Next Man Up: Extensions & Re-Signings

[GrimCoconut]

So now that we've signed Flacco (our #1 priority) to his deal, the question remains who is the Next Man Up? This is currently being discussed in multiple threads, so I figured it would be easier to just have one thread to discuss all the possible extensions/re-signings.

[b]#1. Dannell Ellerbe[/b]: (Unrestricted Free Agent) Currently, the next objective is supposedly Dannell Ellerbe, but from what I just read on Rotoworld, he is said to be seeking a "multi-year deal worth 25-30 million", which seems like an extremely steep price for an ILB. Granted, he does offer a ton in terms of pressure up the middle, and his coverage skills are decent but not exceptional. He is great against the run, really hits hard and has shown great instincts. He has also had a problem with injuries these past two years (concussion, thumbs, ankle off the top of my head), as well as maturity issues before this year. I am not so sure I want to invest 5-6M a year into an ILB, especially one that has had an issue with health these past two years.

[b]#2. Dennis Pitta[/b]: (Restricted Free Agent) Next up would be Dennis Pitta, I would think. I'd rank Ed Reed a bit higher, but I really think the Ravens will let him see what teams will offer & return to them with the offer sheets and they will attempt to match if the price isn't unreasonable. Dennis Pitta is Joe Flacco's favorite emerging weapon, it would seem. I think he is very critical to our future success, and since we have two TEs who will be RFAs this year and subsequently FA next year, I think we extend Pitta now rather than wait.

[b]#3. Michael Oher[/b]: (Final year of original deal) He is in the final year of his deal, and we were discussing an extension last offseason & early into the season. Those talks apparently didn't get too far. While a lot of people dislike Michael's play on the left side, he has shown great versatility as a swing tackle as well as the ability to play well on the right side. He has good character, and could be willing to sign for a bit of a discount, especially after we let the world see what he can do as a LT--which isn't that much.

[b]#4. Arthur Jones[/b]: (Restricted Free Agent) Another guy I think we will prioritize somewhere, and I think after Oher & Pitta he's our top-guy on the defense to retain for next year. He had a slow start, but I attribute that to not getting enough starting reps. He really improved a lot as the year went on and showed me at least that he's worth keeping around. I'd hate to lose him, because I think he would be a great piece of our defense in the next few years & beyond.

[b]#5. Ed Reed[/b]: (Unrestricted Free Agent) After these guys, I think Reed could get his deal. It might be sooner, but I place him here because I really expect him to test the market to see his value. I don't think it will be as high as some believe. I also believe, if the reports are true, that he would return to Baltimore and we would match 5M a year or at least get close at 4.5M. I think Reed would return here for a half-million difference.

[b]#6. Paul Kruger[/b]: (Unrestricted Free Agent) I see him being after Reed and the rest. The truth is, by this point, he will most likely be signed by another team.

[b]#7. Cary Williams[/b]: (Unrestricted Free Agent) See Paul Kruger.

What are your thoughts on who we keep and lose?

[The Oakland Cathedral]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1362332224' post='1375794']
So now that we've signed Flacco (our #1 priority) to his deal, the question remains who is the Next Man Up? This is currently being discussed in multiple threads, so I figured it would be easier to just have one thread to discuss all the possible extensions/re-signings.

[b]#1. Dannell Ellerbe[/b]: (Unrestricted Free Agent) Currently, the next objective is supposedly Dannell Ellerbe, but from what I just read on Rotoworld, he is said to be seeking a "multi-year deal worth 25-30 million", which seems like an extremely steep price for an ILB. Granted, he does offer a ton in terms of pressure up the middle, and his coverage skills are decent but not exceptional. He is great against the run, really hits hard and has shown great instincts. He has also had a problem with injuries these past two years (concussion, thumbs, ankle off the top of my head), as well as maturity issues before this year. I am not so sure I want to invest 5-6M a year into an ILB, especially one that has had an issue with health these past two years.

[b]#2. Dennis Pitta[/b]: (Restricted Free Agent) Next up would be Dennis Pitta, I would think. I'd rank Ed Reed a bit higher, but I really think the Ravens will let him see what teams will offer & return to them with the offer sheets and they will attempt to match if the price isn't unreasonable. Dennis Pitta is Joe Flacco's favorite emerging weapon, it would seem. I think he is very critical to our future success, and since we have two TEs who will be RFAs this year and subsequently FA next year, I think we extend Pitta now rather than wait.

[b]#3. Michael Oher[/b]: (Final year of original deal) He is in the final year of his deal, and we were discussing an extension last offseason & early into the season. Those talks apparently didn't get too far. While a lot of people dislike Michael's play on the left side, he has shown great versatility as a swing tackle as well as the ability to play well on the right side. He has good character, and could be willing to sign for a bit of a discount, especially after we let the world see what he can do as a LT--which isn't that much.

[b]#4. Arthur Jones[/b]: (Restricted Free Agent) Another guy I think we will prioritize somewhere, and I think after Oher & Pitta he's our top-guy on the defense to retain for next year. He had a slow start, but I attribute that to not getting enough starting reps. He really improved a lot as the year went on and showed me at least that he's worth keeping around. I'd hate to lose him, because I think he would be a great piece of our defense in the next few years & beyond.

[b]#5. Ed Reed[/b]: (Unrestricted Free Agent) After these guys, I think Reed could get his deal. It might be sooner, but I place him here because I really expect him to test the market to see his value. I don't think it will be as high as some believe. I also believe, if the reports are true, that he would return to Baltimore and we would match 5M a year or at least get close at 4.5M. I think Reed would return here for a half-million difference.

[b]#6. Paul Kruger[/b]: (Unrestricted Free Agent) I see him being after Reed and the rest. The truth is, by this point, he will most likely be signed by another team.

[b]#7. Cary Williams[/b]: (Unrestricted Free Agent) See Paul Kruger.

What are your thoughts on who we keep and lose?
[/quote]I would guess Jones and Reed both come before Oher. I would also probably rank pitta and Ellerbe the same.

[gabefergy]

I think we need to keep Ed Dickson too. He isnt as consistent as Pitta, but is still a valuable piece on offense. At minimum he should command the original round RFA tender.

[HomeoftheBRAVENS]

5 years $25 mil sounds like a steal for Dannell Ellerbe.His play is trending upwards.Also,since the next 4 guys on the list are either restricted or under contract Reed should be number 2.Right after we lock up Ellerbe we need to keep the patriots from taking him from us.Kruger and Williams can walk.Theyll cost too much to keep and we have players who can replace them.Upshaw can take over as the main OLB on the other side of Suggs and Webb can go back to being our #1 cb when he comes back.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1362332940' post='1375797']
I think we need to keep Ed Dickson too. He isnt as consistent as Pitta, but is still a valuable piece on offense. At minimum he should command the original round RFA tender.
[/quote]
Oh, I agree. This was more about extensions/re-signs than tenders. We're not letting Dickson go. I just think we'll do a Webb/Williams, where we let Dickson play the year on a tender and talk next year.

[ravensdfan]

Here's my assessment:

#1 Ellerbe - I had high hopes after inking Flacco that we'd be able to keep him around. Not sure the Ravens will go that high for an ILB with basically one good season under his belt though, if that is indeed the numbers we'd have to fork over.

#2 Ed Reed - I'd agree that the Ravens could let him test the market, but I still think he ranks up there in terms of priority. I know he's lost some with age and injury, but it is his leadership skills we'd miss. Let's hope they can come to some agreement that keeps him a Raven for life.

#3 Pitta - Let's extend this guy now before he has his breakout season. Perhaps the Ravens learned something by letting Joe play his year out and get this done now.

#4 Boldin - I think lowering his cap hit this season could be crucial and could see the Ravens extending his contract to make it more cap friendly this year.

#5 Jones - Same deal as with Boldin.

I don't think Oher is a priority at all. While he plays great at RT, he is merely serviceable at LT. He is a great team player though, and has not complained about being moved around all the time. They could very well decide to deal with him this season, but I don't think he falls into any kind of priority right now.

Kruger & Williams are gone. No matter the deal with Flacco, I think this was already set in stone. Both will want more than the Ravens can or will offer.

[PolishRifle]

Rotoworld rumors:

Cary Williams may be heading to Indy
Paul Kruger may be heading to the Browns
Dannell Ellerbe is supposedly seeking "$25-30 million on a multi-year deal."

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='PolishRifle' timestamp='1362333319' post='1375804']
Rotoworld rumors:

Cary Williams may be heading to Indy
[b]Paul Kruger may be heading to the Browns[/b]
Dannell Ellerbe is supposedly seeking "$25-30 million on a multi-year deal."
[/quote]
I think the perfect place for Paul to go is Miami. He would be in a 4-3 as a DE and would have Wake across from him.

I just think Ellerbe, who has had one great year coincidentally on the final year of his deal, is a little expensive at 5-6M a year. I really like him as a player a lot. It's just that's really expensive. I'm interested in how much he wants.

[ravensdfan]

[quote name='PolishRifle' timestamp='1362333319' post='1375804']
Rotoworld rumors:

Cary Williams may be heading to Indy
Paul Kruger may be heading to the Browns
Dannell Ellerbe is supposedly seeking "$25-30 million on a multi-year deal."
[/quote]

Poor Kruger. I wouldn't want to touch that organization.
I figured Williams could wind up in Indy with Pagano there.
I still hope we are able to keep Ellerbe.

[Tank 92]

[quote name='PolishRifle' timestamp='1362333319' post='1375804']
Rotoworld rumors:

Cary Williams may be heading to Indy
Paul Kruger may be heading to the Browns
Dannell Ellerbe is supposedly seeking "$25-30 million on a multi-year deal."
[/quote]

Yeah, I think Williams was gone before the season ended. And has been said, Freddy's price tag will not fit under the cap. We'll find a way to keep Ellerbe. I just pray that he will stay healthy.

[PurpleCityLights]

Let Carry Williams walk and just draft Leon Sandcastle.........

[bMore Heathen]

Leon Sandcastle?!?
Looks like an ugly Deion Sanders!!

[hawkprey]

I agree with the OP's priority rankings. Boldin may have to take a pay cut to keep Ed. Dickson is not a lost cause and should be a priority too. He needs to catch better, but he's a big target and for a TE is explosive with the ball in his hands.

I don't think Oher is a lost cause because we've taken a step to improve our poor O-line coaching by signing Juan Castillo. He looked good against Von Miller at least.

[runamuk]

I was optimictic about keeping ellerbe then i saw this in an interview :
"I'm looking forward to making the best out of everything," Ellerbe told WNST-AM, [url="http://sportsradiointerviews.com/2013/02/26/dannell-ellerbe-baltimore-ravens-2013-nfl-free-agency/"]via SportsRadioInterviews.com[/url]. "The team that I play for, the money that I get, the situation I'm going into and all of that plays into it. I already have a Super bowl . I want to be in Baltimore. My heart is in Baltimore, I love Baltimore, I love the fans, I love talking to y'all guys and I know I'm not going to talk to y'all somewhere else."

not so sure he's staying anymore . i agree with whats posted here . not an oher fan but he is good at rt.

[GrimCoconut]

Oops. I forgot to include Big Mac. I would put him at #6, personally. He played well, but I would prioritize the other guys ahead of him because to be honest I think they offer more going forward. I like the way McKinnie played, but he sounds like he wants too much to keep. I still remember that Breakfast Club interview.

[redrum52]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1362333028' post='1375800']
Here's my assessment:

#1 Ellerbe - I had high hopes after inking Flacco that we'd be able to keep him around. Not sure the Ravens will go that high for an ILB with basically one good season under his belt though, if that is indeed the numbers we'd have to fork over.

#2 Ed Reed - I'd agree that the Ravens could let him test the market, but I still think he ranks up there in terms of priority. I know he's lost some with age and injury, but it is his leadership skills we'd miss. Let's hope they can come to some agreement that keeps him a Raven for life.

#3 Pitta - Let's extend this guy now before he has his breakout season. Perhaps the Ravens learned something by letting Joe play his year out and get this done now.

#4 Boldin - I think lowering his cap hit this season could be crucial and could see the Ravens extending his contract to make it more cap friendly this year.

#5 Jones - Same deal as with Boldin.

I don't think Oher is a priority at all. While he plays great at RT, he is merely serviceable at LT. He is a great team player though, and has not complained about being moved around all the time. They could very well decide to deal with him this season, but I don't think he falls into any kind of priority right now.

Kruger & Williams are gone. No matter the deal with Flacco, I think this was already set in stone. Both will want more than the Ravens can or will offer.
[/quote]

This would be my order as well. Oher isn't necessarily a priority and though I want to keep him there is still Jah Reid who would be a decent rt.

[berad]

Just my opinions: The big RFAs will be easy, give Pitta a first or (probably) second tender, hit Art Jones with a second tender, and Dickson with an original round.

Jacoby and Boldin I would probably extend but not for that long. Boldin's career is winding down so probably only an addition year which would lessen his cap hit this season. And Jacoby maybe extend him for about two years, averaging a $2-2.5M hit over that time. I would make Jacoby's deal long but returners are extremely finicky and many burn out after big seasons, Jacoby is a beast but you need to see it over a period of time.

The Ravens will make a definite run at Ellerbe but I'm not sure they have the money to contend with the open market. Hopefully he's back. Reed's probably back.

McKinnie, Kruger, and Williams walk for the cash. Remember, McKinnie was getting loans to make it through the offseason...

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1362335764' post='1375860']
Just my opinions: The big RFAs will be easy, give Pitta a first or (probably) second tender, hit Art Jones with a second tender, and Dickson with an original round.

Jacoby and Boldin I would probably extend but not for that long. Boldin's career is winding down so probably only an addition year which would lessen his cap hit this season. And Jacoby maybe extend him for about two years, averaging a $2-2.5M hit over that time. I would make Jacoby's deal long but returners are extremely finicky and many burn out after big seasons, Jacoby is a beast but you need to see it over a period of time.

The Ravens will make a definite run at Ellerbe but I'm not sure they have the money to contend with the open market. Hopefully he's back. Reed's probably back.

McKinnie, Kruger, and Williams walk for the cash. Remember, McKinnie was getting loans to make it through the offseason...
[/quote]
My problem with re-signing/extending/restructuring a deal with Jacoby is as you said, returners can burn out quick. On top of it, what if someone like Tavon Austin is there at 32? I mean, I would seriously consider him at that pick. He could replace JJ as a returner and prove to be a dangerous weapon as a WR. We could also bring back David Reed cheap, IMO.

I love JJ. I want him here long-term. He offers a lot, but I don't see breaking the bank for him.

[Guest llwillow1231]

Ellerbe, mckinnie (with his baggage i think we r his best shot), re-negotiate Jacoby and Boldin . Cut bobbie williams, and kemo .cary williams i have heard rumors: colts patriots and browns , kruger i have heard maimi, browns colts . kruger i will miss . Pitta is a must .i also heard ellerbe is being shopped by his agent so time will tell how that goes.

[Tank 92]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1362336726' post='1375875']
My problem with re-signing/extending/restructuring a deal with Jacoby is as you said, returners can burn out quick. On top of it, what if someone like Tavon Austin is there at 32? I mean, I would seriously consider him at that pick. He could replace JJ as a returner and prove to be a dangerous weapon as a WR. We could also bring back David Reed cheap, IMO.

I love JJ. I want him here long-term. He offers a lot, but I don't see breaking the bank for him.
[/quote]

I doubt we go WR at 32.

[Guest llwillow1231]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1362336726' post='1375875']
My problem with re-signing/extending/restructuring a deal with Jacoby is as you said, returners can burn out quick. On top of it, what if someone like Tavon Austin is there at 32? I mean, I would seriously consider him at that pick. He could replace JJ as a returner and prove to be a dangerous weapon as a WR. We could also bring back David Reed cheap, IMO.

I love JJ. I want him here long-term. He offers a lot, but I don't see breaking the bank for him.
[/quote]i agree about austin if he's there . i like jacoby hes a character but his hands aren't
perfect yes i know 56 and 70 yards watch how he catches the ball .

[Brandon22]

How about Pitta, then Reed then Oher and Jones and like sources say let ellerbe and his agent look at more options only time will tell

[Ravenseconbeast]

Key reason why Ellerbe will command a cheaper price than what he wants.

1: injury prone
2: MLB Market is cheap.
3: drafts on LB this year is deepest of all position

Cant break a bank for ellerbe. But his the #1 priority now. I see Art/Dennis playing under a tender & try to have Reed signed up & boldin contract extended for +2 extra years.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1362335764' post='1375860']
Just my opinions: The big RFAs will be easy, give Pitta a first or (probably) second tender, hit Art Jones with a second tender, and Dickson with an original round.

Jacoby and Boldin I would probably extend but not for that long. Boldin's career is winding down so probably only an addition year which would lessen his cap hit this season. And Jacoby maybe extend him for about two years, averaging a $2-2.5M hit over that time. I would make Jacoby's deal long but returners are extremely finicky and many burn out after big seasons, Jacoby is a beast but you need to see it over a period of time.

The Ravens will make a definite run at Ellerbe but I'm not sure they have the money to contend with the open market. Hopefully he's back. Reed's probably back.

McKinnie, Kruger, and Williams walk for the cash. Remember, McKinnie was getting loans to make it through the offseason...
[/quote] Second for Pitta makes sense. The lower the round, the less the cap hit, and Ertz, Eifert, and Escobar may all be available in the 2nd if someone does somehow get taken. No one's taking Dickson. Art Jones probably could be a 3rd (again, if he's taken, the 3rd round is pretty good this year).

Ellerbe is a key cog in our defense and is our next priority. It's no coincidence that we lost all 3 games he was out.

[Ravenseconbeast]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1362332940' post='1375797']
I think we need to keep Ed Dickson too. He isnt as consistent as Pitta, but is still a valuable piece on offense. At minimum he should command the original round RFA tender.
[/quote]

I think with the time Ravens spent on dickson, we'll more than likely let him go after this season. His been given alot of reps and opportunity but has proven he isn't effective. If you think about it, the chance of grooming a TE @ the level of dickson's production is very HIGH. I say we draft a TE @ later rounds in 4th round like Gavin Escobar(a physical 6-6' freak who is fast and strong) and build next to Pitta.

We can't pay all of our UFA/RFA, and i think dickson is the last of our priorities imo.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

i think hitting Pitta with the 2nd round tender will not show too much respect for what he's given us so far... a (very) late 2nd pick for him if a team there would go for him won't cover us for the loss... and we want him long term

[rmw10]

[quote name='horus13corvineus' timestamp='1362339927' post='1375938']
i think hitting Pitta with the 2nd round tender will not show too much respect for what he's given us so far... a (very) late 2nd pick for him if a team there would go for him won't cover us for the loss... and we want him long term
[/quote]

A team won't give up a 2nd for him. Someone like Ertz may still be available in the late 2nd. While Pitta is good, he hasn't shown enough to be that highly-valued yet.

[GrimCoconut]

I really think Pitta gets a new deal this year. That's just a really strong hunch. The guy has played really well and we have two of our starting TEs that will be RFAs and subsequently FAs next year. You don't want to go into next year's offseason with two starters as FAs and have absolutely nothing behind them. That's why I think we will give Pitta a new deal and draft a TE somewhere in this draft. It's what the Ravens do. I am like 75% sure we will get Pitta a new deal this offseason.

I don't know about Arthur Jones. I really want to see him get a new deal, but he's 50/50. We also have McPhee behind him so the FO may let him play out his deal.

We have two starting WRs as FAs next year (JJ & Boldin). JJ is also our RS. It's really unknown what happens with him. The FO could just pull a Dilfer and cut him. I wouldn't be at all surprised.

Of all our RFAs & FAs left, I think the two I feel best about the Ravens re-signing/extending are Dennis Pitta & Ed Reed.

[berad]

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1362339021' post='1375917']
Second for Pitta makes sense. The lower the round, the less the cap hit, and Ertz, Eifert, and Escobar may all be available in the 2nd if someone does somehow get taken. No one's taking Dickson. Art Jones probably could be a 3rd (again, if he's taken, the 3rd round is pretty good this year).

Ellerbe is a key cog in our defense and is our next priority. It's no coincidence that we lost all 3 games he was out.
[/quote]

Jones can't be a third, the NFL RFA tenders go 1st, 2nd, and original round. So it's either put the 2nd on him or give him the original (5th round, for him) and shield your eyes as he is plucked by another team.

And I agree about Ellerbe, he was definitely the priority behind Flacco but part of his problem is injury concerns. Now that he's overcome whatever mental hurdles were hindering him, he has to stay healthy.


[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1362336726' post='1375875']
My problem with re-signing/extending/restructuring a deal with Jacoby is as you said, returners can burn out quick. On top of it, what if someone like Tavon Austin is there at 32? I mean, I would seriously consider him at that pick. He could replace JJ as a returner and prove to be a dangerous weapon as a WR. We could also bring back David Reed cheap, IMO.

I love JJ. I want him here long-term. He offers a lot, but I don't see breaking the bank for him.
[/quote]

A shorter, $2-2.5M/season deal for Jacoby isn't breaking the bank but I see your point. I think he deserves an extension. Heck, he has a Raven tattooed on his back.

If Austin is at 32, Ozzie trades out. ie Tim Tebow lol

[Ravenseconbeast]

Actually, i don't think Escobar is a good fit now that i think about it. His a bad blocking TE and pitta isnt a good blocker either so we'll need one that is fast & has blocking skills and is a situational playmaker. Since TE isnt a dire need we'll draft one @ 4th-5th round maybe.
Maybe UCLA product Joe Fauria fits that list.