2013 Free Agents

[GrimCoconut]

People talk a lot about this season and re-signing a lot of players like Grubbs, Flacco, Rice, etc. But what implications will that have on next year, since next year is right around the corner? Let's take a peak:

In the 2009 NFL Draft, we selected Michael Oher, Paul Kruger, Lardarius Webb, Jason Phillips, Davon Drew, Cedric Peerman. Only Oher, Kruger, & Webb remain on this team. In addition, we have a lot of players on the final year of their contract this year.

[b]Unrestricted Free Agents[/b]: Paul Kruger, Lardarius Webb, Joe Flacco, Bryant McKinnie, Bernard Pollard, Ed Reed, Cary Williams, Ricky Williams, Dannell Ellerbe, Ray Lewis*
*Ray Lewis has optional years on his contract from 2013-2016. (5.4M, 5.85M, 6.3M). His contract becomes increasingly costly and he is getting older.

So would you rather let go of some of our free agents now such as Grubbs, Redding, JJ, Zbikowski, McClain, etc. now & re-sign people like Webb, Flacco, & Rice this year? Or wait until next year?

And what if Reed wants to come back for 2013, same as Lewis? Would you want them to return or would you move on and let them play for another team? Personally, I'd rather have space to keep those two if they want to return for another season. And would you want to let Pollard walk?

Let's also remember the franchise tags for Flacco & Webb. The franchise tag would be prohibitive for Flacco. We just don't have the cap space for that. With the way cornerbacks get paid now (I don't know the actual CB tag) it might be prohibitive to tag him, too. It would be best for us to sign them both to long-term deals now than wait until next year where we could have some serious problems on our hands.

We can't keep all of these players. Something has to give.

[arnie_uk]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1328368924' post='984682']
People talk a lot about this season and re-signing a lot of players like Grubbs, Flacco, Rice, etc. But what implications will that have on next year, since next year is right around the corner? Let's take a peak:

In the 2009 NFL Draft, we selected Michael Oher, Paul Kruger, Lardarius Webb, Jason Phillips, Davon Drew, Cedric Peerman. Only Oher, Kruger, & Webb remain on this team. In addition, we have a lot of players on the final year of their contract this year. Oher's going to be a restricted free agent next year.

[b]Unrestricted Free Agents[/b]: Paul Kruger, Lardarius Webb, Joe Flacco, Bryant McKinnie, Bernard Pollard, Ed Reed, Cary Williams, Ricky Williams, Dannell Ellerbe, Ray Lewis*
*Ray Lewis has optional years on his contract from 2013-2016. (5.4M, 5.85M, 6.3M). His contract becomes increasingly costly and he is getting older.

So would you rather let go of some of our free agents now such as Grubbs, Redding, JJ, Zbikowski, McClain, etc. now & re-sign people like Webb, Flacco, & Rice this year? Or wait until next year?

And what if Reed wants to come back for 2013, same as Lewis? Would you want them to return or would you move on and let them play for another team? Personally, I'd rather have space to keep those two if they want to return for another season. And would you want to let Pollard walk?

Let's also remember the franchise tags for Flacco & Webb. The franchise tag would be prohibitive for Flacco. We just don't have the cap space for that. With the way cornerbacks get paid now (I don't know the actual CB tag) it might be prohibitive to tag him, too. It would be best for us to sign them both to long-term deals now than wait until next year where we could have some serious problems on our hands.

We can't keep all of these players. Something has to give.
[/quote]well out of them mckinnie Ricky w ellerbe and ray won't be here. Ricky said he's retiring after next yr. I think ray will. Don't think mckinnie and ellerbe will be resigned. I think reed goes next year along with boldin and Evans who prob won't be worth the contract. Esp if we draft a WR this year or next. Cary may get a starter role elsewhere. I'm expecting Webb and jimmy to be starters.

Kruger Will get resigned. Not to expensive though unless he has a real breakout year. Same with kindle. Webb and flacco may possibly get inked long term this off season. But def next year

[Gordo52]

We all know Joe,Rice,Reed and Lewis arent going anywhere no matter what. So I'm not worrying about them. Its going to be really hard next year keeping people. I think we MUST keep Webb. & I would like to keep Pollard but depending on how everyone plays next year things will change. If Kruger goes off and has a beastly year he will want more money and it will be really hard to keep him.
So idk. But as of right now I think the players in order for next year is Webb,Kruger,Pollard, Cary. Reason I have Cary so low is because I'm assuming Jimmy Smith will step up and become a full time starter with Webb.

[arnie_uk]

btw Oher isnt a RFA next year, he signed a 5yr deal, hes a FA after the end of 2013 year, ie this time 2 years

[edthehead]

don't the t.v money kick in next year , so with a higher ceiling/cap we should be o.k

[bMore Heathen]

Why in the world would we want Maroney or Vasher? Neither is good enough to make our roster, or fit in our cap. And Michael Floyd is the second best WR in this draft class. He wont be there at 29 for us to draft.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1328380711' post='984778']
btw Oher isnt a RFA next year, he signed a 5yr deal, hes a FA after the end of 2013 year, ie this time 2 years
[/quote]
Yeah, I forgot about that. Thanks!

I'm a little worried. I know if Reed & Lewis want to come back, I want them back. I'm just concerned whether we will have the room for it, especially if we get Grubbs, Flacco, Rice, Webb, etc.

I think an OLB is very important this year because of the position. If we let JJ walk, then Kruger is our current starter with Kindle behind him. If Kruger walks, we have nothing for that position. I do not feel comfortable currently with Kindle starting as OLB. He might prove me wrong this year--I hope he does. It's just scary.

OLBs are expensive in free agency, too. Look at Mario Williams' check that will be coming.

My only thought is that we are going to do something with McAdoo. I think an OLB is a priority this year right up there with tackle. I'm liking the idea of drafting Ronnell Lewis more & more because of this.

[Grapple Raven]

The depth chart on this site lists Kindle as the only backup to JJ and Kruger as the only backup to Suggs. I agree Grim that Kindle scares me. I worry that he will be able to perform at a level that would be needed by this team to succeed. It scares me that Kindle is listed as the only backup to JJ! I hope that we would be able to retain JJ for one more year. I hope that McAdoo will provide some relief at this position.

I really hope we hold on to as many of our defensive starters as possible for one more year for stability, some of the players behind them on depth concern me a little with being too injury prone and could walk with the offer of more money or a chance of starting.

Center is a priority, and with Ozzie saying that we will have a "new" center someone has got to go. Gurode would be good to keep as a backup seeing as how he can backup two o-line positions. We have Boren on the PS but unproven in his abilities, but listed as backups for C.LG.and RG. I saw a video last night of Birk, in which he stated that he is still unsure of his decision, but he did sound like he would like to return if he can perform at an acceptable level, but it is a family decision as per Birk. See link [url="http://www.csnbaltimore.com/video"]http://www.csnbaltimore.com/video[/url]# "Birk Named Finalist for MOY 2/3" video. I kinda got the impression from the video that Birk would like to make one more run for the SB with this team. I do feel that we should seriously take a look at Konz, he is bruiser at 6'5 323lbs, good football IQ, and analyst say he could start from day one at center. It would be nice if he could work with Birk for a year. Hard decisions to make at this position.

Seeing as how McKinnie has one year left on his contract, we really need to find a good LT in this draft class and their are a few good ones out there. I really like Mike Adams from Ohio State, I've had my eye on this guy since last season. Impressive in size, talent, and abilitiy. Currently, J. Reid is our only backup at LT and RT.

Lastly, I think Ozzie is correct to start with the O-line first, if we were to loose two linemen at the same time we could be in a world of hurt.

[ThePurpleWall]

[url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/user/22545-grimcoconut/"][color="#42205d"]GrimCoconut[/color][/url] you bring up good points,but Ray Lewis,and Ed Reed,are always welcomed here,they tell us when they are done playing,not the other way around.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='ThePurpleWall' timestamp='1328404552' post='985127']
[url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/user/22545-grimcoconut/"][color="#42205d"]GrimCoconut[/color][/url] you bring up good points,but Ray Lewis,and Ed Reed,are always welcomed here,they tell us when they are done playing,not the other way around.
[/quote]
I'm with you. I want them here as long as they want to stay. My concern is if they return, who will that hurt us from keeping? It's also scary realizing this is the end of Reed's contract. I really want to see him get an extension or something. A 2-3yr deal. I don't want to see #20 with another team. I guess I am selfish.

I'm also worried about losing Pollard, who just simply dominates!

[Purple Punishment]

[quote name='ThePurpleWall' timestamp='1328404552' post='985127']
[url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/user/22545-grimcoconut/"][color="#42205d"]GrimCoconut[/color][/url] you bring up good points,but Ray Lewis,and Ed Reed,are always welcomed here,they tell us when they are done playing,not the other way around.
[/quote]

Lol nonsense. I thought Heap woulda had the same luxury

[ThePurpleWall]

[quote name='Purple Punishment' timestamp='1328405389' post='985151']
Lol nonsense. I thought Heap woulda had the same luxury
[/quote]

I disagree not nonsense,the owner says so him self http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/2012/02/03/j-smith-will-be-reeds-replacement/ .

[Yatagarasu]

I feel good about 2013 because Ray and Ed are ending their contracts, but we still have a strong core of players in Ngata, Suggs, Smith, Webb, and Cody.

[ThePurpleWall]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1328428876' post='985435']
I feel good about 2013 because Ray and Ed are ending their contracts, but we still have a strong core of players in Ngata, Suggs, Smith, Webb, and Cody.
[/quote]

so your saying ray and ed should leave ?,they will leave when they want to.

[Irish Raven]

[quote name='Grapple Raven' timestamp='1328400792' post='985043']
I hope that we would be able to retain JJ for one more year.
[/quote]

While it would be great it's not going to happen

JJ is going to get a payday and other teams will come calling.
Nobody knows if he'll stay here or leave but either way, he's not going to sign on for just one year

[Yatagarasu]

[quote name='ThePurpleWall' timestamp='1328435136' post='985451']

so your saying ray and ed should leave ?,they will leave when they want to.
[/quote]

No, I meant that if Ray and Ed decide to continue playing or not, here or there, we still have a strong core of defensive players for the future.

[GrimCoconut]

Personally, I've been thinking and I want to see what Damien Berry & Anthony Allen have this year. I think we should be putting them in some games rather than Williams. I know Williams is really good, but since this is his last year, I want to know what we have with Berry & Allen for next year. Though I like Williams and believe he ran most effectively than Rice at times, perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea if we let Williams walk this year if Allen & Berry show promise.

If we had to let Williams walk, I wouldn't be overly upset about it. It's more important that Webb & Smith are on this team than Williams & Smith. I don't think we could re-sign Williams for a big contract. It depends a lot on his play this year. If he kills it, then we have a big problem and he will probably walk. It might not be a bad idea to take a 2nd round pick for him if someone offers, especially if it was a high 2nd.

As for McKinnie, I don't think it's necessary we draft a tackle this year, at least not high. I really like next year's class. We can draft a left tackle then if we don't get one this year. The fact is, I think a lot of those top tackles will be off the board. Khalil, Martin, Reiff, & Adams will most likely be off the board by 29. Too many teams need tackles.

But I think the most important part of all this is that we need to get Flacco & Webb's deal done now. I don't think it would be a good idea to go into next year without a contract for them both.

[Ravens Fan in Ontario]

I don't think there's any way we let Ricky Williams walk. He's an excellent change of pace for R.Rice, and you see what Rice can do when he's kept fresh.

I say lets give Kruger a trial by fire next year, JJ will likely leave for Indy, I can see Pagano going after him, Foxworth and Carr.

If I'm being Perfectly honest I think we can live without Grubbs he missed the first 6? games and we did OK without him. Sure it would be nice to keep, but I wouldn't sacrifice the rest of the team to keep him.

I'd like to be able to Sign Joe, Ray and Webb this year. Next year Lewis, Reed likely retire, Evans goes, Ricky retires. Sign Pollard to keep some stability in the Secondary. The next 2 Drafts will set the tone for our Ravens for the next 5 years.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Ravens Fan in Ontario' timestamp='1328453964' post='985558']
I don't think there's any way we let Ricky Williams walk. He's an excellent change of pace for R.Rice, and you see what Rice can do when he's kept fresh.

I say lets give Kruger a trial by fire next year, JJ will likely leave for Indy, I can see Pagano going after him, Foxworth and Carr.

If I'm being Perfectly honest I think we can live without Grubbs he missed the first 6? games and we did OK without him. Sure it would be nice to keep, but I wouldn't sacrifice the rest of the team to keep him.

I'd like to be able to Sign Joe, Ray and Webb this year. Next year Lewis, Reed likely retire, Evans goes, Ricky retires. Sign Pollard to keep some stability in the Secondary. The next 2 Drafts will set the tone for our Ravens for the next 5 years.
[/quote]
Can't disagree with Williams, but even if we keep him I want to see what we have with Allen & Berry. This is probably Williams' last year, at least from what he has stated. He may change his mind, but even if he doesn't--do you want no proven runningback behind Ray Rice? We need to know what we have in Allen & Berry. I'd rather know now than later. Maybe we get an UDFA gem. That would be great.

I agree with Kruger. We need to see what he can do. He can't stay behind JJ. If the front office doesn't think he has it, then I think we should just trade him. I think Kruger can do it for what it's worth. I just dislike the idea of keeping our young players behind people for so long that we never use their potential. It's scary losing JJ--he is good in run support; however, we need to know what Kruger brings to the game. If we keep JJ, then we need to have games where Kruger comes in and plays for him even in run support. It would be stupid to let him walk in free agency and tear it up with another team.

[The Raven]

[quote name='ThePurpleWall' timestamp='1328435136' post='985451']

so your saying ray and ed should leave ?,they will leave when they want to.
[/quote]

He didnt say anything close to that dude..... chill.

[magna481]

Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are the Baltimore Ravens, just how Brett Favre was the face of the Packers, they let him go once he RETIRED. Sure, he came back, but I couldn't see Ray or Ed doing that. Once they retire, that's that. Until then, stop trying to get rid of two of our best players. SMH =/

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='magna481' timestamp='1328459116' post='985635']
Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are the Baltimore Ravens, just how Brett Favre was the face of the Packers, they let him go once he RETIRED. Sure, he came back, but I couldn't see Ray or Ed doing that. Once they retire, that's that. Until then, stop trying to get rid of two of our best players. SMH =/
[/quote]
I don't think anyone has said anything in this thread at least about getting rid of Ray or Ed. I agree on everything else, though.

[bauer77]

[quote name='RavensRB1' timestamp='1328369149' post='984685']
I think a RB the Ravens should sign is [b]Laurence Maroney[/b] and a CB they should sign is Nathan Vasher and a WR they should draft is Michael Floyd
[/quote]


I can't tell if your serious or joking....

[The Raven]

[quote name='bauer77' timestamp='1328463313' post='985702']


I can't tell if your serious or joking....
[/quote]

He's serious. He's posted that same exact post 3 times in different threads.

[bauer77]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1328464978' post='985731']

He's serious. He's posted that same exact post 3 times in different threads.
[/quote]


WOW. I wonder if he knows something about Maroney that the rest of us don't? xD

[The Raven]

[quote name='bauer77' timestamp='1328465178' post='985737']


WOW. I wonder if he knows something about Maroney that the rest of us don't? xD
[/quote]

He must! And he's pretty high on that dude Nathan Vasher too.

[cobrajet]

Before the FA signings I have to admit I had some doubts before the start of the season when we lost McClain, Josh Wilson, and Gaither but Ozzie picked up Leach, Williams, Pollard and McKinnie. He made a play for Malcolm Floyd but he turned us down. Ozzie always seems to come through with good players but at a fair price so we don't mortgage our future. I think we will loose a few of our FA's but Ozzie will either draft a good replacement (like Jimmy Smith replaced Josh Wilson) or the next man up will have to step up (like Pitta, when Heap left). Ozzie seems to know what is best for us and he usually finds us guys that "play like a Raven."

If we lose Grubbs, Ozzie will get us someone. He won't overpay for players and he may just find us a few gems again this year.

[B-more Ravor]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1328368924' post='984682']
[b]Unrestricted Free Agents[/b]: Paul Kruger, Lardarius Webb, Joe Flacco, Bryant McKinnie, Bernard Pollard, Ed Reed, Cary Williams, Ricky Williams, Dannell Ellerbe, Ray Lewis*
*Ray Lewis has optional years on his contract from 2013-2016. (5.4M, 5.85M, 6.3M). His contract becomes increasingly costly and he is getting older.
[/quote]

Lewis is not a UFA in 2013. Those options years were picked up when his 2010 and 2011 option bonuses were paid. His under contract through 2015 (not that I would expect him to play that long).

[ThePurpleWall]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1328437862' post='985457']

No, I meant that if Ray and Ed decide to continue playing or not, here or there, we still have a strong core of defensive players for the future.
[/quote]

o ok no worries.

[ThePurpleWall]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1328457116' post='985598']

He didnt say anything close to that dude..... chill.
[/quote]


you chill