416597']
I began to comment on this in another thread, as it prompted me to have the idea. I love Mcgahee, but consider this.

We trade McGahee as he's got some good value from his great season last year (stat-wise at least, and in a limited role). McClain moves up to fill the #2 RB spot behind Rice, giving him the carries he's been seeking.

Here's a couple points I've come up with that affect the proposal:

1) McGahee's ability to continue producing down the road.
2) McClain's desire for more touches.
3) McClain's unsigned tender thus far.
4) McGahee's current trade value.
5) McClain's production as a starter.
6) Possible loss of McGahee and getting nothing in return.

Granted there's a lot more to consider, but those are a few points that hit me immediately. As much as I've loved McGahee during his time here, and as good as he's been, it might make sense for the Raven's. McClain is a valuable asset, and whether or not we can get him for this year (I think it's a sure-shot we do) what is the likelyhood we can keep him long-term without giving him the contract he wants.... I guess what it comes down to is, having McClain's value as a #2 RB and whatever we could get from trading McGahee versus keeping the three headed monster in tact, which equated to the most dominant ground game in football for this years run at the post season, but possibly losing both guys in the near future and getting nothing in return.

(I could see both guys wanting to finish up their careers as Ravens, but financially I don't know that it would be possible). Please don't eat me alive to proposing trading McGahee, I'd have a hard time swallowing it myself, but the question is does it make sense?
[/quote]


imagine the kinda cash Rice a Roni is going command....when he's up for recontract.

Jalen Parmele is a very capable 3rd back or even number 2. I was disappointed on short yardage a couple time last year when LeRon got stopped. He has got tremendous power, but can't make himself slippery to twist and turn to get past a blitzing backer and pinching DT.....think Marcus Allen.

Either part with McGahee now....or hold onto him for the rest of his contract....that's how I see it. Either way you win.

[flynismo]

At best, we'd get a 3rd for McGahee.
So under that assumption, I would rather keep McGahee a couple more years, then release him.

I'll admit, I'm a huge McGahee fan. I stalk him on Facebook lol, so I'd be sad to see him go.

But to answer the question, I don't think we'd get enough value to make a trade worth our while.

[edreedfromtheu]

Some people think McGahee is the best back on the team. And you don't get much in a trade for running backs because they are so expendable these days. There is always a lot of running backs in the draft. Teams just replace them year in and year out. The ONLY team I could see having everything in place except a running back would be Houston. And they didn't make a play for any of the free agent running backs. Lendale is now out there though, so perhaps they go after him.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='01 June 2010 - 08:54 PM' timestamp='1275440043' post='416688']
Some people think McGahee is the best back on the team. And you don't get much in a trade for running backs because they are so expendable these days. There is always a lot of running backs in the draft. Teams just replace them year in and year out. The ONLY team I could see having everything in place except a running back would be Houston. And they didn't make a play for any of the free agent running backs. Lendale is now out there though, so perhaps they go after him.
[/quote]

They drafted Ben Tate to be their bell cow if Slaton doesn't return in time. They have a number of other career back-ups fighting for carries too.

[DocMartin]

Hmm, well, not a good idea. And as EdReed20 pointed out - [b]don't fix what's not broken [/b].

Possibility of this happening is about as same as making a snowball in downtown Baltimore in middle of July...LOL

And you also forgot about [b]one small thing[/b]
Even IF this would have any chance of possibility -[b] who's left there to play at fullback, DUH[/b]

So all this lengthy debate about nothing seems to be waste of time.

[grape drank]

[quote name='DocMartin' date='01 June 2010 - 08:09 PM' timestamp='1275440979' post='416694']
Hmm, well, not a good idea. And as EdReed20 pointed out - [b]don't fix what's not broken [/b].

Possibility of this happening is about as same as making a snowball in downtown Baltimore in middle of July...LOL

And you also forgot about [b]one small thing[/b]
Even IF this would have any chance of possibility -[b] who's left there to play at fullback, DUH[/b]

So all this lengthy debate about nothing seems to be waste of time.


[/quote]

well just for hypothetical fun. MCClain could be the FB for MCgahee and when McClain is FB, that McLaughlin guy could come in. But that would mean McClain would rarely get reps off and his wheels wouldn't be as nice.

[DocMartin]

[quote name='grape drank' date='01 June 2010 - 09:59 PM' timestamp='1275443959' post='416709']
well just for hypothetical fun. MCClain could be the FB for MCgahee and [b]when McClain is FB[/b], that McLaughlin guy could come in. But that would mean McClain would rarely get reps off and his wheels wouldn't be as nice.
[/quote]
You mean when [b]McClain is RB[/b], right? Nothing personal, but you got me little confused with your spelling too, but I got it.
Keep in mind, the key word is [b]hypothetical[/b]

[BloodRaven]

Keep him, even with Rice he's a touchdown machine on limited carries.

[ellicottraven]

Why? Leave the line up alone... Rice, McGahee and McClain is about as strong a running line up as there is in the NFL. Each RB is going to get his touches this year depending on the situation. So leave it to Cam to utilize the 3 headed behemoth appropriately. Unless we get a CB that is too good to pass on, it just doesn't make any sense right now - trading McGahee that is. Even that is debatable frankly.

[grape drank]

[quote name='DocMartin' date='01 June 2010 - 09:04 PM' timestamp='1275444296' post='416712']
You mean when [b]McClain is RB[/b], right? Nothing personal, but you got me little confused with your spelling too, but I got it.
Keep in mind, the key word is [b]hypothetical[/b]

[/quote]
yup sorry that is what I meant. I was just trying to propose a situation in which it would be feasible to have Leron at RB, with another FB taking his place. But having Leron taking reps at RB, after playing FB would be redundant as he would be quite tired of blocking and other FB related duties. I apologize for the spelling haha just kinda whipped a reply out quickly and didnt edit it.

[Radinho84]

why does anyone whanna get rid of willis? didn´t they sea what he did for us last year??
i expect much more carries from him this season than he had last year. just because of the reason to keep both of them (rice+willis) fresh for the whole season. we need them in best shape if we get to the playoffs and i would love to see them both having nice numbers this year!!

[Bltravens]

I like McClain running the ball in short yardage situations as much as the next guy, but McClain wont get yards unless the Oline totally mauls the Dline or he has a 10 yard head of steam and runs someone over. He doesnt make people miss like Rice, and doesnt have McGahee's slashing and stiff arm. McClain is a completely 1 dimensional runner...why get rid of McGahee. The Oakland game should be enough evidence that hes still valuable, they stopped Rice that day and McGahee basically got us into the playoffs when Flacco was doo doo, Rice was contained, and all Cam wanted to do was throw the ball to Mason with Asomugha covering him.