Was It Worth It?

[Gashman]

I don't have the particulars on his contract, but I thought I heard we were close in number to resigning Grubbs. It's a shame JJ and Redding couldn't be here for this either.

It does beg the question in a cap strapped Super Bowl contender, would you be willing to take less for a ring? Or even just to be part of this organization. It is family here, but I realize you have to take care of your family.

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

I think they knew what they were doing when the chose bigger contracts elsewhere. I wish they could have been a part of this, but business is business

[Malkavian Raven]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]I know the reports have been in the $100M range for Joe... but honestly, I don't see him asking for that much. If he wants to be a contender for years to come, I can see Joe settling for something in the $60-70M range.[/i][/font]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]That being said, I think it's a personal preference... either you're in it for the money... or you're in it for the accolades. You can't have both.[/i][/font]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]You know who I feel the most sorry for right now... Larry Fitzgerald... 'cause he ain't never getting a ring.[/i][/font]

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Gashman' timestamp='1360029247' post='1345648']
I don't have the particulars on his contract, but I thought I heard we were close in number to resigning Grubbs. It's a shame JJ and Redding couldn't be here for this either.

It does beg the question in a cap strapped Super Bowl contender, would you be willing to take less for a ring? Or even just to be part of this organization. It is family here, but I realize you have to take care of your family.
[/quote]
I honestly believe the FO let Redding & JJ walk. I don't think they seriously pursued them. Possibly that's because they were tied up in Grubbs & Rice, as well as Webb, Pollard & Williams. Two out of those four isn't bad, nor is three out of 7. Personally, I'm glad we have Pollard, Webb & Rice locked up for years. It's a shame we lost Redding--could have really used him. Still, Jones has STEPPED UP on a ladder and I'm seriously impressed by his skill.

[bauer77]

It really is a shame that JJ couldn't be here to finally get a ring. He was one of the most underrated LB's in the league over the years.

[gilgamesh]

I don't particularly feel bad for anyone we lost last offseason. However, I wish there was a way for Heap and Mase to be a part of this SB run.

[PuRock]

Its really hard to know who will win the championship in any given year. So you have to treat yourself like a business first. [size=4]Grubbs made the right choice from that standpoint. He got paid and he went to a contender. Protecting Drew Brees of all people. Can't hold that against him. [/size]

[size=4]A lot of guys don't have ties to Baltimore like the fans. We want them to, but that's not reality. [/size]

[gabefergy]

[quote name='CosmicRedPanda' timestamp='1360029792' post='1345666']
[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]I know the reports have been in the $100M range for Joe... but honestly, I don't see him asking for that much. If he wants to be a contender for years to come, I can see Joe settling for something in the $60-70M range.[/i][/font]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]That being said, I think it's a personal preference... either you're in it for the money... or you're in it for the accolades. You can't have both.[/i][/font]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]You know who I feel the most sorry for right now... Larry Fitzgerald... 'cause he ain't never getting a ring.[/i][/font]
[/quote]

I don't think he is looking to make 20M a year as some reports have indicated, but he will almost assuredly have a deal over 100M. Probably something like 7 years, 120M with 50M guaranteed.

[Moderator 2]

JJ was slowing down as was Mase and the often injured Heap. As Ravens fans we will always love them. My son keeps asking me if all cities feel about their team like Baltimore does-- I think definitely GreenBay and Chicago, Pittsburgh I could be wrong.

[Footman DCXLV]

[quote name='CosmicRedPanda' timestamp='1360029792' post='1345666']
[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]I know the reports have been in the $100M range for Joe... but honestly, I don't see him asking for that much. If he wants to be a contender for years to come, I can see Joe settling for something in the $60-70M range.[/i][/font]
[/quote]

I'd be shocked if he doesn't get a $100 million contract, but the key is how long the contract is for (big difference between $100 million for five years, or for seven), and how much is guaranteed.
I don't know much about how contracts are written, but we've been saying "In Ozzie we trust" for years, right? Joe is a confident guy who isn't willing to ask for what he feels he deserves, but there's no reason to expect it'll hurt the team in the long run. At least, that's my position until free agency hits.

[BloodRaven]

Everyone who walked away this offseason did so for the money, now they know the grass isn't always greener.

It's awesome to see their twitter feeds stop dead before the big game.

[redrum52]

[quote name='Gashman' timestamp='1360029247' post='1345648']
I don't have the particulars on his contract, but I thought I heard we were close in number to resigning Grubbs. It's a shame JJ and Redding couldn't be here for this either.

It does beg the question in a cap strapped Super Bowl contender, would you be willing to take less for a ring? Or even just to be part of this organization. It is family here, but I realize you have to take care of your family.
[/quote]

You can't just look at it one way. You could tell from JJ and Redding, they were all in last year. They fought and took smaller contracts initially to sign with the team, or resign in JJ's case. It was time for them to try and get that last big check before they essentially finish their careers. Grubb's get trash talked, and though I'm not sure on the whole topic, I think he did sort of want to stay. You can't be mad, he was paid to play on a team that had been a contender, where he plays in a dome at least 9 times a season. I'm pretty sure having to come back and play with Cameron didn't help our case either.

[poedacrow]

[quote name='Gashman' timestamp='1360029247' post='1345648']
I don't have the particulars on his contract, but I thought I heard we were close in number to resigning Grubbs. It's a shame JJ and Redding couldn't be here for this either.

It does beg the question in a cap strapped Super Bowl contender,[b] would you be willing to take less for a ring?[/b] Or even just to be part of this organization. It is family here, but I realize you have to take care of your family.
[/quote]I would imagine most professional athletes are faced with that quandary. I've also recently heard Flacco say that this is the "best locker room" he's ever been associated with. I guess it depends on your goals and aspirations as an athlete, tempered with your responsibility to family. You've got to look out for yourself but if I were in their shoes I'd try hard as heck to concede a "hometown discount." From what I've seen and heard, its a great place to work

[quoth_the_raven_neverscore]

i was puzzled as to why jarret left, he was a veteran leadership kind of guy and we were knocking on the door of the super bowl. why the hell go to san diego of all places? and we really could have used him when suggs went down and it was musical linebackers for the first several weeks... redding i was fond of as well but him leaving made a bit more sense, clearly he had a close relation with pagano and wanted to roll with him

*shrugs* i'd be kicking myself if i were any of those guys, but who's to say what's right for them

[PurpleCorsair]

Heap and Mase are the only guys I feel bad for.

[Yatagarasu]

[quote name='PurpleCorsair' timestamp='1360062498' post='1346121']
Heap and Mase are the only guys I feel bad for.
[/quote]

True, but we don't have to feel bad anymore for the future Hall of Famer Ed Reed getting his ring.

Anquan Boldin was playing out there like there was no tomorrow because he knew this might be his only chance to be a champion. It's a shame that we might have to release or trade him to make some cap room. However, if Ozzie finds a way to extend his contract for another couple years, I think that would be huge because Boldin's game isn't built on speed, but on traffic catching and jump ball. All the redzone TDs he brought in the playoffs were tough to depend because he leaps and outmuscles any cornerbacks for the ball.

Matt Birk was steady as ever and he might decide to hang it up, but he too can keep playing.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1360031452' post='1345734']
Its really hard to know who will win the championship in any given year. So you have to treat yourself like a business first. [size=4]Grubbs made the right choice from that standpoint. He got paid and he went to a contender. Protecting Drew Brees of all people. Can't hold that against him. [/size]

[size=4]A lot of guys don't have ties to Baltimore like the fans. We want them to, but that's not reality. [/size]
[/quote]
Ehh, I still feel like Grubbs didn't even give us a chance to resign him. We obviously couldn't offer the money NO could but I still don't get the feeling Grubbs even acknowledged our offer with anything more than a "ok".

[Gashman]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1360063116' post='1346122']


True, but we don't have to feel bad anymore for the future Hall of Famer Ed Reed getting his ring.

Anquan Boldin was playing out there like there was no tomorrow because he knew this might be his only chance to be a champion. It's a shame that we might have to release or trade him to make some cap room. However, if Ozzie finds a way to extend his contract for another couple years, I think that would be huge because Boldin's game isn't built on speed, but on traffic catching and jump ball. All the redzone TDs he brought in the playoffs were tough to depend because he leaps and outmuscles any cornerbacks for the ball.

Matt Birk was steady as ever and he might decide to hang it up, but he too can keep playing.
[/quote]

I wonder if Boldin would consider a discount to stay, or if Joe would consider throwing some of his Boldins way to keep him here?

[Tiz]

Grubbs I believe was a money issue as well as thinking n.o. Had a shot.
Jj I didn't view as money thought he wanted to make a name for himself which I understand
Redding was up there in years.
Heap often injured
Mase I stopped liking long before he was gone

[Raven07]

I would definitely pick the ring and superbowl glory over money any day.....this is about the TEAM. a City... BALTIMORE! and we did it!........ money is a personal thing. GLORY..SUPERBOWL glory is a TEAM thing. a City thing you play this game to win the Superbowl and get this feeling and moment.

[JohnnyBoy8102]

I am happy for all the over 30 vets that got a ring, in particular:

Ed
Birk
Q
Ayanbadejo
Leach
McKinnie
Suggs (turned 30 in October)

Even a guy like Bobbie Williams who was solid for years prior to coming to Baltimore.

[beasy2487]

[quote name='CosmicRedPanda' timestamp='1360029792' post='1345666']
[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]I know the reports have been in the $100M range for Joe... but honestly, I don't see him asking for that much. If he wants to be a contender for years to come, I can see Joe settling for something in the $60-70M range.[/i][/font]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]That being said, I think it's a personal preference... either you're in it for the money... or you're in it for the accolades. You can't have both.[/i][/font]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]You know who I feel the most sorry for right now... Larry Fitzgerald... 'cause he ain't never getting a ring.[/i][/font]
[/quote]

This is not how business works. The market value is 100M [i]minimum, [/i]and that's a years-old contract at this point (Brees). It's not about "settling to remain a contender," it's about getting one shot in your lifetime to max out a contract and this is it for Joe. He did what he needed to do, now our FO gets to figure out how to make it work.

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='JohnnyBoy8102' timestamp='1360086302' post='1346397']
I am happy for all the over 30 vets that got a ring, in particular:

Ed
Birk
Q
Ayanbadejo
Leach
McKinnie
Suggs (turned 30 in October)

Even a guy like Bobbie Williams who was solid for years prior to coming to Baltimore.
[/quote]

Add Kemoeatu, Considine and Chris Johnson to that list, even if the contribution was small their veteran presence and high character were great additions to the locker room.

[H8R]

Grubbs made the right choice for him, besides KO will be as good as him VERY soon.. and cost MUCH less!

[jdynamite]

The decision for those guys were worth it, Grubbs may be top 5 -10 Guard he could have remained her for similar money chose New Orleans for whatever reason. Redding and JJ are key role players that cashed in on a final payday of their careers. NFL being a league of parody can't say they chose teams not expecting to win.

Fans gripe too much about players wanting their money , they often forget that football is job for NFL players and like most of us we often would appreciate and love to make more money get a sizable raise at work. Players want to win championships, naturally as competitors but they also have to maximize their earning potential while its available with most of them not having any Financial Education or training, to understand how to handle their money and various problems that come with more money.

I'm sure if the NFL had an unlimited salary cap like MLB some players would stay with one organization and make the money.

Like a few years ago I never thought for a second that Ray Lewis would leave and go to Dallas but he used that as a bargaining chip to get a deal more to his liking while remaining a raven.

The idea that so many people would turn down a significant pay raise from their job without losing their integrity is comical. Lol

[Raven07]

[quote name='JohnnyBoy8102' timestamp='1360086302' post='1346397']
I am happy for all the over 30 vets that got a ring, in particular:

Ed
Birk
Q
Ayanbadejo
Leach
McKinnie
Suggs (turned 30 in October)

Even a guy like Bobbie Williams who was solid for years prior to coming to Baltimore.
[/quote]
exactly. im thrilled for the older guys whom have spent you know.... the past decade or more TRYING to get to this point now, and now....after all the trials and tribulations.....all the pain,sweat and agony...and the constant disappointment of coming up short, often leading players to question.... do I really WANT to be back or come back? ......all that goes out the window in a fleeting moment once the final second was ticked off the clock and the confetti commenced .and the sight of the silver triumph making its way towards BALTIMORE...thrilling....thrilling. for all those guys and the city!

[Sizzlebshu]

[quote name='Gashman' timestamp='1360029247' post='1345648']
I don't have the particulars on his contract, but I thought I heard we were close in number to resigning Grubbs. It's a shame JJ and Redding couldn't be here for this either.

It does beg the question in a cap strapped Super Bowl contender, would you be willing to take less for a ring? Or even just to be part of this organization. It is family here, but I realize you have to take care of your family.
[/quote]
Honestly no. A ring is great, don't get me wrong. But money is king in this league. Teams choose money over competing for a ring all the time. Decisions like taking less for a ring are dumb. You have to keep in perspective that you are playing A GAME. The NFL is a business ie your job and priority number one should be making sure you are financially stable.

That being said, many players make enough money to live several lifetimes in luxury. Flacco's agent even said his rookie contract probably set him for life. When that is the case, then you can take less for a shot at a ring, but not before hand. You have to prioritize correctly.

[chsbasebalplayer]

Dont be too mad at Grubbs. He did us a favor. Osemele is gonna be a beast at guard. And we saved all that money we were going to give him, and now we can use it on more important pieces, pieces that are more difficult to find in the draft

[GrimCoconut]

For all these people saying the players are greedy, should stay with a contender, etc. Let me ask you a question: if you were an NFL player, and the Cleveland Browns offered you a nice contract way better than you would get here would you take it? If not, why?

The way I see it, if I was an NFL player, this is how I would see things: everyone in this league is a professional. Everyone has a shot any given Sunday. We all preach that adage. Some have a better shot, but everyone has one. Would you not think you have what it takes to turn some 2-14 team around? Most NFL players think highly of themselves. Look at the Colts. They were the worst team in 2011. They had a huge rebound and made the playoffs after a few key acquisitions.

Individual players can turn around a team. It happens. That's how I would see it. "I can make this team a contender". If you think like that, it's hard to disagree with their motives. Sure, there's loyalty. But I think every player genuinely believes every team has a chance, and if that player is worth anything they will believe they can improve a team.