Where Do We Need Help In Free Agency

[Sunday QB]

There has been alot of talk and spculation on defense, but what about the offense? Does anybody feel we need to get help for the offensive line?

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

I don't know if there are any great feasible replacements. i would like to have Tyson Clabo but not sure he will be available, also I could see Matt Light as a two year stop gap until we can either bring up Jah Reid or we can draft a replacement. If gaither was healthy and could stay that way consistently then we could re-sign him.

[Sunday QB]

I also would like Tyson Clabo and Harvey Dahl, both would be tremendous help and It is possible the the falcons can't afford to keep.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Sunday QB' timestamp='1310577233' post='707039']
I also would like Tyson Clabo and Harvey Dahl, both would be tremendous help and It is possible the the falcons can't afford to keep.
[/quote]

Not sure we can afford them anymore then what the Falcons could.

Maybe a guy like Damien Woody could come in and be like Willie Anderson was back in 08'. Give us a one year stop gap for either Reid or Harewood to develop more.

However, I ultimately see the Ravens staying pat with the Oline we have now. There are some decent LTs who will be on the Market once CBA is complete. Hopefully no one is willing to offer Gaither a long term deal and he sees his best situations is coming back to the Ravens.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1310582374' post='707097']
Hopefully no one is willing to offer Gaither a long term deal and he sees his best situations is coming back to the Ravens.
[/quote]

The key issue will be whether the organization wants him back.

[PuRock]

If they are truly serious about bringing in a FA to fix the O-Line. Jermon Bushrod. Towson grad, MD guy. But he's everything you want Gaither to be, healthy. He had a stellar 2009 season and a bit above average 2010 season. Be a nice fit at LT with Oher mauling the right running lanes.

[Sunday QB]

I really like the thought of a big mean nasty front line for Rice to run through and keep Joe upright.

[-Truth-]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1310582374' post='707097']
Not sure we can afford them anymore then what the Falcons could.

[b]Maybe a guy like Damien Woody could come in and be like Willie Anderson was back in 08'.[/b] Give us a one year stop gap for either Reid or Harewood to develop more.

However, I ultimately see the Ravens staying pat with the Oline we have now. There are some decent LTs who will be on the Market once CBA is complete. Hopefully no one is willing to offer Gaither a long term deal and he sees his best situations is coming back to the Ravens.
[/quote]
I was just about to suggest Woody as well. Although he's 33, he's only missed 3 games over the past 3 seasons. PFF apparently has high praise for him, ranking him their 2nd best RT in '09 and 3rd best RT in '10. At the very least, he could be a serviceable RT for one or two years, allowing us to ease Reid into the lineup.

[The Raven]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1310582826' post='707106']
If they are truly serious about bringing in a FA to fix the O-Line. Jermon Bushrod. Towson grad, MD guy. But he's everything you want Gaither to be, healthy. He had a stellar 2009 season and a bit above average 2010 season. Be a nice fit at LT with Oher mauling the right running lanes.
[/quote]


I wouldn't mind Bushrod, but I think his contract may be a little more expensive than our FO is willing to pay for a LT. I think the FO has made it pretty clear that Oher is the LT of the future anyway...

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

Ideally, we re-sign Gaither and slot him back in at LT, as he has claimed that he is once again healthy. I hope that the Ravens take one last shot on him because he really is better than anything we currently have at LT and would instantly upgrade the offensive line.

We also need to get a young center, probably an UDFA (Kris O'Dowd for example) to groom as Birk's successor. He's said he's more than happy to do it, which is for the best as this is probably his last year.

Another area I still feel we need to target in Free Agency is the pass rush. We're counting on JJ to bounce back and for Kindle to make an impact which is still a big question mark. We don't necessarily need a big name signing, just someone who is capable and can relieve some of the pressure on our guys right now.

We could also be interested in a safety, depending on what happens with regards to Landry. If he demands a big contract then I would let him walk as I don't think he fully justifies one. I'd be all for letting Zibby and Nakamura as well as another UDFA like DeAndre McDaniel fighting it out for his place if it came to it.

[Sunday QB]

I do trust Ozzie, but I have to say it. We need improvement on the O-line. Joe spent to much time on his back and under to much pressure. We need a big mean nasty front line to protect him and allow Ray to run. If Joe is hurried or on his back it will look like last year. Let's not forget that Cam needs to step up in a major way as well.

Who thinks we need a big mean nasty front line? Who can give us that?

[JO_75]

Offensive Line is a need, I think we all know that. Just how the Front Office feels is the best O-Line to keep Joe upright and open holes for Rice is the only question mark about the offensive line.

I think everyone has pretty much stated that we should try to bring Gaither back on a 2-3 Year Incentives deal, and hopefully Gaither realizes that coming off an injury that is the way to go and to show he can be a dominating LT, for us or for any other team who would hand him a big time contract. Yanda needs to be at RG, with Oher at RT.

We can't wait for Jah Reid to develop which is why right now Gaither and Oher are the best options at Left and Right Tackle. Sign Gaither to a 2-3 year deal and place him at LT, sign Yanda, place him at RG, move Oher to RT and Offensive line is complete.and locked down with the exception that we'll need Birk's successor and Ben Grubbs will also be in turn for a big pay day with his contract coming up soon.

[Pääjärvi]

Reid is a rookie without the benefits of being around his pro staff in the off-season. Long shot he's starter come week 1
Harewood is basically a rookie with all the missed time last season.
Cousins is well just depth and nothing more
We need a veteran RT bad. That should be the priority in the free agency after our own re-signings.

[ellicottraven]

We have several free agents on our offensive line. Guys like Yanda, Gaither, Chester and Moll are all expected to test free agency. Depending on what happens with these guys will give us an indication of how we handle free agency for the O-Line.

[Gordo52]

Easy Yanda & Gaither

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1310582607' post='707101']
The key issue will be whether the organization wants him back.
[/quote]

Well them sitting down with him and his agent at the end of the season, says to me that their is interest. It's all about the right price imo.

[Ravensfan23]

So with the lockout close to being over and Free Agency starting the 25th, hopefully. I've been thinking of who the Ravens could replace Chris Chester with.

There are a few names of OG/C who have decent playing experience, but limited starting experience who the Ravens could possibly get cheap and develop under Birk for a season.

So here's a list of guys I think that could fit well with the Ravens.

Scott Mruczkowski 6-5 310 age 29

Mruczkowski has been a backup OG/C for the San Diego Chargers for the past 6 years. He has actually started 13 games in 2009, in replace of Nick Hardwick. I think he'll excel in that top backup OG/C role for 2011 and be able to take over at Center in 2012 for the Ravens. At 29 he's still young enough to have a 3-4 year run and that will allow us to get a true Center of the future over the next couple years. He's also a really good match with Flacco at 6'5".

Jason Spitz 6-3 305 age 28

Spitz is a guy who was a rising star his first 3 seasons in GB and many thought he was reaching pro bowl status. However a back injury in 2009 seemed to derail him off of that and Spitz has been struggling ever since. Spitz is a guy who's started at both G and C for the Packers and played both positions well before injury. Much like Mruczkowski he's young enough to give the Ravens a strong 3 or 4 year run at Center, before the Center of the future is ready to take over. Spitz is a talented guy who seems to need a change of scenery and could come into our lock room with a chip on his shoulder, having something to prove.

Samson Satele 6-3 300 age 26

Satele might be more of a true Center, rather then a OG/C. Report were that he struggled at times in Oak, but found his groove towards the end of the season. I'm not sure how much of an upgrade over Chester he'd be, but he's an option.

I think all 3 of these guys could be had at a reasonable price, to replace Chester this year and ultimately replace Birk. No sure if any of these guys are on the Ravens radar, but I sure hope someone is, because we have to do better the Chester.

[The King]

I'd rather keep Yanda and Chester than bring in anyone new, but it will also depend on how Reid develops. If we were in a different division I would feel confident enough about starting him at RT knowing that it's not as difficult a job, but in two key games against the Steelers we need guys who can really do the job at both ends of the line.

Yanda was the best RT in the league last year, and Chester is a good option for a prospective center once Matt Birk retires. Gaither would be a great choice if he spent more time on the field, but I don't particularly want to spend top LT money on a guy who will miss a ton of games. I don't want to be like Colts' fans who always talked about what a great player Bob Sanders was if he could only stay on the field longer. I want to cut loose guys who don't play.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1310874498' post='708563']
Well them sitting down with him and his agent at the end of the season, says to me that their is interest. It's all about the right price imo.
[/quote]

It [i]is[/i] all about the price. I should have specified and said how badly the organization wants him back is key.

Personally, I don't think he'll be re-signed. I hope I'm wrong.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='The King' timestamp='1310878961' post='708575']
I'd rather keep Yanda and Chester than bring in anyone new, but it will also depend on how Reid develops. If we were in a different division I would feel confident enough about starting him at RT knowing that it's not as difficult a job, but in two key games against the Steelers we need guys who can really do the job at both ends of the line.

Yanda was the best RT in the league last year, and Chester is a good option for a prospective center once Matt Birk retires. Gaither would be a great choice if he spent more time on the field, but I don't particularly want to spend top LT money on a guy who will miss a ton of games. I don't want to be like Colts' fans who always talked about what a great player Bob Sanders was if he could only stay on the field longer. I want to cut loose guys who don't play.
[/quote]

I have no doubt that Yanda will be re-signed. I don't think Yanda will go longer then Friday without being signed to be honest.

Gaither, I'd love him back. I don't think he's looking for top LT money. I think people look at his agent and think he'll demand to be paid like an Elite LT. I personally don't think that's the case. I could be wrong. But I think Gaither can be signed to a 2 year incentive heavy contract that allows him to prove he can stay healthy for a full year. Then the Ravens will have the option to either re-sign him in year 2 or allow him to walk.

As for Chester. That experiment is over and done with imo. Chester has had 5 season to prove he could be a capable starting Center for the Ravens and has failed more often then not once given his opportunities.

Watching him struggle in preseason against 2nd and 3rd string DTs is more then enough for me to not expect much from Chester. I think he's a decent backup, but he's not starting material. i think the Ravens can upgrade that position and I strongly hope they do.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1310880786' post='708582']
It [i]is[/i] all about the price. I should have specified and said how badly the organization wants him back is key.

Personally, I don't think he'll be re-signed. I hope I'm wrong.
[/quote]

Yea I don't think the Ravens will get into a bidding war with another team for Gaither. I think the Ravens want him back, but if the price gets to high, then they'll turn their attention else where.

I think the Ravens will offer him a 2-3 year contract with the first year guaranteed with a lot of incentives. If Gaither stays healthy, reaches his incentive and the Ravens feel comfortable with extending him long term, I think they will in 2012. If not he walks and shops himself to other teams.

People think money is the big kicker for Gaither, I think playing LT is. I think he'll expect a decent offer knowing his injury history, but if the Ravens inform him that he'll compete at RT, he'll walk.

The Ravens seem satisfied with Oher at LT, so they might very well be thinking Gaither will be a RT. However if they have the opportunity to re-sign Gaither, but allow him to walk because of the LT position, I think it'll be a huge mistake.

[Ravenseconbeast]

Gaither is in a small market tbh. His not the best LT. He was injured, underweight(?) and hasnt played for a whole year. He wants LT money. We can offer him that deal, as long as he is realistic wtth us, he'll be back with Ravens.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Ravenseconbeast' timestamp='1310888054' post='708589']
Gaither is in a small market tbh. His not the best LT. He was injured, underweight(?) and hasnt played for a whole year. [b] He wants LT money. We can offer him that deal, as long as he is realistic wtth us, he'll be back with Ravens.[/b]
[/quote]

Well I think that's been the main thing from day 1. Everyone confuses LT money with top money. That's not the case. From what I've always heard, Gaither wants to be in Baltimore and he just wanted to be paid like a starting LT instead of that 750,000 or so he was getting as a 5th supplemental draft pick.

When the Ravens offered Gaither that 2.396 million dollar tender last season, Gaither was satisfied with the raise but stilled wanted a long term commitment. That's where all the confusion came from.

People thought Gaither would hold out because he wanted more money, it wasn't the money it was the long term commitment. I think if he agent was anyone other then Drew Rosenhaus, this wouldn't even be a story.

So with that said, I think Gaither wants to prove himself among the elite LTs in the NFL. I think he really wants to be in Baltimore and I think the Ravens really want him.

I really think with Gaither and the Ravens the clock will just turn back to 2010. The Ravens will offer like a 3 year deal, but only the 1st year is set. Almost like the same restricted tender he signed last season. Gaither will probably cover himself with a clause that says the Ravens have to either sign him to a long term deal in 2012 or release him.

I think Gaither's base salary will be about that same 2.3 million for 2011, with heavy incentives that if he reaches probably will put him to about 7 million.

[Sunday QB]

If Gaither is going to cost somewhere around 7 million when all said and done, I think I would rather pay someone like Tyson Clabo or Matt Light.

[flynismo]

Gaither's going to the Skins.

[Sunday QB]

I hope we don't get Hainesworth in a trade!

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Sunday QB' timestamp='1311122902' post='709894']
If Gaither is going to cost somewhere around 7 million when all said and done, I think I would rather pay someone like Tyson Clabo or Matt Light.
[/quote]

Left Tackles average about 7-8 million per year. The top Left Tackles average about 8-10 per year.

If the Ravens signed Gaither to a incentive based deal and he played the full season, there's no doubt that he'd be top 10 if not top 5 in the NFL at LT. He'd be well worth the 7 million.

7 Million for a full season of Gaither at LT would be great. If he doesn't make it the contract is closer to the 2.8 million he made last season.

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

[quote name='Sunday QB' timestamp='1311125255' post='709906']
I hope we don't get Hainesworth in a trade!
[/quote]

We would immediately go from one of the smartest franchise's in the league to the dumbest.

[Sunday QB]

I think the lockout has me feeling all out of whack, all I really want is to beat Pittsburg this year everytime we play them.

[lowrider]

I think Gaither for a contract of 4-5 million dollars a year is suitable for both sides. But I could definitely see a team offering more than that. I'd love to have him back, but I'm not getting my hopes up. But I hope the Ravens at least propose a reasonable offer for him.

I don't think Jah Reid is the answer. A projected 4-5th round pick in some mock drafts and we got him in the 3rd. I think Ramon Harewood could be a dark horse for the RT position. I see some potential there. But if Cousins or Chris Chester are in the starting lineup, expect Flacco and Rice to be on their backs a lot.