Remaining Free Agents

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

The Ravens look like one of the most complete teams in the NFL right now. The front office has addressed every "weakness" from the 2009 season in one way or another. Whether through trade, the draft, or free agent signings our team has talented starters and depth at each position. Flacco has the weapons he needs, we have competition for the kicking job, we've added pass rushers, depth at CB, and insurance for our returning injured players.

As Super Bowl contenders, you can never have enough talent and depth. With unforeseen injuries always a possibility it's nice to have quality insurance and depth at every position, especially skill positions. Granted, you don't want to risk chemistry just to bring in talent, but there are still several big name, talented players on the market. A team could really take advantage of the uncapped year and add several talented players they may otherwise not be in the market for. And, with training camp right around the corner, many of the players still in the market's prices are dropping quickly. Some of these players include Flozell Adams, TO, Westbrook, and Atogwe. With several contract disputes occuring around the league, it is possible a few more big name players could enter the market (although it is doubtful).

The Ravens are not in need of any more players, but could it help to add a couple more talented players for training camp and see what they can do? Like I said, it's an uncapped year and prices are dropping, so almost anyone is in the field of play. Is there anyone on the market you either think the Ravens should bring in, or that they might possibly take a look at? What other signings would you like to see, or what position would you like to see with some more depth or improvement in talent?

Please comment with your opinion and analysis of the possible free agent moves the Ravens can/should make. For a complete list of free agents still available [url="http://www.nfl.com/freeagency"]CLICK HERE.[/url]

[Ed_Reed20]

I'd like to see the team sign Ken Lucas.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I'd like to see us make an offer for Atogwe. He's not gonna get the money he's looking for. We could offer him good money and give him a good portion of it in 2010 so when the cap comes back we're not tied up in him. Even though Ed Reed is probably coming back this year, it's unsure how long we'll have him after that. We do have quality young players behind him that are looking for time, but Atogwe is proven. He probably wouldn't mind going to a contender and with him, Reed, Landry, and Zibby we'd have the scariest set of safeties in the league. Plus, with the addition of another very capable FS, Reed could take some extra breaks, which could keep him rested come play off time and during the big games, and maybe help extend his career by an extra year or two.

It is unlikely, but with his price dropping by the day, interest dwindling, and uncapped year, and Reed's future uncertain I'd like to see us atleast make an off if not pull the trigger on him.

[T-ray]

Very good write-up BOLDn. I too would like to see Atogwe on our team if the price is right, because he's a very underrated player who has made plays in an anemic defense of the Rams. Every time I see him play, I see him making big plays. Maybe not to the extent of Ed Reed, but he still can improve on his game, which is the scary part. As for the other players, the only position I can see the Ravens adding to beside Safety is Corner. And Ed20 has said that the team should add Ken Lucas, and I couldn't agree more. Lucas is another good player who has played on some bad D's, and as a result is a bit underrated.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='BOLDnPurPnBlacK' date='10 June 2010 - 07:26 PM' timestamp='1276212368' post='420752']
I'd like to see us make an offer for Atogwe. He's not gonna get the money he's looking for. We could offer him good money and give him a good portion of it in 2010 so when the cap comes back we're not tied up in him. Even though Ed Reed is probably coming back this year, it's unsure how long we'll have him after that. We do have quality young players behind him that are looking for time, but Atogwe is proven. He probably wouldn't mind going to a contender and with him, Reed, Landry, and Zibby we'd have the scariest set of safeties in the league. Plus, with the addition of another very capable FS, Reed could take some extra breaks, which could keep him rested come play off time and during the big games, and maybe help extend his career by an extra year or two.

It is unlikely, but with his price dropping by the day, interest dwindling, and uncapped year, and Reed's future uncertain I'd like to see us atleast make an off if not pull the trigger on him.
[/quote]

Atogwe here just wouldn't work. Even with his injuries, I couldn't see Ed splitting snaps and don't think it would make much sense taking a player with his instincts off the field.

To your last statement, who has saidy the price for Atogwe is "dropping" and interest "dwindling"?

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Every article about his situation in the past 3 weeks. Every reportedly interested team has denied interest due to his asking price. I know what "experts" say should be taken with a grain of salt, but as they have more insight into the situation I am going to take their word for it at this point, until a real offer has been made.

Plus, common sense tells me the longer he goes without an off, the lower his price will have to be, unless an injury occurs and some team becomes desperate. If he really doesn't want to go back to the Rams, any team he enters negotiations with has the power regarding price. Since no one has offered him his asking price, and it's been weeks now, he will have to lower his standards, wait around until after camp and run the risk of not playing, having to learn a system in little or not time (which could seriously affect his ability to get on the field and lower his worth for next year's free agency), or settle for going back to the Rams. Considering he's held out this long, I would have to think he'd prefer going elsewhere than return to the Rams.

[RavensAllTheWay]

Believe it or not, I wouldn't mind signing Todd Collins. I'm slightly worried about depth at QB. Bringing a veteran in would be a decent move imo because I'm not convinced about Troy, nor about John Beck. Plus, he knows Zorn after the last two years together in Washington.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='BOLDnPurPnBlacK' date='10 June 2010 - 07:50 PM' timestamp='1276213851' post='420758']
Every article about his situation in the past 3 weeks. Every reportedly interested team has denied interest due to his asking price. I know what "experts" say should be taken with a grain of salt, but as they have more insight into the situation I am going to take their word for it at this point, until a real offer has been made.

Plus, common sense tells me the longer he goes without an off, the lower his price will have to be, unless an injury occurs and some team becomes desperate. If he really doesn't want to go back to the Rams, any team he enters negotiations with has the power regarding price. Since no one has offered him his asking price, and it's been weeks now, he will have to lower his standards, wait around until after camp and run the risk of not playing, having to learn a system in little or not time (which could seriously affect his ability to get on the field and lower his worth for next year's free agency), or settle for going back to the Rams. Considering he's held out this long, I would have to think he'd prefer going elsewhere than return to the Rams.
[/quote]

Good points. I haven't really been paying attention to the Atogwe situation but a quick look at his Rotoworld page shows you're correct, no one seems to be seriously interested.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

How do you feel about Flozell Adams? I know we're set at the position talent-wise, but Gaither has continued to be an issue since signing. He's had health concerns, and our backup Cousins isn't bad but doesn't inspire a whole lot of confidence in me at least.

Also, aside from his playing abilities he could be a great mentor. Our tackles are very young, and although talented very inexperienced. Oher is most likely going to be our LT but this is his first year. Adams could help bring him up to speed more quickly, help bring Cousins along, and maybe scare Gaither straight. Maybe if Gaither had concerns about losing his starting job he'd be more dedicated to training and mastering his craft. If he's looking to move on next year, going from starting LT to a rotating backup would seriously hurt his value. Adams could provide serious competition, help bring our young guys along, scare Gaither into performing his best, and at the very least be a great backup option and insurance in case of injury (which Gaither is prone to doing).

Adams would help me sleep a little better as a back up option compared to Cousins, and could also help Oher and Gaither be better starters, as well as prepare Cousins and help him prepare for taking over a starting role in the even that gaither leaves. What do you think?

[T-ray]

Lack of interest in Atogwe is surprising... must be asking too much money??

[T-ray]

Are we playing Madden lol?? Talking about throwing money around to everyone haha. Flozell Adams would be cool, but would we spend the big money for him??

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='BOLDnPurPnBlacK' date='10 June 2010 - 08:13 PM' timestamp='1276215238' post='420763']
How do you feel about Flozell Adams? I know we're set at the position talent-wise, but Gaither has continued to be an issue since signing. He's had health concerns, and our backup Cousins isn't bad but doesn't inspire a whole lot of confidence in me at least.

Also, aside from his playing abilities he could be a great mentor. Our tackles are very young, and although talented very inexperienced. Oher is most likely going to be our LT but this is his first year. Adams could help bring him up to speed more quickly, help bring Cousins along, and maybe scare Gaither straight. Maybe if Gaither had concerns about losing his starting job he'd be more dedicated to training and mastering his craft. If he's looking to move on next year, going from starting LT to a rotating backup would seriously hurt his value. Adams could provide serious competition, help bring our young guys along, scare Gaither into performing his best, and at the very least be a great backup option and insurance in case of injury (which Gaither is prone to doing).

Adams would help me sleep a little better as a back up option compared to Cousins, and could also help Oher and Gaither be better starters, as well as prepare Cousins and help him prepare for taking over a starting role in the even that gaither leaves. What do you think?
[/quote]
The problem with Adams is his consistency to committ penalties. I know he won't be seeing the field much on game day if wearing purple and black, but someone who makes as many mental mistakes as he does probably won't translate into being a great mentor. All of the points you made are great, and I'm not saying he committs a TON of penalties, but remember the two things that killed us the most last year? Injuries and penalties. There's a reason why he might not fit.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' date='10 June 2010 - 08:26 PM' timestamp='1276216005' post='420766']
The problem with Adams is his consistency to committ penalties. I know he won't be seeing the field much on game day if wearing purple and black, but someone who makes as many mental mistakes as he does probably won't translate into being a great mentor. All of the points you made are great, and I'm not saying he committs a TON of penalties, but remember the two things that killed us the most last year? Injuries and penalties. There's a reason why he might not fit.
[/quote]

Agreed. Not only does Flozell commit penalties, he's pretty dirty too. The Ravens don't need that.

[T-ray]

The Ravens and dirty..... Hmmmm.... Nice combo if you ask me

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='T-ray' date='10 June 2010 - 08:42 PM' timestamp='1276216936' post='420773']
The Ravens and dirty..... Hmmmm.... Nice combo if you ask me
[/quote]
PENALTIES and Ravens has never been a nice combo though.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Did anyone see TO on NFL network the other day?

I know we've discussed it before, and how against it most are... but dude is still out there and is going to be dirt cheap. We don't need him, but I'd take him just to make sure no one else in the AFC gets him. I could see the Colts, Pats, Bengals, Chargers, Dolphins and Jets all taking a shot on him if no one else does and that could be dangerous to us. TO Welker and Moss? Marshall and TO? Manning, Wayne, Gonzalez and TO? Ochocinco, Bryant, and TO? Rivers Jackson TO? I don't like the sound of any of those. Whether you do or not, I DO like the sound of Boldin, Mason, TO, Stallworth, Heap, Rice... and I know anyone can say anything, but if you saw his appearance on the NFL network he FINALLY admitted his character issues and that hes dedicated to changing that. Also, he has no problem taking a smaller role. Only thing he said about money is that if hes a #1 on the team he goes to he wants #1 money. If hes a #2 he wants #2 money...

Hate me if you want, I say we should get him just so no one else in the AFC does. I don't see him going to the Bears, Browns, Raiders, Broncos, Chiefs, Bucs, Rams, or any other basement team. He's going to a contender, mark my words... and I'd rather it be this one than one of our competitors.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='BOLDnPurPnBlacK' date='10 June 2010 - 10:31 PM' timestamp='1276223490' post='420808']
Did anyone see TO on NFL network the other day?

I know we've discussed it before, and how against it most are... but dude is still out there and is going to be dirt cheap. We don't need him, but I'd take him just to make sure no one else in the AFC gets him. I could see the Colts, Pats, Bengals, Chargers, Dolphins and Jets all taking a shot on him if no one else does and that could be dangerous to us. TO Welker and Moss? Marshall and TO? Manning, Wayne, Gonzalez and TO? Ochocinco, Bryant, and TO? Rivers Jackson TO? I don't like the sound of any of those. Whether you do or not, I DO like the sound of Boldin, Mason, TO, Stallworth, Heap, Rice... and I know anyone can say anything, but if you saw his appearance on the NFL network he FINALLY admitted his character issues and that hes dedicated to changing that. Also, he has no problem taking a smaller role. Only thing he said about money is that if hes a #1 on the team he goes to he wants #1 money. If hes a #2 he wants #2 money...

Hate me if you want, I say we should get him just so no one else in the AFC does. I don't see him going to the Bears, Browns, Raiders, Broncos, Chiefs, Bucs, Rams, or any other basement team. He's going to a contender, mark my words... and I'd rather it be this one than one of our competitors.
[/quote]

Why would he want to come here though? T.O. may desire a ring now more than ever but that doesn't mean he'll likely settle playing for a team as loaded at WR as the Ravens.

[DocMartin]

This team is deep in every position.
The only position that is slightly questionable is CB spot. And that's because of the injuries. And apparently FO is looking at some players there. So, with that in mind, I say one good corner wouldn't hurt.
I would love to bring in Carlos Rogers from WSH, if he was available and willing to come, but that is a very slim chance.
So, I agree with Ed_Reed20 about Lucas, that would be good signing.

[Guest maryland1]

The "T.O. to the Ravens" subject has already been discussed in great lengths multiple times here. The overwhelming majority of those who participated in those discussions do [u]not[/u] want him on the Ravens roster for numerous reasons.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='maryland1' date='10 June 2010 - 11:12 PM' timestamp='1276225939' post='420827']
The "T.O. to the Ravens" subject has already been discussed in great lengths multiple times here. The overwhelming majority of those who participated in those discussions do [u]not[/u] want him on the Ravens roster for numerous reasons.
[/quote]

More importantly, the Ravens have shown little interest in him this off-season.

[BuckWilds]

I'd rather see someone like Eron Riley develop than deal with the Owens look-at-me circus. Owens is just not worth the drama and there's some good talent that was in the back of the pack last year that deserves another shot this time around.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' date='10 June 2010 - 07:54 PM' timestamp='1276214088' post='420759']
Believe it or not, I wouldn't mind signing Todd Collins. I'm slightly worried about depth at QB. Bringing a veteran in would be a decent move imo because I'm not convinced about Troy, nor about John Beck. Plus, he knows Zorn after the last two years together in Washington.
[/quote]
This really makes no sense to me at all.....

Troy (and remember, I'm not a huge fan of his) is more than capable and for a 3rd stringer, Beck is fine.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='1/28/01' date='10 June 2010 - 11:55 PM' timestamp='1276228518' post='420842']
This really makes no sense to me at all.....

Troy (and remember, I'm not a huge fan of his) is more than capable and for a 3rd stringer, Beck is fine.
[/quote]
We're no perfect football team. It's not like we don't have any holes whatsoever. It's not like Beck and Smith are two of the best backups in the league just because they play for us. I'm not accusing you of thinking we are a perfect team, but what's the big downside of signing him? And what reason is there to believe that Beck or Troy can replace Flacco and do better than a veteran with a QB coach he's very familiar with?

Secondly, I'm not even saying I'm desperate to sign him, I'm just saying he has his benefits.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='10 June 2010 - 09:42 PM' timestamp='1276224176' post='420812']
Why would he want to come here though? T.O. may desire a ring now more than ever but that doesn't mean he'll likely settle playing for a team as loaded at WR as the Ravens.
[/quote]


What legitimate contender isn't "loaded" at receiver? If he really does want a ring as he says, he's going to have to enter a crowded group of guys. He also said in the interview he doesn't mind at all entering a team with competition at WR. He said he'll prove his worth and earn his role.

And as much as we've upgraded at WR, I wouldn't say we're loaded. I THINK we're stacked, but who knows? This is Boldin's first year on our team, and first year on ANY team other than the Cardinals; minor questions, but questions none-the-less. Mason is another year older, but at least has proven he can carry the load in this offense. Stallworth is coming back after a year out of football. He's looked good physically, but this is a new team and game speed and speed are two different things. And then there's a whole host of guys who are battling for #4.

So, I guess you can say Boldin and Mason are basically gaurentees, though there are minor questions with both. Then there's Stallworth and the rest. Big questions with Stallworth, and no one else really jumps off the page.

So, yes we're much better at WR and probably are "stacked" but its not something we can be sure of. TO wouldn't make it any more sure, but he's talented, and apparently is dedicated to correcting his past and proving he can still play. I like Boldin, Mason, TO, Stallworth better than Boldin, Mason, Stallworth.

And why would TO like to come here? He owes us and he knows it. Where better to rebuild your reputation than the second team you burned. Also, we're a top contender, and probably the highest contender with a possible #2 or 3 spot he could earn. Besides, who WOULDNT want to play in baltimore.

But im gonna stop with this conversation here, before too many people jump in with their repetitive TO bashing that is unfounded and unwarrented at this point.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='BOLDnPurPnBlacK' date='11 June 2010 - 01:13 AM' timestamp='1276233180' post='420851']
What legitimate contender isn't "loaded" at receiver? If he really does want a ring as he says, he's going to have to enter a crowded group of guys. He also said in the interview he doesn't mind at all entering a team with competition at WR. He said he'll prove his worth and earn his role.

And as much as we've upgraded at WR, I wouldn't say we're loaded. I THINK we're stacked, but who knows? This is Boldin's first year on our team, and first year on ANY team other than the Cardinals; minor questions, but questions none-the-less. Mason is another year older, but at least has proven he can carry the load in this offense. Stallworth is coming back after a year out of football. He's looked good physically, but this is a new team and game speed and speed are two different things. And then there's a whole host of guys who are battling for #4.

So, I guess you can say Boldin and Mason are basically gaurentees, though there are minor questions with both. Then there's Stallworth and the rest. Big questions with Stallworth, and no one else really jumps off the page.

So, yes we're much better at WR and probably are "stacked" but its not something we can be sure of. TO wouldn't make it any more sure, but he's talented, and apparently is dedicated to correcting his past and proving he can still play. I like Boldin, Mason, TO, Stallworth better than Boldin, Mason, Stallworth.

And why would TO like to come here? He owes us and he knows it. Where better to rebuild your reputation than the second team you burned. Also, we're a top contender, and probably the highest contender with a possible #2 or 3 spot he could earn. Besides, who WOULDNT want to play in baltimore.

But im gonna stop with this conversation here, before too many people jump in with their repetitive TO bashing that is unfounded and unwarrented at this point.
[/quote]

I don't despise T.O. as much as others do but I'm not going to read much into what he said on NFLN. He may say he's dedicating himself to correcting his past but that doesn't mean issues couldn't surface here. As we've seen numerous times during his career, the man just isn't emotionally mature. What if he came here, beat out Stallworth but wasn't used much in a game and blew up afterwards? This team doesn't need that kind of distraction.

I don't see how he owes the Ravens anything and more importantly, the Ravens aren't interested.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='11 June 2010 - 12:33 AM' timestamp='1276234414' post='420854']
I don't despise T.O. as much as others do but I'm not going to read much into what he said on NFLN. He may say he's dedicating himself to correcting his past but that doesn't mean issues couldn't surface here. As we've seen numerous times during his career, the man just isn't emotionally mature. What if he came here, beat out Stallworth but wasn't used much in a game and blew up afterwards? This team doesn't need that kind of distraction.

I don't see how he owes the Ravens anything and more importantly, the Ravens aren't interested.
[/quote]


youre right, the ravens probably arent interested and no, you cant buy into what he said in an interview bc hes an actor and hes trying to act his way into a contract. I get that. and i did get a bit distracted and off topic with that last post.

the only reason i see for signing TO is to keep him off another team that could end up hurting us. Bring him in on a contract with certain performance based stipulations and then dont play him or cut him after week 1 or 2 for all i care. just keep him out of another afc contenders training camp. TO on the colts, chargers, pats, dolphins, jets, or bengals (ESP. the bengals!).

he may not be able to help us much, but on the right team he sure could hurt us.

[Guest RBates]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' date='10 June 2010 - 07:54 PM' timestamp='1276214088' post='420759']
Believe it or not, I wouldn't mind signing Todd Collins. I'm slightly worried about depth at QB. Bringing a veteran in would be a decent move imo because I'm not convinced about Troy, nor about John Beck. Plus, he knows Zorn after the last two years together in Washington.
[/quote]Wow really, should i even comment?

[Purple Nurple]

Just get used to it.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='BOLDnPurPnBlacK' date='11 June 2010 - 01:51 AM' timestamp='1276235513' post='420856']
youre right, the ravens probably arent interested and no, you cant buy into what he said in an interview bc hes an actor and hes trying to act his way into a contract. I get that. and i did get a bit distracted and off topic with that last post.

[b]the only reason i see for signing TO is to keep him off another team that could end up hurting us. Bring him in on a contract with certain performance based stipulations and then dont play him or cut him after week 1 or 2 for all i care. just keep him out of another afc contenders training camp. TO on the colts, chargers, pats, dolphins, jets, or bengals (ESP. the bengals!).
[/b]

he may not be able to help us much, but on the right team he sure could hurt us.
[/quote]

I just don't get that thinking. For one, this isn't 2005(or even 2007); T.O. doesn't dominate games anymore. The majority of the teams you mentioned aren't likely to sign him(especially the Bengals) and even if they did, would it really sting more just because the Ravens didn't offer him a contract? And how different would it be him having a game against the Ravens than Reggie Wayne, V-Jax, Randy Moss, Brandon Marshall, Braylon Edwards or Antonio Bryant?

[BuckWilds]

[quote name='BOLDnPurPnBlacK' date='11 June 2010 - 01:51 AM' timestamp='1276235513' post='420856']
the only reason i see for signing TO is to keep him off another team that could end up hurting us.
[/quote]

Really? Take up a roster spot to keep him off other teams? I think the Ravens coaching staff will take their chances.