New Ravens With 3.381 Million Cap Space?

[Yum Chickens]

According to Aaron Wilson we are now 3.381 Million under cap space.

Now what we do with that 3.381 million is up to the FO but any ideas would be fun to talk about right now.

Thoughts?

Source - [url="https://twitter.com/RavensInsider/status/224999447984218113"]https://twitter.com/RavensInsider/status/224999447984218113[/url]

[Yatagarasu]

Try to use that money to lockup Flacco!

Flacco is set to make a base salary of $6,760,000.

With the rising cost of Franchise QBs, let's assume next year's Franchise QB Tag is going to be around $18 Million, which is really ridiculous since Drew Brees' contract raised the bar.

I might have to say $15 or $16 million might be reasonable now that QBs are getting paid ridiculously.

The QB contract that might be reasonable for Flacco might be Michael Vick.

6 Year
$100,000,000
Average $16.666.666 per year
$40 Million Guaranteed

I think a 7 year contract including this year might be reasonable for Flacco.

7 Year
$112 Million Total
$60 Million guaranteed
$49 Million Signing Bonus (Prorated over 7 years is $7 Million against the cap each year)
$8 Million Guaranteed for Base Salaries for first 2 years of contract.

2012 Contract Pre-Extension Cap Hit:
$6.760,000 Base Salary + $2,100,000 Other Bonus = $8,860,000 Cap Hit

2012 Contract After-Extension Cap Hit:
$7 Million Signing Bonus Cap + $2 Million Base Salary (Guaranteed) + $2,100,000 Other Bonus = $11,1000,000 Cap Hit

2013 Contract After-Extension Cap Hit:
$7 Million Signing Bonus Cap + $9 Million Base Salary (Guaranteed) = $16 Million Cap Hit (This is assumption that it is cheaper than the Franchise Tag)

So basically we lower his base salary and give him that big signing bonus to keep him as our QB for a long time. Flacco has proved more than enough as a capable QB who can win a Super Bowl. I think waiting out to see his value next year might be more pricey than matching him to a contract similar to Michael Vick.

[jaege]

I don't know. I wouldn't go above 12 maybe 13 at most. I love Joe, but he is no Drew Brees, and Brees isnt worth that huge contract he got.

[cobrajet]

I hope they can lock up Joe next. I think the Rice deal was fair, since he did not hold out for AP money. I think our team is a Super Bowl contender, and I could see a scenario where Joe has a good year and we win a Super Bowl and he holds out for Brees money. I want a deal done fairly soon with him. I would save the cap room for this or God forbid someone else gets injured. You need some wiggle room.

[B-more Ravor]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1342532757' post='1099498']
I think a 7 year contract including this year might be reasonable for Flacco.

7 Year
$112 Million Total
$60 Million guaranteed
$49 Million Signing Bonus (Prorated over 7 years is $7 Million against the cap each year)
$8 Million Guaranteed for Base Salaries for first 2 years of contract.

2012 Contract Pre-Extension Cap Hit:
$6.760,000 Base Salary + $2,100,000 Other Bonus = $8,860,000 Cap Hit

2012 Contract After-Extension Cap Hit:
$7 Million Signing Bonus Cap + $2 Million Base Salary (Guaranteed) + $2,100,000 Other Bonus = $11,1000,000 Cap Hit

2013 Contract After-Extension Cap Hit:
$7 Million Signing Bonus Cap + $9 Million Base Salary (Guaranteed) = $16 Million Cap Hit (This is assumption that it is cheaper than the Franchise Tag)

So basically we lower his base salary and give him that big signing bonus to keep him as our QB for a long time. Flacco has proved more than enough as a capable QB who can win a Super Bowl. I think waiting out to see his value next year might be more pricey than matching him to a contract similar to Michael Vick.
[/quote]

A couple of things.....

1. A signing bonus can only be prorated over the maximum of 5 years under the terms of the CBA.

2. Flacco isn't going to be getting a signing bonus of anywhere near $49M. Heck, I doubt his guaranteed money amounts to that much. Brees got a signing bonus of $37M. Flacco's not going to top that (or at least, shouldn't!

3. He's likely to get a $15-20M signing bonus and an Option bonus (or two) of $10-15M to spread out the cap hits from those bonuses. That's sort of the preferred structure the Ravens usually use.

[black blood purple passion]

are there any free agents worth taking? I say save it for Flacco, or if anyone else gets injured, maybe throw some of it reed's way to shut him up.

[rmw10]

[quote name='black blood purple passion' timestamp='1342546301' post='1099664']
are there any free agents worth taking? I say save it for Flacco, or if anyone else gets injured, maybe throw some of it reed's way to shut him up.
[/quote]

Pretty sure we said that last year, and ended up with Pollard haha Either way though, I agree. Save it for Flacco unless some good value shows up on the market.

[Ravensfan23]

I think the Ravens are done for right now, The only guy I see getting a deal right now is Cary Williams. The Ravens were reportedly talking to him about an extension, but the cap space was limited.

I think if we could lock him up for about 3-4 years with Webb, Jimmy and BP, our secondary will be good for a long time. I think Ed Reed gets his money during the offseason. He'll flirt with the market, much like Ray Lewis did, but ultimately end up back in Baltimore.

Joe on the other hand. I think the Ravens will re-sign him in season. Probably around the week 8 bye. I strongly feel Flacco will put up some big numbers this year and end the season holding the Super Bowl MVP. If and when that happens, contract demands will be much higher then they are right now.

If you think if agent has any leverage because of Flacco having the most wins of any QB in his first 4 years. Imagine the leverage he'd think he'll have with possibly 12-14 extra wins, 3 AFC Championship appearances in 5 years, 1 Super Bowl win and the MVP of that game.

I think the Ravens will be proactive, rather then reactive and thus give Flacco a contract that reflects upon what Flacco will be over the next 5 years rather then the first 4.

[izvoodoo]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1342534247' post='1099512']
I don't know. I wouldn't go above 12 maybe 13 at most. I love Joe, but he is no Drew Brees, and Brees isnt worth that huge contract he got.
[/quote]
It's tough, because on one end you have eli making 15, and kevin kolb making what 12?

[Bazooka Joe]

Give Flacco his money now. Time to be a little more proactive on these things.

With draft picks spent on Chykie Brown and Asa Jackson and Danny Gorrer's emergence, I think we're gonna let Cary walk after this season.

I'd give Ed Reed a 3 year deal that lowers his cap number.

Also Paul Kruger is a UFA after this season. I smell a break out season from him and then he walks.

What if Kindle has a Breakout year? He is a RFA after this year.

What about Oher? Isn't he up after this year

[Bazooka Joe]

[quote name='izvoodoo' timestamp='1342548670' post='1099690']

It's tough, because on one end you have eli making 15, and kevin kolb making what 12?
[/quote]

Flacco should get 15 per. 7/105. 20 bonus. I think that gets it done.

[Yum Chickens]

[quote name='Bazooka Joe' timestamp='1342549391' post='1099694']
Flacco should get 15 per. 7/105. 20 bonus. I think that gets it done.
[/quote]

Gah why can't we just pay people 2 million each and create the best team of all time haha.

[Gordo52]

Get Joes contract done. That is all.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Bazooka Joe' timestamp='1342549247' post='1099692']
Give Flacco his money now. Time to be a little more proactive on these things.

With draft picks spent on Chykie Brown and Asa Jackson and Danny Gorrer's emergence, I think we're gonna let Cary walk after this season.

I'd give Ed Reed a 3 year deal that lowers his cap number.

Also Paul Kruger is a UFA after this season. I smell a break out season from him and then he walks.

What if Kindle has a Breakout year? He is a RFA after this year.

What about Oher? Isn't he up after this year
[/quote]

Oher is signed through 2013.

Kindle would have to get 15+ sack this year for another team to tough him as a RFA. He'll probably have like a Paul Kruger type season, 5.5 sacks in limited duty and the Ravens will offer him a 2nd round tender.

Kruger will get a nice size contract next season, but nothing huge imo.

I think the Ravens are fine moving forward as far as resigning the players they need to.

[Bazooka Joe]

[quote name='Yum Chickens' timestamp='1342550091' post='1099698']


Gah why can't we just pay people 2 million each and create the best team of all time haha.
[/quote]

They could give me half of that 3.8M.

I'd get my head knocked off and then be placed on IR. I'd then be forced to retire.

Then I'd pay my tithes, purchase a house and infinity qx56 straight cash. Then get wise counsel on smart investments. Use money to advance God's Kingdom on earth.

[berad]

As much as I'd love to sign Flacco now, that money is insurance money. Hopefully we don't use it *knock on wood* but injuries are commonplace in pre-season, also it'll allow us to poach cuts from other teams throughout the pre-season.

[killaflacco]

I vote we bring in another o-lineman or more importantly a passrusher.A little more depth there could go a long way.If theres no one worth bring in then I vote we lock Cary Williams up long term like Ravensfan23 said.

[Ravenslifer]

I don't see the Flacco deal getting done until mid-season. Which actually might work out better - if he plays the way I think he'll play this season, extending him mid-season will cause a lot less hooplah/possible distractions than trying to get things done now.

[bauer77]

Hopefully we get Flacco a new contract, or lock up Cary and throw some money at Reed. There's not really much left out there free agency wise. I'd say we should just use it to make sure some of our guys are back for a while.

[Yum Chickens]

[quote name='Bazooka Joe' timestamp='1342552694' post='1099728']
They could give me half of that 3.8M.

I'd get my head knocked off and then be placed on IR. I'd then be forced to retire.

Then I'd pay my tithes, purchase a house and infinity qx56 straight cash. Then get wise counsel on smart investments. Use money to advance God's Kingdom on earth.
[/quote]

You sir have made me lol

[gabefergy]

Sign Flacco (6-7 year deal) and/or Reed (3 year ext.)

Aside from that, i think the Ravens sit tight. I highly doubt Cary gets extended. We have too much young talent at CB to invest a lot there.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='black blood purple passion' timestamp='1342546301' post='1099664']
are there any free agents worth taking? I say save it for Flacco, or if anyone else gets injured, maybe throw some of it reed's way to shut him up.
[/quote]

Probably not yet, but there are always casualties just before the start of the season i.e. in 2010 we picked up Houshmanzadeh, and in 2011 it was McKinnie. Obviously we all pray nobody gets injured in TC/preseason, but it does happen, and we never know who could get cut from another team.

[RAYvenFan20]

save that money for the next round of cuts (still have trainging camp and preseason to go), that how we came away with pollard. if theres no one worth taking after that, start working on our current players contracts (flacco, williams, kruger...)

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1342557484' post='1099764']
Sign Flacco (6-7 year deal) and/or Reed (3 year ext.)

Aside from that, i think the Ravens sit tight. I highly doubt Cary gets extended. We have too much young talent at CB to invest a lot there.
[/quote]

Is Cary Williams not apart of that young talent? lol it's not like the guy is pushing 30, he won't be 30 until the 2015 season. I don't think people understand the type of season that CW had last year.

You see guys like Brandon Carr, Johnathan Joseph, and Carlos Rogers get high praise for their play last season, but Cary Williams performed on the same level, expect for the intercepts of course.

I really think it'd be a mistake for the Ravens not to at least attempt to invest into Cary. Now if he decides to leave for more money, so be it, but to just allow him to walk in favor of young guys that haven't really been tested in a lot of game action, could turn out to be a mistake.

Right now you are looking at Webb, Smith and Williams with potential lock down ability, and the only reason I say potential instead of definite is because I want to see it for 2 years in a row.

A guy like Cary could be the difference between our secondary being special over the next 5 years or just really good. Having 3 guys that can lock down a 3WR set plus Reed and BP, could be something to watch.

[arnie_uk]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1342559569' post='1099779']
Is Cary Williams not apart of that young talent? lol it's not like the guy is pushing 30, he won't be 30 until the 2015 season. I don't think people understand the type of season that CW had last year.

You see guys like Brandon Carr, Johnathan Joseph, and Carlos Rogers get high praise for their play last season, but Cary Williams performed on the same level, expect for the intercepts of course.

I really think it'd be a mistake for the Ravens not to at least attempt to invest into Cary. Now if he decides to leave for more money, so be it, but to just allow him to walk in favor of young guys that haven't really been tested in a lot of game action, could turn out to be a mistake.

Right now you are looking at Webb, Smith and Williams with potential lock down ability, and the only reason I say potential instead of definite is because I want to see it for 2 years in a row.

A guy like Cary could be the difference between our secondary being special over the next 5 years or just really good. Having 3 guys that can lock down a 3WR set plus Reed and BP, could be something to watch.
[/quote]i in your camp, if cary has another good season i would love to see an extension to him

[gabefergy]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1342559569' post='1099779']


Is Cary Williams not apart of that young talent? lol it's not like the guy is pushing 30, he won't be 30 until the 2015 season. I don't think people understand the type of season that CW had last year.

You see guys like Brandon Carr, Johnathan Joseph, and Carlos Rogers get high praise for their play last season, but Cary Williams performed on the same level, expect for the intercepts of course.

I really think it'd be a mistake for the Ravens not to at least attempt to invest into Cary. Now if he decides to leave for more money, so be it, but to just allow him to walk in favor of young guys that haven't really been tested in a lot of game action, could turn out to be a mistake.

Right now you are looking at Webb, Smith and Williams with potential lock down ability, and the only reason I say potential instead of definite is because I want to see it for 2 years in a row.

A guy like Cary could be the difference between our secondary being special over the next 5 years or just really good. Having 3 guys that can lock down a 3WR set plus Reed and BP, could be something to watch.
[/quote]
I dont know. I think he is a little overrated on this board. He isnt that young and he is nearly as talented as Webb or Jimmy IMO. We have a lot of money invested in Webb already and i expect Jimmy to have a real breakout season...so where does Cary fit in? How much money does the team want to invest in our nickel CB when there are several players already on the roster with talent who can fill the same role? I dont think Cary is a bad player, but the money that would go towards his contract would be better suited for Reed/Kruger/Dickson/Pitta. How long do Gorrer, Brown, Graham, and Jackson have to wait for an opportunity. Depth is great because it allows for players to step up when injuries happen and it also allows the FO the luxury of letting some players walk when there is talent behind them.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1342560393' post='1099784']
I dont know. I think he is a little overrated on this board. He isnt that young and he is nearly as talented as Webb or Jimmy IMO. We have a lot of money invested in Webb already and i expect Jimmy to have a real breakout season...so where does Cary fit in? How much money does the team want to invest in our nickel CB when there are several players already on the roster with talent who can fill the same role? I dont think Cary is a bad player, but the money that would go towards his contract would be better suited for Reed/Kruger/Dickson/Pitta. How long do Gorrer, Brown, Graham, and Jackson have to wait for an opportunity. Depth is great because it allows for players to step up when injuries happen and it also allows the FO the luxury of letting some players walk when there is talent behind them.
[/quote]

Oh I agree depth is great, but we also saw how guys like Ronnie Prude showed flashes in 2006, when the overall defense was good, but couldn't cover a sole in 2007 and beyond. So for guys like Gorrer, Brown and Graham, they have to wait as long as it takes them to outperform a guy like Williams.

As we saw last season, the Ravens want guys to compete and if you prove worth, you'll get your opportunity. Carr didn't see much time last season because guys like Jimmy, Cary and Danny outplayed him. It didn't matter what his contract said. He's play didn't match the others, so he sat. Cary nor Danny were guys who were promised a spot last season like Webb, Carr, Fox, and Smith were. They both had to bust their humps and earn their paying time.

So at 27, and a first year starter, a guy like Cary Williams isn't blocking a guy like Danny Gorrer, because Danny could very well out work him in camp and preseason.

You ask, how much do you wanna invest into your 3rd CB, I think you invest enough to keep him around but don't put too much into that position. Ozzie has spent a long time trying to sure up that CB position. I could see a Josh Wilson/Asante Samuel type deal for Cary Williams. 3yrs/10-13M.

Because Jimmy Smith while be locked up until 2015, you're basically paying for 2 starting CBs(Webb, Cary) and getting the 3rd at a discount(Jimmy). Then once that 3yr deal is up for Cary, it'll be time for Jimmy to get his big contract, and you hope guys like Gorrer and Brown prove worthy of that nickle spot.

As for young guys like Dickson, Pitta and Kruger, I think we are over-estimating what their contracts will look like next season. It won't cost that much to have those guys in a Baltimore Ravens uniform in 2013 imo.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1342563393' post='1099805']


Oh I agree depth is great, but we also saw how guys like Ronnie Prude showed flashes in 2006, when the overall defense was good, but couldn't cover a sole in 2007 and beyond. So for guys like Gorrer, Brown and Graham, they have to wait as long as it takes them to outperform a guy like Williams.

As we saw last season, the Ravens want guys to compete and if you prove worth, you'll get your opportunity. Carr didn't see much time last season because guys like Jimmy, Cary ; Danny outplayed him. It didn't matter what his contract said. He's play didn't match the others, so he sat. Cary nor Danny were guys who were promised a spot last season like Webb, Carr, Fox, and Smith were. They both had to bust their humps and earn their paying time.

So at 27, and a first year starter, a guy like Cary Williams isn't blocking a guy like Danny Gorrer, because Danny could very well out work him in camp and preseason.

You ask, how much do you wanna invest into your 3rd CB, I think you invest enough to keep him around but don't put too much into that position. Ozzie has spent a long time trying to sure up that CB position. I could see a Josh Wilson/Asante Samuel type deal for Cary Williams. 3yrs/10-13M.

Because Jimmy Smith while be locked up until 2015, you're basically paying for 2 starting CBs(Webb, Cary) and getting the 3rd at a discount(Jimmy). Then once that 3yr deal is up for Cary, it'll be time for Jimmy to get his big contract, and you hope guys like Gorrer and Brown prove worthy of that nickle spot.

As for young guys like Dickson, Pitta and Kruger, I think we are over-estimating what their contracts will look like next season. It won't cost that much to have those guys in a Baltimore Ravens uniform in 2013 imo.
[/quote]
If Cary has another solid year than a 3 year 10M deal would make sense, but he is coming off an injury and like you said there is no guarantee he will even be the nickel back this season. He should be based off last years performance, but maybe a young guy does step up instead.

Dickson and Pitta will both be 2nd round tenders most likely based off their play so far, could be more or less but thats roughly 3M in cap space. Then there is Kruger who I think the Ravens would like to keep...thats probably 4-5M a year which also could be more if he has a huge season. I dont know how they and Cary all get paid, and Cary would the least important of those players imo.

[jaege]

[quote name='izvoodoo' timestamp='1342548670' post='1099690']
It's tough, because on one end you have eli making 15, and kevin kolb making what 12?
[/quote]

That is true, but is Kolb worth 12? Eli just won another SB, so there is [i]some [/i]justification for him to get a big check...I guess. The Ravens do not overpay. Rice did not get ridiculous AP or CJ money, he got a reasonable salary for a very valuable player. Flacco will get the same.

[Bazooka Joe]

These recent strong drafts have helped in our cap situation. Look at how many guys on the current roster still on rookie contracts. We've gotten immediate or fast return from

McPhee
Flacco
Kruger (after initially headed to bustville).
Pitts
Dickson
Torrey Smith
Oher
Jimmy Smith
Morgan Cox
T. Cody
Upshaw

Rice, Ngata, McClain and Yanda recently got new deals but are all draftees.

Then we have promising kids such as Kindle, Gorrer, Bryan Hall, Boren. and those in this draft class. Even the udfas.

When you draft as well as we have the past five years it really helps with cap management.