2011 Salary Cap At $120 Million

[Yatagarasu]

The salary cap for the 2011 season has been decided at $120 million, down from the $130 million cap from 2009. However, there is a cap minimum where every team must reach the 90% mark ($108 million). With more than half of the NFL teams (18 of 32) under that minimum, teams like Tampa Bay and Carolina have to spend big in free agency to reach that 90% mark.
[b]
[url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Labor-Update-2011-salary-cap-set-at-120-millio?urn=nfl-wp3408"]Cap at $120 Million[/url]
[/b]
[b][url="http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/37327/looking-at-2011-salary-cap-figures"]Here are the list of current salaries of NFL Teams (From early February and does not include Franchise Tags or recent signings)[/url][/b]

That salary list does not include Haloti Ngata's franchise tag. The Ravens' salaries right now is close to [b]$118 million dollars[/b], which gives little room to operate with the $120 Million cap. Also, that cap does not include any of the draft picks or restricted free agents or exclusive restricted free agents. With that said, I think a lot of our players have to reconstruct their salaries, which means Willis McGahee might be released. Also, a majority of our free agents will not be coming back as plenty of teams will basically throw money at them and this could include coveted free agents like Marshal Yanda and Josh Wilson. And to all those guys who want Nnamdi, including me, have to forget about it because Nnamdi Asomugha will certainly not play for under $9 millon a season.

[b][url="http://www.ravens24x7.com/columns/The-Money-Clip-Baltimore-Ravens-Salary-Cap-Analysis/Asomugha-to-Baltimore"] Ravens' current salary cap with Ngata's Franchise Tag [/url][/b]

[b][url="http://ravens24x7.com/columns/The-Money-Clip-Baltimore-Ravens-Salary-Cap-Analysis/The-Baltimore-Ravens-Free-Agency-Primer?sms_ss=twitter&at_xt=4d3484fc778aa21d,0"]A Good Indepth Analysis of Ravens' Salary Cap[/url][/b]

[bdravens]

It definitely helps the lower tier teams.

[JO_75]

Well if it's set at $120 Million, we are going to be tight in terms of money. With Joe, Rice, Grubbs up for future contract extensions all a while trying to keep Yanda, Gaither, Wilson, Carr and other key Free Agents on this team THIS season, it will be very tight on money which means no Aso.

[BloodRaven]

Pffft, don't you guys follow our forum during the offseason? we have unlimited cap room.

[Irish Raven]

Ngata's franchise tag is going to bring our cap right up. I sure hope we can work out a long term deal to help with this

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

I think this basically confirms that to sign Aso we'd have to cut a few players, not to mention let half or more of our own FAs walk.

[Yatagarasu]

Just looking at the salaries of each team, I think I can get a good clue where each of our free agents will land.

[b]Notable Ravens Free Agents:[/b]

[b]Jared Gaither[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Buffalo[/b] - Other Spots: Chicago, Buffalo
Reason: Buffalo got the money to pay up for a potential franchise left tackle

[b]Chris Carr[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Carolina [/b]- Other Spots: Detroit, Cincinnati, Jacksonville
Reason: Carolina needs all the best CBs they can get

[b]Marshal Yanda[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Tampa Bay[/b] - Other Spots: Oakland, San Diego, Carolina
Reason: Tampa Bay can always overspend for versatile O-linemen

[b]Dawan Landry[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Kansas City [/b]- Other Spots: Carolina, Jacksonville, Seattle
Reason: The Chiefs can use an in-the-box safety to move their playmaking Eric Berry to Free Safety

[b]Le'Ron McClain[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Jacksonville[/b] - Other Spots: Oakland, Carolina, Seattle
Reason: They need to bring out the Hammer to weaken the front for Pocket Hercules.

[b]Josh Wilson[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]San Francisco[/b] - Other Spots: Detroit, Carolina, Jacksonville
Reason: Wilson gets to still play for top defense, while getting paid.

[b]Fabian Washington[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Detroit[/b] - Other Spots: Carolina, Jacksonville
Reason: Detroit doesn't have the money to get a top cornerback, but still have enough for cheaper alternatives.

[b]T. J. Houshmandzadeh[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]New York Jets[/b] - Other Spots: San Diego, Tampa Bay
Reason: The Jets don't have enough money to sign either star WRs unless they unload a bunch of contracts. If T.J. wants to win, he has to sign with a contending team with a need at wideout.

[b]Donte Stallworth[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Tampa Bay[/b] - Other Spots: Chicago, Miami, Jacksonville
Reason: Tampa Bay can always overspend for an experienced Wideout that can blow out the tops of opposing defenses.

[b]Marc Bulger[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Miami[/b] - Other Spots: Arizona, Tampa Bay
Reason: Miami don't have enough cash to get a potential franchise QB in Kevin Kolbs, but they sure can use a caretaker in Marc Bulger

[b]Chris Chester[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Baltimore[/b] - Other Spots: Tampa Bay, Chicago, Buffalo
Reason: Only a fool will overpay for Chester after watching how much of a liability he was to the O-line, so I assume he will come back for cheap to take the golden opportunity of Yanda's spot to rebuild his reputation.
[b]
Possible Released or Reconstructed Ravens:[/b]

[b]Willis McGahee[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Tampa Bay[/b] - Other Spots: Miami, Carolina
Reason: The only place where Willis McGahee can get paid $8.5 Million dollars for 100 carries is in Tampa Bay.

[b]Kelly Gregg[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]San Diego[/b] - Other Spots: Buffalo
Reason: This is a tough decision because the Ravens have plenty of younger and upcoming Nose Tackles in Brandon McKinney, Terrence Cody, Kelly Talavou, and Lamar Divens and 34 year old Kelly Gregg is set to make $4.3 Million dollars in 2011. I think San Diego is a good spot for him to replace their Jamal Williams.

[b]Derrick Mason[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Baltimore[/b] - Other Spots: Retirement
Reason: Derrick Mason is set to make $5.5 million dollars, which could be a lot for a WR that may take limited number of snaps due to the logjam of young receivers. Mason might have to cut his salary to stay in Baltimore.

[b]Domonique Foxworth[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Baltimore[/b] - Other Spots: Carolina, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay
Reason: Foxworth's salary will hit $7.4 million against the cap, which is a lot if he can't deliver like a #1 CB due to his last year's ACL injury. If the Ravens staff believes he is worth his contract, so be it. However, If Chris Carr or Josh Wilson is willing to come back for an affordable price, somebody has to be sacrificed.

[b]Guess where [b]Nnamdi Asomugha[/b] is going: [/b]
Predicted Spot: [b]Philadelphia [/b]- Other Spots: None because the rest either have no money or aren't contenders
Reason: Philadelphia have plenty of cash to burn, and have a team that can go to the Super Bowl. I can guarantee with up to 99.9% accuracy that this coming season we will see Asante on one side and Nnamdi on the other.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1310794021' post='708359']
Just looking at the salaries of each team, I think I can get a good clue where each of our free agents will land.

[b]Notable Ravens Free Agents:[/b]

[b]Jared Gaither[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Buffalo[/b] - Other Spots: Chicago, Buffalo
Reason: Buffalo got the money to pay up for a potential franchise left tackle

[b]Chris Carr[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Carolina [/b]- Other Spots: Detroit, Cincinnati, Jacksonville
Reason: Carolina needs all the best CBs they can get

[b]Marshal Yanda[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Tampa Bay[/b] - Other Spots: Oakland, San Diego, Carolina
Reason: Tampa Bay can always overspend for versatile O-linemen

[b]Dawan Landry[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Kansas City [/b]- Other Spots: Carolina, Jacksonville, Seattle
Reason: The Chiefs can use an in-the-box safety to move their playmaking Eric Berry to Free Safety

[b]Le'Ron McClain[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Jacksonville[/b] - Other Spots: Oakland, Carolina, Seattle
Reason: They need to bring out the Hammer to weaken the front for Pocket Hercules.

[b]Josh Wilson[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]San Francisco[/b] - Other Spots: Detroit, Carolina, Jacksonville
Reason: Wilson gets to still play for top defense, while getting paid.

[b]Fabian Washington[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Detroit[/b] - Other Spots: Carolina, Jacksonville
Reason: Detroit doesn't have the money to get a top cornerback, but still have enough for cheaper alternatives.

[b]T. J. Houshmandzadeh[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]New York Jets[/b] - Other Spots: San Diego, Tampa Bay
Reason: The Jets don't have enough money to sign either star WR unless they unload a bunch of contracts. If T.J. wants to win, he has to sign with a contending team with a need at wideout.

[b]Donte Stallworth[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Tampa Bay[/b] - Other Spots: Chicago, Miami, Jacksonville
Reason: Tampa Bay can always overspend for an experienced Wideout that can blow out the tops of opposing defenses.

[b]Marc Bulger[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Miami[/b] - Other Spots: Arizona, Tampa Bay
Reason: Miami don't have enough cash to get a potential franchise QB in Kevin Kolbs, but they sure can use a caretaker in Marc Bulger

[b]Chris Chester[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Baltimore[/b] - Other Spots: Tampa Bay, Chicago, Buffalo
Reason: Only a fool will overpay for Chester after watching how much of a liability he was to the O-line, so I assume he will come back for cheap to take the golden opportunity of Yanda's spot to rebuild his reputation.
[b]
Possible Released or Reconstructed Ravens:[/b]

[b]Willis McGahee[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Tampa Bay[/b] - Other Spots: Miami, Carolina
Reason: The only place where Willis McGahee can get paid $8.5 Million dollars for 100 carries is in Tampa Bay.

[b]Kelly Gregg[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]San Diego[/b] - Other Spots: Buffalo
Reason: This is a tough decision because the Ravens have plenty of younger and upcoming Nose Tackles in Brandon McKinney, Terrence Cody, Kelly Talavou, and Lamar Divens and 34 year old Kelly Gregg is set to make $4.3 Million dollars in 2011. I think San Diego is a good spot for him to replace their Jamal Williams.

[b]Derrick Mason[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Baltimore[/b] - Other Spots: Retirement
Reason: Derrick Mason is set to make $5.5 million dollars, which could be a lot for a WR that may take limited number of snaps due to the logjam of young receivers. Mason might have to cut his salary to stay in Baltimore.

[b]Domonique Foxworth[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Baltimore[/b] - Other Spots: Carolina, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay
Reason: Foxworth's salary will hit $7.4 million against the cap, which is a lot if he can't deliver like a #1 CB due to his last year's ACL injury. If the Ravens staff believes he is worth his contract, so be it. However, If Chris Carr or Josh Wilson is willing to come back for an affordable price, somebody has to be sacrificed.

[b]Guess where [b]Nnamdi Asomugha[/b] is going: [/b]
Predicted Spot: [b]Philadelphia [/b]- Other Spots: None because the rest either have no money or aren't contenders
Reason: Philadelphia have plenty of cash to burn, and have a team that can go to the Super Bowl. I can guarantee with up to 99.9% accuracy that this coming season we will see Asante on one side and Nnamdi on the other.
[/quote]




That's a pretty pessimistic view - you dont think that a single one of our significant free agents are returning?

[Yatagarasu]

Well at least we saved one in Haloti Ngata, but this year, we might have to lose most if not the rest of our free agents and cut some big salaries to sign up our restricted free agents and draft picks. We have to sacrifice this year so we can sign up the next class of free agents, which will include Ben Grubbs, Ray Rice, and others. Also, Flacco is due for a big contract, which could reach $16 Million, which is the standard for a Franchise QB. That $120 million cap along with the rising price of marquee players, and the mandatory 90% cap spending for all teams, will significantly reduce our role in free agency.

[Ed_Reed20]

I'd be really surprised if the Ravens let Yanda sign elsewhere. And even more surprised if the organization re-signed Chester with the intent to start him again. Yes, a number of building blocks heading to free agency looms large, but I just don't see Yanda being allowed to leave, and Chester brought back.

As for Gregg, there's no way he ends up in San Diego. Antonio Garay is a good player, they drafted Cam Thomas a year ago, and Corey Liueget was their first-round pick this year.

[Yatagarasu]

Maybe you're right about Gregg not fitting in San Diego, but I assume he might take a big salary cut and stay with the Ravens, or try to sign on with a contender with a 3-4 base.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

I would be very, very worried if all of the players that you had listed there walked, Corvus Amplus.

Foxworth's contract will be worth $7.4M this year? That's some serious money on a guy who's not exactly a guarantee to live up to the price tag. I thought he was due to make in the region of $4-5M

[flynismo]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1310796966' post='708370']
Well at least we saved one in Haloti Ngata, but this year, we might have to lose most if not the rest of our free agents and cut some big salaries to sign up our restricted free agents and draft picks. We have to sacrifice this year so we can sign up the next class of free agents, which will include Ben Grubbs, Ray Rice, and others. Also, Flacco is due for a big contract, which could reach $16 Millions, which is the standard for a Franchise QB. That $120 million cap along with the rising price of marquee players, and the mandatory 90% cap spending for all teams, will significantly reduce our role in free agency.
[/quote]

Flacco wont get $16M. And keep in mind that guys like Mason, Heap, Ray, Birk, and others will be coming off the books within the next year or two. Mason and Birk are prob both gone after this season, which will clear up $10M right there. Heap makes something close to $5M himself; he's another guy we need to talk to about restructuring.

[Yatagarasu]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1310799245' post='708379']
Flacco wont get $16M. And keep in mind that guys like Mason, Heap, Ray, Birk, and others will be coming off the books within the next year or two. Mason and Birk are prob both gone after this season, which will clear up $10M right there. Heap makes something close to $5M himself; he's another guy we need to talk to about restructuring.
[/quote]

Actually 2011 is the last year for Heap and he's set to make $4.6 Million Base Pay with $5.168 Million against the cap.

If you look at this link, they will tell all the possible situation about the Ravens' salary. I posted it up on the original post under "A Good Indepth Analysis of Ravens' Salary Cap."

Even when all those guys retire and done with their contract, the money that will be demanded by Ben Grubbs (possibly $6 million), Ray Rice (possibly $6 million), Tom Zbikowski (possibly $3 million), Haruki Nakamura (possibly $2 million), and Joe Flacco (possibly $12 - 16 million) will eat those spaces right up. I assume Flacco will try to get $16 million, if he does turn out to perform like a franchise QB.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1310794021' post='708359']
Just looking at the salaries of each team, I think I can get a good clue where each of our free agents will land.

[b]Notable Ravens Free Agents:[/b]

[b]Jared Gaither[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Buffalo[/b] - Other Spots: Chicago, Buffalo
Reason: Buffalo got the money to pay up for a potential franchise left tackle

[b]Chris Carr[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Carolina [/b]- Other Spots: Detroit, Cincinnati, Jacksonville
Reason: Carolina needs all the best CBs they can get

[b]Marshal Yanda[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Tampa Bay[/b] - Other Spots: Oakland, San Diego, Carolina
Reason: Tampa Bay can always overspend for versatile O-linemen

[b]Dawan Landry[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Kansas City [/b]- Other Spots: Carolina, Jacksonville, Seattle
Reason: The Chiefs can use an in-the-box safety to move their playmaking Eric Berry to Free Safety

[b]Le'Ron McClain[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Jacksonville[/b] - Other Spots: Oakland, Carolina, Seattle
Reason: They need to bring out the Hammer to weaken the front for Pocket Hercules.

[b]Josh Wilson[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]San Francisco[/b] - Other Spots: Detroit, Carolina, Jacksonville
Reason: Wilson gets to still play for top defense, while getting paid.

[b]Fabian Washington[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Detroit[/b] - Other Spots: Carolina, Jacksonville
Reason: Detroit doesn't have the money to get a top cornerback, but still have enough for cheaper alternatives.

[b]T. J. Houshmandzadeh[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]New York Jets[/b] - Other Spots: San Diego, Tampa Bay
Reason: The Jets don't have enough money to sign either star WRs unless they unload a bunch of contracts. If T.J. wants to win, he has to sign with a contending team with a need at wideout.

[b]Donte Stallworth[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Tampa Bay[/b] - Other Spots: Chicago, Miami, Jacksonville
Reason: Tampa Bay can always overspend for an experienced Wideout that can blow out the tops of opposing defenses.

[b]Marc Bulger[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Miami[/b] - Other Spots: Arizona, Tampa Bay
Reason: Miami don't have enough cash to get a potential franchise QB in Kevin Kolbs, but they sure can use a caretaker in Marc Bulger

[b]Chris Chester[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Baltimore[/b] - Other Spots: Tampa Bay, Chicago, Buffalo
Reason: Only a fool will overpay for Chester after watching how much of a liability he was to the O-line, so I assume he will come back for cheap to take the golden opportunity of Yanda's spot to rebuild his reputation.
[b]
Possible Released or Reconstructed Ravens:[/b]

[b]Willis McGahee[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Tampa Bay[/b] - Other Spots: Miami, Carolina
Reason: The only place where Willis McGahee can get paid $8.5 Million dollars for 100 carries is in Tampa Bay.

[b]Kelly Gregg[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]San Diego[/b] - Other Spots: Buffalo
Reason: This is a tough decision because the Ravens have plenty of younger and upcoming Nose Tackles in Brandon McKinney, Terrence Cody, Kelly Talavou, and Lamar Divens and 34 year old Kelly Gregg is set to make $4.3 Million dollars in 2011. I think San Diego is a good spot for him to replace their Jamal Williams.

[b]Derrick Mason[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Baltimore[/b] - Other Spots: Retirement
Reason: Derrick Mason is set to make $5.5 million dollars, which could be a lot for a WR that may take limited number of snaps due to the logjam of young receivers. Mason might have to cut his salary to stay in Baltimore.

[b]Domonique Foxworth[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Baltimore[/b] - Other Spots: Carolina, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay
Reason: Foxworth's salary will hit $7.4 million against the cap, which is a lot if he can't deliver like a #1 CB due to his last year's ACL injury. If the Ravens staff believes he is worth his contract, so be it. However, If Chris Carr or Josh Wilson is willing to come back for an affordable price, somebody has to be sacrificed.

[b]Guess where [b]Nnamdi Asomugha[/b] is going: [/b]
Predicted Spot: [b]Philadelphia [/b]- Other Spots: None because the rest either have no money or aren't contenders
Reason: Philadelphia have plenty of cash to burn, and have a team that can go to the Super Bowl. I can guarantee with up to 99.9% accuracy that this coming season we will see Asante on one side and Nnamdi on the other.
[/quote]

So the Ravens will only be able to sign the FA that nobody else wants?

The Ravens have said publicly that Yanda is there top priority and Yanda's agent said in so many words that Yanda will stay in Baltimore for a fair deal.

The Ravens will have 72 hours to sign Yanda before any other team can overspend for him.

With Gaither, Buffalo isn't looking for a LT they are looking for a RT. Reports are the Bills really like what they got from Demetrius Bell at LT last season, and is just looking for a RT to add to their oline. Gaither has made it clear that he's a LT and doesn't want to learn a new position. Also, regardless of how much money a team has to spend, I doubt if anyone throws huge cash at Gaither because of injury history.

I don't think his market will be anything close to what some many people think. I don't even think Gaither is looking for the type of money being reported. I got a feeling that with that 72 hour window, the Ravens will convince Gaither to return on a incentive laden 2 year deal. The 2nd year will be a option year, giving him the chance to prove he can remain healthy for a full season, and/or allowing him to be apart of a "true" free agency in 2012. Gaither won't get big bucks this year, and returning to Baltimore to prove himself might be the best scenario for both sides.

I also think that the Ravens will be in a tough position with Gregg at the end of training camp. While age and injury has caught up with Gregg enough for him to be a starter imo, he's still valuable to this defense. I think the Ravens will approach Gregg about taking a pay cut. Because Buddy Lee is on the last couple years of his career and wins a Super Bowl ring, I think he'll take that pay cut. Plus he's just a stand up kinda guy and he knows it for the better of the team.

Josh Wilson is in the same boat as Yanda and Gaither. They all have said their first choice is to return to Baltimore. So with this 72 hour window to sign your own players, their hearts will be put to the test. I think of the 3, Wilson is probably the guy who'd willing to take considerably less to play with the Ravens.

I heard Foxworth's price tag was around 4.8 this year. Where did you get 7.4 from?

[Yatagarasu]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1310801439' post='708386']
So the Ravens will only be able to sign the FA that nobody else wants?

The Ravens have said publicly that Yanda is there top priority and Yanda's agent said in so many words that Yanda will stay in Baltimore for a fair deal.

The Ravens will have 72 hours to sign Yanda before any other team can overspend for him.

With Gaither, Buffalo isn't looking for a LT they are looking for a RT. Reports are the Bills really like what they got from Demetrius Bell at LT last season, and is just looking for a RT to add to their oline. Gaither has made it clear that he's a LT and doesn't want to learn a new position. Also, regardless of how much money a team has to spend, I doubt if anyone throws huge cash at Gaither because of injury history.

I don't think his market will be anything close to what some many people think. I don't even think Gaither is looking for the type of money being reported. I got a feeling that with that 72 hour window, the Ravens will convince Gaither to return on a incentive laden 2 year deal. The 2nd year will be a option year, giving him the chance to prove he can remain healthy for a full season, and/or allowing him to be apart of a "true" free agency in 2012. Gaither won't get big bucks this year, and returning to Baltimore to prove himself might be the best scenario for both sides.

I also think that the Ravens will be in a tough position with Gregg at the end of training camp. While age and injury has caught up with Gregg enough for him to be a starter imo, he's still valuable to this defense. I think the Ravens will approach Gregg about taking a pay cut. Because Buddy Lee is on the last couple years of his career and wins a Super Bowl ring, I think he'll take that pay cut. Plus he's just a stand up kinda guy and he knows it for the better of the team.

Josh Wilson is in the same boat as Yanda and Gaither. They all have said their first choice is to return to Baltimore. So with this 72 hour window to sign your own players, their hearts will be put to the test. I think of the 3, Wilson is probably the guy who'd willing to take considerably less to play with the Ravens.

I heard Foxworth's price tag was around 4.8 this year. Where did you get 7.4 from?
[/quote]

Yes, the Ravens have 72 hours to sign of their free agents, but it depends on the free agents. They know that they can get the big contracts if they decide to test the waters. Teams like Tampa Bay($48.3 M) and Carolina($35 M) have a lot of money to burn, and they will make sure to use it on quality players. If Gaither wants to be a Raven, he will not be able that big left tackle money he wants. For Yanda, I believe his stock will rise because of his toughness and versatility. If Yanda thinks he's an elite talent, then this is the year he can get close to Jahri Evans' money ($56.7 million over 7 years or 8.1 million per year). What is a fair contract, when he knows he can get more money. As for the cornerbacks, the market out there is going to drive up the prices for them because there's so many teams that are willing to overspend for cornerbacks like Carolina, Jacksonville, and Seattle. If a #1 cornerback can make around $12 - 14 million, why can't a #2 Cb make about $6 - 7 million. It will take a lot of courage to skip the big money they can get and come back to a winning organization. I feel that the Ravens players are the quality players that every team wants on their team, so that will definitely drive up the prices for them.

For Foxworth, I saw the base pay is $4.4 million, but the cap number is $7.4 million. I assume the cap number is the one that's going to be counted against the cap.


http://ravens24x7.com/columns/The-Money-Clip-Baltimore-Ravens-Salary-Cap-Analysis/The-Baltimore-Ravens-Free-Agency-Primer?sms_ss=twitter&at_xt=4d3484fc778aa21d,0

I feel that the Ravens will be on the wrong side of Free Agency because one-third of their roster are free agents, the Ravens don't have too much space to work after eating Ngata's big contract, and the ridiculous contracts desperate teams will give out will definitely drive up the prices for every player. That's how Foxworth got a contract that big for an unproven player.

[The Raven]

I'm relatively worried about the effects of the smaller cap. We have a ton of young talent to sign soon, and idk if we have the room. On the bright side, the Jets are screwed!

[BloodRaven]

We need to restructure multiple contracts then re-sign Yanda, he's the most important FA.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1310811498' post='708398']
I feel that the Ravens will be on the wrong side of Free Agency because one-third of their roster are free agents, the Ravens don't have too much space to work after eating Ngata's big contract, and the ridiculous contracts desperate teams will give out will definitely drive up the prices for every player. That's how Foxworth got a contract that big for an unproven player.
[/quote]

I don't think the Ravens will be on the wrong end, because I think there are only 1 guy who they'll deem irreplaceable, and that Yanda.

If we lose Yanda, then we're forced to scramble to replace him on the oline. Chester won't be an option imo.

However if we lose Landry. Zibby has starting experience and Nakamura has played more and more on defense. So the combination of those 2 can replace him.

If we lose McClain, we have 2 young RBs we've drafted the last 2 seasons. We'd also place our attention on signing a true lead FB like Leach or Vickers to take over.

We're already prepared to lose guys like Carr, Wilson, and Washington, so the reality of losing them won't hurt. But as for Wilson, I believe he knows that there is more money and possibly the label of a Starter role out there for him, however I think he truly wants to remain a Raven. Doesn't that mean he'll expect any offer the Ravens throw at him? No, but I don't think he'll be looking for a ridiculous amount of money as you said. But the ball will be in his court to either take big money, or stay for decent money. But I don't think it's as simple as hey, they are offering more money, so I'm gone.

Bulger, Housh, Stallworth, Washington, McGahee, and Gaither are all guys that the Ravens pretty much no aren't coming back. To be honest Gaither is the only guy I can see coming back next year, and I might be the only person who sees that happening.

So while it looks as though the Ravens will be hit hard by FA, I don't think that's the case. If/when we re-sign Yanda, it's a win for us. Everything else are luxuries imo.

[JO_75]

Let me give it my own shot here:

Jared Gaither - Predicted Spot: Baltimore - Other Spots: Oakland, Detroit, Arizona.
Reason: Gaither was injured last year, and there will be no market so the best offer he'll get is a 2-3 Year Incentive deal here to prove he is healthy and worthy of big LT money. Detroit may want to improve on Jeff Backus and Oakland, well they might pay for a LT coming off an injury, and Arizona needs new Tackles.

Chris Carr - Predicted Spot: Baltimore - Other Spots: None
Reason: With Jimmy Smith, Foxworth coming back, Webb on the team, Wilson will go to a team where he can start and Carr will be a cheaper option.

Marshal Yanda - Predicted Spot: Baltimore - Other Spots: Cleveland, Arizona
Reason: Yanda is a top priority and no doubt will be coming back to Baltimore at RG.

Dawan Landry - Predicted Spot: Jacksonville - Other Spots: Jets, Houston.
Reason: Other than Houston Jacksonville is another team with a so-so secondary. One of their issues is Safety, both FS and SS. Jaguars will over pay Landry to play SS. Houston we all know needs to improve their secondary, and well Rex will probably want another Ravens player

Le'Ron McClain - Predicted Spot: Broncos - Other Spots: Baltimore
Reason: The only way McClain comes back is if he is guaranteed more carries splitting with Rice. Plus McClain could get starter money elsewhere. John Fox wants to improve the Running Game and McClain could do what Peyton Hills did.

Josh Wilson - Predicted Spot: Detroit - Other Spots: Houston, Philadelphia, San Fran
Reason: Detroit needs to upgrade that secondary because Suh and Fairley won't stop Cutler and Rodgers from destroying their secondary. He'll get paid top money and be a on team on the way up.

Fabian Washington - Predicted Spot: ?? - Other Spots:
Reason: He won't get starter money but he'll sign with some team for depth.

T. J. Houshmandzadeh - Predicted Spot: ?? - Other Spots:
Reason: Hard to tell, not sure if he did enough here to have teams wanting to sign him. If so, he'll be depth.

Donte Stallworth - Predicted Spot:??? - Other Spots:
Reason: Again hard to tell because at this point similar to Fabian and TJ Stallworth would just be adding depth and not starting.

Marc Bulger - Predicted Spot: Arizona - Other Spots: Vikings, Tennessee, Baltimore
Reason: Arizona wanted Bulger last year, and could go after him this year again. This might be the best route rather over spend in money and draft picks for Kevin Kolb, and is the best route to be in the Andrew Luck race in 2012.

Chris Chester - Predicted Spot: Baltimore - Other Spots:
Reason: Chester will come back cheap as he hasn't done much so he'll continue being more depth for us.


Possible Released or Reconstructed Ravens:

Willis McGahee - Predicted Spot: Miami - Other Spots: Denver, Houston
Reason: I expect him to be released, but hopefully we can restructure his contract so he can stay in Baltimore. If not I see him going to Miami(as long as Williams or Brown don't return) being a complimentary back to their rookie RB they drafted.

Kelly Gregg - Predicted Spot: Houston - Other Spots: Kansas City, San Fran, Denver
Reason: Texans are switching to a 3-4 defense and they don't have a true 3-4 NT. I expect Gregg to be released with Cody taking over full time and Gregg will go to Houston to be their NT for a couple seasons.

Derrick Mason - Predicted Spot: Baltimore
Reason: With the additions of Double T, Torrey and Tandon through the draft Mason may be on his last season in Baltimore. I expect Mason to be cut similar to Pryce if Smith and Doss or one of them do really well to play opposite of Boldin.

Domonique Foxworth - Predicted Spot: Baltimore
Reason: Foxworth will be back but he and Jimmy Smith will do battle in Camp for the # 1 CB Spot on the depth chart along with Webb.

Guess where Nnamdi Asomugha is going, Predicted Spot: Houston
Reason: Yep, Houston is making a huge splash and they have the money to make this happen and Aso ultimately upgrades their Corner Depth Chart.

[-Truth-]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1310794021' post='708359']
[b]Le'Ron McClain[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]Jacksonville[/b] - Other Spots: Oakland, Carolina, Seattle
Reason: They need to bring out the Hammer to weaken the front for Pocket Hercules.
[/quote]

Don't see this happening, given that the Jaguars still have a solid FB in Greg Jones. Although Jones did turn 30 this summer, with both their MLB and OLB becoming Free Agents, I don't see them breaking the bank for a position that doesn't have a gaping hole.

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1310794021' post='708359']
[b]Kelly Gregg[/b] - Predicted Spot: [b]San Diego[/b] - Other Spots: Buffalo
Reason: This is a tough decision because the Ravens have plenty of younger and upcoming Nose Tackles in Brandon McKinney, Terrence Cody, Kelly Talavou, and Lamar Divens and 34 year old Kelly Gregg is set to make $4.3 Million dollars in 2011. I think San Diego is a good spot for him to replace their Jamal Williams.
[/quote]

San Diego already replaced Jamal Williams with Antonio Garay. In fact, Garay was a big reason for their dominance against both the pass and the run.

[izvoodoo]

If it makes anyone feel better pittsburgs something like 10 million over the cap.

[JO_75]

[quote name='izvoodoo' timestamp='1310854376' post='708520']
If it makes anyone feel better pittsburgs something like 10 million over the cap.
[/quote]

Really? Wow.

I'll be happy with Free Agency if we are able to retain Jared Gaither and Marshal Yanda. To me those two are most important to me because of how bad our offensive line has been. I hope that if Gaither comes back, he is placed at Left Tackle and Yanda is back at RG and our Offensive line is back to where it was back in 2009.

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

So uh yeah looks like that ASo thread might have to die now.... Damn it I wanted him too. However according to some Raven's fans Ray will find a way to fix it.

[wayne]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1310865465' post='708537']
So uh yeah looks like that ASo thread might have to die now.... Damn it I wanted him too. However according to some Raven's fans Ray will find a way to fix it.
[/quote]
It actually has been Ravens fans saying that Ray Lewis will fix things for us to get Aso. Damn, when did Ray get a job in the FO?

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

[quote name='wayne' timestamp='1310866195' post='708540']
It actually has been Ravens fans saying that Ray Lewis will fix things for us to get Aso. Damn, when did Ray get a job in the FO?
[/quote]


Yeah it was a jab at those people who say things like. "Learning under Ray will reduce the learning curve for all the Rookie's" Yeah because they all play his position. "If Joe would just listen to Ray the our offense would get better", " Well so and so would come here to play with Ray," "Well if he came here Ray would keep him in line, he would not have character issues," "Ray could fix the national debt," "Ray cured my ulcer by farting in my direction," "Ray slept with my wife and I shook his hand for the honor." It is crazy some of the things that I have heard Ray attributed for solving.

[Ravenseconbeast]

Its a 72 hr window. We are bound to lose few very critical key players. Ozzie, please, work your magic. Get a pass rusher (Osi Umenyiora for 5.5 mill?), sign yanda, wilson or carr, gaither. And <f[i]orget[/i]> the backup QB. Anything less than Flacco isnt going to win us SB anyways.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1310867420' post='708542']
Yeah it was a jab at those people who say things like. "Learning under Ray will reduce the learning curve for all the Rookie's" Yeah because they all play his position. "If Joe would just listen to Ray the our offense would get better", " Well so and so would come here to play with Ray," "Well if he came here Ray would keep him in line, he would not have character issues," "Ray could fix the national debt," "Ray cured my ulcer by farting in my direction," "Ray slept with my wife and I shook his hand for the honor." It is crazy some of the things that I have heard Ray attributed for solving.
[/quote]

I know for a fact he talks to animals and eats pocket universes kept in his chest.

[izvoodoo]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1310856169' post='708524']
Really? Wow.

I'll be happy with Free Agency if we are able to retain Jared Gaither and Marshal Yanda. To me those two are most important to me because of how bad our offensive line has been. I hope that if Gaither comes back, he is placed at Left Tackle and Yanda is back at RG and our Offensive line is back to where it was back in 2009.
[/quote]

Yeah, Jets, steelers and Colts are all over. Greenbay's a little over. This pretty much means the only SB contender that can sign nnamdi is Philly, but I don't know if I'd truly put Philly in that category.

It'll be interesting.

The other thing is the new CBA could also include a small percentage pay cut to each individual player for this years adjustment since the original cap was predicted to be 130 and reduced 8 percent. but contending teams seem to be screwed.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

They've not ruled out the possibility of this year being uncapped (because of how frantic it will be for teams to get themselves sorted under the cap) though have they?