Ot Gaither Wants To Re-Sign With Ravens

[Jamal]

Well, hopefully this missed year really hurts his stock, and we can sign him for cheap.... Just wishful thinking on my part.

And the loss of Gaither is very glaring, and whoever doesn't think so needs to watch a game from last year when he was playing. Yanda at RG made a world of difference in the running game.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='EnVy_CaLiBeR' timestamp='1291334763' post='557886']
Injury problems and the stunt with his weight he pulled in the offseason leads me to believe he won't be back.
[/quote]

I'll never understand why he lost so much weight.

[EnVy_CaLiBeR]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1291335052' post='557889']
I'll never understand why he lost so much weight.
[/quote]
Me either. I'm actually hopeful we can get him, but I think that put the nail in the coffin on his return.

[rlh445]

When did Harbs say he disliked Gaither? I'm honestly curious, didn't hear that one. In fact, I've been confused for a while about all the Gaither hate. Was he truly holding out? All I knew is that he was hurt and was barking about making more money.

[ravensfan160]

If Gaither wants to re-sign here for below market value than sign him. Too many teams struggle to protect the QB for a quality 20 something LT not to be offered a nice sized contract, injury history and all. I guess it just comes down to how badly he wants to stay local.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='rlh445' timestamp='1291337296' post='557910']
When did Harbs say he disliked Gaither? I'm honestly curious, didn't hear that one. In fact, I've been confused for a while about all the Gaither hate. Was he truly holding out? All I knew is that he was hurt and was barking about making more money.
[/quote]
Drew Rosenhaus is his agent. That's all you need to know. Rosenhaus' track record speaks for itself -- just look at how Anquan Boldin "threatened" a holdout with the Cardinals but chose to report to camp himself and fired Rosenhaus thereafter. Also, remember the "Next question" debacle with T.O. in Philly?

[purple.n.black]

[quote name='RL52TheGreatest' timestamp='1291325443' post='557689']
Whether you like the guy or not, you can't help but notice that our O-line has struggled without him. As long as he can prove that he's healthy and we can re-sign him for the right price then I would welcome him back with open arms.
[/quote]
The problem is him staying healthy.

I think very few teams with any will risk signing him next season. That means he will go for very little money, and in that case we may get him.

[RoflDogs]

If its a cheap deal like 5 year 28 Million $ contract, then I'm all for it

[kagejb]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1291329033' post='557784']
I'll take Gaither back at RT or LT. I still think they moved Oher to LT too soon. I think if Gaither comes back next year, put Gaither back at LT and move Oher back to RT, and if the Ravens want to keep him if he performs well at LT they will sign him, also if he does well, you also raise his trade value. So just bring him back next year and next off-season figure out what to do.
[/quote]
I wouldn't really want to do that. I don't want my prized young tackle flip flopping sides every year.

[hammer]

When it comes to JG, I have to admit I am biased against him (similar to what Cam haters are unable to admit). I have no real proof, but position is that he was pissed and he shut down on us. His production (when I belive he feels like playing) is unquestionable. However, I just don't like him. Thats as honest as I can be. I might be unfair ( but of course that is allowed on the board) but thats just where I am at.

[flynismo]

I'd love to have a healthy Gaither come back. We need him.

But it seems that he is in Harb's doghouse, wants a ton of money, and we still have to pay Ngata a ton of money (I'm guessing he will land $70M+). I just don't see Gaither coming back ... but I hope we can find a way to work it out with him.

[Jamal]

[quote name='RoflDogs' timestamp='1291351526' post='558150']
If its a cheap deal like 5 year 28 Million $ contract, then I'm all for it
[/quote]
And with his back concerns, that is a somewhat realistic scenario.

The only thing that would scare me, is his back. Thats always going to be a problem for him most likely.

But you can't deny how much our o-line improves with him.

[Wacco4Bmore]

This guy is low-risk. After an injury year, we can reduce the amount we pay him to free up space for other free agents etc. If he can't perform on the field, or can't get his poop in a pile off of it, cut him, and next man up.

Gaither is a beast, he just needs to work like one. Could learn a thing or two from RayRay.

[BloodRaven]

He's the best LT we've had since Ogden, and for all his perceived or real issues you can't teach long arms and the ability to engulf defenders. Just look at Suggs, he's another great player who hasn't always been motivated and just needed a push in the right direction.

[757RavensFan]

Think we can build a great O-line w/out him. If we win it all this year, let him walk and use that money for Ngata, Rice, Flacco.

[Jamal]

[quote name='757RavensFan' timestamp='1291391573' post='558315']
Think we can build a great O-line w/out him. If we win it all this year, let him walk and use that money for Ngata, Rice, Flacco.
[/quote]
But that would mean another early draft pick on an o-lineman when defense/WR are also needs.

Plus Gaither when healthy, has pro-bowl potential. No certainty you could find that in the draft.

[757RavensFan]

[quote name='Jamal' timestamp='1291393533' post='558336']
But that would mean another early draft pick on an o-lineman when defense/WR are also needs.

Plus Gaither when healthy, has pro-bowl potential. No certainty you could find that in the draft.
[/quote]

Understand and agree with what you're saying, but if we go deep into the playoffs w/out him would you agree that it would be a good idea to pay the 3 that I mention.

[FerrariFan87]

If Gaither's willing to play RT and take a lot less money, this is a no-brainer.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

It comes down to whether he fires Rosenhaus. If he was to do that, I would see it as a significant step in the direction of resigning with us. Boldin did it, and look how that turned out, big bucks as our star receiver. It would mean that he would probably be willing to accept the kind of money offer [i]I[/i] would certainly be willing to make him.

Oz, GET IT DONE!

[Jamal]

[quote name='757RavensFan' timestamp='1291394045' post='558346']
Understand and agree with what you're saying, but if we go deep into the playoffs w/out him would you agree that it would be a good idea to pay the 3 that I mention.
[/quote]
Well unless Moll or Chester have a miracle turn-around in terms of play, we would have most likely won in spite of our right side o-line play.

The team has no confidence in Cousins, and he hasn't exactly proven anyone wrong when he has played.

A good RT can really solidify the o-line, and put Yanda where he belongs. Again, hes solid at RT, but the guy could be an all-pro RG IMO.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Jamal' timestamp='1291393533' post='558336']
But that would mean another early draft pick on an o-lineman when defense/WR are also needs.

Plus Gaither when healthy, has pro-bowl potential. No certainty you could find that in the draft.
[/quote]
Doesnt necessarily have to be an early pick, I like Yanda at RT, he matches up well against the Steelers OLB in pass protection because like them hes short and built heavy from the waist down. All we need is someone at RG who can actually win the point of contact in run blocking.

[Jamal]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1291400184' post='558400']
Doesnt necessarily have to be an early pick, I like Yanda at RT, he matches up well against the Steelers OLB in pass protection because like them hes short and built heavy from the waist down. All we need is someone at RG who can actually win the point of contact in run blocking.
[/quote]
Well Cousins was an early pick, so it doesn't really matter where we pick an OT, but it adds another need. While a good RT could be found in the draft, you just never know. We already know what we have in Gaither when hes on the field.

The less needs we have, the more Ozzie can focus on BPA. Also, it would make it a lot easier to focus on defense and WR.

I agree that we move on if he demands too much, but if he could be had for relatively cheap, I think you have to take the shot.

[D-Rey]

Only resign him if its the right price, otherwise he's not worth it imho

[757RavensFan]

[quote name='Jamal' timestamp='1291399780' post='558396']
[i][b]Well unless Moll or Chester have a miracle turn-around in terms of play, we would have most likely won in spite of our right side o-line play[/b][/i].

The team has no confidence in Cousins, and he hasn't exactly proven anyone wrong when he has played.

A good RT can really solidify the o-line, and put Yanda where he belongs. Again, hes solid at RT, but the guy could be an all-pro RG IMO.
[/quote]

We did it in 2000 w/out an entire offense. It can be done.

[berad]

[quote name='757RavensFan' timestamp='1291401459' post='558417']
We did it in 2000 w/out an entire offense. It can be done.
[/quote]

Our defense and running game were top-notch that year. 2010, not so much..

[Jamal]

[quote name='757RavensFan' timestamp='1291401459' post='558417']
We did it in 2000 w/out an entire offense. It can be done.
[/quote]
No team in the NFL could be compared to that. Let alone the Ravens.

[ravensfan160]

I just occured to me...

Drew Rosenhaus might be behind this. When Gaither in a free agent next year, if other teams think he wants to return to Baltimore badly enough it might give him an advantage during negotiations. Especially, if they claim they would be willing to take a "hometown" discount, forcing other teams to bid even more.

Its sorta cynical of me to think like this but it might be true.

[Ravensfan23]

The first thing that comes to mind when I heard that Gaither wanted to re-sign was great. Gaither is one of the best if not the best olineman we have on this team. Say what you want about the man's work ethic or who his agent is, or just don't like him for whatever reason, but if you've watch the Ravens oline the first 2 seasons Gaither started at LT, and watch them this year, it's clear to see how much the big fella means to this team.

Also you can say what you want about Gaither being in Harbs' dog house, if Big J wants to come back then the Ravens will take him back with open arms. I don't buy into that dog house stuff, Harbs will field the team that gives him the greatest chance to succeed. Yea, he'll bench a player here and there or in the case of guys like Cmac, Stover and Pryce, he'll allow you to walk if he feels you're no longer a asset to the team or their are better options. However make no mistake, Harbs will welcome Gaither back, and he'll continue to be one of the best olineman on the team. After all, why else would Harbs hold out hope that Gaither could get back on the field with the decision to prolong placing him on IR, if he didn't want him to be apart of this team and didn't play on utilizing him?

Also I don't know where the big pay day thing comes from. Gaither has never publicly said he wants elite LT money, the most I've heard was that he just wanted a increase in pay. The guy was a supplemental pick and was making about 75,000 at one of the most important positions on any NFL team. Can you blame him for wanting to be paid? All I've ever heard from Gaither was how much he wanted to be in Baltimore, he's never said one bad word about being moved to RT, he's never had one poor comment about getting support from fans, he's never publicly made bones about being the best LT on this team, yet making less money then some of his backups.

It's funny to hear people make comment about what Gaither said as if he's somehow admitting guilt. Maybe he knew he was wrong, or maybe he now knows no other team will give him the money he wants, or maybe he realizes that he could have worked harder in the offseason and that's why he wants to be in Baltimore. Well how about this....Maybe Jared Gaither just wants to say in Baltimore. Maybe Jared Gaither appreciates the fact that the Ravens took a chance on him, even as a developmental OL coming out of Maryland. Maybe Gaither really does want to end his career in Baltimore where he started. Maybe Gaither enjoys the fact that he is so close to home. Maybe Gaither knows that he can be apart of something special here in Baltimore, and unlike Jason Brown doesn't want to be the highest paid anything, he just wants to be fairly compensated and be apart of a winning franchise.

I don't have all the answer to the Gaither situation, and don't want them for that matter. All i know is, he's a really good offensive lineman with the potential to be great, and if he wants to be a Raven and the FO wants him here, that would be great. If the 2 sides decide to go in different directions then i wish him the best of luck. Simple as that.

With Gaither being hurt much of the last 2 season, the Ravens will be able to offer him a incentive based contract. If Gaither can play a certain percent of snaps for the Ravens then his contract will be worth x amount. If Gaither can't stay healthy then his contract will be worth y amount and the Ravens won't be on the hook for much. The Ravens could offer Gaither a one year incentive based contract with a 2nd year option, giving him the opportunity to prove he can stay healthy and continue to be a stud LT or RT. At the end of the 1st year the Ravens could choose to resign him to a long term deal, or if Harewood develops into a really strong RT, then a 25-26 year old Gaither can hit the open market and get the contract the feels he deserves. IMO bringing Gaither back next season is a win for all parties.

[bauer77]

[quote name='757RavensFan' timestamp='1291401459' post='558417']
We did it in 2000 w/out an entire offense. It can be done.
[/quote]


oh thats right i forgot. i must have been imagining jamal lewis being one of the best running backs that year...

[bauer77]

[quote name='RoflDogs' timestamp='1291351526' post='558150']
If its a cheap deal like 5 year 28 Million $ contract, then I'm all for it
[/quote]


i agree if its a cheap contract we should bring him back, but i dont think it'll be a 5 year deal. maybe 2, 3 tops. coming off an injury, i dont think we would give him a long term extention.

i also agree with many on here that i think he is done in baltimore, but i would love if he came back. always good to have two great tackles that are both young.