How Much Money Do The Ravens Actually Have?

[grape drank]

Every time someone brings up a FA's name, the immediate response is "we don't have enough money" I'm just wondering how much money we are supposed to have? how much is left? etc etc. Does anyone truly know or are we just speculating?

It would also be nice to know how much Ngata is truly going to make, because as it stands sounds like he is a black hole for the ravens cap room. Mind you he is worth every penny.

[berad]

Well, to my knowledge we don't really have a salary cap - with the CBA up in the air, and whatnot...

But I found [color="#0000FF"][url="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2011/2/8/1982164/2011-nfl-salary-cap-cleveland-browns-at-99-2-million"]this[/url][/color]. It's a blog [i](A Cleveland Brown one, at that)[/i] so take it with a grain of salt but it states that the Ravens have about a [b]$101 million dollar cap total[/b]. Since there hasn't been a salary cap for like two years, our only reference is the 2009 season where it was ~$130 million.

Of course, I don't think you'll see many big signings until a CBA is agreed upon. And it's near impossible to sign Haloti, anyways, since we are operating under the 30% rule.

[RivenHale]

This is a great topic. I've always had to refrain from imagining the Ravens - and all football franchises - as just giant piles of money, and it's good to be reminded of that.

[Romo Ravens]

I know Bisciotti has enough money to trade for and sign any one of the stud WR's besides Boldin that's ever been available. I'd like to see Ozzie and company be more strategic in studying and trying to equip this offense with just as much talent as the defense, no matter how much money and time it will take. There's no reason that a core consisting of Flacco, Rice and Boldin fail to be a top five offense.

Question - what franchise besides our own has had a more difficult time in drafting and developing a WR to become a legit number one? Why is it so hard for us?

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1298317364' post='642948']
Question - what franchise besides our own has had a more difficult time in drafting and developing a WR to become a legit number one? Why is it so hard for us?
[/quote]

To your first question, comparing the Ravens to any team is somewhat unfair because they've only been around for 15 seasons.

We could look at the Jags though and they've never drafted a WR you would label a #1 for more than a season.

To your second question, I feel the biggest reason this team has never had a true go-to WR is the instability at QB. Not that WRs can't emerge as a play-makers without an established QB but it's much more common for one to do so when the player throwing the ball is good player.

Relying on veterans has also been a problem the past two seasons.

[edreedfromtheu]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1298317364' post='642948']
I know Bisciotti has enough money to trade for and sign any one of the stud WR's besides Boldin that's ever been available. I'd like to see Ozzie and company be more strategic in studying and trying to equip this offense with just as much talent as the defense, no matter how much money and time it will take. There's no reason that a core consisting of Flacco, Rice and Boldin fail to be a top five offense.

Question - what franchise besides our own has had a more difficult time in drafting and developing a WR to become a legit number one? Why is it so hard for us?
[/quote]

Nobody is going to like my answer. But here you go... they can't develop receivers because of the QB situation. Everyone insists that Joe Flacco solved that problem. I don't agree. I know he got injured, so everyone forgets.... but MArk Clayton didn't land on a new team until right before the season started, and him and Sam Bradford got off to a fast start. Imagine if Clayton was there for all of camp!

And even when they trade for a veteran receivers... Boldin, it didn't work. Now, Boldin had one MAJOR drop that everyone wants to point at. But I can remember PLENTY of times throughout the season where Boldin is running wide open and Flacco doesn't see him at all. Boldin was more than frustrated by about Week 8... and it was very clear to anyone who was watching. Pretty hard to get into a rhythm when you're getting only a couple looks a game.

And now, the overall sentiment is "The Ravens need a 'speed receiver' because Flacco throws the long ball best." Well, I don't really agree that will solve anything, but at least if the Ravens get a guy like that... we can find out the answer(or just get more excuses).

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' timestamp='1298323307' post='643042']
And now, the overall sentiment is "The Ravens need a 'speed receiver' because Flacco throws the long ball best."
[/quote]

Who has said that? The "long ball" is far from the only area having a WR with speed and explosion can benefit an offense.

[Romo Ravens]

I think I have the answer edreedfromtheu -

It was only Flacco's THIRD year in the league. The man came from the U of Delaware and look at the numbers he's been able to post. Mark Sanchez, coming out of USC absolutely pales in comparison to Flacco. He's a game manager, Flacco can be a game changer.

I swear, Baltimore has been so hungry for a franchise QB, and when we get one, we don't want him because doesn't do this or he doesn't do that. He's still developing, did you think he was going to come into the league and be Manning?

We've covered this on numerous occasions. No matter if Boldin is your favorite WR ever (like he is mine) he's lost a step. He can't run people over anymore. His YAC has diminished. He's a possession WR, tougher and faster than Mason. Do you really think Brandon Marshall, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson, etc would really post less than 1,000 yards with Joe? Look in the draft section. People just don't want a speed WR. We want youth. We want Jonathan Baldwin, Leonard Hankerson, Torrey Smith amongst others because we want fresh legs into the system. We've been asking the FO to please get someone to grow with Flacco, because there's only so much he can do when his WR always run streaks and comebacks.

Flacco is a stud and he'll prove all of you wrong. Don't say how good he is when he finally brings home a trophy. I'm making a list of all the haters so I can come back and let them know that they were wrong

[gabefergy]

The Ravens need a speed receiver because we don't have speed on offense. WR's struggled to get separation, and there were only a few long completions the entire season.

Cam's offensive system is to pound the ball on the ground and take vertical attempts down the field. We dont have a WR that can actually be that vertical threat. Last season we constantly saw Q and Housh being sent on fly routes that never got open because they couldnt beat CBs with their speed.

If we can solidify the O-line and get a WR to fill that vertical role, the offense should be nasty next season.

[littleray27]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1298326124' post='643067']
I think I have the answer edreedfromtheu -

It was only Flacco's THIRD year in the league. The man came from the U of Delaware and look at the numbers he's been able to post. Mark Sanchez, coming out of USC absolutely pales in comparison to Flacco. He's a game manager, Flacco can be a game changer.

I swear, Baltimore has been so hungry for a franchise QB, and when we get one, we don't want him because doesn't do this or he doesn't do that. He's still developing, did you think he was going to come into the league and be Manning?

We've covered this on numerous occasions. No matter if Boldin is your favorite WR ever (like he is mine) he's lost a step. He can't run people over anymore. His YAC has diminished. He's a possession WR, tougher and faster than Mason. Do you really think Brandon Marshall, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson, etc would really post less than 1,000 yards with Joe? Look in the draft section. People just don't want a speed WR. We want youth. We want Jonathan Baldwin, Leonard Hankerson, Torrey Smith amongst others because we want fresh legs into the system. We've been asking the FO to please get someone to grow with Flacco, because there's only so much he can do when his WR always run streaks and comebacks.

Flacco is a stud and he'll prove all of you wrong. Don't say how good he is when he finally brings home a trophy. I'm making a list of all the haters so I can come back and let them know that they were wrong
[/quote]

You mean he wasn't suppose to come straight in the league and win a super bowl every year, or put up Brady/Manning/Rivers/Brees numbers? Look who cares about the "opinions" others have on Flacco, leaning toward the ones who want to crucify him for not being a Manning/Brady etc. in his first three years. Besides the kid only going so far in the playoffs (I know sounds crazy) he has been MORE than productive each and every season he plays in this league. I am sure that the time will come if Flacco and Harbs can only keep getting into the playoffs and coming up short every year, that maybe Steve will have to make some kind of drastic move because lets face it, how long would any of you (saying you owned an nfl team) would want to just settle for making the playoffs every season and not getting to the super bowl? Hell I'm more than happy with these past three seasons since Harbs and Flacco have taken over this team. What Raven fan doesn't like getting an extended season and the possibility of making it to the super bowl.

[ellicottraven]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1298326124' post='643067']
I think I have the answer edreedfromtheu -

It was only Flacco's THIRD year in the league. The man came from the U of Delaware and look at the numbers he's been able to post. Mark Sanchez, coming out of USC absolutely pales in comparison to Flacco. He's a game manager, Flacco can be a game changer.

I swear, Baltimore has been so hungry for a franchise QB, and when we get one, we don't want him because doesn't do this or he doesn't do that. He's still developing, did you think he was going to come into the league and be Manning?

We've covered this on numerous occasions. No matter if Boldin is your favorite WR ever (like he is mine) he's lost a step. He can't run people over anymore. His YAC has diminished. He's a possession WR, tougher and faster than Mason. Do you really think Brandon Marshall, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson, etc would really post less than 1,000 yards with Joe? Look in the draft section. People just don't want a speed WR. We want youth. We want Jonathan Baldwin, Leonard Hankerson, Torrey Smith amongst others because we want fresh legs into the system. We've been asking the FO to please get someone to grow with Flacco, because there's only so much he can do when his WR always run streaks and comebacks.

Flacco is a stud and he'll prove all of you wrong. Don't say how good he is when he finally brings home a trophy. I'm making a list of all the haters so I can come back and let them know that they were wrong
[/quote]
Well in all sincerety while I love the way you stood up for Joe Flacco, but, be careful about these lists you are making because ifhe doesn't win the Lombardi soon, your list will be long real long!!!

[Militant X 1]

ok, i will admit that i have always said that the Ravens need a speedy, fast WR that can stretch the field (i.e. Stallworth etc.) however, IF the Oline protects Joe and gives him plenty of time in the pocket, so old fat guy could eventually get open. and no, i am not the old fat guy! lol!

so, while speed is still a need i feel at the WR spot, it is not more essential than a Oline that can fire off the ball and protect our QB at the same time. and if Joe gets his reads in and releases the ball quickly, then the Ravens offense could be deadly.

[RayRiceRulez]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1298326124' post='643067']Do you really think Brandon Marshall, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson, etc would really post less than 1,000 yards with Joe? [/quote]

Yes. Yes i do, because i don't think they would be used correctly in the system, just as our guys weren't this year, and i don't feel like flacco has the awareness/intelligence/balls to be able to audible the offence into sound plays, no matter who the receivers may be.

[Romo Ravens]

[quote name='ellicottraven' timestamp='1298335555' post='643198']
Well in all sincerety while I love the way you stood up for Joe Flacco, but, be careful about these lists you are making because ifhe doesn't win the Lombardi soon, your list will be long real long!!!
[/quote]

It's already very long.

[quote name='RayRiceRulez' timestamp='1298336008' post='643206']
Yes. Yes i do.
[/quote]

He did it with Mason. Please.

[berad]

[quote name='RayRiceRulez' timestamp='1298336008' post='643206']
Yes. Yes i do, because i don't think they would be used correctly in the system, just as our guys weren't this year, and i don't feel like flacco has the [b]awareness/intelligence/balls[/b] to be able to audible the offence into sound plays, no matter who the receivers may be.
[/quote]

So he's an oblivious, idiotic coward? As Romo said, Joe put up 1,000 yard seasons with Mase - he would undoubtedly do it with those any one of those receivers.

[RivenHale]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1298326124' post='643067']
I think I have the answer edreedfromtheu -

It was only Flacco's THIRD year in the league. The man came from the U of Delaware and look at the numbers he's been able to post. Mark Sanchez, coming out of USC absolutely pales in comparison to Flacco. He's a game manager, Flacco can be a game changer.

I swear, Baltimore has been so hungry for a franchise QB, and when we get one, we don't want him because doesn't do this or he doesn't do that. He's still developing, did you think he was going to come into the league and be Manning?

We've covered this on numerous occasions. No matter if Boldin is your favorite WR ever (like he is mine) he's lost a step. He can't run people over anymore. His YAC has diminished. He's a possession WR, tougher and faster than Mason. Do you really think Brandon Marshall, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson, etc would really post less than 1,000 yards with Joe? Look in the draft section. People just don't want a speed WR. We want youth. We want Jonathan Baldwin, Leonard Hankerson, Torrey Smith amongst others because we want fresh legs into the system. We've been asking the FO to please get someone to grow with Flacco, because there's only so much he can do when his WR always run streaks and comebacks.

Flacco is a stud and he'll prove all of you wrong. Don't say how good he is when he finally brings home a trophy. I'm making a list of all the haters so I can come back and let them know that they were wrong
[/quote]


I'm aware that this is off-topic, but there has been a serious lack of amen's for this guy.

[Romo Ravens]

[quote name='RivenHale' timestamp='1298343448' post='643318']
I'm aware that this is off-topic, but there has been a serious lack of amen's for this guy.
[/quote]

For Flacco?

[RivenHale]

For you, I meant, and that post.

But yeah, Joe hasn't got near enough love from these boards either.

[RavensAllTheWay]

Flacco is still learning...that is irrefutable. I don't know who decides whether or not Joe audibles or changes/calls his own plays, but if it's him, it should tell you that he still needs to build confidence and intelligence in his game. If it's Cam, it's probably because he doesn't trust his QB to make good decisions or read the defense.

The thing is that none of us know how much longer Flacco will be in this learning curve or how long it will be before he EARNS the right to have more input in the offense.

[Romo Ravens]

[quote name='RivenHale' timestamp='1298353923' post='643445']
For you, I meant, and that post.

But yeah, Joe hasn't got near enough love from these boards either.
[/quote]

Thank you, I really appreciate it

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

[quote name='RayRiceRulez' timestamp='1298336008' post='643206']
Yes. Yes i do, because i don't think they would be used correctly in the system, just as our guys weren't this year, and i don't feel like flacco has the [i]awareness/intelligence/balls[/i] to be able to audible the offence into sound plays, no matter who the receivers may be.
[/quote]
This is a pretty baffling choice of words IMO

[Radinho84]

very funny how far this topic camw away from it´s original base.
just another how good is flacco threat.
can be closed...

just one word: if some of you think that flacco is that great qb an could audible all day and finding open guys on the field. why isn´t he doing it? if he is able to do those things do you really believe that they wouldn´t let him do so? don´t get me wrong. i like that guy. i like that he took us to the playoffs three years in a row but i do have my doubts about him being the answer at qb. there were so many times last year when he didn´t see boldin wide open and also other receivers. i am just saying that maybe he isn´t what some of you goys see in him.

again: i like him a lot and i can imagine that he could be a very very good qb. but only time will tell. i was very disappointed with our offense as a whole this year and as long as i don´t know what the reason was for that poorly performance i will not judge. but there have to be changes and it´s not like we have that much time for them.

we have ray lewis on this level for about one or two years. what do we do when he is gone. when he is gone, reed is gone. what do you have on defense at that point? that´s my point: you have only next season or the season after next for winning the sb with the current guys we have and i don´t think that we will be the same team without ray and ed. (considering ed we all saw what he does when he wasn´t on the field...)

that is what scares me the most. that our organisation truely thought they could win it all with the team we had and don´t do anything to win the trophy for ray and ed. i know it´s not about winning it for a single person but those two deserve it the most.

i am not very optimistic for us winning the sb the next two years without drastic changes in the system....



and back to topic: i think we have all the money we need to be successfull. we just need the right decisions to be made...

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1298326124' post='643067']

Flacco is a stud and he'll prove all of you wrong. Don't say how good he is when he finally brings home a trophy. I'm making a list of all the haters so I can come back and let them know that they were wrong
[/quote]

Lol, big talk. Well you can sign me up, if I'm wrong I'll eat my words with fava beans and a nice chianti. Are you ready to do the same?

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Radinho84' timestamp='1298379455' post='643508']
that is what scares me the most. [b]that our organisation truely thought they could win it all with the team we had and don´t do anything to win the trophy for ray and ed.[/b] i know it´s not about winning it for a single person but those two deserve it the most.

[b]i am not very optimistic for us winning the sb the next two years without drastic changes in the system....[/b]
[/quote]

How exactly didn't the team do anything to win a SB?

Changes, specifically on offense, need to be made but I wouldn't say a 12-4 team that had leads in the 4th quarter of every game and was on the verge of an AFCCG appearance needs to make [i]drastic[/i] changes.

[Romo Ravens]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1298389348' post='643539']
Lol, big talk. Well you can sign me up, if I'm wrong I'll eat my words with fava beans and a nice chianti. Are you ready to do the same?
[/quote]

So you really doubt that Flacco will be able to win a trophy, no matter how long he will be with us? Why does everyone bash on him, yet fail to come up with a reason why he's not capable of winning the SB?

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1298394451' post='643567']
So you really doubt that Flacco will be able to win a trophy, no matter how long he will be with us? Why does everyone bash on him, yet fail to come up with a reason why he's not capable of winning the SB?
[/quote]

You expect everyone here to settle for the status quo, but would you ask Flacco to do the same? I guarantee you it isn't just us, he expects more from himself.

[Romo Ravens]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1298395483' post='643575']
You expect everyone here to settle for the status quo, but would you ask Flacco to do the same? I guarantee you it isn't just us, he expects more from himself.
[/quote]

Of course he does. Just like he expects more from his OC who leaves him out to dry. If people are going to blame him, blame the missed drops by WR's. Blame the costly fumbles, or the offensive line failing to block which gets Flacco sacked. It can't just fall on one person. It's not fair for him to always be the scapegoat.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='Radinho84' timestamp='1298379455' post='643508']
very funny how far this topic camw away from it´s original base.
just another how good is flacco threat.
can be closed...

just one word: if some of you think that flacco is that great qb an could audible all day and finding open guys on the field. why isn´t he doing it? if he is able to do those things do you really believe that they wouldn´t let him do so? don´t get me wrong. i like that guy. i like that he took us to the playoffs three years in a row but i do have my doubts about him being the answer at qb. there were so many times last year when he didn´t see boldin wide open and also other receivers. i am just saying that maybe he isn´t what some of you goys see in him.

again: i like him a lot and i can imagine that he could be a very very good qb. but only time will tell. i was very disappointed with our offense as a whole this year and as long as i don´t know what the reason was for that poorly performance i will not judge. but there have to be changes and it´s not like we have that much time for them.

we have ray lewis on this level for about one or two years. what do we do when he is gone. [b]when he is gone, reed is gone[/b]. what do you have on defense at that point? that´s my point: [b]you have only next season or the season after next for winning the sb with the current guys we have [/b]and i don´t think that we will be the same team without ray and ed. (considering ed we all saw what he does when he wasn´t on the field...)

that is what scares me the most. that our organisation truely thought they could win it all with the team we had and don´t do anything to win the trophy for ray and ed. i know it´s not about winning it for a single person but those two deserve it the most.

i am not very optimistic for us winning the sb the next two years without drastic changes in the system....



and back to topic: i think we have all the money we need to be successfull. we just need the right decisions to be made...
[/quote]
How do you know that once Ray is gone, Ed is automatically gone? I believe that IF he stays healthy, he'll be around for quite some time, even with carrying something as tricky as a neck impingement.

And the window of opportunity will always be open as long as Ozzie fills these holes and continues to draft for needs. How long will it be before we draft/sign a new ILB or FS or even SS? Time will tell, but we shouldn't have to wait that long.

[grape drank]

What I would like the Ravens do with their Cap, is get a FA Corner, or Offensive linemen as there are going to be tons of WR's and DE/OLBs in the draft, so it would be nice to narrow down our list of 5 or 6 needs, to 3 or 4 before the draft. I'd like Jon Baldwin in the first, with Jeremy Beal in the 2nd. Or something comparable to that, with Jon Joseph signed from the bengals, and perhaps a center/tackle.

[grape drank]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' timestamp='1298419175' post='643838']
How do you know that once Ray is gone, Ed is automatically gone? I believe that IF he stays healthy, he'll be around for quite some time, even with carrying something as tricky as a neck impingement.

And the window of opportunity will always be open as long as Ozzie fills these holes and continues to draft for needs. How long will it be before we draft/sign a new ILB or FS or even SS? Time will tell, but we shouldn't have to wait that long.
[/quote]
On that note though, I'd really like to see reed get a ring with the ravens...it was depressing this year because it may be the last time that our long time veterans will be together (Mason, Lewis, Reed, Suggs, etc) Would have loved for all those guys to finally get a ring!