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

[balfan23]

Colt McCoy? lol 

What is this their 15th QB in the last 5 seasons. I mean they have to get a good QB eventually. 

They've gone through their share, but remember McCoy was a 3rd round wing and a prayer and Weeden was a mid/late 1st round brain fart. This year, they are likely to have either Blake Bortles or Johnny Manziel available to them and both IMO are bonafide NFL talents.

 

Actually, I'm hoping JAX grabs Blake Bortles because he scares the heck out of me. I hate to say he reminds me of Big Ben, but he does.

 

I guess we can always hope the Browns can perform their reverse Midas touch and turn gold into crap. 

[ravensnj]

A Scat-back slot receiver would be very nice addition to the offense. I'm talking a cheap man's version of Randle Cobb of Green Bay. Under used and a possibly cheap FA would be Cinn wr Hawkins, he fits that mold. Along with pitta,we should be fine.

[rmw10]

A Scat-back slot receiver would be very nice addition to the offense. I'm talking a cheap man's version of Randle Cobb of Green Bay. Under used and a possibly cheap FA would be Cinn wr Hawkins, he fits that mold. Along with pitta,we should be fine.

 

Cinci won't let Hawkins get away, in my opinion.  They love that guy.

[Gordo52]

Waiting for a move. Have a feeling something happens today

[Poes Crows]

They've gone through their share, but remember McCoy was a 3rd round wing and a prayer and Weeden was a mid/late 1st round brain fart. This year, they are likely to have either Blake Bortles or Johnny Manziel available to them and both IMO are bonafide NFL talents.

 

Actually, I'm hoping JAX grabs Blake Bortles because he scares the heck out of me. I hate to say he reminds me of Big Ben, but he does.

 

I guess we can always hope the Browns can perform their reverse Midas touch and turn gold into crap. 

 

Can't wait for Cleveland to waste a pick on Johnny Manziel.

 

Don't be shy now Cleveland. You need your franchise QB

[Poes Crows]

More like Franchise and then resign the man lol.

My point is that we ain't letting him get away

 

I think Ozzie will be of the same opinion and that will be a massive error.

 

He's mediocre and not worth what they will be forced to give him.

 

There's a much sounder short term solution, but they won't see it.

 

He gave up 7 sacks in 10 games and that was generous by the tabulators.

 

He is jumpy to try and guard the edge false starts too often for a top Tackle.

 

The Front Office may feel they have no option, especially after giving up two draft picks which could have turned out to be more valuable, but the view here is that if they feel "forced" into it, they are unraveling.

[cursona pirate]

Waiting for a move. Have a feeling something happens today

Well it usually happens around noon till like 4. We got an hour. What kind of move though if anything today or this week? 

[Gordo52]

Well it usually happens around noon till like 4. We got an hour. What kind of move though if anything today or this week?

Rid the team of Juan!!!!

Probably not going to happen today now

[Static]

James Jones will test the market.

 

http://nflspinzone.com/2014/01/06/james-jones-will-test-free-agent-market/

[Guest Omerta]

Suggs is in an interesting spot. Literally a 50/50 chance. A lot of good points on both sides. He's potentially past his prime, disappeared down the stretch when we needed him the most, didn't live up to expectations, endurance is a question mark, a noticeable loss in step, may be getting prone to injuries. But then again, you also have his early season performance, his typical ability to be a complete LB, his experience and knowledge, and his reputation. The problem with him is price. 

 

Then you have a guy like Ngata, who was inconsistent throughout the year and did a bit better at he end then finished a bit poor against Cincinnati from what I saw. Problem with him is he's due 16M and if we cut him we only save 7.5. We also don't know what his deal is as a fanbase, so it's difficult to speculate. I'm not sure if he's the same player or if it's something else. If Ngata is at the end of his career and though I know the savings is minimal, I would rather cut/trade Ngata and use the saved money (next year, not really this year) for Arthur Jones. By that I mean load Jones' contract so it's heavy next year. We'd essentially replace Ngata with Jones. My question is whether Ngata is wearing down or not. We'll never know, unfortunately, until he's either traded/cut or he's simply worn out and it's clearly evident. 

 

I'd hate to lose Arthur Jones if Ngata is at the end of his career, and we would have uncertainty again at the DT position. We've proven to fill holes well at the DL, so perhaps Jones' potential loss won't be so severe. We do have guys like Tyson, KLM, Williams & even McPhee (to an extent). If we fully switched to a 4-3 it would also soften the loss as well, which may very well be in the inevitable cards.

Thanks for mentioning Williams and KLM, I think those dudes could offset the loss off guys like canty and ngata. I mean I love ngata and I'd he regains firm gettin two years ago or rotation of lineman on defense is going to be pretty nasty. I honestly think Dline is a place we can do a lot of things and not have to worry about significant loss in production.

I know I am in the minority which is fine but if the board pans out to where we reach for weapons, I am ok with continuing the youth movement on defense. A guy like Skov and your choice of pass rusher and then maybe a a rangy FS and we could be set on defense for three years, about the time it would take to do that to the offense.

[sbryan57]

I think we can do without Michael Oher, Ed Dickson, Tandon Doss, and Albert McClellan. It's time to get new faces for this organization.

[flynismo]

I think Ozzie will be of the same opinion and that will be a massive error.

He's mediocre and not worth what they will be forced to give him.

There's a much sounder short term solution, but they won't see it.

He gave up 7 sacks in 10 games and that was generous by the tabulators.

He is jumpy to try and guard the edge false starts too often for a top Tackle.

The Front Office may feel they have no option, especially after giving up two draft picks which could have turned out to be more valuable, but the view here is that if they feel "forced" into it, they are unraveling.

I wasn't impressed with Monroe either. But on the other hand, something went very wrong from a schematic standpoint that caused everyone, even Yanda, to underperform...so if we give Yanda and KO a "do-over", we should give Monroe one as well, as long as the price is reasonable.

[rmw10]

I wasn't impressed with Monroe either. But on the other hand, something went very wrong from a schematic standpoint that caused everyone, even Yanda, to underperform...so if we give Yanda and KO a "do-over", we should give Monroe one as well, as long as the price is reasonable.

 

Monroe was solid.  He had his rough moments, but overall, he performed very well.  I'm sure it didn't help having Turnstile Shipley next to him either.  There were issues all around the OL, but I don't think Monroe was one of them.

[5aiah]

I wasn't impressed with Monroe either. But on the other hand, something went very wrong from a schematic standpoint that caused everyone, even Yanda, to underperform...so if we give Yanda and KO a "do-over", we should give Monroe one as well, as long as the price is reasonable.

I actually was impressed with Monroe and his performance in what has become the most important position on the line. I don't think he is mediocre at all and was our best pass blocker(although that's not saying much being a Raven at this point) and can produce like Mckinnie did during the run except for a much longer period. I think he is a perfect piece for a Zone blocking scheme piece as well thanks to his intelligence and ability to move laterally and block. i agree if you are going to give Yanda and KO a pass (and they weren't as good, nor will be as Monroe) you have to give him one as well. I think the scheme we are trying to fit into (ZBS) is one he can help spearhead. I would rather give him what he wants and cut a lot of the fat, then risk losing him.  

[Free Agent]

A Scat-back slot receiver would be very nice addition to the offense. I'm talking a cheap man's version of Randle Cobb of Green Bay. Under used and a possibly cheap FA would be Cinn wr Hawkins, he fits that mold. Along with pitta,we should be fine.

 

He is scary quick. Every time he touches the ball, I'm surprised at just how quick he really is with the ball in his hands. I doubt he leaves Cincy though, since they'll likely resign him for cheap.

[flynismo]

I actually was impressed with Monroe and his performance in what has become the most important position on the line. I don't think he is mediocre at all and was our best pass blocker(although that's not saying much being a Raven at this point) and can produce like Mckinnie did during the run except for a much longer period. I think he is a perfect piece for a Zone blocking scheme piece as well thanks to his intelligence and ability to move laterally and block. i agree if you are going to give Yanda and KO a pass (and they weren't as good, nor will be as Monroe) you have to give him one as well. I think the scheme we are trying to fit into (ZBS) is one he can help spearhead. I would rather give him what he wants and cut a lot of the fat, then risk losing him.

I'm not sure if I misunderstood, but did you say Yanda is not as good as Monroe, nor will be? If so, that is waaaaaay off.

If I misunderstood, ignore me, lol

[PerpetuallyBored74]

Finally, Flacco has proven that it takes him quite a bit of time to get comfortable with a receiver.  A great pickup at WR will not produce immediate and substantial results.  It will take Joe a couple years at a minimum to establish rapport. Joe is not a quick study.

 

That has less to do with Joe and more to do with the Ravens teaching their WRs to round off their routes rather than make the sharp cuts that they learned and used in high school and college. So, it's an adjustment for our young WRs. That plus the scheme requires precise timing: Joe often is not throwing the ball to his WR, but rather is throwing the ball to a predetermined spot with the expectation (and hope) that the WR will be there when the ball arrives. This means the WR has to be just as precise with his route running. And with the CBA reducing practice time, that makes it harder for young inexperienced WRs to grasp both the new techniques and develop the necessary precision.

 

These are some of the reasons why I don't like the Air Coryell for this team. I know it suits Joe (when designed and executed properly) but I don't think it's a good fit for most of our offensive players. I'd like to see what Joe and our offense could do in the Erhardt-Perkins as I don't think we're built for the WCO either.

[TXRavensFan]

Everyone usually talks about the Coryell and WCO systems, I totally forgot about Erhart-Perkins. I think you may be on to something there. With its simplicity in calling plays, it lends itself to the uptempo type of game that Flacco seems to work best in (look at how fast the Patriots can run their offense). Plus, we seem to have a lot of guys who could be serious match-up problems moving around in different formations (a guy like Juice has the potential to be a beast in that system). As long as it's not the Rich Kotite version the Jets ran when he was there

 

Seriously, what's Charlie Weiss doing these days?

[bMore Heathen]

I think Ozzie will be of the same opinion and that will be a massive error.

He's mediocre and not worth what they will be forced to give him.

There's a much sounder short term solution, but they won't see it.

He gave up 7 sacks in 10 games and that was generous by the tabulators.

He is jumpy to try and guard the edge false starts too often for a top Tackle.

The Front Office may feel they have no option, especially after giving up two draft picks which could have turned out to be more valuable, but the view here is that if they feel "forced" into it, they are unraveling.

If your talking about Monroe, I don't know what you are thinking. He was ranked the 9th best T in the league last year, and our highest rated offensive player last year according to PFF and our own website.

Who would we replace him with? If we lose Oher too, then you have to replace 2 starting OTs. That is literally impossible while still upgrading. It's not hard to get somebody better the Oher, but BOTH starting Ts? With very limited cap funds?!? Not going to happen. 6'8 320 ponders don't grow on trees.

I think is time for you to walk away from this board buddy. Every post you have made in this thread is literally nonsense.

[Jokerraven]

People keep mentioning Alex Mack ... I will be stunned if we even bother trying for him. We're going to be looking at a tier of FA centers well below him. Mack is 1st rate and the Browns, who have ridiculous cap space are going to shower him with money. They will want him around to protect the shiny new QB that they draft. 

Mack said he was going to give the browns a chance to match whatever offer he gets. The chargers backup center I was checking out this weekend he came in and that offense  didn't miss a beat , I know its a small sample size I will be watching him this weekend if he is in. he didn't even make 1 mill and a one year deal.

[Willbacker]

Does anyone know if #74 Rich Ornberger(hope thats spelled right) of the Chargers is an FA after this year. He looked awfully good filling in for Hardwick holding his blocks on pass protection and pushing people back on running plays.

 

 

Mack said he was going to give the browns a chance to match whatever offer he gets. The chargers backup center I was checking out this weekend he came in and that offense  didn't miss a beat , I know its a small sample size I will be watching him this weekend if he is in. he didn't even make 1 mill and a one year deal.

I brought him up earlier. I know I really liked what I saw. But now I'm wondering if other GMs should know. Shhhhhh.

[balfan23]

Mack said he was going to give the browns a chance to match whatever offer he gets. The chargers backup center I was checking out this weekend he came in and that offense  didn't miss a beat , I know its a small sample size I will be watching him this weekend if he is in. he didn't even make 1 mill and a one year deal.

The only way Mack would be able to be obtained scooped up is if he said, I hate it in Cleveland and I want out .. who wants me? If he says he'll let them match any offer, given that the Browns have a ton of cap, they should be able to easily match any offer we could give.

 

Interesting note on the Chargers backup C. He is a UFA after the end of the year. That's exactly the kind of guy we will sometimes go after. Low cost and a lot of upside. 

[balfan23]

Does anyone know if #74 Rich Ornberger(hope thats spelled right) of the Chargers is an FA after this year. He looked awfully good filling in for Hardwick holding his blocks on pass protection and pushing people back on running plays.

Yes .. he's an unrestricted FA at the end of the year. 

[Jokerraven]

I brought him up earlier. I know I really liked what I saw. But now I'm wondering if other GMs should know. Shhhhhh.

here's hoping ozzie knows and no one  else its rare to see a back up center come in no bobbled snaps, not one mistake.

[5aiah]

I'm not sure if I misunderstood, but did you say Yanda is not as good as Monroe, nor will be? If so, that is waaaaaay off.

If I misunderstood, ignore me, lol

Within the Zone Blocking Scheme that statement is and will be proven correct. I know it isn't the popular opinion but I believe the scheme and philosophy shifts things in his favor and aside from that he is younger and much more athletic than Yanda while not being that much weaker. Yanda has relied on his nastiness to boost his game but that doesn't always get it done vs the more physical specimens on the defensive line. Overall I think they are very close, so I can't see how you would think it's "waaaaaay off" that Monroe is better or will be, when he is certainly looking at a top contract as an LT and is 2-3 years younger then Yanda despite similar skill level in terms of technique and better athleticism. I think if we can lock him up for 5 years we will be greatly rewarded with solidity at the most important position on the offensive line.

[Willbacker]

here's hoping ozzie knows and no one  else its rare to see a back up center come in no bobbled snaps, not one mistake.

I believe I heard he was in his 5th year so next year would be his 6th. That would provide us a nice veteran presence at C.

[redlobster]

http://overthecap.com/calculator/?Team=Ravens

 

Check this site out, its pretty neat as it lets you cut people and see how they affect the cap situation and also allows you to extend free agent players as well.

 

If accurate this is what the Ravens will start with in 2014 -

 

Year Total Liabilities Salary Cap Cap Room

2014 $111,860,321 $128,499,210 $16,638,889

2015 $84,133,779 $126,095,000 $41,961,221

2016 $62,073,680 $127,986,000 $65,912,320

2017 $48,025,000 $130,546,000 $82,521,000

2018 $24,750,000 $133,157,000 $108,407,000

 

After cutting Leach, Jameel McClain, Suggs, and Sam Koch this is where the Ravens stand -

 

 

Year Total Liabilities Salary Cap Cap Room

2014 $97,510,321 $128,499,210 $30,988,889

2015 $81,033,779 $126,095,000 $45,061,221

2016 $62,073,680 $127,986,000 $65,912,320

2017 $48,025,000 $130,546,000 $82,521,000

2018 $24,750,000 $133,157,000 $108,407,000

[rmw10]

http://overthecap.com/calculator/?Team=Ravens

 

Check this site out, its pretty neat as it lets you cut people and see how they affect the cap situation and also allows you to extend free agent players as well.

 

If accurate this is what the Ravens will start with in 2014 -

 

Year Total Liabilities Salary Cap Cap Room

2014 $111,860,321 $128,499,210 $16,638,889

2015 $84,133,779 $126,095,000 $41,961,221

2016 $62,073,680 $127,986,000 $65,912,320

2017 $48,025,000 $130,546,000 $82,521,000

2018 $24,750,000 $133,157,000 $108,407,000

 

After cutting Leach, Jameel McClain, Suggs, and Sam Koch this is where the Ravens stand -

 

 

Year Total Liabilities Salary Cap Cap Room

2014 $97,510,321 $128,499,210 $30,988,889

2015 $81,033,779 $126,095,000 $45,061,221

2016 $62,073,680 $127,986,000 $65,912,320

2017 $48,025,000 $130,546,000 $82,521,000

2018 $24,750,000 $133,157,000 $108,407,000

 

You have to include the $3M or so for ERFA tenders as well as budget out some room for the draft class.  Beyond that, they're projecting the cap to be $128.5M, whereas the NFL told teams that it's at $126.3M, for now at least.  All of that would probably lower out cap room by 1/3rd or so.  $20M is still plenty to work with, but $30M is unrealistic.

[Static]

Any Idea what Safeties we could be looking at in FA?

[usmccharles]

Has anyone compiled a list of the FA market for 2014?