In Ozzie We Trust (2014 Edition) The Ravens Free Agency Thread

[SecretAgentMan]

Winter is coming!

That means the off season and the Draft are coming around the Corner soon.

 

Last offseason, Ozzie used the offseason to retool the defense. Now he will do so with the offense. So, I have put together a list of REALISTIC free agents we could potentially get come March.

 

But since Free Agency is both ways, here is the list of our free agents

 

Dennis Pitta

Eugene Monroe

Micheal Oher

Arthur Jones

James Ihedigbo

Ed Dickson

Corey Graham

Terrence Cody

Josh Bynes

Albert McClellan. 

Dayrl Smith

Tandon Doss 

 

Now the ones I bolded are the ones I think are coming back... Dayrl Smith is hit or miss. 

 

 

 

But the way I see it, we need to retool the oline in FA, and get weapons in the draft.

 

 

But, since it's Ozzie Newsome we will not have any big names coming in.

 

OMG, the sky is FALLING is what we will be seeing in a matter of months.

 

But, it usually works out. So all rumors, opinions, who you want to pick up, and confirmations go here(like my old thread).

 

 

Ozzie knows what he's doing. I said it last year. This is a two year plan. Ozzie is going to retool the offense now. We will be getting new WRs and new Olinemen. 

 

Think of it this way. We are a good oline and another weapon or two away from being contenders again. We need PLAYMAKERS, we didn't have any last year. 

 

I trust Ozzie, and I think we go back to the postseason after this offseason

[GrimCoconut]

A little early, huh? Lol. The wound's still fresh. 

 

You forgot about Tandon Doss, who is a restricted free agent. 

[redlobster]

Please do not bring bynes back or cody

[SecretAgentMan]

A little early, huh? Lol. The wound's still fresh. 

 

You forgot about Tandon Doss, who is a restricted free agent. 

Thanks lol...

 

I never want to make this thread this early again 

[Ravenslifer]

Winter is coming!

That means the off season and the Draft are coming around the Corner soon.

 

Last offseason, Ozzie used the offseason to retool the defense. Now he will do so with the offense. So, I have put together a list of REALISTIC free agents we could potentially get come March.

 

But since Free Agency is both ways, here is the list of our free agents

 

Dennis Pitta

Eugene Monroe

Micheal Oher

Arthur Jones

James Ihedigbo

Ed Dickson

Corey Graham

Terrence Cody

Josh Bynes

Albert McClellan. 

Dayrl Smith

 

Now the ones I bolded are the ones I think are coming back... Dayrl Smith is hit or miss. 

 

 

 

But the way I see it, we need to retool the oline in FA, and get weapons in the draft.

 

 

But, since it's Ozzie Newsome we will not have any big names coming in.

 

OMG, the sky is FALLING is what we will be seeing in a matter of months.

 

But, it usually works out. So all rumors, opinions, who you want to pick up, and confirmations go here(like my old thread).

 

 

Ozzie knows what he's doing. I said it last year. This is a two year plan. Ozzie is going to retool the offense now. We will be getting new WRs and new Olinemen. 

 

Think of it this way. We are a good oline and another weapon or two away from being contenders again. We need PLAYMAKERS, we didn't have any last year. 

 

I trust Ozzie, and I think we go back to the postseason after this offseason

 

I think it's more likely Smith comes back than Jones or Cody.

[SecretAgentMan]

Please do not bring bynes back or cody

Why not? Bynes is good vs the run and Cody is a pretty good rotational linemen. Never can have too many of those

[SecretAgentMan]

I think it's more likely Smith comes back than Jones or Cody.

Maybe. I think some idiotic team is going to throw cash at him like there's no tomorrow.  

[rmw10]

Interested in a vet C and possibly a FS as well.  I'm sure there will be a few more depth signings along the way, but I expect most holes to be filled through the draft.

[Dr. Kelley]

I'd ask oz for courage. We lost that when we lost our opening game at home.

And heart- we lost when ray left.

And a brain-for harbaugh to stop hiring his friends.

And some ruby shoes so we can win at home again.

Oz.... can you do this for us?

[Ravenslifer]

Maybe. I think some idiotic team is going to throw cash at him like there's no tomorrow.  

 

I think Jones is going to get a bigger deal mainly because he's younger - Smith will be 32, Jones is just 27 and I personally think he's been a better player than Kruger, who got ridiculously overpaid in free agency.

[SecretAgentMan]

Interested in a vet C and possibly a FS as well. I'm sure there will be a few more depth signings along the way, but I expect most holes to be filled through the draft.

I do think that we get Kendrick Lewis. He'd at least be better than Elam at FS.

I'd honestly let Gino grow. Center isn't an easy position to play in the NFL

[Purple_ICE 81]

A veteran WR would be HUGE. Flacco had Derrick Mason for his first 3 seasons and Anquan Boldin the other 2 and they both were big time in the Ravens playoff runs and Boldin was huge in the Superbowl ush last year. 

 

Doesnt have to be Eric Decker or Hakeem Nicks...but I feel like Ozzie will make a move for a cheaper WR in FA

[GrimCoconut]

Thanks lol...

 

I never want to make this thread this early again 

There's actually more. Update your list with this information. Here's a list of the actual free agents and their categories: 

 

Unrestricted Free Agents: 

T Michael Oher

WR Jacoby Jones

CB Corey Graham

TE Dennis Pitta

DT Arthur Jones

TE Ed Dickson 

LB Daryl Smith

S Jeromy Miles

DT Terrence Cody

S James Ihedigbo

TE Dallas Clark

T Eugene Monroe

 

Restricted Free Agents: 

LB Albert McClellan

S Anthony Levine

WR Tandon Doss

S Omar Brown (listed as such on Spotrac; not sure about this one?)

 

Exclusive Rights Free Agents: 

LB Josh Bynes

LB Adrian Hamilton

LB DJ Bryant

S Brynden Trawick

 

Now, as for who returns? I would expect our ERFAs to return for camp at the least. There's no way we cut cheap labor. That's crazy. I think Doss might return on either a tender or a cheap deal a la David Reed since I expect him to replace JJ. I think McClellan returns due to depth. I think we might see more from Adrian Hamiton this year since he looked good as a pass rusher in preseason so I'm excited for him! 

 

As for our UFAs...ahh...yes. I think Monroe is a lock and I feel Pitta returns whether it's a long-term or short-term deal. 

[GrimCoconut]

I think Jones is going to get a bigger deal mainly because he's younger - Smith will be 32, Jones is just 27 and I personally think he's been a better player than Kruger, who got ridiculously overpaid in free agency.

Kruger also got a contract premium due to him being a Super Bowl champion. I think Jones gets around 5-6M max but I could be wrong. 

[rmw10]

There's actually more. Update your list with this information. Here's a list of the actual free agents and their categories: 

 

Unrestricted Free Agents: 

T Michael Oher

WR Jacoby Jones

CB Corey Graham

TE Dennis Pitta

DT Arthur Jones

TE Ed Dickson 

LB Daryl Smith

S Jeromy Miles

DT Terrence Cody

S James Ihedigbo

TE Dallas Clark

T Eugene Monroe

 

Restricted Free Agents: 

LB Albert McClellan

S Anthony Levine

WR Tandon Doss

S Omar Brown (listed as such on Spotrac; not sure about this one?)

 

Exclusive Rights Free Agents: 

LB Josh Bynes

LB Adrian Hamilton

LB DJ Bryant

S Brynden Trawick

 

Now, as for who returns? I would expect our ERFAs to return for camp at the least. There's no way we cut cheap labor. That's crazy. I think Doss might return on either a tender or a cheap deal a la David Reed since I expect him to replace JJ. I think McClellan returns due to depth. I think we might see more from Adrian Hamiton this year since he looked good as a pass rusher in preseason so I'm excited for him! 

 

As for our UFAs...ahh...yes. I think Monroe is a lock and I feel Pitta returns whether it's a long-term or short-term deal. 

 

Omar Brown is an ERFA, so he'll be back.  I'd expect all of them to be back as you said, because they have NFL experience and they're cheap.  They may not make the team, but they're worth having around.

 

I'd expect that all of the RFA's also come back after being non-tendered, and then re-signed.  I'm not sure about Doss here.  I think he'll be back, but I'm not sure whether they want to tender him or try to bring him back at the minimum.

 

For the UFA's, I don't have much question that Pitta and Monroe will be here.  I think Daryl Smith will be back as well.  Of the lower tier guys here, I see Jeromy Miles coming back since the team loves his ST contributions and he'll be cheap, and I'm 50/50 on Ihedigbo right now.

[rmw10]

Who was the better special teamer: Levine or Miles? I want to say it was Anthony Levine; but, Jeromy Miles technically is capable of providing depth at strong safety.

 

Either way, one goes and is replace with some other special teamer in free agency, while the other stays in Baltimore.

 

Both will probably be back.  Neither is going to get anything more than the minimum for their service time.  No harm is bringing them both back.  It's certainly possible that both are on the team next year as well.  If not, either or even both could be cut.

[GrimCoconut]

Omar Brown is an ERFA, so he'll be back.  I'd expect all of them to be back as you said, because they have NFL experience and they're cheap.  They may not make the team, but they're worth having around.

 

I'd expect that all of the RFA's also come back after being non-tendered, and then re-signed.  I'm not sure about Doss here.  I think he'll be back, but I'm not sure whether they want to tender him or try to bring him back at the minimum.

 

For the UFA's, I don't have much question that Pitta and Monroe will be here.  I think Daryl Smith will be back as well.  Of the lower tier guys here, I see Jeromy Miles coming back since the team loves his ST contributions and he'll be cheap, and I'm 50/50 on Ihedigbo right now.

Yeah, I thought Brown was an ERFA as well. Just confused because of Spotrac. I think Doss gets tendered. He could be given a deal but I just feel like we'll use him as a bait of sorts, where if a team wants to they could give us a 4th rounder for him (which is an unlikely scenario in my mind, it still helps us generate more picks). 

 

You think Smith returns? I'm not sure. I think so as well, since he played well but I'm not sure for how long. I expect McClain gone regardless, so his experience does help. I can't imagine him getting a long-term deal. 

 

I think Ihedigbo is gone. I think Miles takes his place next year. Ihedigbo was a good player and I wouldn't mind him returning but not as a starter on defense. We need a real FS and Elam needs to go back to SS. 

[rmw10]

Yeah, I thought Brown was an ERFA as well. Just confused because of Spotrac. I think Doss gets tendered. He could be given a deal but I just feel like we'll use him as a bait of sorts, where if a team wants to they could give us a 4th rounder for him (which is an unlikely scenario in my mind, it still helps us generate more picks). 

 

You think Smith returns? I'm not sure. I think so as well, since he played well but I'm not sure for how long. I expect McClain gone regardless, so his experience does help. I can't imagine him getting a long-term deal. 

 

I think Ihedigbo is gone. I think Miles takes his place next year. Ihedigbo was a good player and I wouldn't mind him returning but not as a starter on defense. We need a real FS and Elam needs to go back to SS. 

 

Doss could go either way.  The original round tender is about $1M, so he'd be cheap either way.

 

I really think Daryl Smith will be back.  I don't see him commanding that much money.  He's on the wrong side of 30, and I think we could honestly get him around $3M per year or so on a 2-3 year deal.  I think he's priority number 3 after Monroe and Pitta (assuming Arthur Jones walks).

 

Ihedigbo is still 50/50 for me.  While I really want a true FS back there, I'm not sure the team feels the same.  They really like him as a player and a leader.  This one is more guessing what the Ravens are going to do rather than personal preference.

[GrimCoconut]

Doss could go either way.  The original round tender is about $1M, so he'd be cheap either way.

 

I really think Daryl Smith will be back.  I don't see him commanding that much money.  He's on the wrong side of 30, and I think we could honestly get him around $3M per year or so on a 2-3 year deal.  I think he's priority number 3 after Monroe and Pitta (assuming Arthur Jones walks).

 

Ihedigbo is still 50/50 for me.  While I really want a true FS back there, I'm not sure the team feels the same.  They really like him as a player and a leader.  This one is more guessing what the Ravens are going to do rather than personal preference.

Personally, I'd rather have Ihedigbo back than Miles but that's me. I really hope we don't see more of Elam back there at FS again. If we do, I'm seriously going to lose it. 

[GrimCoconut]

Please no! Yeah, James Ihedigbo is going to get a decent contract from some team that needs a safety; it'll be unfortunate though, as Diggz did a good job replacing Pollard at strong safety.

 

But, really? You think Jeromy Miles is going to be playing SS in 2014; why? The guy is a special teamer. Ugh... I just want Elam playing close to the line, while the team finds a true free safety.

 

In terms of Daryl Smith: He'll be back, mostly due to the fact that he'll be 32 come April. I highly doubt a team will offer him a huge contract.

 

Although, I wonder: What are the chances Ozzie Newsome brings back a re-motivated Rolando McClain, now that he has turned his life around (apparently)?

No, I meant takes his place as in his roster spot. I think Elam needs to go to SS full time. I really don't want another year with Elam at FS. I'd love to have Ihedigbo here as a ST player and a depth SS. Not sure it happens, though. 

[rmw10]

Personally, I'd rather have Ihedigbo back than Miles but that's me. I really hope we don't see more of Elam back there at FS again. If we do, I'm seriously going to lose it. 

 

I think they view Miles as a primary ST guy, but one that can play S in a pinch.  I don't see him starting at all.  At the end of they day, I expect us to either have Ihedigbo or a new FS back there next to Elam.  I don't think anyone currently on the roster is under serious consideration.

[Militant X 1]

Please no! Yeah, James Ihedigbo is going to get a decent contract from some team that needs a safety; it'll be unfortunate though, as Diggz did a good job replacing Pollard at strong safety.

 

But, really? You think Jeromy Miles is going to be playing SS in 2014; why? The guy is a special teamer. Ugh... I just want Elam playing close to the line, while the team finds a true free safety.

 

In terms of Daryl Smith: He'll be back, mostly due to the fact that he'll be 32 come April. I highly doubt a team will offer him a huge contract.

 

Although, I wonder: What are the chances Ozzie Newsome brings back a re-motivated Rolando McClain, now that he has turned his life around (apparently)?

 

I hope so as well!

 

#Mili

[OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL]

After watching KC today, I am wondering if we can fleece a couple up and comers from them,( Dan Duquette style)see what they can't afford. Andy has that team playing well. Also, Cincy would be a good place to look there is no way they can keep all that talent.

[runamuk]

No, I meant takes his place as in his roster spot. I think Elam needs to go to SS full time. I really don't want another year with Elam at FS. I'd love to have Ihedigbo here as a ST player and a depth SS. Not sure it happens, though. 

he excels closer to the line of scrimmage and he was wrapping up tackles today . I agree grimm diggz as a backup

[SecretAgentMan]

I think they view Miles as a primary ST guy, but one that can play S in a pinch. I don't see him starting at all. At the end of they day, I expect us to either have Ihedigbo or a new FS back there next to Elam. I don't think anyone currently on the roster is under serious consideration.

Kenderick Lewis will probably be that guy.

And I hope we don't play zone anymore lol

[rmw10]

Kenderick Lewis will probably be that guy.

And I hope we don't play zone anymore lol

 

I don't know if KC lets him get away.  He's a pretty talented player, but he's also injured quite often.  I think he's the best option out there, though.

[Yatagarasu]

Winter is coming!

That means the off season and the Draft are coming around the Corner soon.

 

Last offseason, Ozzie used the offseason to retool the defense. Now he will do so with the offense. So, I have put together a list of REALISTIC free agents we could potentially get come March.

 

But since Free Agency is both ways, here is the list of our free agents

 

Dennis Pitta

Eugene Monroe

Micheal Oher

Arthur Jones

James Ihedigbo

Ed Dickson

Corey Graham

Terrence Cody

Josh Bynes

Albert McClellan. 

Dayrl Smith

Tandon Doss 

 

Now the ones I bolded are the ones I think are coming back... Dayrl Smith is hit or miss. 

 

 

 

But the way I see it, we need to retool the oline in FA, and get weapons in the draft.

 

 

But, since it's Ozzie Newsome we will not have any big names coming in.

 

OMG, the sky is FALLING is what we will be seeing in a matter of months.

 

But, it usually works out. So all rumors, opinions, who you want to pick up, and confirmations go here(like my old thread).

 

 

Ozzie knows what he's doing. I said it last year. This is a two year plan. Ozzie is going to retool the offense now. We will be getting new WRs and new Olinemen. 

 

Think of it this way. We are a good oline and another weapon or two away from being contenders again. We need PLAYMAKERS, we didn't have any last year. 

 

I trust Ozzie, and I think we go back to the postseason after this offseason

 

Next Year's Salary Cap is $126 Million

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/12/11/2104-nfl-salary-cap/3994927/

 

Our current cap space is about $15 Million

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/baltimore-ravens/cap-hit/2014/

 

I feel Dennis Pitta and Eugene Monroe are going to be our target for free agency depending on their price tag. TEs these days aren't too expensive, but Monroe might get some interest since he's a LT.

 

For the defense, Arthur Jones will most likely see better money from the way he played, but 3-4 DE don't really see big payday in a very crowded free agency. I give Ozzie credit as he did well filling up the depth of the DL (Canty, Williams, Ngata, Tyson, ). Daryl Smith will probably be back since aging LBs don't attract too much value, but then it might be at the expense of McClain, who has a $3.2M base salary. Remember we got Arthur Brown waiting in the wings.

 

As for WRs, Jacoby Jones might come back for a good price, since teams don't invest on special team guys, but Jacoby is probably best as a WR3.

 

We had some good surprise rookies for our WR Corps with Marlon Brown and Aaron Mellette, but I think we need a bona fide WR#1, which we will probably look for in the draft sinceTorrey Smith is going into a contract year.

 

Also, Ozzie should stay away from signing contracts to bad players like Michael Huff and Marcus Spears. Those guys weren't that great, but the money spent on them could've been used better.

 

This year offense belonged in the trash bin, so I expect Harbaugh to do some cleaning for the offense especially the O-line section.

[rmw10]

To give you guys an idea of what we may need via free agency/draft, here's a breakdown of who will most likely be on the team come next season.  These are only guys that will be under contract and are NOT free agents.

 

QB (2): Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor

RB (3): Ray Rice, Bernard Pierce, Kyle Juszczyk

WR (3): Torrey Smith, Marlon Brown, Aaron Mellette

TE (0):

OL (5): Marshal Yanda, Kelechi Osemele, Gino Gradkowski, Rick Wagner, Ryan Jensen

DL (5): Haloti Ngata, Chris Canty, DeAngelo Tyson, Brandon Williams, Kapron Lewis-Moore

ILB (1): Arthur Brown

OLB (5): Elvis Dumervil, Terrell Suggs, Courtney Upshaw, Pernell McPhee, John Simon

CB (4): Lardarius Webb, Jimmy Smith, Chykie Brown, Asa Jackson

S (1): Matt Elam

ST (2): Justin Tucker, Morgan Cox

 

Notable Potential Cuts: Vonta Leach, Jameel McClain, Sam Koch

Other Possibilities: Deonte Thompson, Matt Furstenburg, Jah Reid

[baltimorefan328]

What are people's thoughts on Ngata and Suggs? Suggs seemed to drastically slow down after his fast start and, while Ngata seemed dominant at times, we also know he seems to constantly have nagging injuries that keep him from playing at "100%". I worry about losing Ngata because he still can play dominant and the talent behind him isnt as strong. As for Suggs, he slowed down about halfway through the season and even struggled in the end of the season with setting the edge on running downs and I cant remember how many times i was watching a game and the camera flashed to Suggs on the sideline. Obviously these guys are stalwarts of our defense but what are thoughts on: 1) doing nothing, 2) trying to restructure and ask them to take paycuts, or 3) and the most drastic, actually releasing one of these guys. Im not sure if Ozzie would actually try to make a big splash if one of these guy got released because thats not really his style, but after this season who knows. Sorry I dont really know the exact salary cap hits each will have but I know they are 2 of the top 6 on the team for 2014 I believe but just wondering if any possible money savings could be used elsewhere?

[Speed Kills]

Next Year's Salary Cap is $126 Million

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/12/11/2104-nfl-salary-cap/3994927/

 

Our current cap space is about $15 Million

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/baltimore-ravens/cap-hit/2014/

 

I feel Dennis Pitta and Eugene Monroe are going to be our target for free agency depending on their price tag. TEs these days aren't too expensive, but Monroe might get some interest since he's a LT.

 

For the life of me I can't understand why our fan base is enamored with Dennis Pitta. Every tight end on our roster needs to go unless Pitta signs for cheap, aka less than 4 mil a year. He is not that good. His stats are terrible. He makes an occasional nice/clutch catch, but also showed this year that he also drops balls like everyone else on this roster. The answer is drafting the kid from UNC at TE. He is a freak and will finally give our QB a guy who will actually bail him out which he sorely missed this year since Q was gone. But Dennis Pitta? Torrey Smith? These guys are NOT the answer for a QB who clearly needs better help from his offensive weapons.