July 22nd

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Ravens management have shown this offseason that they will make the moves necessary to put this team in a position to win. The team has added depth and talent to help strengthen any "weakness" the team may have had entering the 2010 season. It is amazing what they have accomplished considering the restrictions placed upon them by the "Final 8" rule.

However, come July 22nd the "Final 8" restrictions are lifted. At that time all teams will be free to sign any number of free agents to any size contract they choose. For some teams this may be a highly anticipated day especially considering the uncapped year. The Ravens have made some surprise moves up to this point (Bulger especially) which seem to be direct proof that this organization will not hold back from acquiring a player that may not necessarily be a need, but does increase the chances of getting to the Super Bowl; which brings me to my question...

After July 22, are there any players still on the market that the Ravens may target as insurance or simply to make this team even more dangerous? Are there any players you would be interested in bring here as a fan? In prior threads on similar topics, a lot of arguments were made against certain players based on the handicap of the "Final 8" rule. Now that it will be lifted, it seems money and need won't be an obstacle for this organization if the player offers a better shot at the Super Bowl, so your answers do not have to be the most realistic.

It is my main interest to compile a list of realistic targets that would fit this team well, but for fun offer up some long shots that would simply be a dream to have here or would provide added luxury!

[ed.s52]

We have got our team on lock, there is no one left to sign.

The only person I would hope to sign after July 22 even if only for a year contract is Vincent Jackson, but he will probably sign his tender anyways.

So pretty much, no.

[Rav'n Maniac]

I feel we have filled our holes with serviceable players at all positions that needed attention. Our biggest issue now is getting our injured players healthy and keeping our starters healthy throughout camp and the preseason. If we can accomplish this, we'll have a great start to the season.

The only position I feel we have uncertainty at is the right tackle. Jared was bitten twice by the injury bug last season, missing 5 games, and has started this preseason with issues. That and the fact that I am not totally sold on Cousins makes me feel like we have a weakness at the position. With that said, it's not a big enough issue to bring in a high paid tackle, though.

If Ozzie was to bring in anyone else at this point, this close to camp, it would be a huge surprise. But, to answer your wish list question, I would love to see us get Asomugha.

[dpatrickguy]

I don't think we will sign anyone else. The most glaring weakness is corner but even that right now we have 10 corners. I love that even though we couldn't get a big name free agent we still loaded up on competition. We may not have a Revis but with that many corners to choose from I think we are in a much better position than most think.

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='dpatrickguy' date='07 July 2010 - 11:14 AM' timestamp='1278515693' post='430081']
I don't think we will sign anyone else. The most glaring weakness is corner but even that right now we have 10 corners. I love that even though we couldn't get a big name free agent we still loaded up on competition. We may not have a Revis but with that many corners to choose from I think we are in a much better position than most think.
[/quote]
I think that we are going to be fine at CB. We will AT LEAST have solid veterans starting until Washington and Webb can get healthy. Hopefully those two will be able to pick up where they left off last season when they do return

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I agree that we're at least set if not stacked on both sides of the ball. But I didn't see the Bulger signing or even the Hamlin signing coming. It wasn't until afterwards that I thought about the fact that what if Flacco went down... NOW I feel we'll be okay if that happens. I think there could be a couple more scenerios like that, and not to look at things negatively but injuries do happen.

What if Boldin becomes injured... our WR position would still suffice, but we wouldnt be that much improved over last years core unless Reed turns out to be a stud. Boldin, Mason, Stallworth is awesome. Mason, Stallworth, Clayton is arguably better than last year but that hinges on whether Stallworth is effective. Heaven forbid, what if Ray goes down. Ray and Ellerbe or Gooden is great, but Ellerbe and Gooden is effective but not dominant. What if Gaither's injury persists, or he isn't motivated to play. I think he will, but who knows? Oher and Gaither is near tops in the league. Oher and Cousins has some questions surrounding it.

We're fine... scratch that. We're GREAT. If all goes according to plan we are top contenders. But I wouldnt mind seeing every stone overturned. Granted any pickup would have to fit our team's culture and attitude, and if there aren't any of those players available then no, it's not worth picking up anyone else. But if an opportunity presents itself to pick up another quality player for depth or insurance I'd like to see the FO go for it

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I don't know much about Flo Adams personality or off-field demeanor, but he is talented and could be a good addition for depth at tackle if things with Gaither become a question. If Westbrook is available and the price is right he could be a nice pickup. He is a great player and a great man, and the only concern about him is his durability. With Rice carrying the load and with great depth he wouldnt have to play much. He could be insurance if Rice or McGahee get injured, could be a great mentor to Rice (as they are very similar players and Westbrook has been a great professional) and could be a great 3rd down back or in passing situations.

More of a stretch but the trio from SD (McNeil, Merriman, and VJ) could all be great additions but I highly doubt they'll be released or we could afford them in a trade situation. But IF for some reason VJ became available I would think we'd have to at least throw an offer on the table. I doubt we could offer more than anyone else, but landing him would solidify our WR position for years. Again this is my fantasy bit on the matter and I'm not saying it's someting we persue unless all the elements come together.