Who Won't Be Back With The Ravens In 2011?

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1297633697' post='639158']
Ok good question, and stay with me for a minute. I know as a ravens fan our identity has always been power football, but I am sure most people are noticing that on offense it is changing a little bit. I would like to see more 3 or 4 wide reciever sets, preferably 4 but after watching the steelers packers game (and yeah I know we are not the packers) but when they spread the defense James starks was finding running lanes. And Starks is no ray rice so without that 8 guy in the box front that they do to us all the damn time ray rice would go off. And with that many recievers flacco is sure to find an open man, or rice out of the backfield. I think drafting one young wideout early and maybe a late round project we could have an extremely scary offense.
[/quote]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1297633853' post='639159']
And I am not saying get one from both but if we locked up a free agent WR that is young and has potential then we could focus on corner and tackle. If we get a free agent CB then we could go WR. It alleviates a lot of the headache if we just study the free agency, maybe mcgahee to seattle for Mike williams.
[/quote]

Your first post sounds great but I'd prefer the majority of Ravens WRs next season be players who aren't entering their prime and have legitimate room to grow. Guys like Houshmandzadeh and even the FA CBs you named have shown all they're capable of. Some of them will hit the free agent market because they simply aren't reliable.

The Seahawks wouldn't agree to that trade.

[K-Dog]

[quote name='ravensfan2424' timestamp='1297477502' post='638459']
Dropped pass on fourth down against the steelers in the playoffs wasnt his chance?
[/quote]


really? If we cut or didnt keep every player who made a costly mistake we would not have a lot of players if any on the team.

How about his catch for the win against the steelers?

[yakraven]

I can't agree w/ the article in total.
It's possible Bulger could go as astarter to another team, but it's as likely any of the
QBs mentioned as potential backups if he did leave could also be starters.
I can agree w/ Washington - not because of supposed poor play in the Buffalo game but
rather because of the good play of Wilson and Carr.
Personally I can't see Stallworth or TJ going anywhere - there wasn't a mad rush by
other teams to sign them when they were available last year.
Despite Landry's average season last year I can't see him let go unless we get a better
player via draft.
Same applies w/ Magahee - if he's due $6 million then play him so he earns it.
Any one who wants to be rid of Gaither is nuts - we need him on the line. However, I
do not see him getting a large contract w/o conditions and stipulations. He has to prove
he's ready and able to play; willing to play right tackle if that's where they want him;
and over his injury.

[bauer77]

I'm sorry, and i may get bashed for this, but i don't have any faith in a combo of Boldin and David Reed and a few rookies until i see Reed do something other than return kicks. So i think the team should bring back Housh or Stallworth, especially if Mason retires.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='bauer77' timestamp='1297646495' post='639283']
I'm sorry, and i may get bashed for this, but i don't have any faith in a combo of Boldin and David Reed and a few rookies until i see Reed do something other than return kicks. So i think the team should bring back Housh or Stallworth, especially if Mason retires.
[/quote]

Bringing back T.J. or Stallworth if Mason would hurt the team long-term in my opinion. You want Joe to start developing chemistry with a WRs who could theoretically be here as long he is.

It isn't like Boldin, Reed and whoever else is drafted will be the only receiving options either. Heap can still play and the team has his long-term replacements in place. There's also Rice.

[ryan23945]

[quote name='T-ray' timestamp='1297474348' post='638412']
I understand that Mason is old, but why do you all want to see him gone?? Sure, he isn't a very productive reciever anymore, but Flacco relies a ton on him when blitzes get going his way.
[/quote]
i think he produces just fine, he has never been a big touchdown guy

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='ryan23945' timestamp='1297648489' post='639304']
i think he produces just fine, he has never been a big touchdown guy
[/quote]

It's not about touchdowns. The inability to separate from quality CBs and subsequently catching one pass in the play-offs are reasons his role needs to be reduced if he returns.

[ryan23945]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1297649912' post='639315']
It's not about touchdowns. The inability to separate from quality CBs and subsequently catching one pass in the play-offs are reasons his role needs to be reduced if he returns.
[/quote]
fair enuf but its hard to reduce his role when there is no one to replace him, i think hes a solid 2nd reciever in a 3 wide set offense, u cant ignore his production and he is joes security blanket, he gets enuf separation to be a possession reciever, which is what he is, he has never been a deep ball guy

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='ryan23945' timestamp='1297650686' post='639317']
fair enuf but its hard to reduce his role when there is no one to replace him, i think hes a solid 2nd reciever in a 3 wide set offense, u cant ignore his production and he is joes security blanket, he gets enuf separation to be a possession reciever, which is what he is, he has never been a deep ball guy
[/quote]

There's no apparent replacement on the roster right now but David Reed showed enough during the season to warrant more opportunities and the team will likely draft a WR. You hope he's put on the field early too.

Mason's production is the very thing in question. It's great that he can embarrass bad CBs but every time he's matched against a quality corner, he gets erased.

When I was talking about him not getting much separation, I wasn't referring strictly on deep routes. Ike Taylor had no trouble covering his out routes and curls in the play-off game as well.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='RBates' timestamp='1297653902' post='639355']
Don't get rid of Mason. Flacco's only consistent target. Boldin however......[b]wow 9-10 mil a season? For what exactly? I hope he steps up next season, i can feel his seat gettin a lil warm.[/b]
[/quote]

He's not earning that kind money. And while he had a lackluster by his standards and had a dreadful drop, his "seat" isn't getting warm.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='RBates' timestamp='1297653902' post='639355']
Don't get rid of Mason. Flacco's only consistent target. Boldin however......wow 9-10 mil a season? For what exactly? I hope he steps up next season, i can feel his seat gettin a lil warm.
[/quote]
I believe Boldin was signed to a 4yr 28M contract, thats a far cry from 9-10M. Mason is still a great player and I love his tenacity, but he just doesnt bring the speed and playmaking ability we need at WR. Boldin can and will take Mason's role as Flacco's go to receiver. We need to bring in young talent that can legitimately stretch the field if Cam's system is going to work. Starting two older possession receivers, who have average speed at best, severely held back our offense last season.

[Alexir]

Don't know if this name has been said but I doubt Brendan Ayanbadejo will be back next year.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1297710074' post='639599']
Don't know if this name has been said but I doubt Brendan Ayanbadejo will be back next year.
[/quote]

Good call. Burgess has been the better special teams player the past two seasons and even he may not return.

[RichieAsh]

Mase has great, great heart, and I think he could play effectively for one more year, maybe with his old team like the Titans, but it's time to shake up the Ravens receivers. I'm a Joe backer, and yes he occasionally will miss seeing a guy who's open, and needs to improve, but many times on the instant replay you see that absolutely no one is open and that the corners are attached to the wrs like siamese twins. Part of it is probably Cam's vanilla route combos, but Mase at 36 can't run by people, he can only get by bad corners if he fakes them out on a double move which is once or twice a year. I hope he sticks around the organization as a commentator or what not, but we need some more juice at the WR position. That includes Housh too, I would let him walk as well. Boldin, D Reed and Titus Young/another rookie receiver with Heap/Dickson/Pitta gives me something to look forward to.



[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1297656744' post='639373']
I believe Boldin was signed to a 4yr 28M contract, thats a far cry from 9-10M. Mason is still a great player and I love his tenacity, but he just doesnt bring the speed and playmaking ability we need at WR. Boldin can and will take Mason's role as Flacco's go to receiver. We need to bring in young talent that can legitimately stretch the field if Cam's system is going to work. Starting two older possession receivers, who have average speed at best, severely held back our offense last season.
[/quote]

[ellicottraven]

I agree with most of the list with the exception that I really want Gaither back as a Raven - a dedicated, hard working Gaither nothing less mind you!

[churchy]

[quote name='Irish Girl' timestamp='1297519431' post='638575']
The only person on that list that I'm fine with not playing is Bulger. Everyone else needs to stay, and I really hope they do because those were some pretty good players that we have chances of losing.
[/quote]


The only one I want back is Gaither. All the others, except for Fabian, is old and past his prime or cost way to much money. Someone could make an arguement for Willis but its time to move on. Gaither is a tank and says he wants to be back in Baltimore the only problem is keeping him on the field.

[CapoRocky]

I could live with all the cuts only if we use the draft and free agency to fill the needs.

[Irish Girl]

[quote name='churchy' timestamp='1297725849' post='639826']
The only one I want back is Gaither. All the others, except for Fabian, is old and past his prime or cost way to much money. Someone could make an arguement for Willis but its time to move on. Gaither is a tank and says he wants to be back in Baltimore the only problem is keeping him on the field.
[/quote]
There are some veterans that I would like to stay. But, we're just fans and we don't get a say in who stays and goes, so it's not like it matters. As long as they use the draft wisely, I'll be happy with our team this season.

[ghost1986]

I was listening to Qadry Ismail's talk show the other night and they had some draft specialist guy on there who was saying he really doubts Gaither won't be back and said McGahee's future here is also murky, so this is the second source I've seen that predicts they'll be out. I'd like to be able to keep both, but it's looking doubtful. I hope we can keep McGahee. It would hurt us to lose Gaither, but he's just a real strange guy. First he's saying he wants to go to Buffalo and now he's a die hard Raven? Either way, I hope our line can improve from next year. I'd also like to be able to keep Stallworth and Housh, but I doubt it's going to happen. And I know James hardy isn't the answer to our WR problem, but I'm confident we'll get a good one in the draft. Just as long as we don't restrict him to Special Teams. And Fabian played well, but Wilson and Carr played even better. So I'm sure he'll be gone. And we might keep Bulger, but I'm thinking we'll get someone from the draft and/or FA. Not really to challenge Flacco, but to have someone in case he's hurt. But I do thank Bulger for his time here. He was almost perfect in pre-season.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='ghost1986' timestamp='1297736406' post='639943']
I was listening to Qadry Ismail's talk show the other night and they had some draft specialist guy on there who was saying he really doubts Gaither won't be back and said McGahee's future here is also murky, so this is the second source I've seen that predicts they'll be out. I'd like to be able to keep both, but it's looking doubtful. I hope we can keep McGahee. It would hurt us to lose Gaither, but he's just a real strange guy. [b]First he's saying he wants to go to Buffalo and now he's a die hard Raven?[/b] Either way, I hope our line can improve from next year. [b]I'd also like to be able to keep Stallworth and Housh, but I doubt it's going to happen. And I know James hardy isn't the answer to our WR problem, but I'm confident we'll get a good one in the draft. Just as long as we don't restrict him to Special Teams. And Fabian played well, but Wilson and Carr played even better[/b]. So I'm sure he'll be gone. And we might keep Bulger, but I'm thinking we'll get someone from the draft and/or FA. Not really to challenge Flacco, but to have someone in case he's hurt. But I do thank Bulger for his time here. He was almost perfect in pre-season.
[/quote]

When did Gaither say he wanted to go to Buffalo?

If you don't want the rookie WR not to be restricted to special teams, Stallworth and Houshmandzadeh can't return.

The Broncos game aside, Fabian played poorly most of the games he was active in.

[ghost1986]

Yeah that Broncos game was one of my faves. Mainly cause everything seemed to click on all sides of the ball that day. And I heard Gaither was talking about going to Buffalo before last season when this back injury happened. Who knows if it's true. But I'm not counting it out.

[ravensdfan]

If Mason retires, I would not mind keeping Stallworth (on the cheap again). He really didn't get the opportunity to show his worth this season. We still should draft a deep threat WR though. In no way do I think the Ravens should cut/release/trade Mason if he decides to return for one more season, though they should make it clear he could see a reduced role. Truth is, if we have a solid vertical threat, Mason's savvy route running would be a good compliment to that and he'd likely be open more often. Boldin has good hands for the most part and is great with YAC. Too many times this season however, he did not come back for the ball if Joe was scrambling nor fight for the ball if he was in tight coverage. That is what I'd like to see him work on. He's not going to get a perfect throw every single time and many times it seemed like if he didn't get that perfect throw he gave up on the ball.

[grape drank]

[quote name='T-ray' timestamp='1297474348' post='638412']
I understand that Mason is old, but why do you all want to see him gone?? Sure, he isn't a very productive reciever anymore, but Flacco relies a ton on him when blitzes get going his way.
[/quote]
The man had like 875 yards this season haha, he was 1 100 yard receiving game away from being close to a 1000 yard receiver, which is not bad with the turmoil at the QB/O line positions. He's still got it!

[bauer77]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1297646819' post='639286']
Bringing back T.J. or Stallworth if Mason would hurt the team long-term in my opinion. You want Joe to start developing chemistry with a WRs who could theoretically be here as long he is.

It isn't like Boldin, Reed and whoever else is drafted will be the only receiving options either. Heap can still play and the team has his long-term replacements in place. There's also Rice.
[/quote]


i agree it may hurt us long term and what not, and i also agree we do gotta get a group of WRs to start to build chemistry with flacco, but i think this past year and possibly this year (if we have a season) we should be in a "win now" attitude. Our door is closing, Reed only has a year or two left, same with Ray ray. We should want to get these guys a ring, while we build for the future at the same time

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='bauer77' timestamp='1298229895' post='642494']
i agree it may hurt us long term and what not, and i also agree we do gotta get a group of WRs to start to build chemistry with flacco, but i think this past year and possibly this year (if we have a season) we should be in a "win now" attitude. Our door is closing, Reed only has a year or two left, same with Ray ray. We should want to get these guys a ring, while we build for the future at the same time
[/quote]

I don't buy that the "door is closing". It is for players like Mason, Heap Birk, Gregg, Ed and Ray but the core of the team is relatively young. One or two good drafts(which the front office is very capable of) would brighten the team's future even further. Most importantly, if Joe continues to develop, the door will never close as it isn't hard to build around quality QBs.

Adopting a "win now" attitude is fine but as we saw this past season, a veteran WR corps isn't necessarily a good thing.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1298238740' post='642554']
I don't buy that the "door is closing". It is for players like Mason, Heap Birk, Gregg, Ed and Ray but the core of the team is relatively young. [b]One or two good drafts(which the front office is very capable of) would brighten the team's future even further[/b]. Most importantly, if Joe continues to develop, the door will never close as it isn't hard to build around quality QBs.

Adopting a "win now" attitude is fine but as saw this past season, a veteran WR corps isn't necessarily a good thing.
[/quote]
One of those has to happen this year imo.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1298238931' post='642555']
One of those has to happen this year imo.
[/quote]

Agreed 100%. The team hit on at least two of their first three picks in '08 and '09 but has got little from the rest.

[DE_RavensFan]

Probably Hoosh and Willis....on offense will go..

[yakraven]

We need Gaither; not only did we miss him last year for the run, but with him gone we had to use Yanda
at tackle vice Guard and that really affected our run game.
For me, Parmele is a Figurs; okay at times on ST but not really worth keeping.
McGahee should be kept, I could care less abt his 6M owed; I think he'd accept a restructure of his
contract so he could get his 6M.
McClain needs to see if he's as "valuable" as he thinks he is; let's see what other teams offer him.
If he goes elsewhere, there was a good kid at the Combine we could go after - FB, won't mind blocking
for Ray and Willis.