Corey Graham Signs

[rmw10]

[quote name='rmw10' timestamp='1332514815' post='1032108']
A typical Ozzie move. Nothing flashy, but something that will definitely help the team. Welcome Corey and bye BA.
[/quote]

Well I was wrong about BA haha. Oh well, still a great move for the team.

[hawkprey]

If we could reduce returns against us by 5 or more yards, just think of how many fewer opponent field goals we'd have to see. Good signing.

[UMDan]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1332514034' post='1032094']
Great Special teams signing and with that: Webb,Smith,Williams, Graham, Gorrer, Brown

Think we can safely scratch CB off the to do list. Ozzie will probably still grab a guy but we have definitely filled our biggest need of the last couple of years for a while (if he gives them freakin' extensions! PAY WEBB! lol He will, just got to wait for Rice to realize he isn't getting AP money)
[/quote]

This. Scratching anything off the to do list at this point is very good. Lock up Webb, Rice, & Flacco should be next. We don't need to do anything else in Free Agency besides maybe resign Lee Evans, the rest we can take care of in the draft.

[sman555555]

really good pick up and a pro bowler at that! if ozzie can keep finding guys like this our team will be better this year. there is still the guard problem though...

[Raven07]

i'd say good signing, ST pro bowl player signing, (harbaugh and his background we knew something was gonna happen) and the guy also intercepted 3 passes while playing in nickel defensive packages last season. from an outsiders stand point, good signing. not real catchy but a solid signing.

[Free Agent]

I think its a great signing. He adds a veteran presence to the group of CBs, he can step in on defense when necessary, and he is a stud special teamer. Best of all, it seems we got him cheap, since there was little other interest in him. Well done Ozzie.

[Runnin Raven]

Special teams are important too and we just got a pro bowler who can also fill in as nickel. 3 picks is pretty darn good for a backup CB. I'm pleased with what looks like another great value signing by Ozzie.

[rlh445]

Who?

[rlh445]

[quote name='goldenboldin' timestamp='1332510528' post='1032019']
well for those of us who are belittling or mocking this signing.. let's keep one thing straight -- we have [i]very limited [/i]money to do make any major moves. The Ravens front office will not go into debt just to make a free agency splash this year to appease a few fans. They've got bigger fish to fry. They are thinking about retaining cap money for signing draft picks, matching potentially another team's higher offer to retain Webb. These are the things the Office is worried about. No Ravens fan will help them out of debt. They're handling thier own business. That's what they get paid to do. So give them some support, for the love of...
[/quote]

I say again.....who? EVERY team has limited money, EVERY year. The Ravens FO isn't special because they are in the same boat as most of the teams in the NFL who are managing to either restructure contracts or do some other shenanigans to make things happen. A 'few' fans is one thing, a lot of knowledgeable Ravens fans is another. I'm not saying we should picket the Castle or anything, but I'm more tired of people complaining about worried fans than I am of worried fans. There are REASONS people are freaking this year and although I'm sure Corey's a 'beast', he's not quite what fans were looking for in regards to signings. A quality sign, probably.

Here, I'll do you one better: YAY! ALRIGHT! WHEN I THOUGHT FA, I WAS THINKING COREY GRAHAM, THAT'S FOR SURE! WOOOO!,'. Is that more to your liking?

At least we got Jameel McClain back. THERE'S something to crow about.

[BloodRaven]

From PFF:

[quote]09:30 SIGNING! The Baltimore Ravens have snapped up Corey Graham on a two year deal. One of the leagues’ premier special teamers, Graham flashed an ability to play the slot cornerback role in limited opportunities with the Bears where he snagged three picks despite being in primary coverage on only 11 plays. With the depth the Ravens have at the spot it’s unlikely he’ll see much action here (barring injury), but he should contribute immediately on special teams.[/quote]

Personally I'm happy with the signing, from what I've read he's young, has good size/speed numbers and is a physical player. Three picks in 11 plays is also insane production even for a small sample size.

[arnie_uk]

[quote name='rlh445' timestamp='1332524327' post='1032306']

I say again.....who? EVERY team has limited money, EVERY year. The Ravens FO isn't special because they are in the same boat as most of the teams in the NFL who are managing to either restructure contracts or do some other shenanigans to make things happen. A 'few' fans is one thing, a lot of knowledgeable Ravens fans is another. I'm not saying we should picket the Castle or anything, but I'm more tired of people complaining about worried fans than I am of worried fans. There are REASONS people are freaking this year and although I'm sure Corey's a 'beast', he's not quite what fans were looking for in regards to signings. A quality sign, probably.

Here, I'll do you one better: YAY! ALRIGHT! WHEN I THOUGHT FA, I WAS THINKING COREY GRAHAM, THAT'S FOR SURE! WOOOO!,'. Is that more to your liking?

At least we got Jameel McClain back. THERE'S something to crow about.
[/quote]
we had 5 million of cap space before todays signings.. We need that to sign rookies, we need that incase someone ponies up for webb, we want to get flacco done because as of right now we have FAs next year like RR Joe Webb Cary Ed Reed Pitta Kruger McKinnie etc etc, so we want to try and get joe done this year so we arent going to risk losing RR and Webb because joe would have to get the franchise tag, now its free to go elswhere.

You cant go out an expect us to sign as these top and 2nd teir guys, we simply dont have the cap room. get that into your head!!!

[rlh445]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1332525062' post='1032335']
we had 5 million of cap space before todays signings.. We need that to sign rookies, we need that incase someone ponies up for webb, we want to get flacco done because as of right now we have FAs next year like RR Joe Webb Cary Ed Reed Pitta Kruger McKinnie etc etc, so we want to try and get joe done this year so we arent going to risk losing RR and Webb because joe would have to get the franchise tag, now its free to go elswhere.

You cant go out an expect us to sign as these top and 2nd teir guys, we simply dont have the cap room. get that into your head!!!
[/quote]

Haha, I get it arnie..which was the point of my post. My God, are you really in the UK? You post an enormous amount! Anyway, I get that we have limited cap space. You know who else has limited cap space? Every other team in the NFL. If cap space was the sole way to sign guys, NO team would ever be able to sign guys, ever. Let me ask you this: if we didn't get Joe's contract done a year BEFORE we have to, who else are we gonna tag with it? Nobody. We're gonna get Rice done whether he likes it or not. We're not gonna give him an AP like contract, and eventually we're gonna meet in the middle. We have an entire year before Joe actually needs a new contract. If Rice wants to hold us over a barrel....he's messing with the wrong FO. Please. Your entire scenario encompasses the thoughts of two of our best players holding us hostage with the FT being the only way around it, and I just don't see it. Get this through YOUR head: EVERY TEAM IN THE NFL DEALS WITH CAP ISSUES. THE STEELERS ARE DEALING WITH THEM. HOW? BY RESTRUCTURING CONTRACTS WITH EXISTING PLAYERS IN ORDER TO FREE UP ROOM. THAT IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='rlh445' timestamp='1332525547' post='1032356']


Haha, I get it arnie..which was the point of my post. My God, are you really in the UK? You post an enormous amount! Anyway, I get that we have limited cap space. You know who else has limited cap space? Every other team in the NFL. If cap space was the sole way to sign guys, NO team would ever be able to sign guys, ever. Let me ask you this: if we didn't get Joe's contract done a year BEFORE we have to, who else are we gonna tag with it? Nobody. We're gonna get Rice done whether he likes it or not. We're not gonna give him an AP like contract, and eventually we're gonna meet in the middle. We have an entire year before Joe actually needs a new contract. If Rice wants to hold us over a barrel....he's messing with the wrong FO. Please. Your entire scenario encompasses the thoughts of two of our best players holding us hostage with the FT being the only way around it, and I just don't see it. Get this through YOUR head: EVERY TEAM IN THE NFL DEALS WITH CAP ISSUES. THE STEELERS ARE DEALING WITH THEM. HOW? BY RESTRUCTURING CONTRACTS WITH EXISTING PLAYERS IN ORDER TO FREE UP ROOM. THAT IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT.
[/quote]
You really don't have to yell. Yes, every team has to work around the cap but not every team has the same cap situation. How many signings have the Steelers made exactly? How about the Packers? Good teams sign underrated and undervalued players just like Graham and BA instead of blowing all their cap on 1 or 2 premier players that they have to overpay for.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='rlh445' timestamp='1332525547' post='1032356']


Haha, I get it arnie..which was the point of my post. My God, are you really in the UK? You post an enormous amount! Anyway, I get that we have limited cap space. You know who else has limited cap space? Every other team in the NFL. If cap space was the sole way to sign guys, NO team would ever be able to sign guys, ever. Let me ask you this: if we didn't get Joe's contract done a year BEFORE we have to, who else are we gonna tag with it? Nobody. We're gonna get Rice done whether he likes it or not. We're not gonna give him an AP like contract, and eventually we're gonna meet in the middle. We have an entire year before Joe actually needs a new contract. If Rice wants to hold us over a barrel....he's messing with the wrong FO. Please. Your entire scenario encompasses the thoughts of two of our best players holding us hostage with the FT being the only way around it, and I just don't see it. Get this through YOUR head: EVERY TEAM IN THE NFL DEALS WITH CAP ISSUES. THE STEELERS ARE DEALING WITH THEM. HOW? BY RESTRUCTURING CONTRACTS WITH EXISTING PLAYERS IN ORDER TO FREE UP ROOM. THAT IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT.
[/quote]
First of all, posting in all caps is against the rules. I wouldn't recommend it.

Anyway, we could restructure thousands of contracts, but where will that leave us in a couple of years when these guys retire? Restructuring isn't the answer; see the Steelers for that example. That team is a mess.

Flacco's franchise tag will be ridiculous. Have you seen the contracts for those guys? Insane. We need to get a deal done now. With the way CBs are getting paid, we will also need to lock up Webb, too. We still have Ray Lewis & Ed Reed here. This is Reed's contract year, next year he is a free agent. Do you want him back if he wants to return?

Restructuring isn't always the answer. Steve Biscotti said this in his State of the Ravens press conference.

[CapoRocky]

There is nothing to worry about now. We actually signed another team's free agent and a few of our players back.

[CapoRocky]

@GrimCoconut, "Restructuring isn't always the answer. Steve Biscotti said this in his State of the Ravens press conference."

You are very wise, my friend.

[Gordo52]

Great. If he's really a special teams ace then I love this signing.

[BMORElegacy]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1332506476' post='1031959']
And so Chris Carr has been replaced.

It looks like he wants more PT on defense. He played some nickel. Sounds good. It will take pressure off of us to draft CBs, or at least to draft any high.
[/quote]
Seems more like a replacement for Ruki. Ruki was our ace last year and moved around on the D. I can definitely see Graham fill the same role.

[arnie_uk]

[quote name='rlh445' timestamp='1332525547' post='1032356']

Haha, I get it arnie..which was the point of my post. My God, are you really in the UK? You post an enormous amount! Anyway, I get that we have limited cap space. You know who else has limited cap space? Every other team in the NFL. If cap space was the sole way to sign guys, NO team would ever be able to sign guys, ever. Let me ask you this: if we didn't get Joe's contract done a year BEFORE we have to, who else are we gonna tag with it? Nobody. We're gonna get Rice done whether he likes it or not. We're not gonna give him an AP like contract, and eventually we're gonna meet in the middle. We have an entire year before Joe actually needs a new contract. If Rice wants to hold us over a barrel....he's messing with the wrong FO. Please. Your entire scenario encompasses the thoughts of two of our best players holding us hostage with the FT being the only way around it, and I just don't see it. Get this through YOUR head: EVERY TEAM IN THE NFL DEALS WITH CAP ISSUES. THE STEELERS ARE DEALING WITH THEM. HOW? BY RESTRUCTURING CONTRACTS WITH EXISTING PLAYERS IN ORDER TO FREE UP ROOM. THAT IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT.
[/quote]
If you restructure you have too have serious amount of cuts down the line, like the steelers have this year and will have too next year. Look at our team back in 01/02 we restructured a lot of contracts after our superbowl season to try and go at it again, keeping the best players, freeing up room for more. What happened the following year, we lost all these good players because we where in salary cap hell, just like the steelers are, and will continue to be until they get them big salaries of the books.

They will have a season soon down the line, a good quarter of their cap will be dead money and they will have to rebuild. We NEVER are going to rebuild again after what happened us back in the early 2000s, Biscotti said as much. We replenish. We keep our cornerstones of the franchise, Ngata, Suggs, Reed, Ray, I expect Webb, Joe, RR all to be added to that, and we let every other single player test the market, bringing them back cheaper than what they would have been looking for or replace them with somone with a lesser name, but will produce just as well at a fraction of the price.

This is what all the prennial contenders do, Pats, NY Giants, GB, us etc etc. It means you always have a chance, year in year out, rather than being at the top for a few years and then start all over again.

Before the season started we where in one of the worst cap positions, Yes the steelers were worse but they will be worse year in year out, having to make huge cuts and restructures to stay a float, while all we do is not overpay for players who think they are worth more than they are.

I cant understand how anyone can question how are franchise is run. We may miss out on a player here and there, but to sign that player you miss out on 3/4 quality depth guys, and they are as important as one quality starter for a team with superbowl aspirations. We may miss on guys in the draft or make a mistake on active players on game day etc, but the way we run our team regards salary cap, and not signing players to bloated contracts is very very commendable, and CANNOT be criticised.

I dont see you in the front office, if you knew better you would be there, fact is you dont. They know how to run a successful team, they have been doing it for years, and frankly, i want no part of the way the steelers do business, just you watch in a few years that team will be without, ben, troy, harrison, woodley, wallace etc etc, because that restructuring will bit them in the buttox HARD, and leave marks on that behind for years!

[goldenboldin]

[quote name='rlh445' timestamp='1332524327' post='1032306']

I say again.....who? EVERY team has limited money, EVERY year. The Ravens FO isn't special because they are in the same boat as most of the teams in the NFL who are managing to either restructure contracts or do some other shenanigans to make things happen. A 'few' fans is one thing, a lot of knowledgeable Ravens fans is another. I'm not saying we should picket the Castle or anything, but I'm more tired of people complaining about worried fans than I am of worried fans. There are REASONS people are freaking this year and although I'm sure Corey's a 'beast', he's not quite what fans were looking for in regards to signings. A quality sign, probably.

Here, I'll do you one better: YAY! ALRIGHT! WHEN I THOUGHT FA, I WAS THINKING COREY GRAHAM, THAT'S FOR SURE! WOOOO!,'. Is that more to your liking?

At least we got Jameel McClain back. THERE'S something to crow about.
[/quote]

lol every team has limited money every year? you're joking, right? That must mean we didn't sign Grubbs because.. why exactly? Wasn't that money issues? Simple mathematics is proof enough-- 4 mill in cap room is more restricted than 40 mill in cap room (e.g. bengals, bucs etc..). You know how different that is? That's the difference between [u]adding[/u] both Mario Williams and Vincent Jackson onto your team... and [u]not even being able to keep[/u] Ben Grubbs or Jaret Johnson. You see, those are two very opposite outcomes based on financial abilities of each individual team. I don't care how knowledgeable fans are, they don't get a paycheck from the Ravens Organization nor are they the budget liaisons to Cass and company. That's why we're the fans, we play with Madden 12' cap space (i.e. monopoly money), and they play with real money.. you're right about one thing: J. McLain is something to crow about.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='goldenboldin' timestamp='1332543128' post='1032835']

lol every team has limited money every year? you're joking, right? That must mean we didn't sign Grubbs because.. why exactly? Wasn't that money issues? Simple mathematics is proof enough-- 4 mill in cap room is more restricted than 40 mill in cap room (e.g. bengals, bucs etc..). You know how different that is? That's the difference between [u]adding[/u] both Mario Williams and Vincent Jackson onto your team... and [u]not even being able to keep[/u] Ben Grubbs or Jaret Johnson. You see, those are two very opposite outcomes based on financial abilities of each individual team. I don't care how knowledgeable fans are, they don't get a paycheck from the Ravens Organization nor are they the budget liaisons to Cass and company. That's why we're the fans, we play with Madden 12' cap space (i.e. monopoly money), and they play with real money.. you're right about one thing: J. McLain is something to crow about.
[/quote]

Stop it with all that logic. It's exhausting.

[-Truth-]

I love this acquisition. Corey Graham was a terrific Special Teams player, and Lord knows we need help in this department. I still remember being in the stadium at the Texans game, and watching the entire crowd go silent as they almost returned the opening kickoff for a TD. It's all about field position, field position and field position. Oh, and field position.

Also, if anyone automatically believes that this adds nothing to our CB corps, he did show promise as the Bears Nickle/Dime CB. While he was only targeted 10 times, he allowed a mere 6.7 yards per completion, which was 2nd best in the NFL for any CB with over 10 targets. He also nabbed 3 INTs, allowed 0 TDs and an opposing QB rating of 40.4. Now, that's a very small sample, so I obviously wouldn't expect him to continue that should he see more targets in 2012. But he's no one trick pony.

[Ravensfan23]

Even though I'm guilty of indulging, I find it useless to talk logic to negative people. Its not like Ozzie just joined the organization, he's been doing this for years. Over that time nothing has changed.

We build through the draft, mid-level FA and development of young players. If you don't like this style either root for another team or get use to it, because it not changing. Even if Ozzie should leave, Eric will operate the same way.

Ozzie is a man of principle. Is he perfect? Not by a long shot, but the most costly mistakes he vowels not to make them again.

Trading too far out of the first round. Restructuring Contract to avoid an imaginary window closing. Etc

Sometimes guys are FAs for a reason. How many player have the Ravens allowed to get away that they absolutely wanted to keep? Even names like AD, Brown amd Grubbs weren't guys we absolutely wanted to keep. The we fe we need we keep. Period. On the other hand, other them Holmes, what Ravens FA went on to have big success?

Other then Boldin the Ravens will be able to field a quality WR Corp and TE group for less money then the Skins gave Grácon and Torrey will probably out perform him alone.

I won't lie, I wanted Grácon. But when I seen the money he got no way.

[UMDan]

From what I've read, Bears fans are sad to see him go and commend us for getting such a strong asset. I'm pleased with this signing, it's a typical Ravens signing. I'm fine with Considine too.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1332551901' post='1032944']
Ozzie is a man of principle. Is he perfect? Not by a long shot, but the most costly mistakes he vowels not to make them again. [/quote]</p>
Agreed, He consonantsly improves his decision making skills.

[BloodRaven]

I hear this kid is really special in zone and press coverage. He has starter potential.

[Ed_Reed20]

I love the signing. True special teams difference-makers like Graham help win the battle of field position, which can often be huge in deciding games.

[harfordravenfan]

As mentioned by Ba, now other teams can't just double cover me... They gotta account for graham as well. No more sucky special teams (coverage at least) although I still got faith in David reed.

[BMOREHAWAII]

[quote name='harfordravenfan' timestamp='1332632442' post='1033522']
As mentioned by Ba, now other teams can't just double cover me... They gotta account for graham as well. No more sucky special teams (coverage at least) although I still got faith in David reed.
[/quote]
BA is a beast, and so i've heard the same with Graham on ST.
Also i believe D. Reed will bounce back despite what happened last season on ST.

[harfordravenfan]

[quote name='BMOREHAWAII' timestamp='1332634493' post='1033550']

BA is a beast, and so i've heard the same with Graham on ST.
Also i believe D. Reed will bounce back despite what happened last season on ST.
[/quote]

Good to hear, d reed supporters are few & far between, lol