[News] Free Agency Rumor Mill

[Brandon22]

I wish NFL's Cap was Like Baseballs Cap Space

[roamingcharges]

Honestly I don't think giving Ellerbe a big deal is in the Ravens best interest. For starters he is hardly John Harbaugh's favorite player, and so with a freshly minted large contract he will have more leverage than previously when he was an undrafted free agent. All the lateness for meetings and the other shenanigans that put him in the "dog house" happened when he had no leverage with the team, imagine what might happen if there is a disagreement with Harbaugh. I wish we could meld Jameel McClain's personal values with Ellerbe's physical talent... Oh well.

[sami]

Ok first off Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson says that Ellerbes agent told him he doesnt expect a deal before Saturday. Then in the next breath says the Ravens are prepared to make Ellerbe a significant offer before Saturday. I dont think Aaron knows whats going on.

Also every interview ive heard Ellerbe give it sounded like he really wanted to stay in Baltimore. Unless I missed one or two, I'd say he was very clear about him wanting to stay.

[NaveSenrag]

[quote name='Brandon22' timestamp='1362783074' post='1381729']
I wish NFL's Cap was Like Baseballs Cap Space
[/quote]
If that was how it worked, the Cowboys, Steelers, and Patriots would get to pick whatever free agents they wanted because no team could match their offers. Small market teams would get stuck in a rut and never get out. Every year, one of the former three teams would be in the Superbowl, and the few times they lost would be pleasant surprises. It would absolutely destroy the NFL's diversity and drive interest down across the entire world.

I'll take losing a player or two I really like every year or two over that nightmare.

[Schoel]

[quote name='Brandon22' timestamp='1362783074' post='1381729']
I wish NFL's Cap was Like Baseballs Cap Space
[/quote]

So that Teams could spend more money than they have?

[DretheRavenFan]

The best safety ever, that we drafted must retire here no way around it

[NaveSenrag]

[quote name='DretheRavenFan' timestamp='1362784767' post='1381769']
The best safety ever, that we drafted must retire here no way around it
[/quote]
Ed Reed can do whatever he wants, as far as I'm concerned. He's earned the right to decide his own fate.

[cobrajet]

I am willing to bet that even if we lose most all our fine free agents, I trust Ozzie will find some gems to replace them from other teams or through the draft. Because of the limited cap space we can only make an offer see what happens.

[J.O.14]

The only way Ellerbe will get a ton of money is from a team that sucks. He will never get big money from a contender. If he decides to leave for a team that has no chance to contend, fine with me. Ozzie will just do what he does best and find someone to replace him.

[bioLarzen]

[quote name='sami' timestamp='1362783986' post='1381748']
Ok first off Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson says that Ellerbes agent told him he doesnt expect a deal before Saturday. Then in the next breath says the Ravens are prepared to make Ellerbe a significant offer before Saturday. I dont think Aaron knows whats going on.

Also every interview ive heard Ellerbe give it sounded like he really wanted to stay in Baltimore. Unless I missed one or two, I'd say he was very clear about him wanting to stay.
[/quote]

... and that's exactly why we shouldn't pay too much attention to gossips and hearsay. Anyone can say anything - and they may even mean it at the moment - but after all it's what's gonna happen that counts.

Based on whatŰ's been said and reported, nobody expected the Flacco deal made so strikingly soon... If we were to go by all the reports and analyses, they would still sit at the negotiating desk, with a deal nowhere near...

As for what Mr. king says about Ellerbe - Mr. King was one of my biggest disappointments last season. He used to be such a good analyst and source of info - but last season he was simply awful. Bad, bad analyses and prognosis almost all the way. TBH, I've lost most of my respect of him as someone I should listen to...

bio

[outkast1]

Dannell Ellerbe has value as a Raven.He never had a complete season on the field?1 good year out of 4 makes him that good....I don't think he'll get the big dollars or some sorry team will overpay for him.

[balfan23]

Significant offer, as defined by the Ravens and perhaps not as defined by Ellerbe's agent.

My one fear is that there are a lot of teams out there that are compelled to take the crowbar to their wallets and pay for players to reach the 89% floor. That is likely going to drive up the price of some FAs that we thought were mid-level. Ellerbe could be one of them (or at least that is what I assume his agent is thinking).

[missing person]

Ozzie can replace anyone. His track record proves it.

[Guest D3x3001]

I'm confident we will keep Ellerbe. Ozzie and Co know what to do.

[wrm#1]

how is any of this news?

[Bohica5]

If he goes do we pick up Bart?

[FloridalovesRavens]

For crying out loud. Call Reed will ya!!!!!!!!!!

[Bernie Mc1953]

I am sorry to say but i must,Ed Reed days are numbered here in Baltimore.We have lost great players before so guys like Ed Kelly and a couple more. It would be nice to just move on and the wizard of Oz do his magic, it seems to work most of the time

[cobrajet]

I am worried about our run stopping ability and Kemo is getting older and Cody has struggled in the trenches, so I am glad that the FO is looking for help at the NT position. I admit that I know absolutely nothing about Ricky Jean-Francois but I know our defensive front was lacking last year without Cory Redding and IMHO we may have our biggest need there. I am not trying to be mean here, I am just being honest when I say this: I trust Upshaw as a fulltime OLB/DE, and maybe even Josh Bynes as an ILB and Omar Brown as our FS more than I trust sticking with Cody at NT. I know that Haloti was injured a large part of the season, but he needs some help up front. We got killed up the middle, especially by Alfred Morris in that Redskins game.

[cobrajet]

[quote name='FloridalovesRavens' timestamp='1362828263' post='1382407']
For crying out loud. Call Reed will ya!!!!!!!!!!
[/quote]
They probably should call him but I think they still may have to back off on an offer until we know about Ellerbe. IMHO, he is our biggest need and then we still need to consider the LT position and NT position. We may actually need McKinnie more than Ed. I love Ed and I can't tell you how much I want him to retire a Raven, but I am a little excited to see Omar Brown getting some playing time. He certainly needs more game experience but from the little I did see from him, the guy looks like he can bring it.

[Raven552]

I really hope we can tie down Boldin, the catches he makes are amazing. IMO he and Smith are the most dependable receivers on the team.

[Macadamia]

Just like RayLew, I love Ed Reed as much as the next Ravens fan, but as good as the guy continued to be in deep pass coverage, he increasingly became a liability as far as tackling goes. He isn't getting any younger and is one bad fall away from IR. I know we'd miss his leadership that much more than we'll already miss the G.O.A.T.'s, but it may be time to move on...

[cobrajet]

[quote name='Raven552' timestamp='1362839183' post='1382459']
I really hope we can tie down Boldin, the catches he makes are amazing. IMO he and Smith are the most dependable receivers on the team.
[/quote]
I know what you mean, Boldin is all heart and he seems to step up and take over games sometimes. He defines the term "Play like a Raven" and he is the most dependable receiver on our team. I want him back next season!

[The Greek]

ellerbe has missed games every single year. dont get me wrong i like him but kruger is more important imo and if we can upgrade the d-line with guys that hog up offensive lineman than any lb's we start will be fine. bynes, nigel carr, mclellan, lb's we draft this year and undrafted guys we sign will get it done if the big boys up front do their jobs.

[The Greek]

boldin will accept about a $3 million dollar paycut and play 1 more season while we develop streeter, doss, thompson and williams. im sure we will draft a wr as well but 1 of these guys needs to step up and show us that they can replace boldin

[pitta88islove]

Boldin Close To Being Released Friday
Wide receiver Anquan Boldin was so close to being cut on Friday that he had prepared a statement thanking fans for their support during his time in Baltimore, reports The Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson. Now the team remains hopeful of working something out with Boldin.

--> take a pay cut? such a big blow :(( we all know he's worth more than that. but the cruel reality of the tight salary cap just bites.
how about if anquan agrees to take less and then joe flacco pays him the difference?:))
seriously, i hope anquan boldin gets to stay. a solid team is the sum of all its players. anquan is definitely a very significant part of it.

[gametime]

I really hope they work something out with Boldin. He is clutch when you need a catch and I never get nervous when the ball is thrown his way.......Please Boldin......STAY HERE....I also love when they asked him before the Denver game what will be different and he said"we'll make it different." not a showboat.....bring your lunch pale get the job done lay somebody out kinda guy...a Raven through and through

[PolishRifle]

The downside of being a championship team: Suddenly every single player on the roster becomes crazy expensive.

[Claire]

I guess Ozzie knows what he is doing. He does well but 12 years between super bowls means there's room for improvement.

[Raven552]

[quote name='pitta88islove' timestamp='1362840478' post='1382477']

how about if anquan agrees to take less and then joe flacco pays him the difference? )

[/quote]

I like the way you think..