Michael Oher's contract

[Yatagarasu]

The recent contracts for OT have made the position very affordable compared to other years. This definitely has an influence on how Oher's contract will play out.

Recent OT Contracts: (Red = LT) and (Blue= RT)


Left Tackles:

Ryan Clady - All-Pro LT - Franchise Tagged - $9.828M this year

Branden Albert - Starting LT - Franchise Tagged - $9.828M this year

Jake Long - All-Pro LT - 4 years - $34M total - $20M guaranteed - $8.5M per year

William Beatty - Starting LT - 5 years - $38.75M - $12.5M guaranteed - $7.75 per year

Jermon Bushrod - Pro-Bowl LT - 5 years - $35.965M - $11M guaranteed - $7.193M per year

LT Contract Average Per Year without Franchise Tags - $7.8143M

LT Contract Average Per Year with Franchise Tags - $8.61978M

Right Tackles:

Anthony Davis - High-Quality RT - 5 years - $37.3M - $17M guaranteed - $7.46M per year

Gosder Cherilus - Starting RT - 5 years - $34.5M - $10M guaranteed - $6.9M per year

Sebastian Vollmer - All-Pro RT - 4 years - $27M Max - $8.25M guaranteed - $6.75M per year

Phil Loadholt - Starting RT - 4 years - $25M - $7M guaranteed - $6.25M per year

RT Contract Average Per Year - $6.84M

Difference between LT and RT = $974K per year

Difference between LT (with tags) and RT = $1.77978 per year

Analysis:

Now I know everyone don't view Michael Oher as an effective player lately, but he is very durable and has played the most snaps out of any offensive linemen in his 4 years here. He has shown flash of an All-Pro OT, but sometimes played like a liability to the whole offense. The contract for Oher might be intriguing because he has not played to a Pro-Bowl or All-Pro level, but is considered a starting swing OT, which is actually very valuable since he can play both spots. It's his contract year and I assume Ozzie will test him out on both side, even though everyone made a conclusion that Oher is not very good at the LT, but at least serviceable on the RT. The contracts above show that the price of both LT and RT have gone down dramatically and only differ about $1M per year without the franchise tags. What Ozzie probably wants to do is sign Oher to a fair market price of a RT that can spot start at LT in case of injuries or ineffectiveness. However, if Oher turns in a terrible season this upcoming year, then his contract leverage will go down south. All the Right Tackles above graded out favorable according to ProFootballFocus, so Oher has to play up to a competent RT, but his possible ineffective play at LT might bring his price down.

Prediction:

Michael Oher - 4 years - $27.5M - $9M guaranteed - $6.875M per year

I doubt Ozzie will invest more than four years on Oher unless it's for salary cap purpose because Oher is turning 27 years old this upcoming season and will be 30 years old at the end of the contract, which is considered the age of decline. If Oher plays up to an All-Pro level LT, then his price tag will probably increase to Jake Long's range or even more to around the Franchise Tag range of $9M, but until he proves then, I assume Oher is valued as a starting RT.

[CapoRocky]

He really hasn't done badly on the right side of the line, but is he worth 7M a year? I don't think so.

[Yatagarasu]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1365172447' post='1425604']
He really hasn't done badly on the right side of the line, but is he worth 7M a year? I don't think so.
[/quote]

That's what I thought, but the pay for starting RT goes just under $7M per year. If Oher proves he deserves the money, then so be it. However, if not, then Ozzie has to risk losing Oher to free agency or see if he takes a contract less than $7M per year. I think other teams will be intrigued by Oher's swing ability and will pay more since he is durable and is at least more competent than some of the tackles out there.

[Bltravens]

Considering the next man in line is Jah Reid, I'd give Oher around 6 a year. He's never hurt, when he actually settles at RT he's pretty good in both protection and run blocking.

He's not as bad as people make him out to be at RT.

[A Fish Called Yanda]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1365172447' post='1425604']
He really hasn't done badly on the right side of the line, but is he worth 7M a year? I don't think so.
[/quote]

If he plays well (like he did for the most part at RT last season) and helps prevent Joe from getting hit and potentially injured, he's worth whatever we give him

[CapoRocky]

Who would you rather have at OT Andre Smith or Big Mikey?

[Yatagarasu]

Yeah, our offensive tackle depth needs to be addressed.

Jah Reid - Injuries have shelved his production. I don't know why Ozzie trade up for him, even though he has size to play the LT, but his feet are made of concrete.

Kelechi Osemele - He hold his own at RT, but I prefer keeping at his best spot at LG.

Jack Carroll - He was labeled as a Training Camp Dark Horse last year by the staff and sat out on the practice squad without getting poached surprisingly. He might turn out to be a solid under-the-radar depth for OT if he continues to develop the way the staff saw him in the 1st year.

[Yatagarasu]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1365173648' post='1425623']
Who would you rather have at OT Andre Smith or Big Mikey?
[/quote]

I like Andre Smith because he proved to be a superior run blocker, however he hasn't tried out the LT spot and does have a questionable work ethic and decision.

Michael Oher is the blue-collar guy who will work in and out without calling in sick. I love Oher's durability and still have hope he could turn into a solid RT for years. LT wasn't his calling, but there's still a chance. We definitely need a back-up plan or draft another LT-type talent in the upcoming draft because there's a chance that Oher regress again at LT.

[GrimCoconut]

Here's my problem with Michael Oher, as well as the things I like about him:

[b]Positives[/b]: team-player, durable, swing ability/versatility.
[b]Negatives[/b]: inconsistent.

Here's my take on his inconsistency: constant changing of position, constant flux of LG, an offensive coordinator who required the tackles to hold up longer than other systems. I want to say the LG was the issue, not Oher, as Oher played well with Harewood there. Oher actually impressed me as a LT early in the year, then he went downhill when Williams & Reid went to LG. Then again, Oher had Ben Grubbs at LG before and he still struggled, so I just don't know if that's the sole reason.

I really wonder if Cam Cameron affected not just Joe Flacco, but Michael Oher. After all, if we can use the argument that Joe wasn't as effective due to scheme & that we became a better offense when Caldwell took over duties, can we not use the same for Michael Oher?

This is my perspective on the matter, and it's a reason I'm not yet ready to give up on Michael Oher.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1365173648' post='1425623']
Who would you rather have at OT Andre Smith or Big Mikey?
[/quote]
Mikey, because he's got better character. Mike's a team player. Never saw such a team player in this day & age. Smith is a bit selfish and wants 9M a year. Lol, no thanks.

[Yatagarasu]

A lot of unknown factors are there, but I say let it play out.

We draft a LT in the draft for depth.

We hope Jim Caldwell makes the offense play to their strength and not be stubborn like Cam Cameron.

Also, we have an O-line guru named Juan Castillo, whom I hope will the OL to be better.

[Gordo52]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1365173332' post='1425617']
Considering the next man in line is Jah Reid, I'd give Oher around 6 a year. He's never hurt, when he actually settles at RT he's pretty good in both protection and run blocking.

He's not as bad as people make him out to be at RT.
[/quote]
You said it best!

[CapoRocky]

I'd really like to keep Big Mike at RT for 4-5 more years even if we need to come up with 25 to 30 million dollars to keep him. He is best suited for the position, knows the system, and will continue to do well if we have someone to hold up the blind side. This may lead to a call to resign Big Mac, too.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1365173332' post='1425617']
Considering the next man in line is Jah Reid, I'd give Oher around 6 a year. He's never hurt, when he actually settles at RT he's pretty good in both protection and run blocking.

He's not as bad as people make him out to be at RT.
[/quote]

He's going to want 7 million a year and a 4 or 5 year contract.

[rmw10]

I still think Oher takes a lot more rap around here than he deserves. I'd be 100% fine with him at LT as long as KO is next to him at LG. If you look back at this season, he struggled when he had the turnstiles known as Jah Reid and Bobbie Williams next to him. Even when he had Harewood next to him, he played fairly well. Put someone like KO, who is built for the position, and I think Oher could be that above average LT.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='rmw10' timestamp='1365176853' post='1425665']
I still think Oher takes a lot more rap around here than he deserves. I'd be 100% fine with him at LT as long as KO is next to him at LG. If you look back at this season, he struggled when he had the turnstiles known as Jah Reid and Bobbie Williams next to him. Even when he had Harewood next to him, he played fairly well. Put someone like KO, who is built for the position, and I think Oher could be that above average LT.
[/quote]
I feel fine with Oher as LT as well, but you can't ignore the fact that Oher had Ben Grubbs next to him in 2010 and still struggled.

[rmw10]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365177469' post='1425677']
I feel fine with Oher as LT as well, but you can't ignore the fact that Oher had Ben Grubbs next to him in 2010 and still struggled.
[/quote]

I don't think Grubbs was good for Oher, to be honest. Oher seems to excel with mauler-type guys next to him. Grubbs was good player, but not a mauler. Plus, it was 2010, which was his first year at LT. Not saying Oher is going to be that superstar with KO next to him, but I think he'd be a lot better than he's gotten credit for.

[RavenzAllDay]

I mainly blame how Cam ran the offense, it made Joe stand back there too long. Now Oher is not the best T but he is above average, and with Caldwell taking over he will really shine. So i would say he is worth $7M!

[bMore Heathen]

Oher defiantly has awareness issues, and issues adjusting his protection against the blitz. He will play well most of the time, but when blitzes come, he's going to make a mental error and Joe gets hit. It happens at least once just about every time we play Pitt. I don't know if he will ever improve in this area. At most I would play him 4-4.5 mil a year. Just not worth more then that, IMO...

[cushrinada1986]

I can see him get something closer to [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Gosder Cherilus dea[/font][/color][font="arial, sans-serif"][size="2"][color="#444444"][b]l but I couldnt see him back on the left side, right is where he makes his money, he should just be happy with that and let the Ravens either stick with big mac for another year or pick up another in the draft. [/b][/color][/size][/font]

[gabefergy]

I don't want Other to be my LT bottom line. He hasn't proven he can play that position effectively. RT he is serviceable but not worth anymore than 6M a year.

[Ravenseconbeast]

You are probably right. That's probably his market price next year. I wouldn't want him back @ that price though.

Oher has problems that needs to be addressed(false starts, pass defense). He worked on few kinks here and there, but @ his 5th year...he hasnt exactly panned out. If he can't come back @ a fair price, i rather have us draft someone next year @ RT and give it a go.

[Ravenslifer]

Leave him at right tackle. Whatever the price is, that's where he belongs.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='rmw10' timestamp='1365177781' post='1425679']


I don't think Grubbs was good for Oher, to be honest. Oher seems to excel with mauler-type guys next to him. Grubbs was good player, but not a mauler. Plus, it was 2010, which was his first year at LT. Not saying Oher is going to be that superstar with KO next to him, but I think he'd be a lot better than he's gotten credit for.
[/quote]
You may or may not have a point there. I'm really on the fence so I won't comment either way. I think KO will be a better LG than Grubbs, so I hope he stays there.

[rmw10]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365191304' post='1425846']
You may or may not have a point there. I'm really on the fence so I won't comment either way. I think KO will be a better LG than Grubbs, so I hope he stays there.
[/quote]

I mean, I'd much rather keep Oher on the right side. However, if we don't address LT, I wouldn't be at all opposed to Oher moving back there provided KO is next to him. As well as KO did at RT, I think he's going to be an absolute force at G, and that's where I'd rather him play.

[ravinHawaii]

[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]This is Oher's final year on his rookie contract. If he starts at left tackle this season, and plays phenomenal (which isn't out of the realm of possibility cuz its his contract yr) do we pay him top dollar? When Ozzie drafted him in the 1st round. He has the potential, but inconsistency and penalty problems have plagued his career. I would b more than willing to let him walk in free agency (prob could be overpaid by a team like ARI). We may try to get a LT in the draft, but Im not sure if this class is loaded with great LTs. But if he plays great this year, would u be satisfied with us paying him in the top-5 range? [/font][/size]

[u][b]Player: Average Salary Per Year- Date Contract Ends [/b][/u]
[url="http://www.overthecap.com/cap.php?Name=Jason%20Peters&Position=LT&Team=Eagles"][u][color="#0000ff"]Jason Peters[/color][/u][/url] [url="http://www.overthecap.com/teamcontract.php?Team=Eagles"][u][color="#0000ff"]Eagles[/color][/u][/url] $12,862,500- 2015

[url="http://www.overthecap.com/cap.php?Name=Joe%20Thomas&Position=LT&Team=Browns"][u][color="#0000ff"]Joe Thomas[/color][/u][/url] [url="http://www.overthecap.com/teamcontract.php?Team=Browns"][u][color="#0000ff"]Browns[/color][/u][/url] $11,500,000- 2019

[url="http://www.overthecap.com/cap.php?Name=D%27Brickashaw%20Ferguson&Position=LT&Team=Jets"][u][color="#0000ff"]D'Brickashaw Ferguson[/color][/u][/url] [url="http://www.overthecap.com/teamcontract.php?Team=Jets"][u][color="#0000ff"]Jets[/color][/u][/url]$10,000,000- 2018

[url="http://www.overthecap.com/cap.php?Name=Trent%20Williams&Position=LT&Team=Redskins"][u][color="#0000ff"]Trent Williams[/color][/u][/url] [url="http://www.overthecap.com/teamcontract.php?Team=Redskins"][u][color="#0000ff"]Redskins[/color][/u][/url] $10,000,000- 2016

[url="http://www.overthecap.com/cap.php?Name=Branden%20Albert&Position=LT&Team=Chiefs"][u][color="#0000ff"]Branden Albert[/color][/u][/url] [url="http://www.overthecap.com/teamcontract.php?Team=Chiefs"][u][color="#0000ff"]Chiefs[/color][/u][/url] $9,828,000- 2014

[EnVy_CaLiBeR]

Oher's value lies within his versatility (able to play LT in a pinch) but he's a RT period. It'll be interesting to see how much the Ravens value that.

[arnie_uk]

See other thread

[BirdWatcher]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1365510770' post='1428547']
See other thread
[/quote]

Merged.

[Blackbirds Rule]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1365179906' post='1425688']
I don't want Other to be my LT bottom line. He hasn't proven he can play that position effectively. RT he is serviceable but not worth anymore than 6M a year.
[/quote]

That sound like Oneil Cousins not Oher. Oher is way better than serviceable at RT. You didn't even hear Von Miller's name in the playoff game minus the one play. What serviceable RT can block Von Miller who had 17 sacks last year. He's serviceable at LT IMO around average for that position not elite and not below average. In a pinch he's fine.