Top 100 Free Agents

[CapoRocky]

As an avid reader of baltimoreravens.com, I've read much about what many readers of this post want to see in 2011. Three areas of need stick out: OT, DE, and CB. Surely, we seemed to address the WR issue in the draft, and made a bold statement by drafting Smith in the first round, but the Ravens still have some areas to address in FA. After reading about the top 100 free agents, I would like to add my comments about what I'd like the Ravens to do. I'm putting my arguments in what I perceive as the greatest areas of need. I welcome any comments or suggestions from anyone who views this post.

(1) Let's start with OT. We can't have a good running nor passing game if our QB is getting rocked on every play. My first target in FA is Free (Dal.). He has all the tools necessary to be our answer at either tackle position. The downside is that the Cowboys will probably outbid us on the first day of free agency. They really want him back. A veteran to look at is Light (NE). I'm not denying that Oher won't develop into a super LT or RT this year, but anyone that can protect Brady is better than what we put up last year. All you need to do is ask Flacco. If we are going back to our run-first offense, then we definitely need to look at Clabo (Atl.), or consider resigning Gaither to an incentive-laden contract. I don't think Yanda is the answer at RT. I'm on the side of putting Oher back at RT and bringing in a true LT.

(2) Next, let's look at DE. If we just had someone to pressure Brady, Manning and Rothy this year, then the sky is the limit in the playoffs. There is hardly a fan that wouldn't like to see someone come in to take some of the pressure off of Ngata and Suggs. Will this be the year that Suggs has a breakout sack season (i.e. Peppers, etc.)? My number one target to provide a decent rush is Johnson (Car.) He had 11 and a half sacks last year and will excel in our defensive scheme along side of Suggs. I can't imagine the horror on the opponent QBs face when he lines up to see Ngata, Suggs, and Johnson waiting to drive him into the turf. Outside of Johnson, I would consider Jenkins (GB) regardless of his injury concerns. He is familiar with the 3-4 and would be able to drop back into coverage well.

(3) Finally, let's look at CB. Over the course of the lockout, I have changed my mind about Asomugha (Oak.). It will cost too much sign him ($13 mil. +) and we will not be able to compete in a bidding war with the new salary cap. There are other interesting FAs that Ozzie will certainly consider. Taylor (Pitt.) who has the size (6'2") and the experience necessary to help Smith. I would sign him just to spite the hated Steelers. Cromartie (NYJ) would be another experienced option to plug in until Smith can adjust to the speed of the pro game. My last resort would be to resign Wilson, simply due to the fact that already he knows the system.

[Pääjärvi]

We will probably go after a veteran OT,a number 2 RB with both McClain and McGahee looking to be starters and make more money,a back-up QB; on defense we will certainly re-sign one of Wilson/Carr,bring some competition at the safety position if Landry signs elsewhere and add some depth at OLB/DL but nothing too big. We will lose more quality than we will gain that's for sure.

[Corvus]

Interesting ideas, but sorry man, I just hate how you put that you'd resign Josh Wilson as a "last resort" at cornerback. Go look at the numbers he put up in Seattle in '08 where he was a bonafide playmaker on defense and the return game. Look at last year when after he had our defense down pat he was the best cornerback on our team (there's a thread on a Pro Football Focus article about a couple of months ago here that expounds the details of how well he played last year). Its interesting to me that you'd rather have Ike Taylor on the downside of his career as opposed to a 26 year old corner who has more than proven his worth. If Wilson wasn't going to command so much in the free agency market he would be the corner of our three UFA corners I would want back.

That said, I think we resign Chris Carr who was arguably our most consistent corner last year, has already expressed desire to return whether as a starter or not, and is probably most manageble towards our limited cap space. With him, Foxworth, J Smith, and Webb we will be more than fine at CB. I'm not one of these fans that thinks Jimmy will be shutting down guys day 1, there will be a transition period for him. But, I think he is pro-ready enough to where Foxy and Carr will be more than enough to help him learn about the position at a pro level.

I also think its obvious we need more OLB help than DE help where we have Redding, Arthur Jones, Paul Kruger, and now McPhee. Our depth behind Suggs is nonexistent (I have high hopes for Sergio this year but even then he is the only other "legitimate" pass rushing LB we have). I'd like to see us get Manny Lawson as some OLB depth if we can get him at a managable price, the guy has some good pass rush ability, just wasn't always used that way in SF. Just my opinion though..

[SuRihtanil]

Rumor has it the steelers are looking into Nnamdi anyway.

[PuRock]

Free isn't leaving Dallas. And my motto is, if the Pats don't want em', we should probably pass. Light is an aging tackle and is being let go because the Pats suspect the money will outweigh the performance.

Please, please, please leave Cromartie off your list. He's a horrible fit for our team.

Ravens have always been a grow from within team. Look for us to sign Yanda first and weight our options at tackle second. I would love to go after a FA tackle (including Gaither) but I also know we have a wealth of young talent at Tackle this year. And we might be able to find a gem.

[edreedfromtheu]

[quote name='SuRihtanil' timestamp='1311030201' post='709251']
Rumor has it the steelers are looking into Nnamdi anyway.
[/quote]

It would be unlike them, but I definitely think that's an area they need to upgrade very much. I wouldn't be surprised if they made him a huge offer.

[PuRock]

[quote name='SuRihtanil' timestamp='1311030201' post='709251']
Rumor has it the steelers are looking into Nnamdi anyway.
[/quote]

Can't think of many times the Steelers have ever went after high-priced free agents. I highly doubt he ends up there.

[edreedfromtheu]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1311032797' post='709278']
Free isn't leaving Dallas. And my motto is, if the Pats don't want em', we should probably pass. Light is an aging tackle and is being let go because the Pats suspect the money will outweigh the performance.

Please, please, please leave Cromartie off your list. He's a horrible fit for our team.
[/quote]

Agree with you about the Patriots and Light. If they don't want him, there's probably a good reason to pass.

But completely disagree with you on Cromartie. He's one of the best corners in the game. Horrible fit? Corners don't "fit." They're on an island. It's basically about how they match-up with the opposing receivers.

I don't think the Ravens need Cromartie, and I don't think they should pay big money on a corner like him when they can sign Josh Wilson for a lot cheaper. But he would definitely be an upgrade over ANY of the Ravens corners.

[PuRock]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' timestamp='1311033089' post='709281']
But completely disagree with you on Cromartie. He's one of the best corners in the game. Horrible fit? Corners don't "fit." They're on an island. It's basically about how they match-up with the opposing receivers.

I don't think the Ravens need Cromartie, and I don't think they should pay big money on a corner like him when they can sign Josh Wilson for a lot cheaper. But he would definitely be an upgrade over ANY of the Ravens corners.
[/quote]

When I say 'horrible fit', I didn't mean his position on the field. Just not the Ravens mentality. But this is ofcourse my own opinion. Others are justifiably allowed to feel different. I've always been a fan of quality players w/ quality personalities.

But I do think he is vastly overrated as well. The guy has size, but lacks to utilize it. He prefers to use his mouth more.

[ravensfan2424]

[quote name='SuRihtanil' timestamp='1311030201' post='709251']
Rumor has it the steelers are looking into Nnamdi anyway.
[/quote]

I doubt it. There are teams right now that also need a cornerback that can give Nnamdi much more money. (ie. Philly, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville)

NOTE: Not trying to change this to a nnamdi thread. just providing a response

[ravensfan2424]

Charles Johnson in my opinion should be the biggest free agent we get. He is good, young, and has plenty of potential.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='ravensfan2424' timestamp='1311034500' post='709301']
Charles Johnson in my opinion should be the biggest free agent we get. He is good, young, and has plenty of potential.
[/quote]
Johnson is a 4-3 DE, so that in itself presents a problem. He is also probably going to be signed by Carolina who has a lot of cap room and needs to spend money. Why would they not retain their best D-lineman?

I think we are going to see a lot of these free agents return to their teams. Maybe a few will test the market, but not many big names are going to be left after 3-day span teams are reportedly going to have to resign their own.

For helping the pass-rush, I think a guy like Manny Lawson makes the most sense but still I see the Ravens trying to address OLB in-house. Kindle hopefully will be cleared and I think we might see Kruger at OLB as well (at least that is my hope)

CB is a position where we have a lot of options. I think we make an offer to Nnamdi, but if he goes elsewhere either Chris Carr or Josh Wilson will fill what need we have admirably.

Finally, OT is the position that gives me the most concern. I do think we will resign Yanda, but Gaither seems much less likely to return. Maybe he will test the market and come back, but I think some team will pay him LT money. Damien Woody is a guy I could see the Ravens go after. He is defiinitely older, but he has been durable and we could use another veteran presence at RT until Jah Reid can get used to the NFL game.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' timestamp='1311033089' post='709281']
Agree with you about the Patriots and Light. If they don't want him, there's probably a good reason to pass.

[b]But completely disagree with you on Cromartie. He's one of the best corners in the game. Horrible fit? Corners don't "fit." They're on an island. It's basically about how they match-up with the opposing receivers.[/b]

I don't think the Ravens need Cromartie, and I don't think they should pay big money on a corner like him when they can sign Josh Wilson for a lot cheaper. [b]But he would definitely be an upgrade over ANY of the Ravens corners.[/b]
[/quote]

CBs [i]do[/i] "fit" on teams. You don't just stick them on the field and leave them on island. Their strengths, weakness, and defensive schemes all play into whether you want them on your team.

Cromartie excels in man coverage, but the amount of penalties he racks up and his noted softness are reasons why he wouldn't fit on this team.

I'd take Wilson over him any day.

[JO_75]

[quote name='SuRihtanil' timestamp='1311030201' post='709251']
Rumor has it the steelers are looking into Nnamdi anyway.
[/quote]

No, I doubt it. Ike Taylor is probably a priority for the Steelers and they will try to re-sign him in the 72 Hour window.

Is there a list of Free Agents, updated now that we know 4 and 5 year players will be included? I would really like to see that list so I can keep track of it when Free Agency begins.

[CapoRocky]

That's what I love about this site. You toss a few ideas out there and see what comes up. I'm not speculating about what might happen, nor what I think will be done, I was just reflecting on the list of talent that was presented. Okay, maybe Wilson will be signed in the 72 hours window. Yanda needs to be signed for a multi-year contract as a guard, not tackle. The backups are in place. I would definitely make a run at Johnson. We were once a 4-3 team and it worked out pretty well for us. I'm not backing down on Free, if he's there then we would be stupid not taking him. I think that backup QB won't be a problem. I was happy with Bulger last year and wondered why he rode the metal all season. Will he be willing to return is the question? I think that it would be wise to look at these guys. I never said to sign them.

[SuRihtanil]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1311032797' post='709278']
Free isn't leaving Dallas. And my motto is, if the Pats don't want em', we should probably pass. Light is an aging tackle and is being let go because the Pats suspect the money will outweigh the performance.

Please, please, please leave Cromartie off your list. He's a horrible fit for our team.

Ravens have always been a grow from within team. Look for us to sign Yanda first and weight our options at tackle second. I would love to go after a FA tackle (including Gaither) but I also know we have a wealth of young talent at Tackle this year. And we might be able to find a gem.
[/quote]

I agree with no Cromartie, I am not saying he sucks. Cromartie just doesn't seem like a raven to me, but stranger things have happened. I really don't think we will have much need at the CB spot if Smith turns out what we all think he is... plus hopefully we will have Foxworth, Wilson and Webb.

[the color urple]

I disagree on the comments about Matt Light.

He's been in the league for a decade, yes, but he's a solid and experienced player.

If he is willing to do a short term deal it might be a good option until we can figure out what to put in that spot permanently.

The other notable FA OLs are more than likely returning to their original teams or not really worth going after IMO.

[ellicottraven]

[quote name='SuRihtanil' timestamp='1311030201' post='709251']
Rumor has it the steelers are looking into Nnamdi anyway.
[/quote]


Not likely.. they are already well over the proposed salary cap and need to rework some existing contracts. I don't see how they fit Nmadi into the mix...

[XxSizzleXx]

How about Jason Taylor?

I want Landry back.

[izvoodoo]

[quote name='the color urple' timestamp='1311084215' post='709547']
I disagree on the comments about Matt Light.

He's been in the league for a decade, yes, but he's a solid and experienced player.

If he is willing to do a short term deal it might be a good option until we can figure out what to put in that spot permanently.

The other notable FA OLs are more than likely returning to their original teams or not really worth going after IMO.
[/quote]

He's also a below average run blocker and gave up 10 sacks last year. Better to go young.

[usmccharles]

No way steelers get Nnamdi, money and not their style. as for us, no! Not that i wouldnt want him, id much rather improve the qaulity of 3 or 4 positions then have one elite postion, thats just me

As far as who we sign:

CB- wilson, web, car, smith would be nice, not sure if its in the money though

[CapoRocky]

The word is on the streets of Little Italy that the Ravens are heavily favored to win the AFC North. Wouldn't it be nice to have 2 Smiths have an amazing year, Boldin to regain his classic form, Rice to break his personal TD, total yardage, and YPC records from 2009, the front line actually protect Flacco, and Cool Joe to complete more TDs and passing yards than ever before? Wake me up when September comes and we can live this dream together, my friends. In the meanwhile, let's hope the legal stuff is taken care of in NYC and we can start hoping for preseason games to hold us over until then.

[the color urple]

[quote name='izvoodoo' timestamp='1311099992' post='709706']
He's also a below average run blocker and gave up 10 sacks last year. Better to go young.
[/quote]

Where do you find those stats? I went looking. Clearly not hard enough.

I know only of what I've seen him play, and I thought he did okay.

[Ravens Beast]

Drop- McGahee, Gregg, Foxworth, and whoever else is expendable.

Re-sign- Ngata, Yanda, and Gaither

Sign- Jonathan Joseph and Vickers

[CapoRocky]

I don't care who they have to cut as long as they sign a few free agents to upgrade the OL and pass rush.

[Suggs Package]

This is how my off-season would go if I were Ozzie:

1.) Sign a QB who is somewhat familiar with our scheme (Bruce Gradkowski)
2.) Cut Willis, attempt to resign McClain if he commits to FB. FBs don't cost that much but are vital to our offense. Leach and Vickers are options.
3.) Sign a backup RB who is willing to play Special Teams and is a good blocker in the passing game (Brandon Jackson)
4.) Resign Yanda, self explanatory. Let Gaither test the market, if he is too expensive, let him go, if not keep him.
5.) Sign a backup G/C if Chester is snatched up. (Ritchie Incognito)
6.) Sign a pass rush specialist DE (Mathias Kiwanuka - if he can pass a physical)
7.) Sign Ngata to a long term deal to ease the salary cap
8.) Resign Wilson or Carr depending upon who wants to play nickel. I'm leaning towards Wilson. Carr surprisingly is much better on the outside than covering the slot and will surely want to compete for a starting position.
9.) Let Landry test free agency. If the Ravens can't afford him, then next man up.
10.) Sign a backup safety. Safeties tend to get injured more than regular players. Especially when they are Ed Reed and Tommy Z (UFA rookie/Gerald Sensabaugh)

11.) Do this all in 72 hours.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Suggs Package' timestamp='1311268829' post='710630']
This is how my off-season would go if I were Ozzie:

1.) Sign a QB who is somewhat familiar with our scheme (Bruce Gradkowski)
[b]2.) Cut Willis, attempt to resign McClain if he commits to FB. FBs don't cost that much but are vital to our offense. Leach and Vickers are options.[/b]
[b]3.) Sign a backup RB who is willing to play Special Teams and is a good blocker in the passing game (Brandon Jackson)[/b]
4.) Resign Yanda, self explanatory. Let Gaither test the market, if he is too expensive, let him go, if not keep him.
5.) Sign a backup G/C if Chester is snatched up. (Ritchie Incognito)
[b]6.) Sign a pass rush specialist DE (Mathias Kiwanuka - if he can pass a physical)[/b]7.) Sign Ngata to a long term deal to ease the salary cap
[b]8.) Resign Wilson or Carr depending upon who wants to play nickel. I'm leaning towards Wilson. Carr surprisingly is much better on the outside than covering the slot and will surely want to compete for a starting position.[/b]
9.) Let Landry test free agency. If the Ravens can't afford him, then next man up.
10.) Sign a backup safety. Safeties tend to get injured more than regular players. Especially when they are Ed Reed and Tommy Z (UFA rookie/Gerald Sensabaugh)

11.) Do this all in 72 hours.
[/quote]

2) Leach isn't an option in my opinion. He reportedly wants the richest FB deal in league history.

3) Jackson would be a quality signing. As great as he is catching passes, Rice surrenders a lot of pressure.

6) Kiwanuka is a common name, but better, more healthy situational edge rushers will be available. Jacob Ford is one.

8) I doubt either of them would [i]want[/i] to play nickel after they both started a lot of games last season.

[Suggs Package]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1311271653' post='710648']
2) Leach isn't an option in my opinion. He reportedly wants the richest FB deal in league history.

3) Jackson would be a quality signing. As great as he is catching passes, Rice surrenders a lot of pressure.

6) Kiwanuka is a common name, but better, more healthy situational edge rushers will be available. Jacob Ford is one.

8) I doubt either of them would [i]want[/i] to play nickel after they both started a lot of games last season.
[/quote]
I don't really think Vickers is much of an option because he may be restricted. If Leach is indeed too much, I see us going after a vet in the Heath Evans/Mike Karney mold until we draft and develop another FB.
Jacob Ford would be a safer option as a DE but I think Kiwanuka is more talented. I'm kinda worried about our CB situation because I don't believe Webb and Smith both should be starters on Day 1 and Foxy may need more time to recover. So we need a capable starter for at least part of the year. Where is Frank Walker when you need him?

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Suggs Package' timestamp='1311274908' post='710688']
I don't really think Vickers is much of an option because he may be restricted. If Leach is indeed too much, I see us going after a vet in the Heath Evans/Mike Karney mold until we draft and develop another FB.
Jacob Ford would be a safer option as a DE but I think Kiwanuka is more talented. I'm kinda worried about our CB situation because I don't believe Webb and Smith both should be starters on Day 1 and Foxy may need more time to recover. So we need a capable starter for at least part of the year. Where is Frank Walker when you need him?
[/quote]

Vickers is almost guaranteed to be out with the Browns drafting Marecic. Evans or Karney would probably be solid pickups.

Kiwanuka may be more more talented, but he's attempting to return from a serious injury, like Kindle. I'd rather see the team sign Kindle to a one or two-year deal, and a more durable player.

I'm sure the team will make an attempt to re-sign Carr in the 72-hour window. If they can't bring him back, Foxworth, Webb, and Jimmy will just have to step up. Fabian played Week 1 last season, so I'm confident Foxworth can.

[jdynamite]

I would rather J.Joesph at CB over Taylor or Cromatie