3 Possible RB Pickups

[Purple_ICE 81]

John Harbaugh confirmed that the team WILL bring in another veteran runningback like they did las year with Ricky Williams. The worry is that Ray Rice might holdout until he gets a longterm deal which I think will wait until next year.

With only young bucks behind Rice, you could say that there is a need for a veteran back. Although even if Rice did holdout I wouldnt entirely disagree with allowing Ant Allen and Damien Berry battle it out for the starting bid, however its not realistic. So heres my 3 ideas for who could be that veteran RB.


[b]LaDainian Tomlinson NY Jets-[/b] I love LT, he is still pretty young(32) but of coarse in Ruunninback years thats like 40. I think LT would be a great option for us. He showed some electricity in New York when he was given the chance, and could contribute either as a backup for Rice, or if for some reason Rice holds out during the regular season I think LT could be a solid starter until Rice's situation pans out.


[b]Thomas Jones KC Cheifs- [/b]After a solid 1000yd rushing season and nearly making it to the superbowl in 2009, Jones saw his poduction nearly grind to a screaching halt. He went to KC where he would play the splitback role until the emergance of Jamaal Charles. With a good offseason of hardwork and getting back into shape, I think Jones would be a decent -Cheap- option who could find ways to contribute.

[b]Justin Forsett Seattle Seahawks-[/b] This is my wildcard pick. Forsett isnt exactly a veteran, but he is a player who has been pushed down Seattle's bench season after season, after only performing with great potential. I compare him to Darren Sproles he is the type of player who can provide regular runnignback depth, excells in pass catching and coul take a screen pass to paydirt, and could even provide us with Special teams/return depth. I think forsett would be a great option for us, as a backup or as a returner.

[Radinho84]

when i look at our cap situation i think that the second running back is already on our team. we don´t need to spend much money for a guy that touches the ball only 5-10 times a game...

[Clutch Ravens]

I'd love to pick up a guy like Forsett for veteran minimum. He's got a skill-set very similar to that of Rice.

[Purple_ICE 81]

[quote name='Radinho84' timestamp='1333381762' post='1040154']
when i look at our cap situation i think that the second running back is already on our team. we don´t need to spend much money for a guy that touches the ball only 5-10 times a game...
[/quote]
Well Harbaugh thinks Rice is going to holdout, he said he doesnt want Ant Allen being our potential starter. Honestly I dont think Rice will holdout, he is going to contemplate it alot and there will be alot of buzz around the Ravens community that he might indeed go through with it. At the end of the day I think Rice will be happy making $7,700,000 next year and do whats right, he seems chipper over his Facebook and twitter updates saying he is working out and training for next season. So I anticipate Rice playing in september.

And as far as adding talent, I think our FO is going to get the cheapest veteran they can, and I think LT would come for little over veteran minimum, I just dont know why Harbaugh just blatently said "we will add a veteran backup". So what if Rice doesnt holdout? I think they need to really think it over before jumping to conclusions like that. We could save money using Ant Allen or Damien Berry as our backup. But In oz i trust...

[grape drank]

[quote name='Clutch Ravens' timestamp='1333381860' post='1040156']
I'd love to pick up a guy like Forsett for veteran minimum. He's got a skill-set very similar to that of Rice.
[/quote]

I agree; however, when your looking for a 1,2 punch type deal. You want to keep the defence on their heels, if we have 2 similar running backs it makes their game planning simpler. Give our 2nd year guys a shot!!!

[The_Raven_Fan]

sign LT to a 1 year 540,000 dollar contract. could mentor Rice.

[Ravenstown52]

[quote name='The_Raven_Fan' timestamp='1333387016' post='1040213']
sign LT to a 1 year 540,000 dollar contract. could mentor Rice.
[/quote]
I created a thread about this and I buried.

[RavensWin09]

did benson get signed yet???? if we can't get him, i don't want any other veteran RB's.

[omar586]

LT is too old, we need a physical RB like Benson/addiai/thomas jones, from all 3 rb u listed i can see jones been signed.

[Clutch Ravens]

[quote name='grape drank' timestamp='1333384739' post='1040185']
I agree; however, when your looking for a 1,2 punch type deal. You want to keep the defence on their heels, if we have 2 similar running backs it makes their game planning simpler. Give our 2nd year guys a shot!!!
[/quote]

Yeah, but Anthony Allen provides the big thumping runner. I want Forsett for insurance as much as anything else.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='omar586' timestamp='1333389359' post='1040236']
LT is too old, we need a physical RB like Benson/addiai/thomas jones, from all 3 rb u listed i can see jones been signed.
[/quote]

Where's the upside in signing any of those players, especially the one with the most mileage? I've never seen Addai as a physical RB. Benson doesn't offer more as a runner than Allen or even Berry at this point in his career. And Jones has nothing left in the tank.

[lowrider]

[quote name='omar586' timestamp='1333389359' post='1040236']
LT is too old, we need a physical RB like Benson/addiai/thomas jones, from all 3 rb u listed i can see jones been signed.
[/quote]
But why do we need a 'physical RB'. Or do we need a guy that can get those short yardage plays? Those short yard and goalline plays is what LT is great at which is why he was a fantasy monster back in the day. Not because of how big he was, but because he has an ability to see the hole and explodes through it quickly. He can also catch a ball in the flat and be effective. He was the best rb for the Jets last year when he was healthy but his body can't take the load anymore. LT is perfect for Baltimore.

Note: Getting a huge rb doesn't mean they are great in goalline situations

[berad]

I don't want any of those guys. We're already strapped for money and to be spending it on old, washed-up runners would be wasteful. I'm more than happy with Allen/Berry as back-ups and I doubt Rice holds out.

[grape drank]

[quote name='Clutch Ravens' timestamp='1333389801' post='1040243']
Yeah, but Anthony Allen provides the big thumping runner. I want Forsett for insurance as much as anything else.
[/quote]

I'd like to see us lock up Flacco, Rice or Webb before we start signing anyone.......lets go FO!

[RavensDE]

[quote name='RavensWin09' timestamp='1333388108' post='1040224']
did benson get signed yet???? if we can't get him, i don't want any other veteran RB's.
[/quote]

Benson is that "best talent available" while also being "biggest headcase available". I think Ozzie doesn't want to take any chances with those types of guys. He talks alot about not taking chances, but if he feels good about Benson I think that deal gets done.

[RavensDE]

LT is still so good. His vision and ethic line up for the kind of back we need. I think he's looking for just a bit more money than what we want but this could be a minor aligning of the stars. We are a contender, have a solid O-line (hopefully) and need a #2/#3 back that can do everything.

I also think this gives us that balance we had when we had Rice/McGahee/McClain. We had a thumper (McClain/Allen), a HR threat (Rice/Rice) and a someone who has a balance of those things and great vision (McGahee/LT).

[gabefergy]

I wouldnt mind LT, but other than him I dont see another back on free agency I would rather have than the 2nd year guys on our roster. I dont think it's really going to be a problem with Rice, but if for some reason he decides to hold out or gets hurt either Allen or Berry are capable. Rookie and 2nd year RBs get thrust into the starting roles all the time, and for the most part they play pretty well.

[GrimCoconut]

You know, I was initially surprised by Harbaugh's comments. I personally don't see the need to get a vet back-up to Rice unless Rice held out. In that situation, a vet would make the most sense as insurance.

I see his comments more as coach speak, perhaps what he was told to say to prevent Rice from gaining any advantage from his comments.

[Purple_ICE 81]

[quote name='RavensWin09' timestamp='1333388108' post='1040224']
did benson get signed yet???? if we can't get him, i don't want any other veteran RB's.
[/quote]
Benson is still a starting caliber RB, he is going to be very pricey aswell.

[Purple_ICE 81]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1333398113' post='1040330']
I wouldnt mind LT, but other than him I dont see another back on free agency I would rather have than the 2nd year guys on our roster. I dont think it's really going to be a problem with Rice, but if for some reason he decides to hold out or gets hurt either Allen or Berry are capable. Rookie and 2nd year RBs get thrust into the starting roles all the time, and for the most part they play pretty well.
[/quote]
Harbaugh said point blank "we will add a veteran RB through free agency"

[gabefergy]

[quote name='Purple_ICE 81' timestamp='1333403692' post='1040405']

Harbaugh said point blank "we will add a veteran RB through free agency"
[/quote]
Do you have a link? I must have missed it.

[Purple_ICE 81]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1333403856' post='1040407']
Do you have a link? I must have missed it.
[/quote]
Sure......[url="http://rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6726/anthony-allen"]http://rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6726/anthony-allen[/url]

[gabefergy]

[quote name='Purple_ICE 81' timestamp='1333404310' post='1040411']
Sure......[url="http://rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6726/anthony-allen"]http://rotoworld.com...6/anthony-allen[/url]
[/quote]
Ahh ok, so this apparently means we are "definitely" signing a veteran?
[quote][color=#0000FF][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, Verdana][size=3]We think a lot of him, but we’ve got to look at some insurance, too. [/quote][/size][/font][/color]

[Purple_ICE 81]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1333404687' post='1040412']
Ahh ok, so this apparently means we are "definitely" signing a veteran?
[/size][/font][/color]
[/quote]
Its not just rotoworld, there were other places too I think the sun had a quote from harbaugh a couple days or a week ago, and ozzie has brought it up too. Im not saying we will...honestlyh I think we should just wait until Rice actually holds out to sin a so called veteran.. Im definitely ready for Ant or Damien to back up Rice. IM just saying Harbaugh and co seem to be seriously contemplating adding a vet

[gabefergy]

[quote name='Purple_ICE 81' timestamp='1333406299' post='1040440']
Its not just rotoworld, there were other places too I think the sun had a quote from harbaugh a couple days or a week ago, and ozzie has brought it up too. Im not saying we will...honestlyh I think we should just wait until Rice actually holds out to sin a so called veteran.. Im definitely ready for Ant or Damien to back up Rice. IM just saying Harbaugh and co seem to be seriously contemplating adding a vet
[/quote]
Yeah I am sure they are keeping that as an option, I just wouldnt go so far as to say it will definitley happen. It might be like what we saw last season when we went into camp with no definite #2 and gave the young guys a shot. If they look like they can fill that role then maybe we dont sign anyone, but if there is some concern about Allen or Berry in that #2 spot then they may go out and sign someone. Remember, there may be a lot of roster cuts made around then as well so other options could emerge.

[berad]

[quote name='Purple_ICE 81' timestamp='1333403692' post='1040405']
Harbaugh said point blank "we will add a veteran RB through free agency"
[/quote]

I don't think that's exactly what he said. Sounded like it's contingent on what Rice does.

Either way, I don't agree with it. Why draft/sign the young dudes if they're not going to play?

[CapoRocky]

I was thinking that we would bring in someone like Jacobs or Benson to contrast Rice. It was apparent last year that Allen wasn't ready to fill that role. Hopefully, he will be ready by exhibition time. We don't need a FA, but we will spend money on a cheap backup if Allen isn't hitting it hard enough in August. Until then, let the him be the man.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1333409761' post='1040499']
I don't think that's exactly what he said. Sounded like it's contingent on what Rice does.

Either way, I don't agree with it. Why draft/sign the young dudes if they're not going to play?
[/quote]

Yeah, I agree with this. I mean, if Rice doesn't show then of course you get yourself a veteran RB. I wouldn't trust the offense with Allen outright. I do like Allen a lot, though. Also, a lot of late-round RBs have made names for themselves recently.

[Suggs Package]

If you ever watched any KC games in the past couple of years, you will quickly find out that Thomas Jones actually died a few years ago. His corpse is prolific enough to get 3 yards a carry.

Justin Forsett was never actually good.

LT shown that he still has it, but he will break down if you use him too much, so he's not an ideal guy to have if Rice holds out. Plus if Rice doesn't hold out, LT offers pretty much the same offensive game as Ray Rice, but worse. He is a better pass protector than Rice however, who is one of the worse in the league, his only weakness.

A couple of options that would be good for the team are Tim Hightower and Jackie Battle. Both are bigger backs that are decent in pass protection. Jackie Battle also plays special teams. Hightower tore his ACL last year, so I don't know how healthy he is. Ryan Grant may be another option based on his health.

[Ed_Reed20]

It seems probable that Rice won't be attending off-season workouts till he gets paid. [url="http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=9&c=2&cid=1173970&nid=6160236&fhn=1"]Link[/url]

Whether the team signs a veteran FA RB or not, Allen and Berry should see more reps than usual.